WSDP Bulletin (22/03/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Sri Lanka to secure likely six year-moratorium on debt owed to India, Paris Club  READ MORE

2. India displayed ‘steadfast dedication’ to Palestine cause: Arab League ambassador READ MORE

3. Supreme Court stays IT Ministry’s notification establishing fact check unit under PIB to identify fake news READ MORE

4. SC forms expert panel to balance Bustard conservation with sustainable energy goals READ MORE

5. No microplastics: new rules queer the pitch for ‘biodegradable’ plastics READ MORE

6. SC dismisses applications to stay appointments of ECs Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, Gyanesh Kumar READ MORE

7. Kejriwal arrested: What is the Delhi excise policy case, and what is the Delhi CM accused of? READ MORE

8. World Forest Day 2024: Indian forests are losing their ability to absorb carbon dioxide due to climate change READ MORE

9. Kaziranga: Two new species identified READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Politics of positive discrimination for the idea of India READ MORE

2. Violence, homelessness, and women’s mental health READ MORE

3. Navigating the global waterscape, its challenges READ MORE

4. Governing interstate rivers in India: Need for federal consultation, clarity, and cooperation READ MORE

5. Safeguarding food security: The vital role of water READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Should judges accept official posts after retirement? READ MORE

2. That SC has to remind Ravi to follow the Constitution, underlines how much the guv’s office needs reining in READ MORE

3. Transparency is overrated in realpolitik in India READ MORE

4. Demographics and ELECTORAL Dynamics READ MORE

5. Waiting for the public distribution system to work READ MORE

6. A fait accompli on EC appointments READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Skill India Mission: Short Courses, No Employable Skills and a Lack of Jobs READ MORE

2. How Maharashtra’s amendment to the Right to Education Act will foster ghettoization READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Why did Pakistan carry out airstrikes in Afghanistan? | Explained READ MORE

2. Water, an instrument to build world peace READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Growth, well-being and distribution in the last decade – II READ MORE

2. Inequality in India: Job creation, tax reforms vital to arrest the slide READ MORE

3. The India Stack as a Potential Gateway to Global Economic Integration READ MORE

4. Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Public Health and Nutrition Security READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Strengthening water governance in the face of climate change READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Water footprint of emerging technology: A need for concern? READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. New capabilities: India and the Agni-V with MIRV READ MORE

2. Why India’s defence deals with the Global South matter READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Mitigating risks in infrastructure development READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Did Abhijit Gangopadhyay’s actions uphold the judiciary’s dignity and help preserve people’s faith in it? READ MORE

2. India’s voters deserve a bond — of probity READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Water scarcity leads to the poor functioning of ecosystems, threatens food and water security, and, ultimately, affects peace. Discuss how the initiative ‘Water for Peace’ is an instrument to build world peace.

2. Strengthening institutional mechanisms and accommodating political sensitivities are key to finding a long-term solution for Interstate Water Disputes governance in India. Comment.

3. In recent years, the National Human Rights Commission of India has largely abdicated its role, but the institution cannot be given a free pass to continue to abuse its mandate by its partisan silence. Comment.

4. While amending the law pertaining to political funding, India needs to ensure that it doesn’t revert to the old system of cash receipts, which will allow the return of corruption and muscle power to public life. In the light of recent Supreme Court Judgement, critically analyse the statement.

5. Fostering inclusive and equitable growth is paramount in addressing the root causes of global instability and conflict. In this regard, the role of technology and innovation cannot be overlooked in shaping the future trajectory of global affairs. Comment.

6. At the heart of Mission Karmayogi lies a profound philosophical ethos inspired by the Bhagavad Gita, advocating for duty and action without attachment to outcomes. Comment.

7. In an era where the dynamics of governance and public service are evolving rapidly, India has embarked on an ambitious journey to transform its civil service with the launch of the Mission Karmayogi scheme. Discuss.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • Mutual tolerance is a necessity for all time and for all races.
  • If a judge accepts a post-retirement appointment from the government, people are bound to doubt whether their judgments were delivered for extraneous reasons.
  • The theme this year is ‘Water for Peace’ pointing to the need for better water security, sustainable agricultural production, and environmental integrity.
  • Water scarcity leads to the poor functioning of ecosystems, threatens food and water security, and, ultimately, affects peace.
  • In the context of climate change-related pressures, the world also needs to foster improved cooperation over water-sharing.
  • The fight for political transparency is important for India’s institutions, but transparency is not the driving factor when it comes to political hegemony.
  • The National Food Security Act 2013 intends to ensure food security for weaker sections and faces formidable challenges in rural areas.
  • The displacement of populations, biodiversity loss, food insecurity on a global scale, and new health risks are obvious consequences of the climate changes taking place everywhere.
  • Courts across the country had to remind the ED that it could not go on expeditions in search of crime. It’s time courts stood their ground and stopped the abuse of PMLA.
  • With the increasing prevalence of emerging technologies, there arises a necessity for deeper scrutiny of their water footprint.
  • Strengthening institutional mechanisms and accommodating political sensitivities are key to finding a long-term solution for Interstate Water Disputes governance in India.
  • A collective will to integrate climate resilience into urban water governance and embrace innovative management strategies is imperative to secure continuous, clean water for all.
  • As water scarcity intensifies, its ripple effects cascade through food systems, directly impacting agricultural productivity and food security.

ESSAY TOPIC

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

50-WORD TALK

  • Lancet study’s finding that India’s fertility rate has fallen below replacement levels foreshadows a demographic disaster. India’s per capita income is just $2,600, and population is already ageing. Elder care will increasingly become government’s unaffordable responsibility. This should end the loaded talk of population explosion and policies to control it.
  • Zomato’s new plan for a pure vegetarian fleet is tone-deaf. It shows start-up founders come up with ideas without understanding their social realities, fallout. Adding ‘pure’ prefix to vegetarianism is loaded. Segregation measures reflect a mindset. How are tech start-ups any different from RWAs who issue notices against non-vegetarian residents?

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.



WSDP Bulletin (21/03/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Ae Watan Mere Watan: The story of Usha Mehta and Congress Radio READ MORE

2. India to generate 600 kilotonnes of solar waste by 2030: What a new study says READ MORE

3. What is Nvidia’s Project GR00T, designed to create AI-powered humanoid robots READ MORE

4. ‘Lianas threaten Earth’s carbon sinks’ READ MORE

5. India was third-most polluted country globally in 2023, right behind top-ranking Bangladesh and Pakistan READ MORE

6. Centre Notifies PIB As Official Fact Checker For Online Content READ MORE

7. India’s top 1% income, wealth shares have reached historical highs: World Inequality Lab READ MORE

8. GRID-INDIA is now a Miniratna Company READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Politics of positive discrimination for the idea of India READ MORE

2. Violence, homelessness, and women’s mental health READ MORE

3. The depth of India’s water crisis, explained in charts READ MORE

4. One solution for challenges to India’s agrifood systems — safeguard forests better READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Electoral bonds: Amit Shah is right about return of black money; judicial activism has made perfect the enemy of good READ MORE

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

3. SC judgement on electoral bond brings transparency, but unqualified brouhaha is meaningless READ MORE

4. How global indices miss India’s chuckle READ MORE

5. The real question in the electoral bonds issue is – will cash make a comeback? READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Skill India Mission: Short Courses, No Employable Skills and a Lack of Jobs READ MORE

2. How Maharashtra’s amendment to the Right to Education Act will foster ghettoization READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. India shows the world how to deal with hegemonistic China READ MORE

2. Changing contours of international relations READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Construction Workers’ Welfare: Anatomy of a Fall READ MORE

2. The return of high global oil prices READ MORE

3. Global supply chains make atmanirbharta take a back seat READ MORE

4. Why Punjab’s farmers are unlikely to diversify their produce despite MSP guarantee READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Climate Change: WMO’s Report Confirms 2023 Was Hottest Year READ MORE

2. World on the verge READ MORE

3. Poor air quality: India must take urgent mitigation measures READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. The mission outlines plans to build a strong AI ecosystem in the country READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Why India’s defence deals with the Global South matter READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Mitigating risks in infrastructure development READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. India’s voters deserve a bond — of probity READ MORE

2. Shame at Gujarat University READ MORE

3. The Enigma of Karma READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. In recent years, the National Human Rights Commission of India has largely abdicated its role, but the institution cannot be given a free pass to continue to abuse its mandate by its partisan silence. Comment.

2. While amending the law pertaining to political funding, India needs to ensure that it doesn’t revert to the old system of cash receipts, which will allow the return of corruption and muscle power to public life. In the light of recent Supreme Court Judgement, critically analyse the statement.

3. Fostering inclusive and equitable growth is paramount in addressing the root causes of global instability and conflict. In this regard, the role of technology and innovation cannot be overlooked in shaping the future trajectory of global affairs. Comment.

