(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Congress promises Mekedatu project when voted to power READ MORE
2. War in Ukraine: China-backed AIIB freezes Russia, Belarus loans READ MORE
3. At UNHRC, India calls for immediate cessation of violence and end to hostilities in Ukraine READ MORE
4. Quad Announces New Mechanism on Ukraine Response, Agrees Not to Repeat Crisis in Indo-Pacific READ MORE
5. UN Adopts Historic Resolution to Tackle Plastic Pollution READ MORE
6. Old Stone Age culture discovered in China READ MORE
7. Afterglow of a possible kilonova explosion creates a buzz READ MORE

Main Exam    

GS Paper- 1

1. Chauvinist India: A Pew survey holds the mirror up to men as regards women’s status at home and in society READ MORE
2. The many symbols of religion and resistance READ MORE
3. India identifying, defining forests wrongly, say experts at Anil Agarwal Dialogue READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Lines and roles: The time may have come for clarifyingthe role and functions of Governors READ MORE   
2. Disquiet in states over officers’ Central deputation READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Care informed by data: India must pursue schemes for rehabilitation of children orphaned by the pandemic READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. The ‘global rules-based order’ is an idealistic myth READ MORE
2. Shrinking foreign policy space for India READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Explained: War impact, beyond oil READ MORE
2. One step forward, two steps back READ MORE
3. Modi govt rethinks Gold Monetisation Scheme, feels it’s too expensive, hasn’t achieved aim READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY  

1. Climate challenge: India must adapt fast to be future-ready READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Find space for new science, its ethical dilemmas: In election-obsessed India, there is hardly any time to discuss the advances of modern science and the repercussions READ MORE

SECURITY

1. India’s national security: Imperatives for 2022 READ MORE
2. The digital threat: India’s cyber-security strategy needs a credible deterrence capacity READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Elective identity, religion and gender READ MORE
2. Valuation Of Values READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The economic impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine is not confined to oil. It extends as much to agricultural commodities and fertilisers. What do the soaring prices of these commodities mean for India and how India can address the issue?
2. What are the main factors responsible for gender inequality in India? Discuss the contribution of Savitribai Phule in this regard.
3. Discuss, how ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis shrinking foreign policy space for India and what should be the way forward for India’s foreign policy?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice.
• In election-obsessed India, there is hardly any time to discuss the advances of modern science and the repercussions.
• India must pursue schemes for rehabilitation of children orphaned by the pandemic.
• While the study does include revised estimates for all the nations, the message that it seeks to convey is the absolute urgency with which governments must incorporate childcare into any COVID-19 management programme.
• The economic impact of Russia’s war in Ukraine is not confined to oil. It extends as much to agricultural commodities and fertilisers.
• That is the state of corporate governance in India where promoters have been, of late, successful in delaying or even reversing well intentioned regulations.
• A comprehensive National Security Doctrine for India must be defined so that there is no ambiguity even with a change in Government.
• India needs to update its cyber-security strategy to incorporate this aspect as well.

50-WORD TALK

• Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari winding up his address to the joint session of legislature within a minute and walking out was uncalled for. Disruption by legislators was deplorable but Koshyari’s response was disproportionate. Governors acting like sovereigns in non-NDA-ruled states is damaging India’s federal system. The Centre must intervene.
• Kerala High Court’s division bench upholding central government’s ban on Media One TV without fully disclosing reasons for refusing security clearance, is disturbing. The news channel has the right to know why it’s being banned in the least to seek redressal. The higher judiciary should protect this right, not secrecy.

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 also 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.

1. An appetite for war but no place for peace: Millennia after Ashoka’s well-articulated moral discourse against war, the world is far from walking the talk READ MORE
2. Key findings on Indian attitudes toward gender roles READ MORE

1. IPCC sounds another climate warning READ MORE
2. What the New IPCC Climate Report Portends for India and South Asia READ MORE
3. Climate, land use change threaten sustainable reindeer herding in the Arctic: IPCC Report READ MORE

1. Key findings on Indian attitudes toward gender roles READ MORE
2. Gender norms aren’t a monolith in India READ MORE
3. Aging Concerns READ MORE

1. Lines and roles: The time may have come for clarifyingthe role and functions of Governors READ MORE   
2. Rules for deputation of DIGs: what Centre proposes to change, and why READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. N. General Assembly asks Russia to pull back troops READ MORE
2. Exports up 22.36% to $33.81 billion in February; trade deficit widens to $21.19 billion READ MORE
3. Explained: What constitutes a war crime? READ MORE
4. India rated ‘partially free’ for second consecutive year in Freedom House report READ MORE
5. At UN General Assembly, India Abstains From Resolution Criticising Russian Actions in Ukraine READ MORE
6. Global food systems emissions alone can cause global warming to exceed 1.5°C: CSE report READ MORE

