(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. India to Build First Commercial Crude Oil Strategic Storage READ MORE

2. Holograms, blockchain tech can curb counterfeit drugs, says Mankind Pharma CEO READ MORE

3. Why Uttarakhand govt wants to evaluate the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods READ MORE

4. Massive earthquake hits Taiwan: What is the Ring of Fire? READ MORE

5. The US and the UK sign agreement on AI safety testing: What is the deal? READ MORE

6. Unintended consequences: Street vendors in India struggle amid the single-use plastic ban READ MORE

7. Lack of scientific debate and involvement of all stakeholders will not help Project Tiger succeed READ MORE

8. Communities in Chhattisgarh & Uttar Pradesh are using tech, on-ground monitoring to reduce human-elephant conflicts READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Impact and dualities of Social Media READ MORE

2. Afforestation norms: Irregularities call for remedial action READ MORE

3. The rise of ‘water aunties’ and sustainable solutions READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Political consensus key to simultaneous polls READ MORE

2. Balance between demographic concerns and human rights READ MORE

3. EVMs must be above suspicion READ MORE

4. Courts can’t allow process of PMLA to be punishment READ MORE

5. Global rights body must hold NHRC accountable for its silence on key human rights issues in India READ MORE

6. Bureaucratic Business READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Inequalities in the global health dialogue READ MORE\

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. The escalating perils of global terrorism READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Should State Governments borrow more? | Explained READ MORE

2. Turning the spotlight on the urban poor READ MORE

3. Fiscal battle: On borrowings and Kerala’s suit READ MORE

4. Reducing inequalities the key to making India prosperous READ MORE

5. India’s employment dilemma READ MORE

6. Nurturing Cooperation in the Critical Minerals Supply Chains READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. How Odisha is promoting climate-resilient agriculture through rice fallow initiative READ MORE

2. By financing environmentally damaging projects, can Indian funders be held liable? READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Systems science for a better future READ MORE

2. Synergy between man and machine READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Sela Tunnel: India’s Border Infrastructure Push Makes Progress READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Mitigating risks in infrastructure development READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Adhere to dharma and Satya READ MORE

2. Role of parents in a child’s formative years READ MORE

3. TIME TO Root out corruption READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. As terrorism continues to pose a global threat, collaborative efforts among nations are essential. In this endeavour, the US and India can play pivotal roles, leveraging their resources and expertise in the fight against terrorism. Comment.

2. A citizenship regime should be designed to accommodate the nuances of individual situations, fostering an environment where no one is left in the shadows of statelessness. Comment on the statement in the light of recent enacted Citizen Act.

3. The digital revolution opens new avenues for women’s economic participation, however, to ensure true inclusion, this revolution must be steered by gender-sensitive policies. Comment.

4. The US-India Great Power Partnership enjoys strong tailwinds, but its success is not inevitable. The relationship requires a considered understanding of the cultural, demographic, and political drivers at work in the two complex democracies. Critically analyse.

5. Investing in a green resilient and knowledge-based economy is crucial for sustainable economic development of the State. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• We have to choose between a global market driven by calculations of short-term profit, and one which has a human face.
• An analysis of income and employment trends of slum dwellers points to the prospects of economic mobility and decent work for the poor in urban India.
• The coexistence of higher unemployment and wages requires further investigation to understand its implications for the urban poor.
• Rather than specialised sciences focused on parts, a higher-level science is required — one of holistic, self-adaptive systems.
• Women’s contributions to the well-being of families and societies are under-valued in money terms and not counted in GDP.
• The various advantages of “one nation, one election” such as focused governance, continuity in policy decisions, and improved State finances are well accepted.
• Dharma and Satya have profound implications on our actions and beliefs.
• A Digital Platform is now tested across states, and hundreds of systems are now export-ready on parameters that include physical and training components and Information Education and Communication campaigns to train at the grassroots level where semi-skilled operators.
• Addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by terrorism demands a nuanced approach that differentiates between law and order issues and acts of terrorism.
• As terrorism continues to pose a global threat, collaborative efforts among nations are essential. In this endeavour, the US and India can play pivotal roles, leveraging their resources and expertise in the fight against terrorism.
• Ambient computing represents a transformative concept that are propelling Industry 4.0 towards the realisation of smarter factories.
• While acknowledging the concerns raised by various sections of society, it is essential to emphasise the importance of striking a balance between demographic considerations and human rights.
• A citizenship regime should be designed to accommodate the nuances of individual situations, fostering an environment where no one is left in the shadows of statelessness.
• While the WHO must remain a key coordinating agency, all actors engaged in public health must commit to global health equity in word and deed.
• The National Education Policy 2020 could be oriented towards enhancing employability, focusing on skill intensity, fostering collaboration with employers, and promoting experiential learning.
• Banks and financial institutions in India have no internal mechanisms to address the broader costs of investing in risky projects.
• India’s border connectivity push is likely to stay strong given that both India and China have an ongoing confrontation at the border and there have been no signs of easing of tensions.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Mutual tolerance is a necessity for all time and for all races.

