WSDP Bulletin (01-03-2023)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) increased by 7.8 per cent (provisional) in January 2023 as compared to the Index of January 2022 READ MORE  
2. No need for exaggerated concern about the external account: CEA READ MORE
3. Heatwaves likely from March to May: IMD forecast READ MORE
4. IMF underlines the critical need to bolster global debt architecture READ MORE
5. Legislator facing disqualification can’t attend floor test: Supreme Court READ MORE
6. India, Australia to sign agreement on mutual recognition of qualifications READ MORE
7. Fossil fuels firms failed to curb methane emission: What IEA’s annual report says READ MORE
8. Punjab govt moves Supreme Court over Governor’s refusal for state Budget session: What does the law say? READ MORE
9. India’s iron and steel industry is capable of emitting less and producing more: CSE READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. A thumbs down for the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ scheme READ MORE
2. Responsibility of shaping society lies with each of us READ MORE
3. Digitalisation: handle with care READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. How India can fortify public distribution governance READ MORE
2. Much ado about names: SC warns against making India a prisoner of its past READ MORE
3. Upgrade collegium to resolve the deadlock READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Govt schools need urgent fixing READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. International courts and climate change READ MORE
2. Cooperation amid conflict is India’s burden for G20 READ MORE
3. The strategic significance of Scholz’s visit READ MORE
4. The G20 Presidency is an opportunity READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. How global is India’s economy? READ MORE
2. What the GDP numbers show READ MORE
3. Is Capex expansion good for growth? READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Life and times of India’s science Nobel Laureate READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Digital technologies can reduce emissions READ MORE
2. Incentivise recycling for e-waste management READ MORE

SECURITY

1. Cyberattacks are rising, but there is an ideal patch READ MORE
2. Dealing with the cyber threats READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Aim for Supreme Homogeneity amid heterogeneity READ MORE
2. Right to Judge READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Digitalisation is inevitable but must be adopted only after proper ‘digital literacy’. Critically comment with reference to the technological advancement in recent times.
2. Despite efforts to ensure their wellbeing, the Adivasi community remains one of the most deprived in India. In light of this statement critically analyse the steps taken by Government of India to address the issues of Adivasi community.
3. ‘India must put in place actionable policy to achieve Hydrogen Mission targets, which will depend on cheaper green hydrogen’. Discuss, why Green ports are key to achieve Green Hydrogen Mission?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Only lawlessness and chaos can be born out of lawlessness and chaos.
• The post of the Governor, a relic of the colonial era, often becomes a fifth wheel and a clog to democratic governance, when provincial autonomy is diluted, or an elected government is derailed.
• Federalism is an integral part of the basic structure of our Constitution, and it is intertwined inextricably with the unity and integrity of the nation.
• Despite recommendations of the Sarkaria and Venkatachaliah Commissions, active party politicians have been appointed as Governors. There are instances of young party loyalists being appointed as Governors who were later sworn in as Ministers in the States.
• A look at the estimated receipt and expenditure position of Budget 2023-24 would make it clear that the Government is consciously ignoring the fiscal consolidation measures enunciated in the last year’s budget.
• The judicial system ought not to enjoy unfettered freedom in the name of the independence of the judiciary.
• There is a need for a reformed mechanism for the appointment of judges to the constitutional courts where the judiciary and executive could amicably come to the conclusion.
• The rule of law requires that law be applied consistently & impartially.
• Smart technologies and solutions thus have the potential to alter the entire value chain of businesses across industries.
• Digitalisation is inevitable, but it must be adopted only after proper ‘digital literacy’; end users must be made aware of its drawbacks.
• A country that is fast emerging as a global leader cannot afford to let an unhealthy preoccupation with the past cast a shadow on its promising future.
• Technical and operational gaps leading to inclusion or exclusion errors must be plugged to ensure the money reaches the intended beneficiaries.
• Reducing the inevitable negative impact of conflicts between major powers on the forum will be a diplomatic achievement for Delhi in G20.

ESSAY TOPICS

• Only lawlessness and chaos can be born out of lawlessness and chaos.
• The rule of law requires that law be applied impartially.

50-WORD TALK

• In the German version of the Indo-Pacific policy, India plays a pivotal role, both for its geostrategic location leading to the possibilities of strategic cooperation, and more importantly, for enhanced economic engagement, particularly for green and sustainability purposes. There were several fulfilments of Germany’s commitment to India. The Green and Sustainable Development Partnership, adopted during the last IGC in Berlin by Modi and Scholz, is now being implemented.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.