Main Exam    

GS Paper- 1

1. Key findings on Indian attitudes toward gender roles READ MORE
2. Gender norms aren’t a monolith in India READ MORE
3. Aging Concerns READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Lines and roles: The time may have come for clarifyingthe role and functions of Governors READ MORE   
2. Rules for deputation of DIGs: what Centre proposes to change, and why READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. The post-pandemic crisis in schooling and higher education portends a grim future for India’s students, especially the poor READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. In war-torn Ukraine, has international law failed us once again? READ MORE
2. Will Russia’s war spur trade diversification? READ MORE
3. How Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has undermined strategic choices available to India READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Our green energy policy needs a close relook READ MORE
2. IPO dilemma READ MORE
3. Ukraine crisis could stall economic recovery READ MORE
4. For India to measure poverty and achieve development goals, it needs a multipronged approach READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY  

1. IPCC sounds another climate warning READ MORE
2. What the New IPCC Climate Report Portends for India and South Asia READ MORE
3. Climate, land use change threaten sustainable reindeer herding in the Arctic: IPCC Report READ MORE

SECURITY

1. The history of the Kuki insurgency in Manipur READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. An appetite for war but no place for peace: Millennia after Ashoka’s well-articulated moral discourse against war, the world is far from walking the talk READ MORE
2. Key findings on Indian attitudes toward gender roles READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. To what extent, do you think that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has undermined strategic choices available to India? Analyse your view.
2. ‘Food production as a fundamental determinant of human well-being and progress faces a climate threat’. Discuss how India can minimize this threat.
3. Discuss the relevance of Ashoka’s Dhamma in the present world.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Millennia after Ashoka’s well-articulated moral discourse against war, the world is far from walking the talk.
• Far from addressing the situation, the NEP has been effectively sidelined.
• Green Hydrogen measures for cost reduction are welcome but much else could be done for India to achieve its larger goal.
• The so-called weakness of international law is a tale of the feebleness of global institutions and countries mandated to implement the law.
• The conflict between these two countries has wide-ranging ramifications on economic growth in India as well as other emerging economies.
• The old system provides social and economic security to employees; hence, the Rajasthan Govt decided to restore it in their larger interest.
• India to involve private players in a big way must ensure that future doctors are of international quality with Indian medical degrees. In sync with medical studies, the government’s budgetary spend on overall education too must go up significantly.
• Multidimensional poverty requires multidimensional indications and approaches. Therefore, only an administrative boundary-based approach ignoring the social group, natural resource dependency groups would be partial and ineffective in the last miles of target.

50-WORD TALK

• Union Minister Pralhad Joshi’s claim that 90% of Indians studying medicine abroad had failed NEET was tasteless — and wrong. NEET is a pre-requisite to study in many countries, although cut-offs are lower than in India. Students go abroad because India has historically failed to meet the demand for medical education.
• With India importing over 80% of its consumption, oil companies have no option but to raise prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas. Otherwise, they could be saddled with huge under-recoveries on these products. Raising prices will inevitably fuel inflation, which has already touched 6%, the upper end of the band fixed by the RBI. The cascading impact of diesel prices, in particular, will fuel inflationary pressures.

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 also 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.

1. Policies and People | The RE sector must be mindful of its impact on people READ MORE
2. Beware of the Avalanche of Stupidity Threatening to Bury Us All READ MORE

1. A cautionary tale: India must heed the warning of the IPCC report and shore up adaptation measures READ MORE
2. What the New IPCC Climate Report Portends for India and South Asia READ MORE
3. UNEA 5.2: Australia dumping plastic in ASEAN countries despite ending exports in 2020, shows report READ MORE

1. A history of clothing and why it matters: Understanding clothing and defiance of dress codes can build greater civility and respect for difference READ MORE
2. How Gandhi Offered an Antidote to Our Sanitised Economic Inequality Discourse READ MORE

1. Data mine: The proposed data use policy is good on intent but lacks clarity on critical aspects of privacy and transparency READ MORE  
2. Bombay HC Directs POCSO Act Offender to Compensate for Upbringing of Child Born Out of Sexual Assault READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. India expects West sanctions on Russia to impact key sectors, defence, engg could take big hit READ MORE
2. Investments through P-notes decline to ₹87,989 crore in January READ MORE
3. Explained: Why rule change in BBMB has become a flashpoint between Centre and Punjab READ MORE
4. UNEA 5.2: UN assembly to come up with an agreement on plastic pollution READ MORE
5. AFSPA extended in Assam for 6 more months with effect from Feb 28 READ MORE