50-WORD TALK

• Supreme Court has rightly refused to accept Ramdev’s apology on misleading ads. Patanjali must recognise this isn’t about plugging its FMCG empire, but about selling snake oil, folk medicine as cures. The court has called Patanjali to account to end the promotion of quackery in the name of ancient knowledge.
• A fresh political battlefront over the role of the judiciary is bizarre. It shows that instead of protecting the judiciary, there is an attempt to intimidate one of the pillars of democracy. The nation’s faith endures in a judiciary that remains committed to the Constitution, far away from political whims.

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.

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TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s economic advisory council (PM-EAC), has proposed a comprehensive framework for regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India.

EXPLANATION:

• The framework aims to address the challenges posed by the non-linear and unpredictable nature of AI, advocating for specialized regulatory mechanisms to ensure accountability, transparency, and ethical development of AI technologies.

Key Elements of the Proposed Framework

• Complex Adaptive System (CAS) Thinking:
  • The framework draws inspiration from CAS principles, emphasizing the need for adaptive regulations capable of responding to the dynamic nature of AI systems.
  • It encompasses five key principles:
    • Establishing guardrails and partitions to limit undesirable AI behavior.
    • Mandating manual overrides and authorization chokepoints for human intervention in critical scenarios.
    • Open licensing of core algorithms and continuous monitoring for transparency and accountability.
    • Implementation of incident reporting protocols to document system aberrations and ensure accountability.
    • Predefined liability protocols to hold entities accountable for AI-related malfunctions or unintended outcomes.
  • Global Regulatory Landscape:
    • The proposal acknowledges the diverse regulatory approaches adopted by different countries, ranging from hands-off or self-regulatory models to heavily state-regulated frameworks.
    • It underscores the need for India to develop a specialized AI regulator with a broad mandate to navigate the complexities of AI governance effectively.
  • Alignment with International Standards:
    • The framework aligns with global efforts to establish AI trust and safety frameworks, as evidenced by India’s participation in the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit.
    • It emphasizes the importance of incorporating globally accepted principles of trustworthy AI to enhance India’s competitiveness and facilitate collaboration with other nations.

Implications and Challenges

• Balancing Innovation and Regulation:
  • The proposed framework aims to strike a delicate balance between fostering AI innovation and ensuring responsible and ethical AI development.
  • It acknowledges the need for regulatory oversight to mitigate potential risks associated with AI technologies while fostering a conducive environment for innovation.
• Complex Regulatory Landscape:
  • The formulation of AI regulation in India entails navigating a complex regulatory landscape, encompassing diverse stakeholders and regulatory considerations.
  • The framework emphasizes the importance of aligning regulatory efforts with global standards to facilitate collaboration and knowledge-sharing while enhancing India’s leadership in responsible AI development.

Future Directions and Policy Implications

• Drafting AI Regulation:
  • The framework provides valuable insights for the formulation of AI regulation in India, emphasizing the need for comprehensive regulatory mechanisms to address the multifaceted challenges posed by AI technologies.
  • It underscores the importance of proactive regulatory interventions to ensure accountability, transparency, and ethical AI development.
• Digital India Act (DIA) and Inter-Ministerial Collaboration:
  • AI regulation is expected to be a crucial component of the upcoming Digital India Act (DIA), which will undergo public consultation post-general elections.
  • The framework advocates for inter-ministerial collaboration and the establishment of a dedicated regulatory body to supervise and regulate AI effectively.
• India AI Mission and Capacity Building:
  • India’s approval of the India AI Mission underscores its commitment to building AI capacities and fostering innovation in the country.
  • The framework emphasizes the need for robust regulatory mechanisms to complement capacity-building initiatives and ensure responsible AI deployment across diverse sectors.

Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM):

• It is an independent body constituted to give advice on economic and related issues to the Government of India, specifically to the Prime Minister.
• It was set up for the first time in September 2017 with a term of two years.
• EAC-PM is headed by a Chairperson and consists of eminent economists as members.
• It is supported in its functions by a team of officials and administrators.
• There is no fixed definition of the exact number of members and staff of the EAC-PM.
• It is common for the Council to be reconstituted time and again with different organizational structures headed by various economists who are of recognized international eminence.
• For administrative, logistic, planning, and budgeting purposes, the NITI Aayog serves as the nodal agency for the EAC-PM.