4. At the heart of Mission Karmayogi lies a profound philosophical ethos inspired by the Bhagavad Gita, advocating for duty and action without attachment to outcomes. Comment.

5. In an era where the dynamics of governance and public service are evolving rapidly, India has embarked on an ambitious journey to transform its civil service with the launch of the Mission Karmayogi scheme. Discuss.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • Mutual tolerance is a necessity for all time and for all races.
  • In recent years, the National Human Rights Commission of India has largely abdicated its role.
  • In India, the constituency which has mounted the strongest defence of human rights is civil society. There have been strong protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (CAA) as well as by farmers against the farm laws.
  • The NHRC must not be given a free pass to continue to abuse its mandate by its partisan silence.
  • We, as a democracy, have managed to cross the hurdles and provide full transparency to our citizens with regards to political financial contributions. This should be celebrated and not just used as a weapon for political mudslinging.
  • India’s quest to become a key player in the defence export arena represents a pivotal shift in its foreign policy and economic strategy.
  • It’s high time we recognised these indices for what they are: Not definitive markers of joy or despair but rather limited snapshots tainted by methodological biases and cultural myopia.
  • India has reiterated that it remains unconcerned about China’s objections, protests and criticism. It will not normalise ties till the situation reverts to pre-April 2020.
  • The failing social welfare boards, sitting on crores of unutilised funds, must reignite their efforts to serve building and construction workers.
  • The best way to handle political donations is a modified version of electoral bonds. Going back to the old system with huge amounts of cash collection would be a retrograde step.
  • While the Supreme Court’s ruling on electoral bonds is to be respected, it must be understood that the scheme has been a progressive step toward eliminating the use of black money in elections.
  • While amending the law pertaining to political funding, we need to ensure that we don’t revert to the old system of cash receipts. This would allow the return of corruption and muscle power to public life and encourage the use of illicit money to make political donations.
  • Despite repeated warnings from scientists and environmental experts, global efforts to curb emissions have fallen short of what is required to mitigate climate change effectively.
  • In a world fraught with geopolitical tensions and environmental concerns, the imperative for collaborative diplomacy has never been more pressing.
  • Fostering inclusive and equitable growth is paramount in addressing the root causes of global instability and conflict. In this regard, the role of technology and innovation cannot be overlooked in shaping the future trajectory of global affairs.
  • Embracing a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge-sharing is essential in harnessing the transformative potential of technology for the collective good.
  • Rising consumption expenditure will lead to greater capacity utilisation in factories and prompt businesses to create fresh capacity.

ESSAY TOPIC

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

50-WORD TALK

  • Formidable industry chambers undermine themselves when they say releasing electoral bond details will undermine ease of doing business. Is it even a suggestion that secrecy aids ‘ease of doing business’? If so, it’s shocking and shameful. The claim that disclosures are retrospective is weak. SC’s 2019 order was ample warning.
  • Zomato’s new plan for a pure vegetarian fleet is tone-deaf. It shows start-up founders come up with ideas without understanding their social realities, fallout. Adding ‘pure’ prefix to vegetarianism is loaded. Segregation measures reflect a mindset. How are tech start-ups any different from RWAs who issue notices against non-vegetarian residents?

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.



WSDP Bulletin (20/03/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. NVIDIA wants to bring AI to the real world with Project GR00T robots READ MORE

2. The year 2023 smashed several climate records, with some being ‘chart-busting’: WMO report READ MORE

3. 27.6 Million People Are Currently in Forced Labor READ MORE

4. Norway will invest half of $100 billion under EFTA: Norwegian envoy May-Elin Stener READ MORE

5. How House terms and poll schedules are decided READ MORE

6. WMO report out: 6 charts that tell you everything about the health of our planet READ MORE

7. World Bank report says women earn 77 cents for every dollar a man earns: what is the gender pay gap? READ MORE

8. Right To Food: Give ration cards to 80 million unorganised and migrant workers within 2 months, directs SC READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Violence, homelessness, and women’s mental health READ MORE

2. Should girls be ‘controlled’? Opinions among young boys and parents in Bihar READ MORE

3. Ocean temperature hit record high in February 2024, EU scientists say READ MORE

4. What happens when Bengaluru’s taps run dry? READ MORE

5. Bengaluru’s water crisis decoded READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Selection and election: On the appointment of Election Commissioners READ MORE

2. Mission Karmayogi: A Philosophical Blueprint for Transformative Public Service READ MORE

3. Rubber-stamped, as expected READ MORE

4. A democracy demolition job, carried out silently READ MORE

5. Bridge governance gaps, revitalise ULBs READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Microcredit courses revolutionise learning READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Ties that epitomise India’s neighbourhood first policy READ MORE

2. Multipolarity makes waves in Indian Ocean Region READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Guaranteed MSP is an ethical imperative READ MORE

2. Creating a skilled young workforce READ MORE

3. Growth, well-being and distribution in India in the last decade – I READ MORE

4. How Punjab’s potential for progress can be unlocked READ MORE

5. Rationalise and simplify GST READ MORE

6. India’s agri-tech revolution is leaving women farmers behind READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. RBI and the net-zero transition — A roadmap for green India READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. AI and data: A tale of necessity and constraint READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Space is becoming a global geopolitical theatre READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Mitigating risks in infrastructure development READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Don’t let mobs give India a bad name READ MORE

2. The transformative power of education in fostering global unity READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. At the heart of Mission Karmayogi lies a profound philosophical ethos inspired by the Bhagavad Gita, advocating for duty and action without attachment to outcomes. Comment.

2. In an era where the dynamics of governance and public service are evolving rapidly, India has embarked on an ambitious journey to transform its civil service with the launch of the Mission Karmayogi scheme. Discuss.

3. Simultaneous elections hinder political accountability as fixed terms offer representatives unwarranted stability without performance scrutiny. Examine.

4. The severe fragmentation of governance across the Urban Local Bodies, the parastatal agencies, and other departments has led to a complete absence of transparency and clear systematic processes. Comment.

5. Simultaneous elections may encourage a more cooperative federalism with national and state parties and governments working in close and synchronised alignment. Critically examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • Mutual tolerance is a necessity for all time and for all races.
  • While no political party will win the elections on its technology promises, it is an opportune moment for all to offer an alternate digital vision.
  • The lack of a foreign policy debate today is less about a genuine consensus than declining interest in world affairs within demoralised Oppn.
  • An executive-driven process has to yield to one more rooted in the constitutional principle of having an independent body to hold free and fair elections, even if the CJI, as an institutional head, might not be the person most suited to be a part of the selection process.
  • There is much evidence of the unique level of trust between the leadership of Bhutan and India that has led to a strengthening of ties.
  • Hydropower cooperation is the bedrock of India’s relations with Bhutan.
  • The MSP regime was a vital instrument for ensuring food security in India.
  • Government intervention, and particularly a legally binding MSP, is deemed a problem. It is this adherence to free market dogma that is preventing a just solution to the ongoing crisis in farmer incomes.
  • The government itself has engaged in the narrative of a strong economy that has surpassed its past performance and one that benefits all sections of the population.
  • The state has also failed to strengthen the linkages between agriculture and industry. The Green Revolution was introduced as a flagship programme by the Central Government to ensure food security.
  • Information and smart technologies and online marketing can boost industrialisation in the state by addressing the constraints, such as it being a landlocked state, locational disadvantages of the national market, a lack of mineral resources and expensive land.
  • The GST Council has to make crucial decisions regarding inclusion of petroleum products and streamlining tax slabs to fortify the robustness of the GST system.
  • Education serves as a bridge that transcends cultural divides, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration among diverse populations.
  • In a country as diverse and populous as India, with its myriad socio-economic challenges, the need for innovative approaches to education and skill development has never been more pressing.
  • At the heart of Mission Karmayogi lies a profound philosophical ethos inspired by the Bhagavad Gita, advocating for duty and action without attachment to outcomes.
  • In an era where the dynamics of governance and public service are evolving rapidly, India has embarked on an ambitious journey to transform its civil service with the launch of the Mission Karmayogi scheme.
  • Digital connectivity in rural areas paves the way for tech start-ups to penetrate local networks and design digital systems that increase yield efficiency in terms of time, cost, and profitability for farmers across the agriculture value chain.
  • The idea of simultaneous elections is against the federal idea, which is integral to the Constitution. It would be wrong and unwise on the part of the government to proceed with it, ignoring all criticism and reservations.
  • Simultaneous elections hinder political accountability as fixed terms offer representatives unwarranted stability without performance scrutiny.
  • Electoral Bonds legalised a route for political parties to secretly funnel unaccounted money from India and abroad into their coffers. But, no one is punished. No one expected they would be. We have been trained by experience to expect so little of democracy and its institutions.
  • The severe fragmentation of governance across the Urban Local Bodies, the parastatal agencies, and other departments has led to a complete absence of transparency and clear systematic processes.