Main Exam

GS Paper- 1

1. A history of clothing and why it matters: Understanding clothing and defiance of dress codes can build greater civility and respect for difference READ MORE
2. How Gandhi Offered an Antidote to Our Sanitised Economic Inequality Discourse READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Data mine: The proposed data use policy is good on intent but lacks clarity on critical aspects of privacy and transparency READ MORE  
2. Bombay HC Directs POCSO Act Offender to Compensate for Upbringing of Child Born Out of Sexual Assault READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. The Ukraine war, India and a stand of non-alignment: New Delhi’s present position apart, the only lasting principle in foreign policy is the principle of national interest READ MORE
2. Ukraine challenge in changing global order READ MORE
3. Changing geopolitics: India must focus on creating a genuinely market-oriented economy READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. India Economic recovery still needs policy support READ MORE
2. DUET: A proposal for an urban work programme READ MORE
3. Unemployment crisis: Job creation a big challenge for governments READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY  

1. A cautionary tale: India must heed the warning of the IPCC report and shore up adaptation measures READ MORE
2. What the New IPCC Climate Report Portends for India and South Asia READ MORE
3. UNEA 5.2: Australia dumping plastic in ASEAN countries despite ending exports in 2020, shows report READ MORE

SECURITY

1. The history of the Kuki insurgency in Manipur READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Policies and People | The RE sector must be mindful of its impact on people READ MORE
2. Beware of the Avalanche of Stupidity Threatening to Bury Us All READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. ‘The proposed data use policy is good on intent but lacks clarity on critical aspects of privacy and transparency’. Comment.
2. Recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia shows that UNSC is failed as facilitators of global peace. In the light of the this development analyse the reforms required in UNSC.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Some of the greatest battles will be fought within the silent chambers of your own soul.
• Modest growth signals in third quarter point to need for continuing stimulus.
• The role of fiscal and trade policy will be dominant, but monetary policy will continue to have a crucial role in maintaining stable financial markets to reduce at least one component of uncertainty.
• The proposed data use policy is good on intent but lacks clarity on critical aspects of privacy and transparency.
• The Centre can convert the data use policy itself into a Bill and get it enacted as a law by the Parliament given that public funds will be used to set up the institutional framework to implement it.
• As India transitions towards a low-carbon economy, it is critical that its future energy systems are designed to foreground ecological health, human dignity and well-being.
• Russia’s unprovoked assault on the territorial integrity of Ukraine has ramifications for global political stability. It raises once again the profoundly important question about the role and relevance of the UN and its instrumentalities as facilitators of global peace.
• Contemporary India will do well to urgently move away from a technocratic Kuznets Ratio world and embrace the normative and political promise of the Gandhi-Irwin Ratio.

50-WORD TALK

• Slower Q3 GDP growth and lower forecast for the full year is bad news for India’s economic recovery. Tackling the fallout of the Ukraine crisis and containing inflation should be Modi government’s priority. For starters, it should cut taxes to prevent petrol-diesel prices from soaring after voting ends in UP.

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 also 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.

1. Beyond good intentions: Navigating the ethical dilemmas facing the technology industry READ MORE
2. Why moral leadership matters now more than ever READ MORE

1. Adapt to climate impacts a priority READ MORE
2. The Environmental Consequences of War READ MORE
3. Climate change induced droughts major driver of food insecurity: IPCC report READ MORE

1. School bullies: Learning needs of students need attention READ MORE
2. A digital health revolution to empower citizens READ MORE

1. A judgement that could open floodgates to defection READ MORE
2. When lawmakers bypass set norms READ MORE
3. Corporate governance — Sebi’s volte face READ MORE
4. Single Civil Services Exam outdated. UPSC holding separate exam for Indian Railways—good idea READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. All India House Price Index rises 3.1 pc in Q3: RBI data READ MORE
2. IPCC report warns of unavoidable multiple climate hazards READ MORE
3. Could Turkey close the Bosporus to the Russian navy? READ MORE
4. Everyday Global: What is the International Court of Justice READ MORE
5. Bengal tiger, hoolock gibbon, snow leopard to face climate change wrath: New IPCC report READ MORE
6. What is rain bomb? Australia hit by rare weather phenomenon, 8 dead. Check pics here READ MORE
7. Japan and India renews Bilateral Swap Arrangement of up to $75 billion READ MORE