SOURCE: https://www.livemint.com/industry/pmeac-member-sanjeev-sanyal-proposes-a-cas-based-framework-to-regulate-ai/amp-11712055604080.html

TAG: GS 2: POLITY

THE CONTEXT: The Supreme Court recently rendered a significant decision regarding the Environment Ministry’s notification exempting the extraction of ordinary earth for linear projects from obtaining Environmental Clearance (EC).

EXPLANATION:

• This decision followed a legal challenge to the exemption, underscoring the importance of regulatory oversight in environmental management.

Background of the Exemption: Legal Framework

• The Environment Ministry issued a series of notifications under The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, outlining activities requiring prior EC.
• The 2020 exemption, introduced in March 2020, added “Extraction or sourcing or borrowing of ordinary earth for linear projects such as roads, pipelines, etc.” to the list of exempted activities.
• The exemption purported to aid public interests, particularly benefiting various stakeholders such as potters, farmers, and local communities.

Legal Challenges: Grounds for Review

• The exemption faced legal challenges, primarily on the grounds of arbitrariness and violation of Article 14 of the Constitution of India.
• The petitioners argued that the exemption circumvented legal procedures and failed to incorporate necessary safeguards, as mandated by previous judicial precedents.
• Additionally, the exemption was criticized for being hastily issued during the Covid-19 lockdown, without due consideration of public objections.

Judicial Review Process: Scrutiny by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Supreme Court

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Environment Ministry to review the exemption within three months, emphasizing the need for balanced regulations and environmental safeguards.
• However, the Ministry’s delay in compliance led to the matter being escalated to the Supreme Court.
• In its decision on March 21, the Supreme Court invalidated the exemption, citing its arbitrary nature and lack of procedural fairness.

Legal Rationale for Supreme Court’s Decision

• The Supreme Court identified several key deficiencies in the exemption, leading to its annulment:
  • Arbitrariness and Lack of Clarity:
    • The exemption was criticized for its blanket nature, lacking specific definitions of “linear projects” and failing to delineate extraction quantities and areas.
    • This ambiguity rendered the exemption arbitrary and contrary to Article 14 of the Constitution.
  • Failure to Incorporate Safeguards:
    • The Supreme Court emphasized the absence of safeguards in the exemption, undermining the regulatory objectives of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
    • The exemption lacked provisions for environmental impact assessment and public consultation, essential elements for responsible environmental management.
  • Procedural Irregularities:
    • The Supreme Court highlighted procedural irregularities in the issuance of the exemption, particularly during the Covid-19 lockdown.
    • The Ministry’s failure to justify the exemption’s public interest rationale and its hasty implementation raised concerns about due process and administrative fairness.

Implications and Precedents: Judicial Scrutiny of Environmental Exemptions

• The Supreme Court’s decision adds to a series of judicial interventions scrutinizing exemptions under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Past cases have highlighted the importance of prior approval mechanisms, environmental impact assessments, and public consultations in ensuring responsible environmental governance.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/why-supreme-court-barred-unregulated-soil-extraction-for-linear-projects-9245830/

TAG: GS 3: DISASTER MANAGEMENT

THE CONTEXT: On March 31, 2024, Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal, India, witnessed a devastating tornado that claimed the lives of five individuals and left over a hundred injured.

EXPLANATION:

• This tragic incident sheds light on the growing occurrence of tornadoes across India and underscores the need to comprehend the underlying factors contributing to their formation.

Tornadoes in India: A Rising Phenomenon

• Tornado, a small-diameter column of violently rotating air developed within a convective cloud and in contact with the ground.
• Tornadoes occur most often in association with thunderstorms during the spring and summer in the mid-latitudes of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
• These whirling atmospheric vortices can generate the strongest winds known on Earth: wind speeds in the range of 500 km (300 miles) per hour have been measured in extreme events.
• When winds of this magnitude strike a populated area, they can cause fantastic destruction and great loss of life, mainly through injuries from flying debris and collapsing structures.
• Most tornadoes, however, are comparatively weak events that occur in sparsely populated areas and cause minor damage.
• While tornadoes historically have been rare in India, recent years have witnessed an uptick in their occurrence, posing significant challenges to communities and authorities alike.
• Unlike the United States, where tornadoes are more prevalent and closely monitored, India lacks official monitoring systems for these extreme weather events.
• A confluence of climate and environmental factors plays a pivotal role in the genesis of tornadoes.
• The warming of the Bay of Bengal and land surfaces, coupled with anomalous wind patterns, creates conducive conditions for the development of these violent storms.
• Collisions between warm, moist air masses and dry, cool air, particularly in the presence of low-pressure systems like troughs, trigger thunderstorms and tornadoes.

