WSDP Bulletin (13/12/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Nine years after being finalised, why the Paris Agreement looks more fragile than ever READ MORE

2. Places of Worship Act: How SC undid what then CJI Chandrachud allowed two years ago READ MORE

3. How much water does India have available? Here is what Central Water Commission found READ MORE

4. Manganese in water is causing cancer in Bihar’s Gangetic plains: Study READ MORE

5. Of 230 known invasive alien mammal species, 36 are threatened in their native homes: Study READ MORE

6. Excess salt in soil impacts 1.4 billion hectares of land globally, risking food security, finds UN report READ MORE

7. Union Cabinet gives approval for Bills on simultaneous polls READ MORE

8. What is Disease X and why the world should prepare for it READ MORE

9. Lok Sabha passes Bill to amend the Disaster Management Act READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Mapping of foetus’s brain at IIT-Madras can yield significant breakthroughs READ MORE

2. Understanding India’s socioeconomic groups: Attitudes towards materialism & minimalism READ MORE

3. La Nina may form, heat may not relent: WMO READ MORE

4. Digital Dilemma READ MORE

5. Demographics without dividend READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Should the executive have the power to pardon? READ MORE

2. Supreme Court draws the line READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

​​​1. The transformative role of interactive learning in education READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. ​​Pakistan at the UNSC, the points of its compass READ MORE

2. India shares its vision for West Asia READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. ​​Price worries: On inflation READ MORE

2. M&As can drive India’s growth further READ MORE

3. Bridging India’s urban-rural divide: Empowering rural learners through skilling READ MORE

4. RBI boss’ big ask: Restoring balance READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Nudging government to conserve wetlands READ MORE

2. The silent inequity of air pollution READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. AI’s boost to the spirit of service READ MORE

2. One nation one subscription as a catalyst for equitable education READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. ​A roadmap for modernising India’s security framework READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Water, sanitation, and health: The overlooked impact of floods on women in India READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Do businesses care about human rights? It might be time for a reset READ MORE

2. Want a better future? Make better choices READ MORE

  1. Recognise core values READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The clemency system in India has not been widely abused. Examine.

2. How far do you agree with this view that an independent clemency commission should be established to replace the existing system to ensure more objective and informed decision-making?

3. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaps in primary healthcare but it encouraged digital health adoption. Discuss how initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission promise to enhance efficiency?

4. Strengthening the roles of ASHAs and ANMs can enhance outreach and health awareness. Discuss how preventive health campaigns with active community participation can lead to better health outcomes

5. One of the most effective and long-term strategies to address the crisis of air pollution, especially in rapidly growing urban centres, is the strengthening of public transportation systems. Examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

    • The clemency system in India has not been widely abused. Former Presidents have only sat on files, exercising a pocket veto whenever they disagreed with government advice. The pardon jurisdiction for non-capital offences has rarely been exercised.
    • The power of pardon introduced an element of mercy to temper the rigours of the criminal justice system.
    • The Constitution acknowledges scenarios where it is imperative to trust a high officeholder to judiciously exercise the power to pardon discretionary authority when required.
    • It is crucial to centre workers’ rights and environmental concerns to transform businesses into truly responsible entities that uphold human rights.
    • While business and human rights have historically been seen as disconnected, new policies and legislation present a significant opportunity for change. It is crucial to centre workers’ rights and environmental concerns to transform businesses into truly responsible entities.
    • Transparency is important, and in today’s age of social media and a free press, the public will likely be aware of the reasons behind a presidential decision.
    • A deadline and high courts being directed to suo motu monitor the conservation of Ramsar sites might just help state administrations shake off lethargy.
    • AI enhances the efficiency, inclusivity, and accessibility of volunteering initiatives, ensuring they have a far-reaching impact.
    • Gender-focused volunteer programmes address inequality by providing legal aid, counseling and advocacy for women’s rights, further demonstrating the transformative power of volunteering.
    • India’s vast diversity extends beyond culture and language, manifesting in unequal access to education, skilling and employment opportunities.
    • In an environment where rural learners have access to technology and employment opportunities, skilling initiatives by the government and the corporate sector will make a bigger impact.
    • A stronger focus on rural enterprise will help India by ensuring inclusive economic development.
    • The central bank’s proactive measures during the period helped soften the impact of the pandemic on the economy, institutions, and individuals.
    • The COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaps in primary healthcare but it also encouraged digital health adoption. Initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission promise to enhance efficiency.
    • Strengthening primary care, improving digital infrastructure, and preparing for future crises must remain priorities for India’s UHC goals. By addressing gaps, leveraging technology, and prioritising equity, India can build a stronger healthcare system and ensure health for all.
    • Strengthening the roles of ASHAs and ANMs can enhance outreach and health awareness. Preventive health campaigns with active community participation can lead to better health outcomes. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) can help expand healthcare access in underserved areas.

ESSAY TOPIC

    • Achieving Universal Health Care requires political commitment, adequate resources, and effective governance.

50-WORD TALK

    • Rising defaults in low-value credit card and microfinance loans reveal an alarming reality. While the RBI has curbed unsecured lending, the root cause—stagnant or declining incomes—remains unaddressed. Unless the government prioritises job creation and growth, aspirations will continue to be financed by unsustainable debt, deepening the trap further.

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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