Main Exam  

GS Paper- 1

1. School bullies: Learning needs of students need attention READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. A judgement that could open floodgates to defection READ MORE
2. When lawmakers bypass set norms READ MORE
3. Corporate governance — Sebi’s volte face READ MORE
4. Single Civil Services Exam outdated. UPSC holding separate exam for Indian Railways—good idea READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUE

1. A digital health revolution to empower citizens READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Debunking Russia’s international law justifications: The grounds on which the Russian President has tried to justify Moscow’s illegal actions against Ukraine are erroneous READ MORE
2. Counting the costs: Talks to end the war are a must as sanctions on Russia will hurt the wider world READ MORE
3. The Real World Order: Only the United Nations Charter cannot help Ukraine READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Democratising STEM skills is crucial to creating a future ready India READ MORE
2. What India should do to become a leader in green hydrogen READ MORE
3. Disappointing numbers: Estimate of GDP growth for current year lowered READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY  

1. Adapt to climate impacts a priority READ MORE
2. The Environmental Consequences of War READ MORE
3. Climate change induced droughts major driver of food insecurity: IPCC report READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Beyond good intentions: Navigating the ethical dilemmas facing the technology industry READ MORE
2. Why moral leadership matters now more than ever READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Although civil society may not be an arena of the Fourth Generation Warfare, its potential for subversion of democracy and development is real. Critically Analyse.
2. “There is a fundamental flaw in positing the state and the civil society debate as one of either-or, rather it must be framed as state and the civil society”. Explain the statement in the context of contemporary challenges faced by the third sector in India.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• The tragedy of war is that it uses man’s best to do man’s worst.
• The grounds on which the Russian President has tried to justify Moscow’s illegal actions against Ukraine are erroneous.
• The biggest step towards democratising STEM would be the combined effort of all stakeholders — public and private — in the smooth transition to digital learning, where each and every student will be able to enjoy the experience of personalised lab equipment in a virtual setting.
• As India makes significant strides in science and technology globally, a holistic and multidisciplinary approach is critical in STEM education.
• The true democratisation of STEM education will not only empower learners to shape the workforce of tomorrow but also lead to unseen advancements in India’s STEM education sector.
• As the world enters a new phase of hybrid working and learning, the blending of physical and digital learning will be more critical than ever.
• Educational institutions are meant to provide a level playing field for students who come from a diverse background and the focus is on learning and acquiring skills.
• At a time when classrooms are returning to normal after the long gap caused by the pandemic, efforts should be made for building a healthy atmosphere and instilling the right values in young minds.
• Despite the rising acceptance of the role of digital health services, most of the digital health solutions, be it public or private, have continued to develop in a fragmented manner, restricted to their own silos, with little consideration of interoperability and a comprehensive larger picture.
• A spike in inflation would have complicated long-term consequences, and therefore extraordinary measures to manage it might be considered.
• The impact on food availability and nutritional quality will increase the number of people at risk of hunger, malnutrition and diet-related mortality

50-WORD TALK

• The anti-defection law was designed to eliminate political defection. However, the judgment of the Bombay HC seems to assume that paragraph (4) of the 10th schedule is meant to facilitate defection. This judgment is likely to open the flood gates to defection. The Supreme Court must intervene quickly.
• Facing crippling sanctions, mired in an un-winnable war, Russian President Vladimir Putin is threatening an atomic apocalypse. Letting nuclear blackmail succeed will only sow seeds for more. The world must make clear the onus is on Putin to negotiate a way out of the corner he has backed himself into.
• A small state like Haryana has an anomaly of 20 IAS chief secretaries as of today. This kind of top-heavy bulge in states is unsustainable, especially with the centre also saying it is short of IAS officers. Such shortages in critical areas indicates a severe HR crisis in the bureaucracy.

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 also 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.

1. Religion in India: Tolerance and Segregation READ MORE
2. Mental health needs more than medicine READ MORE  

1. Save the world from war, spread meditativeness READ MORE
2. Leo Tolstoy’s Law of Love READ MORE
3. Religion in India: Tolerance and Segregation READ MORE

1. Tackling the plastic problem: The UN Environment Assembly meet could finalise a way forward for global cooperation in reducing plastic consumption READ MORE
2. India: We May Have Overestimated How Much Carbon Our Forests Can Hold READ MORE

1. No quick fix: India must not allow mushrooming of medical colleges without trained faculty, infrastructure READ MORE
2. Liberalise, do not bureaucratise READ MORE
3. Too many IAS chief secretaries, not enough posts — Indian states have a problem READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. EXERCISE EASTERN BRIDGE -VI READ MORE
2. Exclusion from SWIFT: what it entails READ MORE
3. Russia-Ukraine conflict hits sunflower oil imports; industry weighs options in other countries READ MORE
4. Explained | What are market infrastructure institutions? READ MORE
5. SC quashes Bihar notification to declare Lohar caste ST READ MORE
6. India abstains from UNSC procedural vote for emergency General Assembly session on Ukraine READ MORE
7. Cabinet approves supply of coal through common e-auction window READ MORE