Scientific Insights: Understanding Tornado Dynamics

• According to a renowned climate scientist, the interaction of warm, humid air with cool, dry air sets the stage for tornado formation.
• Specific atmospheric conditions, such as cyclonic circulations and troughs, contribute to the initiation and intensification of tornadoes.
• The geographical characteristics of India, including its heterogeneous landscape, typically limit the strength and duration of tornadoes compared to regions like the United States.

Changing Wind Patterns and Environmental Trends

• Evidence suggests that wind patterns over various regions of India, particularly in the eastern states, are undergoing significant alterations.
• The warming of ocean and land surfaces, combined with anomalous wind patterns, creates a conducive environment for tornado formation.
• These changing environmental dynamics provide the necessary conditions for tornado “seeds” to sprout and thrive, leading to increased tornado activity in recent years.

Implications for Disaster Management and Preparedness

• The emergence of tornadoes as a recurrent phenomenon in India underscores the importance of robust disaster management and preparedness measures.
• While meteorological agencies like the India Meteorological Department (IMD) provide updates on weather systems, the absence of dedicated tornado monitoring systems necessitates greater vigilance and proactive measures from local authorities and communities.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/natural-disasters/jalpaiguri-disaster-tornadoes-a-symptom-of-warming-anomalous-wind-patterns-95351

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: The unveiling of the world’s most powerful MRI scanner marks a significant milestone in medical imaging technology.

EXPLANATION:

• It is developed by researchers at France’s Atomic Energy Commission (CEA).
• This cutting-edge scanner promises to revolutionize our understanding of the human brain and potentially transform the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders.

Unprecedented Precision: Breaking New Ground

• The MRI scanner, affectionately named Iseult, boasts a magnetic field strength of 11.7 teslas, surpassing the capabilities of conventional MRI machines by tenfold.
• This remarkable power enables Iseult to capture images with unprecedented clarity and detail, offering insights into the intricate structures and functions of the brain that were previously inaccessible.
• The high precision of Iseult’s imaging capabilities allows researchers to visualize intricate details within the brain, such as tiny blood vessels nourishing the cerebral cortex and previously imperceptible features of the cerebellum.
• By illuminating these hidden aspects of brain anatomy, scientists aim to deepen their understanding of neural circuits, cognitive processes, and the mechanisms underlying various neurological conditions.

Applications in Neurological Research: Advancing Diagnosis and Treatment

• One of the primary objectives of Iseult is to advance our knowledge of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, and schizophrenia.
• By mapping brain activity and tracing the distribution of pharmaceutical agents within the brain, researchers hope to uncover the underlying mechanisms of these conditions and develop more effective diagnostic tools and treatment strategies.

Exploring the Brain-Drug Interface: Insights into Pharmacology

• Iseult’s powerful magnetic field offers a unique opportunity to study the interaction between drugs and the brain with unparalleled precision.
• Researchers aim to elucidate how medications such as lithium, used to treat bipolar disorder, target specific regions of the brain.
• This understanding could lead to personalized treatment approaches tailored to individual patients, optimizing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing adverse effects.

Implications for Clinical Practice: Bridging Research and Healthcare

• While Iseult may not be directly accessible to patients in the near future, its groundbreaking discoveries hold immense potential for clinical applications.
• Insights gained from research conducted with Iseult may inform the development of diagnostic protocols, therapeutic interventions, and predictive models for neurological diseases, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes in healthcare settings.

Future Prospects: Pioneering Discoveries on the Horizon

• As research using Iseult progresses, the scientific community anticipates a wealth of pioneering discoveries that will reshape our understanding of the brain and its disorders.
• By harnessing the full potential of this state-of-the-art MRI scanner, researchers aim to unlock the secrets of the human mind, paving the way for innovative treatments and interventions that address the complexities of neurological health.