ESSAY TOPIC

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

50-WORD TALK

  • There is finally some sunlight in the electoral bonds matter. Data on 2018-2019 is still pending. SC has now ordered SBI to release the bond numbers that can link donors to political parties. That this exercise will drive funding underground is fearmongering. Companies must be upfront about their donations anyway.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin has won the elections again by a huge vote. Strongman leaders like Putin, Turkish President Erdogan and Chinese President Xi Jinping hold farce polls to look and sound legitimate. The world knows the truth about this model of authoritarian heads who seek to rule for life.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (19/03/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. SC order on electoral bonds disclosure does not cover full details from March 2018 READ MORE

2. Study reports evidence of ‘missing’ spring in India READ MORE

3. Centre notifies rules allowing transfer of ‘captive’ elephants READ MORE

4. Vaccine for dengue may be available commercially by mid-2026 READ MORE

5. SAKHI to be a friend in need for Gaganyaan crew READ MORE

6. The big promise of small-scale LNG as fuel for India, with first SSLNG plant commissioned READ MORE

7. Fresh tussle with Governor: Why Tamil Nadu has moved SC to have a minister reinstated READ MORE

8. Heat, aridity, clear skies: why forests are already ablaze in the Nilgiris READ MORE

9. Measles accounted for most excess deaths as a result of COVID-19 related vaccine disruptions READ MORE

10. Conservation not enough for the highly inbred Ranthambore tigers — they require genetic rescue READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Violence, homelessness, and women’s mental health READ MORE

2. Should girls be ‘controlled’? Opinions among young boys and parents in Bihar READ MORE

3. Ocean temperature hit record high in February 2024, EU scientists say READ MORE

4. What happens when Bengaluru’s taps run dry? READ MORE

5. Bengaluru’s water crisis decoded READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Kovind Committee makes it real — India needs One Nation, One Election READ MORE

2. Why and how One Nation, One Election is divisive READ MORE

3. Misconceptions in Indian fiscal federalism READ MORE

4. The right to dissent is the lifeline of democracy READ MORE

5. Do away with death penalty READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Amended surrogacy law doesn’t go the full distance READ MORE

2. Human development should be priority READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. What do FTAs with European countries signal? | Explained READ MORE

2. All eyes are now on the Indian Ocean region READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Trade puzzle: On exports and global trade READ MORE

2. How NFHS data can help craft policy for women’s financial inclusion READ MORE

3. Inclusive growth in India key to Viksit Bharat READ MORE

4. The consumers’ economy of India: What do the recent macro numbers tell us? READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. RBI and the net-zero transition — A roadmap for green India READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. AI and data: A tale of necessity and constraint READ MORE

2. Mission AI READ MORE

3. How data analytics and AI is critical to EV charging anxiety READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Space is becoming a global geopolitical theatre READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Mitigating risks in infrastructure development READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Master the art of cultivating power READ MORE

2. Minimise ego and be free READ MORE

3. Ethics and the future of innovation READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Simultaneous elections may encourage a more cooperative federalism with national and state parties and governments working in close and synchronised alignment. Critically examine.

2. One Nation, One Election would give political parties breathing space to focus on long-term policies instead of short-term populist measures. Critically comment.

3. A comprehensive and conscientious approach to ensure the ethical and considerate mainstream integration of AI technologies is imperative. Comment in the light of recent developments.

4. By offering equitable access to high-quality care for all individuals, regardless of socio-economic background, digital solutions can play a pivotal role in addressing unequal health outcomes. Comment.

5. India stands on the brink of a digital healthcare revolution that promises to transform NCD management and improve overall health outcomes. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • Coalitions, though successful, have always found this, that their triumph has been brief.
  • Both the Western Indian Ocean and the Northern Indian Ocean have become active geographies again.
  • India needs to convey a clear message to its strategic partners that while it is conscious of its Indo-Pacific responsibilities, it prioritises the Indian Ocean region.
  • While Indian Ocean Rim Association is underperforming and has become too amorphous to be effective, the Colombo Security Conclave faces the danger of losing a key member, the Maldives, if the island nation’s partnership with China deepens.
  • Evidence indicates that violence and mental health conditions have a reciprocal, cause-and-effect relationship, and both factors significantly heighten the risk of homelessness.
  • Instead of addressing root causes rhetorically, we should examine the complex strands surrounding mental health.
  • The Agni-5 with MIRV capability bolsters India’s nuclear capabilities vis-à-vis China. It puts China on notice — that India is preparing itself to counter the advances Beijing has made with its missile and missile defence programmes.
  • Financial inclusion awareness programmes must give special attention to women in households not headed by women.
  • Simultaneous elections may encourage a more cooperative federalism with national and state parties and governments working in close and synchronised alignment.
  • To reimagine the city’s waterscape, it is essential to rebuild our lost relationship with the many meanings of water.
  • One Nation, One Election would give political parties breathing space to focus on long-term policies instead of short-term populist measures.
  • Consciousness is an attribute of life, embedded in all life forms, right from the unicellular bacterium to the multicellular, multi-organ human being.
  • To ensure free and fair elections, tackle the menace of muscle power, money power, misinformation and code of conduct violations diligently.
  • Parliament should implement policies to enhance political finance regulations and ensure that candidates with significant criminal cases cannot run for office. Additionally, the government must prioritise political transparency, accountability, and ethical behaviour.
  • Rapid investments from public and private sectors are necessary to translate India’s high growth to meaningful human development.
  • Electric vehicle adoption is on the rise, but there is mounting apprehension regarding malfunctioning chargers, which poses challenges for both consumers and infrastructure operators. The progress India has made is not enough when the challenge is to ensure a minimum quality of life to all citizens. The goal of becoming a developed country by 2047 will have meaning only if development means human development.
  • A comprehensive and conscientious approach to ensure the ethical and considerate mainstream integration of AI technologies is imperative.
  • The Indian economy is at a defining moment where the future might show a reversal from the trend of the consumption-driven growth phenomenon.

ESSAY TOPIC

  • Gender equality is not just a matter of social justice; it is also a prerequisite for sustainable development.

50-WORD TALK

  • There is finally some sunlight in the electoral bonds matter. Data on 2018-2019 is still pending. SC has now ordered SBI to release the bond numbers that can link donors to political parties. That this exercise will drive funding underground is fearmongering. Companies must be upfront about their donations anyway.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin has won the elections again by a huge vote. Strongman leaders like Putin, Turkish President Erdogan and Chinese President Xi Jinping hold farce polls to look and sound legitimate. The world knows the truth about this model of authoritarian heads who seek to rule for life.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (18/03/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1.  In Frames | A flurry of feathers in a drying lake Arunachal tribe donates land for critically endangered songbird Bugun Liocichla READ MORE

2. IT Ministry replaces AI advisory, drops requirement of government’s permission READ MORE

3. With Agni V test, India makes the MIRV leap READ MORE

4. What is the HbA1C test and why is it used to check for diabetes? | Explained  READ MORE

5. The problem of equity in IPCC reports | Explained READ MORE

6. Analysing datasets: How predictive AI models are gaining traction READ MORE

7. Why Kerala and the Centre are in a dispute over state borrowing limits at the SC READ MORE

8. Model Code of Conduct comes into force for 2024 Lok Sabha elections: What does it mean? READ MORE

9. Lancet study finds 7 out of 10 dialysis patients in India survive beyond six months, rural mortality 32% higher READ MORE

10. In Frames | A flurry of feathers in a drying lake READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. How social norms hold women back: A look at recent evidence READ MORE

2. Should girls be ‘controlled’? Opinions among young boys and parents in Bihar READ MORE

3. Ocean temperature hit record high in February 2024, EU scientists say READ MORE

4. Crisis of time: On parched Karnataka and its water woes READ MORE

5. Bengaluru’s water crisis decoded READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Bonded favours: On the electoral bond scheme, sordid revelations READ MORE

2. On the ballot: On the general election to the 18th Lok Sabha READ MORE

3. Why and how One Nation, One Election is divisive READ MORE

4. The why and the how of one nation, one election READ MORE

5. One Nation, many poles: Simultaneous polls are a good idea. But given multipolar polity, get more parties on board READ MORE

6. Electoral bonds: Donor-recipient link must be probed thoroughly READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Empowering healthcare: Harnessing digital solutions for NCD diagnosis and transformation READ MORE

2. India’s HDI improves: Reducing gender gap in labour force a challenge READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. US criticism of CAA: Diplomatic calculations behind opposition READ MORE

2. Strategic interests draw India, Greece closer READ MORE

3. The importance of consular services in global diplomacy READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Has poverty really dropped to 5% in India? READ MORE

2. Why it is necessary to diversify the farming basket READ MORE

3. Farmers’ protests a testimony to flawed market economy READ MORE

4. Re-orienting agriculture for sustainable growth READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. RBI and the net-zero transition — A roadmap for green India READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Fifth-generation stealth jet to be a reality soon READ MORE

2. Scientists play key role in a nation’s progress READ MORE

3. AI is revolutionising waste management READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Missile prowess: Agni-V enhances India’s deterrence capabilities READ MORE  

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Mitigating risks in infrastructure development READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Cultivate tolerance to foster harmony READ MORE

2. Limits of simplification READ MORE

3. Conscious awareness or aware consciousness READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. By offering equitable access to high-quality care for all individuals, regardless of socio-economic background, digital solutions can play a pivotal role in addressing unequal health outcomes. Comment.

