WSDP Bulletin (02/03/2023)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Government e-Marketplace (GeM) commemorates the success of “SWAYATT”, an initiative to promote Start-ups, Women and Youth Advantage through e-Transactions on GeM READ MORE  
2. Stage-II of GRAP rolled back as overall AQI of Delhi improves READ MORE
3. India calls upon G20 countries for faster extradition of fugitive economic offenders READ MORE
4. India’s jobless rate rose to 7.45% in Feb.: CMIE READ MORE
5. Two Australian public universities to set up campuses in GIFT City READ MORE
6. Anti-defection law applies even if a faction splits from a party: Supreme Court at Shiv Sena hearing READ MORE
7. Export credit falls 39.2% as global demand declines READ MORE
8. Covid-19 of ‘natural origin’ or ‘lab leak’? A tale of two theories READ MORE
9. Horn of Africa has entered 6th consecutive wet season with no rain: UNHCR READ MORE
10. Indigenous knowledge: Australian Aboriginal fire practices can help protect koalas from bushfires, study finds 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. A message for maturity: On Governors, Chief Ministers and constitutional boundaries READ MORE
2. Politics and ideology within the portals of the judiciary READ MORE
3. Opinion: The basic structure doctrine is a poor fix for a flawed Constitution READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Govt schools need urgent fixing READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. G20: India’s platform for global leadership READ MORE
2. US, China and Global South in a ‘Bi-Multipolar’ World READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. A story of resilience: GDP data shows pandemic impact is less severe than feared. Monetary policy should decouple from US Fed READ MORE
2. GDP growth numbers: No surprises READ MORE
3. Capital investment vs social neglect: Budget debate needs outcome evidence, public access to data READ MORE
4. India’s economic rise is not translating into a rise in city liveability 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

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Lessons from Turkey: How to make India earthquake prepared READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Our soul is Our Chief Executive Officer READ MORE
2. A clear conscience READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Digitalisation is inevitable, but it 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.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Strategy is not the consequence of planning, but the opposite: its starting point.
• 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.

50-WORD TALK

• Russia has become the new thorn in G20 just like Pakistan is in SAARC. The failure of the G20 Finance Ministers’ meeting to come out with a joint communique is a setback. India cannot afford ambiguity and division under its presidentship, especially when it’s looking to be a global power.
• India’s Q3 GDP growth slowing further to 4.4% is something policymakers should seriously take note of. RBI’s monetary policy has placed inflation-management at the fore, but this needs a rethink given the poor growth numbers. With the bulk of inflation being imported, high interest rates will only further depress growth.

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.