France’s Atomic Energy Commission (CEA):

• The French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), officially known as the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, is a prominent French public government-funded research organization established in 1945.
• It focuses on various areas including energy, defense, security, information technologies, and health technologies.
• The CEA plays a crucial role in research, development, and innovation, with a significant emphasis on nuclear energy, renewable energies, and technological research for industry.
• Additionally, the CEA is deeply involved in large-scale European programs and infrastructures, maintaining a strong presence in training and collaboration with international partners.
• France’s CEA is a key player in the European Research Area, contributing to the development of improved nuclear power generation systems and fostering innovation in multiple scientific disciplines.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):

• Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a noninvasive medical imaging test that produces detailed images of almost every internal structure in the human body, including the organs, bones, muscles and blood vessels.
• MRI scanners create images of the body using a large magnet and radio waves.
• No ionizing radiation is produced during an MRI exam, unlike X-rays.
• Images produced by an MRI scan can show organs, bones, muscles and blood vessels.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/worlds-most-powerful-mri-scans-first-images-of-human-brain/article68022857.ece

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: Over the 90-years journey of the RBI, it has weathered various challenges, showcasing remarkable resilience and adaptability.

EXPLANATION:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was established on April 1, 1935 in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
• The Central Office of the Reserve Bank was initially established in Calcutta but was permanently moved to Mumbai in 1937. The Central Office is where the Governor sits and where policies are formulated.
• Though originally privately owned, since nationalization in 1949, the Reserve Bank is fully owned by the Government of India.
• RBI holds a prominent position in India’s economic landscape, entrusted with pivotal responsibilities such as maintaining monetary stability, managing currency, regulating banks, and influencing interest rates.
• The RBI’s inception marked a crucial milestone in India’s economic development.
• With the enactment of legislation in March 1934, the RBI commenced its operations on January 1, 1935.
• The appointment of Sir Osborne Arkell Smith as the first Governor, followed by Indian officials like Sir C D Deshmukh, signified a blend of international expertise and indigenous leadership.

Composition of the RBI

• The overall direction of the RBI lies with the 21-member central board of directors, composed of:
  • One Governor;
  • Four Deputy Governors;
  • Two Finance Ministry Representatives (usually the Economic Affairs Secretary and the Financial Services Secretary);
  • Ten government-nominated Directors; and
  • Four Directors who represent local boards for Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Delhi.
  • Each of these local boards consists of five members who represent regional interests and the interests of co-operative and indigenous banks.

Navigating Crises: The Reforms of 1991

• The year 1991 proved to be a watershed moment for the RBI and the Indian economy.
• Faced with an acute economic crisis precipitated by soaring oil prices, the RBI took bold measures to stabilize the economy.
• Initiatives such as devaluation of the rupee, banking reforms, and liberalization of interest rates demonstrated the RBI’s proactive stance in addressing economic challenges head-on.

Leadership Dynamics: Insights from the Past

• Throughout its history, the RBI has experienced occasional friction with the government while steadfastly safeguarding its autonomy.
• Instances such as the disagreement between Governor Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee underscored the complexities of the RBI-government relationship.
• Despite challenges, the RBI’s commitment to its regulatory role remained unwavering.

Crisis Management and Policy Response

• The global financial crisis of 2008 posed significant challenges for the RBI.
• However, prudent policies implemented under Governor Y V Reddy’s stewardship shielded India from the worst effects of the crisis.
• Subsequent governors continued to navigate economic uncertainties adeptly, employing a mix of accommodative policies and structural reforms to sustain growth momentum.

Demonetization and Its Aftermath

• The decision to demonetize high-denomination currency notes in 2016 presented a formidable test for the RBI.
• Despite logistical challenges and economic disruptions, the RBI endeavored to manage the fallout effectively.
• The episode highlighted the central bank’s crucial role in maintaining financial stability and public trust.

Modern Challenges and Responses

• The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a new set of challenges for the RBI.
• Governor Shaktikanta Das and his team adopted a proactive approach, lowering interest rates and promoting digitization to mitigate the pandemic’s economic impact.
• While these measures spurred growth, they also necessitated vigilant oversight to manage inflationary pressures.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/rbi90-snapshots-from-history-9245835/

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Russia Says Working On Removing Taliban From Its Terrorist List READ MORE

2. March manufacturing PMI survey signals a 16-year peak READ MORE

3. More heat-wave days than usual for most of India this summer, IMD says | Explained  READ MORE

4. What is Kallakkadal, which has flooded houses in Kerala’s coastal areas? READ MORE

5. Why Supreme Court barred unregulated soil extraction for linear projects READ MORE

6. 90 years of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI): Its history, how it navigated times of crisis READ MORE

7. Jalpaiguri disaster: Tornadoes a symptom of warming & anomalous wind patterns READ MORE

8. Controversial deep sea mining negotiations showed progress, but many disagreements among member states remain READ MORE

9. World’s most powerful MRI scans first images of human brain READ MORE

10. Taiwan hit by strongest earthquake in 25 years; 7 dead, 77 trapped and 700 injured READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Impact and dualities of Social Media READ MORE