2. India stands on the brink of a digital healthcare revolution that promises to transform NCD management and improve overall health outcomes. Comment.

3. To mitigate climate change and bridge the digital divide, it is vital to invest in sustainability and expand access to technology. Justify.

4. Addressing concerns related to federalism and democratic principles while ensuring the synchronisation of electoral cycles poses a formidable challenge. Examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • Power and influence do attract political funding but misusing them either by muscular demonstration or the promise of reward will ultimately be subversive of democracy.
  • While the ECI is justified in its defence of the electronic voting machine, it needs to do more to ensure public trust in them.
  • In the conflict between the claim of a right to privacy by donors and the voter’s right to information, the ECI’s equivocation is unwarranted, particularly after the Court has settled the question.
  • GDP growth is now driven by capital expenditure, largely public capital expenditure, because we really haven’t seen the same revival in private investment, largely because mass consumption demand is stagnant.
  • If farmers’ incomes are to be augmented substantially, Punjab and Haryana have plenty of lessons to learn from states that have already moved into high-value agriculture.
  • Consciousness is an attribute of life, embedded in all life forms, right from the unicellular bacterium to the multicellular, multi-organ human being. Consciousness has been considered an emergent phenomenon by neuroscientists and physicists alike.
  • The integration of AI into healthcare systems is revolutionizing disease diagnostics, particularly in the early detection of conditions such as heart diseases, diabetes, and cancer.
  • Digital health technologies have the transformative potential to mitigate disparities and advance equity in healthcare delivery.
  • By offering equitable access to high-quality care for all individuals, regardless of socio-economic background, digital solutions can play a pivotal role in addressing unequal health outcomes.
  • India stands on the brink of a digital healthcare revolution that promises to transform NCD management and improve overall health outcomes.
  • The HDI report’s call to address the challenges by prioritising ‘planetary public goods’ for climate stability and digital equity is noteworthy.
  • To mitigate climate change and bridge the digital divide, it is vital to invest in sustainability and expand access to technology.
  • It is imperative that the cloak of secrecy is lifted completely so that various stakeholders, including political parties and the electorate, can draw their own conclusions ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
  • Parliamentary and Assembly elections have different dynamics and issues at stake; the Centre must go all out to develop unanimity on this contentious matter.
  • Greece and India are located in geopolitically volatile areas. As recent events in the Red Sea have shown, the security of the East Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean Region are interconnected.
  • A legalised MSP is the way forward not only for Indian farmers but also for growers across the globe. Markets will adjust accordingly.
  • In times of crisis, society instinctively turns its gaze towards the scientific community, seeking solace and solutions amid turmoil.
  • Addressing concerns related to federalism and democratic principles while ensuring the synchronisation of electoral cycles poses a formidable challenge.
  • Consular services are crucial for global diplomatic efforts as they tirelessly safeguard the interests of citizens residing outside their country of origin.

ESSAY TOPIC

  • Gender equality is not just a matter of social justice; it is also a prerequisite for sustainable development.

50-WORD TALK

  • Supreme Court has rightly used strong words to quash the ‘waging war’ case against the Maharashtra professor who merely updated his WhatsApp status criticising abrogation of Article 370. It has called for educating the police about free speech and democracy. This is key to preventing citizen harassment by the authorities.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (11/03/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. In Frames | A flurry of feathers in a drying lake READ MORE

2. 16 years, 21 rounds of talks: India-EFTA free trade agreement a reality READ MORE

3. Centre issues directive to curb tailgating at e-gates for Digi Yatra passengers READ MORE

4. PM Modi unveils bronze statue of Ahom general in Assam: Who was Lachit Borphukan? READ MORE

5. India’s first museum dedicated to cooperatives is coming up in Kozhikode READ MORE

6. Report turns spotlight on India’s ‘zero-food children’ READ MORE

7. India’s golden langur population estimated at 7,396 READ MORE

8. Meet Pi, the world’s ‘friendliest’ chatbot powered by the new Inflection-2.5 LLM READ MORE

9. Yaounde Declaration: Health ministers of 11 African countries commit to end malaria deaths READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Challenging colonial patriarchy and cultural hegemony READ MORE

2. Gig workers suffer from lack of social security, regulations: study READ MORE

3. Ocean temperature hit record high in February 2024, EU scientists say READ MORE

4. Crisis of time: On parched Karnataka and its water woes READ MORE

5. Bengaluru’s water crisis decoded READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Arun Goel’s Resignation: What is the Established Law on the Appointment of Election Commissioners? READ MORE

2. EC exit no big worry READ MORE

3. We need limits on election campaign spending READ MORE

4. Voter must know who funds political parties. This is the right that Supreme Court has protected READ MORE

5. The case for disclosure of judicial assets READ MORE

6. Protect dignity of women in custody READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Post-Cold War era and Great Power competition: Implications and options for India READ MORE

2. India and the Greater Indo-Pacific: Balancing geopolitical equations READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Boosting India-US ties: Strategic move to counter Chinese challenge READ MORE

2. Maldives’ Muizzu is making a mistake READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. India must act fast on free trade agreements READ MORE

2. The practice of offering freebies must stop READ MORE

3. Urban Employment Programmes: A Catalyst for Female Labour Force Participation READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. RBI and the net-zero transition — A road map for green India READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. India needs an enforceable AI regime READ MORE

2. How women are navigating challenges and taking centre stage in the AI-powered technology landscape READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Not law, nor duty: On ‘safe military jobs’ and Indians in war zones READ MORE  

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Mitigating risks in infrastructure development READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Law Commission Recommends Whistleblower Protection, Says Amendments May Be Brought To Mandate Test Data Disclosure READ MORE

2. Chandigarh Police fastest in country with emergency response time of 7.03 minutes READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The voter’s right to information includes the right to know financial contributions to a political party because of its influence on electoral politics and on governmental decisions. Comment.

2. The Supreme Court has struck down the electoral bonds scheme that will remove opacity in legal donations but this is akin to putting a band-aid on a bullet wound as the majority of the funding continues to be in unaccounted cash. Analyse.

3. Urban employment programmes must go beyond being safety nets, to imbibe not just protective and preventive measures, but transformative measures that address women’s labour force participation. Comment.

4. The future of Indo-Pacific peace and stability hinges on the tranquility of the Greater Indo-Pacific, where India’s pivotal role as a voice of the Global South and global power can effectively recalibrate regional geopolitics. Discuss.

5. Gender equality is not just a matter of social justice; it is also a prerequisite for sustainable development. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • Justice demands that no one should do more ruling than being ruled, but that all should have their turn.
  • Climate change is a crisis of time. It precipitates non-linear changes that lead to disproportionate, and sometimes irreversible, outcomes, forcing underprepared governments to mount rapid responses to forces that have been festering for decades.
  • The voter’s right to information includes the right to know financial contributions to a political party because of its influence on electoral politics and on governmental decisions.
  • In a democratic country, it is essential for a government to spread awareness about its schemes and policies.
  • It is the opaque nature of most of the donations coupled with the distribution of cash for votes that weakens the process of free and fair elections in India.
  • The Supreme Court has struck down the electoral bonds scheme that will remove opacity in legal donations but this is akin to putting a band-aid on a bullet wound as the majority of the funding continues to be in unaccounted cash.
  • Challenging gender norms requires more than legislation and material resources; it also takes community mobilisation and a long-term commitment.
  • Under all circumstances, war is to be regarded not as an independent thing but as a political instrument.
  • The mismatch between the availability of funds and the requirement will make the Scheme prone to the use of discretion, corruption and nepotism in choosing the beneficiaries.
  • There are concerns regarding judicial accountability, which makes a strong case for the disclosure of assets by judges in the higher judiciary.
  • Section 24 in both Acts (pari-materia) allows the central government to frame rules only for the purpose of these Acts. Unfortunately, the purpose for accountability is nowhere to be seen in these Acts as of now.
  • Women’s activists point out that the causes of custodial sexual offences include patriarchal norms, abuse of power by the authorities, lack of gender sensitivity and training for police and other officials, and the social stigma attached to victims.
  • The culture of impunity and victim blaming within the law enforcement machinery hinders survivors from seeking justice.
  • India has had multi-member election commissions in operation since 1993, with decision-making power by majority vote. With Arun Goel’s resignation as election commissioner, the Election Commission has been reduced to one-man commission.
  • As the world prepares for an emerging three-power strategic situation, India needs to tread carefully to secure its well-deserved place on the global high table without any knee-jerk actions.
  • The future of Indo-Pacific peace and stability hinges on the tranquility of the Greater Indo-Pacific, where India’s pivotal role as a voice of the Global South and global power can effectively recalibrate regional geopolitics

ESSAY TOPIC

  • Gender equality is not just a matter of social justice; it is also a prerequisite for sustainable development.