Main Exam    

GS Paper- 1

1. Religion in India: Tolerance and Segregation READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. No quick fix: India must not allow mushrooming of medical colleges without trained faculty, infrastructure READ MORE
2. Liberalise, do not bureaucratise READ MORE
3. Too many IAS chief secretaries, not enough posts — Indian states have a problem READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUE

1. Mental health needs more than medicine READ MORE  

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. A testing vote: India had good reasons to abstain, but might have to revisit its stance if the conflict worsens READ MORE
2. Russia-West conflict of interest over Ukraine READ MORE
3. A tightrope: India’s abstention at the UNSC resolution against Russia sends out conflicting signals READ MORE
4. UN Security Council Remains as Powerless as Ever READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. With Russia-Ukraine conflict, comes inflation challenge READ MORE
2. Our forex cushion READ MORE
3. Food for thought READ MORE
4. It’s time to simplify the direct tax laws READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY  

1. Tackling the plastic problem: The UN Environment Assembly meet could finalise a way forward for global cooperation in reducing plastic consumption READ MORE
2. India: We May Have Overestimated How Much Carbon Our Forests Can Hold READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. India’s journey at CERN has been remarkable READ MORE
2. Science needs bigger investment for better results READ MORE 

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Save the world from war, spread meditativeness READ MORE
2. Leo Tolstoy’s Law of Love READ MORE
3. Religion in India: Tolerance and Segregation READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. ‘The recent Ukraine invades by Russia shows that United Nations Security Council is remains as powerless as ever’. In the light of the statement discuss the need for the reform in UNSC.
2. ‘India’s record procurement levels should not be viewed as an achievement, but instead as pointers to deep flaws in the agriculture marketing system’. In the light of the statement discuss how India can address this cropping imbalance?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• There never was a good war or a bad peace.
• India had good reasons to abstain from UNSC, but might have to revisit its stance if the conflict worsens.
• India must not allow mushrooming of medical colleges without trained faculty, infrastructure.
• Merely having private establishments start medical schools, without a long-term commitment to offer necessary training and post-graduate education, could lead to a repeat of the engineering fiasco after the dotcom boom.
• The UN Environment Assembly meet could finalise a way forward for global cooperation in reducing plastic consumption.
• Prices must be prevented from surging upwards. This calls for reforming India’s grain management and food subsidy system.
• It is important to reform the grain-management-cum-food-subsidy system to release precious resources for growth of agriculture.
• We’ll soon confront a moment of truth over how the country plans to get its high debt pile-up back under a level that would allow for a sustainable fiscal approach in the years to come.
• India’s record procurement levels should not be viewed as an achievement, but instead as pointers to deep flaws in the agriculture marketing system.
• A self-reliant India needs to at least double its investment in S&T. Nobel prizes will follow and the long drought could end sooner than later.
• The government might be working on simplifying the capital gains tax rules, bringing a more uniform definition for long-term capital gains and the tax rate on them.
• Punitive measures like sanctions, severing diplomatic ties, or delinking trade might just be symbolic when it comes to powerful nations, and these steps might not deter them.
• The entire spotlight is on how Russia has violated territorial integrity, but no one is asking as to why the current system of collective security has failed to maintain international peace and security in the game of great power politics.
• Russia should not fall into the trap of China to share the financial burden of keeping a terrorist country like Pakistan functional.

50-WORD TALK

• Owing to the collective failure of the West to check the economic juggernaut of the CPC, the US and its allies are now desperate to cobble up an economic coalition. Moscow too has been making its way into the European heartland through one of the most lucrative exports — natural gas. Russia alone was enough to meet the energy needs of the politico-economic geography of the European Union and NATO nations.
• India’s journey from being food-deficient to becoming food-surplus helped the country achieve independence in food production. But today, the Green Revolution of yesteryear needs to turn into an ‘ever-Green Revolution’ to find solutions to air pollution caused by stubble burning in northern India. Again, national science will have to come to the rescue.

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 also 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.

1. A state of quiet READ MORE
2. New ACM Tech-Brief spotlights privacy, ethics problems with facial recognition technology READ MORE
3. Artificial intelligence technologies have a climate cost READ MORE

1. On the Brink of Collapse: Decoding a UN-Backed Climate Fund READ MORE
2. Assessing Marine Plastic Pollution in India READ MORE