2. Empowering India’s tribal communities READ MORE

3. Why India will See More Heatwave Days in 2024. Are Climate Change Predictions for Real? READ MORE

4. Battling the summer heat READ MORE

5. Legal hurdles to protect groundwater READ MORE

6. Reassessing India’s forest conservation: Navigating complexities for a just transition? READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. When governments listen to the Election Commission READ MORE

2. Balance between demographic concerns and human rights READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. India can’t slack in its fight against TB READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Rohingya case brings India’s refugee policy under scrutiny READ MORE

2. Why shoot-and-scoot diplomacy with India isn’t good for America READ MORE

3. Why India’s plurolateral global strategy irks United States READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. A reform window: On the GST trajectory READ MORE

2. RBI likely to remain cautious on inflation READ MORE

3. GDP growth should be a corollary of job creation READ MORE

4. Catalyst for India READ MORE

5. GDP Growth READ MORE

6. Navigating the Indo-Pacific: Development Cooperation as a Diplomatic Tool READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. How to ensure India’s green power revolution doesn’t also wreak ecological damage READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. AI in Healthcare READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Cyber fraud: Indians trapped in shady jobs in Southeast Asia READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Mitigating risks in infrastructure development READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. In the season of Ramadan, lessons in kindness READ MORE

2. Role of parents in a child’s formative years READ MORE

3. TIME TO Root out corruption READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The digital revolution opens new avenues for women’s economic participation, however, to ensure true inclusion, this revolution must be steered by gender-sensitive policies. Comment.

2. The US-India Great Power Partnership enjoys strong tailwinds, but its success is not inevitable. The relationship requires a considered understanding of the cultural, demographic, and political drivers at work in the two complex democracies. Critically analyse.

3. Investing in a green resilient and knowledge-based economy is crucial for sustainable economic development of the State. Comment.

4. Fiscal transfer based on the advancement of gender budgeting in the State is critical to redress gender inequalities. Comment.

5. Schemes such as MGNREGS are rooted in ideals such as inclusion in the development process and mitigation of inequality and socioeconomic distress. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Strategy is not the consequence of planning, but the opposite: its starting point.
• Recognising the gravity of the climate situation and the urgency to address it comprehensively, has led to all nations agreeing, in what is famously known as the Paris agreement, to holding the temperature rise to well below 2 °C from that in pre-industrial times, and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5 °C.
• Core inflation including services inflation has been moderating in the economy, but with food inflation remaining sticky, the RBI would be wary.
• The EC is extremely reasonable in matters that affect public welfare. Government, investigative agencies must respect that.
• India, which has a good rapport with the majority of the ASEAN nations, needs to step up the crackdown on operators of fraudulent call centres and ensure that its advisories about online/phone scams are widely circulated among the stakeholders.
• Given the severity of the employment challenge, it is time for a paradigm shift. The focus needs to shift from GDP growth to the creation of more productive and better-paying jobs. GDP growth should be a corollary of job creation.
• A few labour-intensive sectors with the highest potential for creating jobs need to be chosen initially for putting together a critical mass of interventions to achieve a breakthrough.
• The key is to design state interventions and allocate financial resources, giving job creation overriding priority. It should be profitable for private firms to create more jobs, and the state can and should make it happen.
• Maximising positive experiences and interactions during this critical phase sets the foundation for a child’s future success in various aspects of life.
• In the pursuit of justice and fairness, the matter surrounding the CAA was also presented in the halls of the Supreme Court.
• The fight against TB has a special significance because the disease is more prevalent in the lower socio-economic strata of society.
• It is essential to recognise that groundwater resources are abundant in areas with large water bodies, such as lakes.
• India stands at a crossroads of opportunity and challenge, grappling with the imperative of internal migration to unlock its economic potential.
• In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) stands as a beacon of hope, promising to revolutionise the way we approach disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Political battlefront over the role of the judiciary shows that instead of protecting the judiciary, there is an attempt to intimidate one of the pillars of democracy.
• Recent amendments to the Forest Conservation Act seem to be contentious, casting a shadow over India’s just transition journey.
• Businesses and individuals in India must seize the benefits of AI and strategically enhance their competitiveness by staying abreast of advancements in AI.
• Development cooperation has gained further currency in a post-pandemic world amid staggered economic growth and an increasing gap in financing the Sustainable Development Goals.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Mutual tolerance is a necessity for all time and for all races.