50-WORD TALK

  • Supreme Court has rightly used strong words to quash the ‘waging war’ case against the Maharashtra professor who merely updated his WhatsApp status criticising abrogation of Article 370. It has called for educating the police about free speech and democracy. This is key to preventing citizen harassment by the authorities.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (09/03/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Hong Kong unveils new national security law with tough penalties READ MORE

2. EoUs, SEZs to get RoDTEP sops, till September 30 READ MORE

3. India, EFTA bloc likely to sign free trade pact on March 10 READ MORE

4. Union Cabinet approves IndiaAI Mission with 10,372 crore outlay: How it could help private players READ MORE

5. The nature of ‘royalty’ case: How an alleged typographical error led to 9-judge SC case READ MORE

6. Nutritional crisis: India has most ‘zero-food’ children at 6.7 million; third highest prevalance among 92 LMICs READ MORE

7. India’s onion production expected to fall by over 15%; potato production by 2% READ MORE

8. Fourth global mass coral bleaching? Great Barrier Reef severely affected, corals seen dying READ MORE

9. Countries hope to bring BBNJ or High Seas treaty into force by 2025; only 2 have ratified it so far READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Women and health in India READ MORE

2. Persisting gender gap in STEM jobs READ MORE

3. Structural Transformation and the Gender Earnings Gap in India READ MORE

4. Himalayan challenge~I READ MORE

5. Himalayan Challenge~II READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. SC mantra: Economy with the environment READ MORE

2. Right to criticize: SC ruling should make the police see reason READ MORE

3. The case for disclosure of judicial assets READ MORE

4. Issues before the Sixteenth Finance Commission READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Right to Education and the Union Budget: Need for Renewed Focus READ MORE

2. Pursuit of an inclusive and equitable healthcare system READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Boosting India-US ties: Strategic move to counter Chinese challenge READ MORE

2. Maldives’ Muizzu is making a mistake READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Gender equality as the plank of sustainable development READ MORE

2. India’s suboptimal use of its labour power READ MORE   

3. The relationship between nutrient intake and household expenses READ MORE

4. The poorest can live better without buying much READ MORE

5. India’s push for semiconductors READ MORE

6. Semiconductor ambitions get a boost READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. RBI and the net-zero transition — A roadmap for green India READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Mission possible for Battlefield AI READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Defence Budget 2024 and India’s deep tech leap READ MORE  

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Mitigating risks in infrastructure development READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. A Pathway to Global Prosperity READ MORE

2. Weakness of the ego READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The finance commission in India is treated as an independent, impartial, competent and semi-judicial body that has dealt with revenue transfer tasks from the union to state governments over more than seven decades. Examine.

2. Gender equality is not just a matter of social justice; it is also a prerequisite for sustainable development. Comment.

3. The transfers of revenue from the union to the state governments for effective performance through an independent body serve the objectives of equity and efficiency relatively better than those of a political body. Comment.

4. Progress in gender equality has been made, but disparities persist, requiring more government spending on healthcare and gender-responsive policies. Comment.

5. Without a paradigm shift in the pedagogies, NEP’s education strategy would remain a mere rhetorical policy statement enacted through some mechanical, ritualised processes. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • Justice demands that no one should do more ruling than being ruled, but that all should have their turn.
  • Though women have a crucial role in energy access, production, and consumption, they face barriers that limit their participation and impact in the energy sector.
  • Initiatives such as the Women at the Forefront programme and the Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge (ENTICE) provide a forum for individuals, especially women, to embark on entrepreneurial ventures and drive collective action for sustainable energy practices.
  • Women play a crucial role in energy access, production, and consumption. Yet, they often face significant barriers that limit their participation and impact in the energy sector.
  • The economy continues to engage a majority in low quality work, which has larger macroeconomic growth repercussions.
  • In this golden period of reaping labour productivity, the economy continues to utilise its labour capital in a suboptimal fashion by engaging a majority in low quality work.
  • Low-cost eateries run by the government should be seen as an investment in public health and not as a loss-incurring liability.
  • By empowering youth to exercise democratic rights, we can ensure a more inclusive, representative, and responsive political system.
  • In uncovering the secrets of the snow leopards, we can take a step closer towards understanding a green-eyed silent cat standing in a remote Himalayan area.
  • The longstanding problem of gender inequality in India pervades most economic and social outcomes, including health.
  • Migration powers economic growth and connects diverse societies. Yet it is also a source of human tragedies.
  • The time had come to ‘enlighten and educate our police machinery’ about the concept of freedom of speech and expression and the extent to which reasonable restraints on this freedom exist.
  • The US wants competition with China, not conflict, while exuding confidence that America is firmly placed to win the 21st-century race against the Dragon. India is a vital player in the US scheme of things.
  • The US efforts to bolster multilateral cooperation are bearing fruit, going by the growing clout of the Quad alliance in the face of China’s expansionist moves.
  • In India, the GDP data is published every quarter, but there has been a huge lag when it comes to the data on how much households are spending on goods and services.
  • There are concerns regarding judicial accountability, which makes a strong case for the disclosure of assets by judges in the higher judiciary.
  • With the spotlight on the Isopropyl Alcohol industry, pivotal for pharmaceutical production, India faces mounting challenges from China in the global market.
  • The semiconductor industry is a key sector of modern industry and is technology- and capital-heavy.
  • The true empowerment of women in India hinges on bridging the gap between academic achievement and professional engagement in STEM fields ensuring women’s active and sustained participation in these sectors.
  • The transfers of revenue from the union to the state governments for effective performance through an independent body serve the objectives of equity and efficiency relatively better than those of a political body.
  • The finance commission in India is treated as an independent, impartial, competent and semi-judicial body that has dealt with revenue transfer tasks from the union to state governments over more than seven decades.

ESSAY TOPIC

  • Gender equality is not just a matter of social justice; it is also a prerequisite for sustainable development.

50-WORD TALK

  • Supreme Court has rightly used strong words to quash the ‘waging war’ case against the Maharashtra professor who merely updated his WhatsApp status criticising abrogation of Article 370. It has called for educating the police about free speech and democracy. This is key to preventing citizen harassment by the authorities.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (08/03/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Every citizen has right to criticise decision of state: SC relief for professor who put status against Article 370 abrogation READ MORE

2. Deforestation driving malaria risk among vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa, finds study READ MORE

3. James Webb Telescope spots oldest ‘dead galaxy’ that stopped forming stars 13 billion years ago: Study READ MORE

4. El Niño and the summer, monsoon: What is in store this year READ MORE

5. Linking Aadhaar with voter ID: Why EC wants changes in electoral forms READ MORE

6. What is Haiper, the text-to-video model created by Google DeepMind, TikTok alumni? READ MORE

7. Centre extends Ujjwala subsidy by another year READ MORE

8. Centre to rope in ISRO to provide Internet in 80 remote tribal villages READ MORE

9. RBI, Bank Indonesia sign MoU for use of local currencies for bilateral transactions READ MORE

10. For India’s homeless women, TB care is shaped by gender norms and economic precarity READ MORE

11. Contempt plea in SC against SBI’s prayer for time extension to disclose electoral bond details READ MORE

12. Supreme Court asks whether Maharashtra Speaker contradicted verdict READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Preserving the feminine essence of India READ MORE

2. How to bridge the gender gap in South Asia READ MORE

3. How inclusive pedagogies can end gender oppression READ MORE

4. Himalayan challenge~I READ MORE

5. Himalayan Challenge~II READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Can a justice system without women bring justice to women? READ MORE

2. Electoral democracy faces headwinds READ MORE

3. Need to invest in women READ MORE

4. Cooling-off period needed before judges join politics READ MORE

5. When Process Becomes Punishment READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Bridging the gender gap in health research READ MORE

2. The shadow education challenge READ MORE

3. Welfare politics targets women READ MORE

4. Women and health in India READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Troubled waters: On the tensions between China and the Philippines READ MORE

2. Muizzu’s folly: Antagonising India to appease China READ MORE

3. Why India’s relations with its neighbours do not fit inside the definition of a ‘bully’ READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. The determinant in more women in the job market READ MORE  

2. Boost presence in workforce READ MORE

3. Harnessing nutritional resilience for food security and gender equality READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. RBI and the net-zero transition — A roadmap for green India READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. A bold step towards a cervical cancer-free future READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Defence Budget 2024 and India’s deep tech leap READ MORE  

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Mitigating risks in infrastructure development READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Meeting aspirations of a young, dynamic India READ MORE

CASE STUDY

1. Bengaluru’s Water Crisis — Who’s Suffering and What’s the Solution? READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Progress in gender equality has been made, but disparities persist, requiring more government spending on healthcare and gender-responsive policies. Comment.

