WSDP Bulletin (19/01/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. The importance of periodic testing for Human Pappilomavirus READ MORE

2. Economy to log stronger-than expected growth in FY24: RBI officials READ MORE

3. Indigenous GM mustard meant to make edible oil cheaper, reduce import, Centre tells Supreme Court READ MORE

4. Sub-categorisation of SCs | Panel to look into even distribution of benefits READ MORE

5. ISRO develops second generation Distress Alert Transmitter READ MORE

6. What are ecological droughts? READ MORE

7. Greenland has lost more ice than previously thought: study READ MORE

8. Supreme Court Collegium recommends appointment of five Calcutta High Court additional judges as permanent judges READ MORE

9. EU Commission to back 90% emissions cut for 2040 climate target: Report READ MORE

10.  New study shows sea otters helped prevent widespread California kelp forest declines over the past century READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Striving for gender parity in corporate India READ MORE

2. How smartphones can make education inclusive READ MORE

3. 2023 recorded many of the hottest days on land and sea READ MORE

4. China’s population dip is a global concern READ MORE

5. India’s coastal future needs safeguarding. District networks can help build resilience READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Rising Concerns About India’s Judiciary READ MORE

2. Traditional Indian medicine goes global READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Smaller citizens: On the gaps in India’s education system READ MORE

2. The challenges post enrolment READ MORE

3. Basic skills poor: Gaps galore in foundational learning outcomes READ MORE

4. Affordable healthcare for everyone needs an all out push READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Crafting a new phase in India-U.K. defence ties READ MORE  

2. India-Iran ties on a new high READ MORE

3. India-China relations head towards a thaw READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. NITI poverty paper heartening, but raises questions READ MORE

2. Landscaping growth with tech READ MORE

3. Where’s the V-shaped recovery? READ MORE

4. Modern Slavery In The Gig Economy READ MORE

5. Millets for climate resilience and food security in India READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Fog, Frigidity, and Climate Change: Unravelling North India’s Winter Quandary READ MORE

2. The Only Way to Make Climate Progress READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Should AI models be allowed to use copyrighted material for training? READ MORE

2. The success of Indian scientists inspires young girls in rural areas READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Maritime Security Architecture and Western Indian Ocean: India’s Stakes READ MORE  

2. Border management cannot ignore Myanmar situation READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. In Morbi’s debris, the role of the State in PPP projects READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Match the wavelength, flow like a stream READ MORE

2. Bilkis Bano’s fight for justice gets a fillip READ MORE

3. Why does a mother kill her own child? READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The Right to Education Act, 2009 may have ensured universal access to education, but there is many a gap to fill before it touches every child in the true spirit of the law. Comment on the statement in the light of recent ASER’s report.

2. Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions globally and a united Asian front could serve as a counterbalance allowing for a more multipolar world order where India plays a significant role. Comment.

3. The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are critical to unlocking the potential of India envisioned under the ‘Make in India’ campaign. Discuss how the Schemes like Merchant Credit Card can be vital for helpful for enhancing global competitiveness and credit access for MSMEs.

4. India’s pre-eminence in the global arena will rest on the strength of its democratic edifice sustained and nurtured by an abiding deference to human rights and accountability of state power. Discuss how custodial torture challenges democracy and dignity?

5. Deepfakes use AI algorithms blur the line between reality and fabrication by creating highly convincing fake content and pose a threat to privacy. Discuss how a stringent regulatory and accountable framework can be implemented to address the issues involved effectively.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • The only stable state is the one in which all men are equal before the law.
  • School enrolments are rising and becoming more equal in terms of gender, caste gaps. But skill sets of students leave a lot to be desired.
  • The Right to Education Act, 2009 may have ensured universal access to education, but there is many a gap to fill before it touches every child in the true spirit of the law.
  • Poverty reduction works best when inclusive growth and welfarism go together.
  • At present, the conversation around Morbi is opaque and the ignored questions about the bridge collapse stand as evidence of a politics of neglect.
  • If India has to realise its economic potential and, more importantly, prevent an explosion of discontent in its labour markets, this crisis has to be solved at the earliest.
  • A skilled workforce or lack of it also has a significant impact on a country’s position within the global economy. This is where India’s biggest challenge vis-à-vis exploiting its demographic dividend lies.
  • There’s a need to cap as many medical charges as possible. We should also ensure that the cost of medical facilities is close to the CGHS rates, if not the same.
  • Through data-driven insights and advocacy, gender parity can be given a boost. Government support is vital for an inclusive workforce.
  • A pivotal shift is underway as the Ministry of Ayush spearheads a global medical revolution, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern healthcare.
  • Iran has a crucial voice in matters related to West Asia and ensuring the safety of Indian sailors and goods on ships.
  • Economically, Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions globally and stronger ties could open new markets for trade and investment. Politically, a united Asian front could serve as a counterbalance allowing for a more multipolar world order where India plays a significant role.
  • To realise the potential of our higher education system, policy must do less to achieve more, and reflect its diversity.
  • Given the current trends of climate action, millets provide an efficient solution for circumventing the food and water trade-off.

ESSAY TOPIC

  • Poverty reduction works best when inclusive growth and welfarism go together.

50-WORD TALK

  • Each year the ASER report brings the same bad news on learning outcomes of India’s school-going children. It shocks for a few days and is quickly forgotten until next year. All the focus has been on boosting enrolment and the ambitious NEP and not enough on the quality of education.
  • Launching missile strikes at each other by Iran and Pakistan is a reminder that the Israel-Hamas war theatre is expanding and coming closer home. This, on top of Houthi rebels playing havoc with maritime trade. Diplomats from West, Israel and Iran need to hunker down and urgently avert a disaster.

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.
Spread the Word
Index