50-WORD TALK

• Supreme Court has rightly refused to accept Ramdev’s apology on misleading ads. Patanjali must recognise this isn’t about plugging its FMCG empire, but about selling snake oil, folk medicine as cures. The court has called Patanjali to account to end the promotion of quackery in the name of ancient knowledge.
• A fresh political battlefront over the role of the judiciary is bizarre. It shows that instead of protecting the judiciary, there is an attempt to intimidate one of the pillars of democracy. The nation’s faith endures in a judiciary that remains committed to the Constitution, far away from political whims.

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.

THE CONTEXT: India’s foreign policy and strategic orientation have undergone significant transformations over the last decade. There has been a notable shift towards engaging with island states and territories, embracing the Indo-Pacific concept, and expanding its geopolitical vocabulary to include regions like Eurasia and Europe. This shift reflects India’s evolving strategic priorities and response to global geopolitical dynamics.

 ISSUES:

• Embracing the Indo-Pacific: The Indo-Pacific concept, initially met with skepticism in India as an “American plot,” has become a central element of India’s strategic discourse. Deteriorating relations with China and a growing partnership with the United States influenced this shift. The Indo-Pacific strategy emphasizes maritime orientation and includes the Quad alliance with Australia, Japan, and the US.
• Island Focus: India’s strategic focus has expanded to include significant engagement with island states across the Indo-Pacific region. This includes heightened attention to the Maldives, engagement with Papua New Guinea, infrastructure development in Mauritius, collaboration with Australia, and development projects in the Andaman and Lakshadweep islands.
• Eurasian Engagement: While the Indo-Pacific represents India’s maritime strategic interests, Eurasia highlights its continental focus. India’s engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) underscores its interest in Eurasia, driven by long-standing ties with Russia and the quest for a multipolar world.
• European Relations: The last decade has seen a significant increase in India’s engagement with Europe, marked by numerous high-level exchanges, growing trade, and strategic partnerships. Europe has emerged as a critical region in India’s foreign policy, with India recognizing the continent’s diversity and the importance of various European regions.
• Beyond Traditional Regions: India’s strategic imagination has broadened, moving beyond traditional regional concepts to embrace new geographies like Zomia and Khorasan. These regions represent areas of strategic interest due to their geopolitical significance and the challenges they pose.
• Zomia and Khorasan: The focus on Zomia reflects concerns over centralized state control and the potential for a political vacuum in areas with weak state presence. Khorasan’s significance arises from its historical context and the contemporary challenges of extremist groups and regional instability.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Enhanced Cooperation with Island Nations: India should continue to deepen its strategic and economic ties with island nations across the Indo-Pacific. This includes not only military and security cooperation but also investment in infrastructure, climate resilience, and sustainable development projects.
• Joint Maritime Initiatives: India could spearhead or participate in more joint maritime initiatives aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation, combating piracy, and enhancing maritime domain awareness. Collaborative efforts in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations can bolster India’s position as a responsible naval power.
• Active Engagement in the Quad: India should leverage the Quad as a platform for promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. This involves not only security cooperation but also collaboration in areas like vaccine diplomacy, critical technologies, and infrastructure development.
• Building Regional Consensus: India could work towards creating a broader consensus on the Indo-Pacific vision, engaging with ASEAN and other regional players to ensure that the concept is inclusive and respects the sovereignty and interests of all stakeholders.
• Diversifying Partnerships in Europe: India should continue to diversify its partnerships within Europe, engaging with different regional blocs and countries based on shared interests in trade, technology, climate action, and security.
• Strategic Connectivity Projects: India could explore new connectivity projects linking it with Europe through the Middle East, potentially revitalizing the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and exploring new routes that enhance trade and people-to-people ties.
• Sub-Regional and Trans-Regional Cooperation: Given SAARC’s limitations, India should focus on strengthening sub-regional groupings like BIMSTEC and engaging in trans-regional cooperation that includes Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region. India must develop and engage bilaterally with its neighbors, focusing on economic cooperation and infrastructure development and addressing security concerns through dialogue and collaboration.
• Engagement with Borderland Regions: India should closely monitor developments in the Zomia and Khorasan regions and engage with relevant countries and international organizations to support stability, development, and counter-terrorism efforts. India could offer strategic and humanitarian assistance to countries in these regions, helping to address the root causes of unrest and supporting efforts towards peace and stability.