2. Without a paradigm shift in the pedagogies, NEP’s education strategy would remain a mere rhetorical policy statement enacted through some mechanical, ritualised processes. Comment.

3. In case of defections in local governments, the scope for the court’s intervention is limited since the anti-defection law under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution does not apply to panchayats and municipalities. Comment.

4. With the creeping centralisation of the Indian state, the principles underlying federalism and democracy should be extended to the elected forums of UTs and local governments to avoid defections. Comment on the statement in the light of recent developments.

5. MSP reduces the vulnerability of farmers to market fluctuations, ensuring a minimum income for their produce. Critically examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • Justice demands that no one should do more ruling than being ruled, but that all should have their turn.
  • India raising the participation rate of well-educated women in the labour market could also lead to a huge army of exploited domestic workers.
  • With economic growth and increasing education, the strength of patriarchy has perhaps declined in some ways. However, the overall culture of male dominance over women has not changed much in our traditional society.
  • Public-private partnerships are instrumental in ensuring equitable access to vaccination services, thereby advancing the collective goal of safeguarding women’s health against cervical cancer.
  • The coaching class ecosystem exacerbates educational inequalities and raises student anxiety.
  • The National Education Policy 2020, shifts the focus towards continuous and comprehensive evaluation of students to promote learning, moving away from the traditional final assessments that often lead to a reliance on coaching institutes.
  • Progress in gender equality has been made, but disparities persist, requiring more government spending on healthcare and gender-responsive policies.
  • The SC’s order on the shutdown of the Sterlite-Vedanta smelter is a timely reiteration that the health of the environment can’t be compromised for profits.
  • The longstanding problem of gender inequality in India pervades most economic and social outcomes, including health.
  • Although women constitute almost half of India’s population, they lag behind men on many social indicators, such as health, education and economic opportunities.
  • India is on the cusp of major economic development. But unless women are encouraged to walk alongside men, lofty economic goals may remain a mere pipedream.
  • It’s crucial to recognise the pivotal role women’s participation plays in driving inclusive and sustainable development in India.
  • India has spearheaded a normative shift in the narrative on gender equality and empowerment, with a focus on women-led development, and not just simply women’s development.
  • Calcutta HC judge’s rapid resignation to join politics prompts debate on judiciary’s independence and proximity to political parties, highlighting the need for mechanisms to ensure judicial integrity.
  • The guarantee of fundamental rights, which are the citizen’s shield against the state, is at the mercy of the high courts and the Supreme Court; people rush to these courts to save themselves from an omnipotent state.
  • Destructive of the aspirations and deliberative ideals of the Constitution and creates a polity which deprives citizens of a responsible, responsive, and representative democracy.
  • India is carefully and pragmatically playing its cards and asserting its position in South Asia as well as the world, and providing aid and assistance to weaker neighbouring countries.
  • Gender empowerment and food security are deeply interconnected, with profound implications for achieving sustainable development goals

ESSAY TOPIC

  • Passivity is fatal to a soldier.

50-WORD TALK

  • Supreme Court has rightly used strong words to quash the ‘waging war’ case against the Maharashtra professor who merely updated his WhatsApp status criticising abrogation of Article 370. It has called for educating the police about free speech and democracy. This is key to preventing citizen harassment by the authorities.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (07/03/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Villagers oppose declaring ‘orans’ as deemed forests, fearing loss of access and livelihood READ MORE

2. Why ASML’s new chip-making machine is a scientific marvel | Explained READ MORE

3. OPEC expects share of Indian oil imports to rise again READ MORE

4. President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu to confer Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for the Years 2022 and 2023 to 94 Eminent Artists Tomorrow READ MORE

5. PM Modi flags off India’s first underwater Metro in Kolkata READ MORE

6. Huge Rally in Ladakh to Demand Statehood and Inclusion in Sixth Schedule READ MORE

7. Man-wildlife conflicts now a state-specific disaster in Kerala READ MORE

8. India to restart Penicillin G manufacture: why was it stopped, what changed now READ MORE

9. Bharat Biotech’s vaccine, Covaxin not as effective as Serum Institutes of India’s Covishield READ MORE

10. WHO highlights growing HIV drug resistance to dolutegravir, urges global action READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Remembering the forgotten women of science in India READ MORE

2. The consequences of workplace stress READ MORE

3. Deficit snowfall poses growing risk of glacial lake outburst in Himalayas, warn glaciologists READ MORE

4. 2023-24 El Nino among five strongest on record, will continue fuelling heat in 2024: WMO READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Explained: Ladakh, Article 371, and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution READ MORE

2. Supreme Court’s ruling on immunity for legislators facing bribery charges | Explained READ MORE

3. Safeguarding Local Democracy READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. How malnutrition and obesity are linked in India READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. No major gains for India at WTO conference READ MORE

2. The limits of India-US strategic partnership READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. WTO is hanging on to life, but just barely READ MORE

2. Crop damage: Expedite loss assessment, relief payment READ MORE

3. Microinsurance boosts financial inclusion READ MORE

4. Clarify the MSP legal guarantee confusion READ MORE

5. Expanding grain storage capacity is essential READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Modernisation threatens livelihoods in the Himalayas READ MORE

2. Mountains of plastic are choking the Himalayan States READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. AI regulation needs a balanced pathway READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Lapses by intelligence agencies to blame for Maoist attacks READ MORE  

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Mitigating risks in infrastructure development READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Night that shows us the path to light READ MORE

2. Philanthropic collaboratives: A new paradigm for social impact READ MORE

3. Politically incorrect READ MORE

4. The tortuous path to justice READ MORE

5. A decision that lowers the prestige of the judiciary READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. In case of defections in local governments, the scope for the court’s intervention is limited since the anti-defection law under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution does not apply to panchayats and municipalities. Comment.

2. With the creeping centralisation of the Indian state, the principles underlying federalism and democracy should be extended to the elected forums of UTs and local governments to avoid defections. Comment on the statement in the light of recent developments.

3. MSP reduces the vulnerability of farmers to market fluctuations, ensuring a minimum income for their produce. Critically examine.

4. Replacing the decades-old and inefficient MSP policy with a legislatively guaranteed MSP offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by the agricultural sector. Do you agree with this view? Critically examine your views.

5. The Supreme Court related to the stripped of immunity judgement is a significant step towards curbing the rampant role of money power in horse-trading and other legislative malpractices. Critically Analyse.

6. In a welfare state, the government should act as an ideal employer and pay decent pensions to its employees, setting a good example for the private sector. Analyse whether the govt should revive OPS?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • The potential for such misuse is neither enhanced nor diminished by recognising the court’s jurisdiction to prosecute a member for bribery.
  • Double burden of obesity and diabetes can only be tackled by investing in health of adolescent girls and young women.
  • The party-political nature of local governments is now a reality that cannot be ignored. Hence, there is a need to adopt clear statutory measures that can curb defections at the local level.
  • With depleting trust in internal election processes, it is important for municipal laws to institute stronger systems that ensure a free and fair process for indirect elections.
  • In case of defections in local governments, the scope for the court’s intervention is limited since the anti-defection law under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution does not apply to panchayats and municipalities.
  • With the creeping centralisation of the Indian state, it is important to apply the principles underlying federalism and democracy to the elected forums of UTs and local governments as well.
  • In UTs without legislative Assemblies, it is important to safeguard local governments as they are the only democratically accountable institutions in their jurisdiction.
  • Instead of patchwork regulation or inconsistent policy advisories on AI, we need an all-inclusive public discourse on policy approach as well as regulation.
  • In the race between technology and regulation, more often it is the regulation which is in the ‘catch-up’ mode.
  • The currently popular general-purpose and generative AI systems like ChatGPT will have to comply with transparency requirements and ensure designs that don’t generate illegal content and publish summaries of copyrighted data.
  • It not only protects vulnerable populations from financial risks but also contributes to the overall socio-economic development of the country.
  • The Migrants Resilience Collaborative (MRC) a grassroots-led multi-stakeholder initiative formed at the height of the pandemic to provide relief to migrant workers, it now focuses on building resilience by fixing broken social protection delivery systems across India for these communities.
  • India will need to undertake stronger efforts to build a coalition of developing economies to deal with the aggressive posturing of the Global North.
  • MSP reduces the vulnerability of farmers to market fluctuations, ensuring a minimum income for their produce.
  • Replacing the decades-old and inefficient MSP policy with a legislatively guaranteed MSP offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
  • Farmers can navigate uncertainties more confidently, knowing that the government is legally bound to intervene when market prices fall below the MSP. A guaranteed MSP leads to increased rural income.

ESSAY TOPIC

  • Passivity is fatal to a soldier.

50-WORD TALK

  • SBI’s seeking till June 30 to disclose details of electoral bonds will undo the crucial element of SC’s push for transparency in electoral funding. Elections will be long over. As SC said, information on political donations is essential for voting decisions. SBI must ensure disclosures are made well before elections.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (06/03/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. North America’s Great Lakes, Earth’s largest freshwater store, record ‘historically low’ ice levels READ MORE

2. Frog with a mushroom sprouting from skin discovered in Western Ghats, researchers

3. Arctic could go without ice for first time by 2030 under all emission scenarios: Study READ MORE

4. AI has a big and growing carbon footprint, but algorithms can help READ MORE

5. As Indian troops pull out, Maldives signs defence pact with China READ MORE

6. Meet MethaneSAT, a satellite which will ‘name and shame’ methane emitters READ MORE

7. What is India’s disability law; how accessible are govt buildings to PwD? READ MORE

8. Erythraean Sea: Why Rubymar’s sinking in the southern Red could be an environmental catastrophe READ MORE

9. Excess snowfall, avalanche in Himachal block Chenab river flow READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Green jobs and the problem of gender disparity READ MORE

2. Rising against odds: The resilience of women entrepreneurs READ MORE

3. Exploring linguistic identities amid pluralism READ MORE

4. Tackling mental health crises in medical students READ MORE

5. At peak value of 2°C above average sea surface temperature, 2023-24 El Nino among strongest on record READ MORE

6. Most of Greater Horn of Africa to see excess rain till May thanks to El Nino, climate change READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Law and disorder: On Manipur, its ethnic polarisation and its law and order READ MORE

2. Deprivileging bribe: On overruling the majority verdict in P.V. Narasimha Rao vs State READ MORE

3. No privilege to be corrupt READ MORE

4. A wrong ruling overturned READ MORE

5. Reinvigorating deliberative democracy in India READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. What ASER 2023 reveals about the gender gap in confidence READ MORE

2. An insidious threat to India’s nutrition security READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. With Shehbaz Sharif at its head, a vulnerable new government forms in Pakistan READ MORE

2. The limits of India-US strategic partnership READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. The dynamics of household consumption READ MORE  

2. Rocky road ahead at WTO READ MORE

3. Reimagine MSP regime to secure farm future READ MORE

4. GDP growth robust, but sluggish consumption is worrisome READ MORE

5. WTO deadlock over agricultural subsidies READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Modernisation threatens livelihoods in the Himalayas READ MORE

2. Mountains of plastic are choking the Himalayan States READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. A vaccine that prevents six cancers READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. India and Israel’s counterterror experiences and the idea of ‘defeating’ terror groups READ MORE  

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Mitigating risks in infrastructure development READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Probity in public life READ MORE

2. Two kinds of renunciation READ MORE

3. Bulldozer tyranny, in the name of law READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Although gender gaps in school enrolment have fallen over the years, girls still lag behind in terms of access to and use of digital technologies. Comment on the statement in the light of recent ASER Survey report.

2. Gram Sabhas, notwithstanding many challenges, have brought a semblance of deliberative democracy in India. Critically examine.

3. The WTO Ministerial Conference has failed to make progress and continues to struggle to foster free and fair trade on key issues. Examine in the light of recent meeting outcomes.

4. The Supreme Court related to the stripped of immunity judgement is a significant step towards curbing the rampant role of money power in horse-trading and other legislative malpractices. Critically Analyse.

5. In a welfare state, the government should act as an ideal employer and pay decent pensions to its employees, setting a good example for the private sector. Analyse whether the govt should revive OPS?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • The potential for such misuse is neither enhanced nor diminished by recognising the court’s jurisdiction to prosecute a member for bribery.
  • Increasing women’s representation in green jobs will lead to benefits such as boosting a low-carbon and environmentally sustainable economy.
  • As India embraces a green transition, empowering women and advancing gender equity in climate actions will be one of the keys to unlock the co-benefits of a low-carbon and environmentally sustainable economy.
  • Increasing women’s representation in green jobs can address the gender biases in the Indian labour market and improve women’s labour force participation rates.
  • There is need to build evidence on the present and future impact of low-carbon transitions on women workers and entrepreneurs while considering the hidden and invisible roles played by women across different sectors and geographies.
  • Gender-focused financial policies and products catering to the requirements of women entrepreneurs can spur their ability to enter the green transition market.
  • Bringing in more women into leadership positions to incorporate gender-specific needs in low-carbon development strategies can promote women’s integration in green jobs.
  • A gender-just transition demands a multi-pronged strategy that focuses on employment, social protection, reduces the burden of care work, and enables skill development.
  • The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2022-23 is a testament to India’s commitment to a resilient statistical system embracing both tradition and innovation.
  • Policy flexibility is crucial to prevent market prices from dipping below MSP due to cheaper imports.
  • With increasing urbanisation pressure, there was a need to step up investment in green transport solutions.
  • Although gender gaps in school enrolment have fallen over the years, girls still lag behind in terms of access to and use of digital technologies.
  • The US-India relationship is set to be one of the most defining ones of the 21st century.
  • India is the only country which has a scale matching China’s and can emerge as its peer rival. But it has always been clear that India is unlikely to participate in possible hostilities which might erupt between the US and China.
  • With crores in damages and a tragic loss of lives, there is an urgent need for sustainable infrastructure strategies.
  • The recent infrastructure incidents and challenges faced should serve as a compelling call to action, prompting the nation to revisit its construction practices.
  • At the WTO Ministerial Conference, India stood firm on its stance on public stock-holding programme, drawing strong opposition from the developed countries.
  • Development is simultaneously robbing the rural population of their livelihoods, demanding timely interventions and policies that allow both development and local employment in the villages.
  • Gram Sabhas, notwithstanding many challenges, have brought a semblance of deliberative democracy in India.

ESSAY TOPIC

  • Passivity is fatal to a soldier.

50-WORD TALK

  • An important opportunity to reform medical education has now been deferred by two years by the health ministry for being ‘unrealistic’. The National Medical Commission had introduced stricter norms for colleges, courses and MBBS seats last year. It’s a pity because the new measures would have improved standards and quality.
  • Calcutta HC Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay’s decision to join BJP right after stepping down from office revives the debate on having a cooling-off period for judges. A political role this soon after resignation affects the judiciary’s credibility, undermines public confidence. It’s important that the judiciary be seen as a non-partisan institution.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (05/03/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. 375 Indian Bison inhabiting Papikonda National Park, nearby forests READ MORE

2. NBBL asked to start interoperable system for net banking in 2024 READ MORE

3. PM Modi witnesses commencement of core loading at India’s first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam READ MORE

4. What is India’s disability law; how accessible are govt buildings to PwD? READ MORE

5. What is the Punjab-Himachal dispute over the Shanan hydropower project READ MORE

6. Warming up to climate change: What is carbon capture and can it help save the planet? READ MORE

7. National leopard survey shows count up, but fewer animals outside tiger reserves: What this means READ MORE

8. Why Odisha wants to introduce Similipal’s black tigers to female big cats from central India READ MORE

9. India records 1,036 species for backyard bird count — third highest globally READ MORE

10. India’s first National Dolphin Research Centre finally a reality READ MORE

11. Poor regulation of aquaculture endangers human health READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Addressing Tripura’s indigeneity concerns READ MORE

2. Exploring linguistic identities amid pluralism READ MORE

3. Tackling mental health crises in medical students READ MORE

4. Uttrakhand’s Uniform Civil Code Is a Mere Extension of Highly Controlled Lives Indian Women Lead READ MORE

5. Most of Greater Horn of Africa to see excess rain till May thanks to El Nino, climate change READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Stripped of immunity: SC shows zero tolerance for corrupt lawmakers READ MORE

2. A welcome amendment READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. All is not well: Unintended consequences of maternity leave policy in India READ MORE

2. India’s pink economy READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Why Shehbaz Sharif as PM does not signal a new beginning in India-Pakistan ties READ MORE

2. Finding a better way to shape our future READ MORE

3. UN’s new improved human rights vision READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Is India finally entering stage II of its nuclear programme? | Explained READ MORE  

2. Consumption survey decoded READ MORE

3. Financial planning comes of age in India READ MORE

4. Tepid trade-offs: On the WTO 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi READ MORE

5. Is this the beginning of the end of WTO? READ MORE

6. Old pension and new challenges READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. UNEA-6 delegates want more action on plastics, Paris Agreement READ MORE

2. Mountains of plastic are choking the Himalayan States READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. A vaccine that prevents six cancers READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. What is grey zone warfare, mentioned by India’s Chief of Defence Staff recently? READ MORE  

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Dilemmas in disaster management: SAARC under scrutiny READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. What’s in a surname?: On a woman’s right to choose her own identity READ MORE

2. UN’s new improved human rights vision READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The WTO Ministerial Conference has failed to make progress and continues to struggle to foster free and fair trade on key issues. Examine in the light of recent meeting outcomes.