THE CONCLUSION:

India’s foreign policy audit reveals a strategic pivot towards maritime orientations and a redefined regional engagement strategy. Addressing the identified issues requires a multifaceted approach that combines strategic partnerships, regional cooperation, and active engagement in emerging geopolitical landscapes.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q.1) Do you think BIMSTEC is a parallel organization like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organization? 2022

Q.2) The newly tri-nation partnership AUKUS aims to counter China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing alliances in the area? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario.  2021

Q.3) Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)’ is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance in present times – Discuss. 2020

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1) Discuss how India’s strategic imagination of the world’s regions has evolved over the last decade and how this has impacted its foreign policy priorities and engagement with various geographies.

SOURCE:

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/elites-need-listen-margins-9248267/

THE CONTEXT: Recent controversies have highlighted the deep-rooted misogyny in Indian politics. Women politicians face character assassination, gendered insults, and limited power-sharing. Despite increasing presence, women encounter patriarchal attitudes across sectors.

ISSUES:

• Deep-rooted Misogyny in Politics: The political arena in India is described as supremely misogynistic and hostile to women, with instances of vulgar social media posts and public aspersions casting a spotlight on the issue. Despite laws providing for women’s reservations in legislatures, politics remains dominated by male networks, and women struggle to break the glass ceiling.
• Character Assassination and Gendered Insults: Women in politics face character assassination and are often subjected to gendered insults and mockery, both by political opponents and the media. This includes derogatory comments about their appearance, personal life, and capabilities, which are not similarly directed at male politicians.
• Limited Power Sharing with Women: Despite political parties seeking women’s votes and making declarations about women’s empowerment, there is a reluctance to share real power with women. The ruling party’s disregard for complaints of sexual harassment by women Olympic medal winners highlights this issue.
• Challenges for Women Leaders: Women who have risen to leadership positions often had the support of powerful men or came from influential families, with Mamata Banerjee being a notable exception. Women leaders face dreadful insults and are held to different standards than their male counterparts.
• Stereotyping and Gender Apartheid in Media Representation: The media often stereotypes women leaders, focusing on their appearance and personal traits rather than their political achievements. This contributes to a culture of gender apartheid, where women are not taken as seriously as men in politics.
• Barriers to Women’s Political Ambitions: Women politicians who attempt to carve out their identity or aim for top positions are often labeled “rebels” and face barriers within their parties. Even competent women leaders must temper their aspirations due to an invisible boundary that limits their rise in politics.
• Misogyny Beyond Politics: The issue of misogyny extends beyond politics into society at large, with women facing challenges in the workforce, safety concerns, and harassment on social media. Despite increasing presence in various fields, women still encounter patriarchal attitudes.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Legislative Reforms and Reservation of Seats: Implementing and enforcing legislative reforms that ensure a certain percentage of seats are reserved for women in legislative bodies can significantly increase women’s representation in politics. This approach has been suggested as one of the most effective ways to ensure women’s effective representation.
• Education and Training Programs: It is crucial to conduct education and training programs for women to empower them to participate in politics. These programs can help build confidence, skill sets, and an understanding of the political landscape, making women more equipped to navigate and succeed in political arenas.
• Addressing Violence and Harassment: Creating safe and inclusive political spaces is essential to encourage more women to enter and stay in politics. This includes addressing and preventing violence and harassment, both physical and online, against women in politics.
• Changing Societal Perceptions: Combatting gender bias within political parties and society is necessary. This involves challenging and changing the perception that women are not suited for leadership or certain political positions.
• Promoting Gender Equality in Decision Making: Encouraging women’s participation in politics makes a difference, as women bring different views, talents, and perspectives that help shape the political agenda. Changes in how parliaments operate, such as improvements in language, behavior, and issue prioritization, reflect the positive impact of women’s presence.
• Global and National Initiatives: Supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening parliamentary democracy and involving the political leadership of both men and women in efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women and promote gender equality.
• Cultural Shifts: Emphasizing the importance of gender equality from an artistic perspective, recognizing the strength and capabilities of women as leaders, and challenging traditional roles that limit women’s participation in politics.

THE CONCLUSION:

The fight against misogyny in Indian politics is far from over. It requires more representation, legislative reforms, and societal shifts. Empowering women in politics is crucial to a genuinely inclusive democracy.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q.1) What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space? 2019

Q.2) The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment. 2019

Q.3) Which steps are required for the constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons. 2020

Q.4) Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face in both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. 2017

Q.5) Though women in post-independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and the feminist movement has been patriarchial.” Apart from women’s education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? 2021

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1) Despite laws mandating reservation for women in legislative bodies, Indian politics continues to be marred by deep-rooted misogyny and underrepresentation of women. Critically analyze the reasons behind this phenomenon and suggest measures to create an enabling environment for greater political participation of women in India.

SOURCE:

https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/even-visible-women-find-it-hard-to-break-the-glass-ceiling-2962538