2. The Supreme Court related to the stripped of immunity judgement is a significant step towards curbing the rampant role of money power in horse-trading and other legislative malpractices. Critically Analyse.

3. To address the crisis of mental health among medical students, concerted efforts are needed at both institutional and systemic levels. Comment in the light of mental health challenges faced by students.

4. In a welfare state, the government should act as an ideal employer and pay decent pensions to its employees, setting a good example for the private sector. Analyse whether the govt should revive OPS?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • Without continual growth & progress, such words as improvement, achievement & success have no meaning.
  • HPV vaccination and screening for precancerous lesions are two major strategies for prevention and early detection of cervical and other cancers.
  • The WTO itself must do much more to stay relevant in an increasingly polarised world.
  • The World Trade Organization continues to struggle to foster free and fair trade.
  • The greatest human rights challenge in the world right now is achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls.
  • A society that is already battling caste-based hierarchies should not add to the discrimination by giving an upper hand to anyone in a relationship, but work towards safer spaces without gender bias, difference and humiliation.
  • Bilateral engagement is a high-cost and low-reward exercise. The costs are higher in Pakistan, where the new government is weak and hobbled by multiple domestic challenges.
  • The latest consumption survey is not comparable with earlier ones. But preliminary results point to significant inequality.
  • WTO Ministerial Conference fails to make progress on key issues like fisheries subsidies, reflecting serious divisions among 166 member countries.
  • Identity politics revolving around questions of ethnicity, language and faith has been central to the Northeast.
  • The latest judgement is a significant step towards curbing the rampant role of money power in horse-trading and other legislative malpractices.
  • The SC annulled the electoral bond scheme, saying that it violated the constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression as well as the right to information.
  • While economists debate how much GDP is required to create adequate employment, we are losing the ground that supports our economic growth and our lives.
  • Social, environmental, economic and political systems must work together to improve the wellbeing of the whole.
  • The world is going deeper into darkness by pursuing data sciences rather than the science of dialogue. And, in a mad competition for more for ourselves, we are destroying our common ground and ourselves.
  • Certified financial planning is ideal for individuals seeking professional management of their portfolios. It is a great career option, too.
  • The emergence of financial planning as a career option holds immense promise, both for the aspiring professionals and the nation at large.
  • With the demand for financial expertise on the rise and the potential to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, financial planning presents a win-win scenario for both the country and its youth.
  • The essence of upholding human rights lies in fostering collective cooperation among diverse social entities.
  • Despite the existential threats posed by environmental degradation, governments often prioritise short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability.
  • In a welfare state, the government should act as an ideal employer and pay decent pensions to its employees, setting a good example for the private sector.

ESSAY TOPIC

  • Passivity is fatal to a soldier.

50-WORD TALK

  • In a welfare state, the government should act as an ideal employer and pay decent pensions to its employees, setting a good example for the private sector. The goal should be to revert to the OPS in government and to work towards a similar scheme in the private sector, but it should not be to reduce the existing benefit anywhere.
  • Gangrape of Brazilian biker-tourist in Jharkhand tells us what we already know but are largely apathetic about. We do a poor job of keeping public spaces free of molesters, rapists. Even after Nirbhaya, outrage over rapes is episodic, not sustained. Women’s safety isn’t just a ‘women problem’, it is India’s.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (04/03/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Amit Shah launches umbrella body for urban co-op banks READ MORE

2. Govt notifies Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023 and its rules READ MORE

3. Mating calls of endangered hangul in Kashmir indicate record uptick in population READ MORE

4. Several OPEC+ nations extend oil cuts to boost prices READ MORE

5. Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi, Banglar muslin get GI tag READ MORE

6. PM to witness initiation of core loading of fast breeder reactor READ MORE

7. NDSA expert panel to examine Kaleshwaram project on March 6: Telangana Irrigation Minister READ MORE

8. Why Thailand’s now-replaced WTO Ambassador questioned India’s agriculture subsidies, what India argued READ MORE

9. Bribes for votes: SC says MLAs and MPs not immune from prosecution. What was the case? READ MORE

10.  What the 2022 Status of Leopards in India report suggests about the big cat’s population estimates READ MORE

11.  COM 2024: Climate financing hurdles take centrestage at African economic ministers’ conference READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. ‘Gender gap’ between tall talk and action READ MORE

2. Uttrakhand’s Uniform Civil Code Is a Mere Extension of Highly Controlled Lives Indian Women Lead READ MORE

3. Most of Greater Horn of Africa to see excess rain till May thanks to El Nino, climate change READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Dire need to stem the rot plaguing democracy READ MORE

2. Bonds, not black money, gone: All eyes now on EC READ MORE

3. Why Simultaneous Polls May Reduce India to ‘World’s Largest Democracy’ Only in Name READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. All is not well: Unintended consequences of maternity leave policy in India READ MORE

2. India’s pink economy READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Can’t let war become work for Indian youth READ MORE   

2. Need to reflect on WTO’s mandate READ MORE

3. The Greek presence at Raisina Dialogue READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. A women’s urban employment guarantee act READ MORE

2. Facts and statistics: On the national income data released by the National Statistical Office READ MORE

3. What it would mean to give farmers a fair deal READ MORE

4. It’s time to shut WTO down READ MORE

5. GDP growth numbers show robust optimism READ MORE

6. India’s widening economic disparity, food security READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. UNEA-6 delegates want more action on plastics, Paris Agreement READ MORE

2. Mountains of plastic are choking the Himalayan States READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. AI developers must keep an eye out for bias READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. What is grey zone warfare, mentioned by India’s Chief of Defence Staff recently? READ MORE  

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Dilemmas in disaster management: SAARC under scrutiny READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. The complexity of communication READ MORE

2 Business of busy-ness and the absent self READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Supreme Court’s striking down of electoral bonds underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to combat corruption. Comment.

2. Discuss the importance of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Smart Cities Scheme to address the issue of scientific waste management and make cities in the Indian Himalayan Region free of plastic.

3. The WTO has become like the UN, and it is important as a forum but of marginal usefulness in real situations. Comment in the light of recent developments.

4. WTO has always been a bargaining table for the Global North and South to balance their interests without jeopardising rules-based global trade but in recent times, it is increasingly failing to make the global trade regime equitable and rules-based. Comment.

5. Maternity leave policies have the potential to reduce the motherhood penalty faced by women in the labour market but past experience shows that correct policy design is critical to ensure that such women-centric policies benefit the targeted group. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • It is true that we have won all our wars, but we have paid for them.
  • Empowering local bodies and creating the necessary infrastructure for waste management in the Indian Himalayan Region need immediate attention.
  • Unscientific plastic disposal is causing soil and water pollution in the Indian Himalayan Region and impacting its biodiversity, which is having an adverse impact on the fresh water sources that communities downstream depend on.
  • The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Smart Cities Scheme under which many cities in the Indian Himalayan Region are selected, could also work in convergence on the issue of scientific waste management and making cities in the Indian Himalayan Region free of plastic.
  • To address overall urban unemployment, some States have an urban employment programme. While these are not restricted to women, early evidence suggests a higher participation rate for women.
  • Social audits would require an array of skill sets and this could be an important avenue for women who have completed Class 12 to join part time or full time and improve their job readiness.
  • Legalising MSP would mean eliminating the urban consumer bias that always wants lower and lower prices, often at the cost of farmers.
  • The discovery of the sense of self which is not in the past tense, or the future tense, but in the present, tense perfect.
  • Free trade agreements are proliferating because they are beneficial and allow participants to hide behind the thick curtain of sovereignty.
  • The WTO has become like the UN and it is important as a forum but of marginal usefulness in real situations.
  • WTO has always been a bargaining table for the Global North and South to balance their interests without jeopardising rules-based global trade but in recent times, it is failing to make the global trade regime equitable and rules-based.
  • Maternity leave policies have the potential to reduce the motherhood penalty faced by women in the labour market but past experience shows that correct policy design is critical to ensure that such women-centric policies benefit the targeted group.
  • Menstrual rights encompass not only access to hygiene products but also the eradication of discriminatory practices surrounding this natural biological phenomenon.
  • Changing cultural norms and ensuring menstrual rights are essential for a society free from shame and secrecy.
  • India and Greece must build a Strategic Partnership by upgrading their bilateral ties further and forging cooperation in dimensions of economic, defence, maritime, shipping and cultural fields as they have a common interest in international and regional developments.
  • Limited access to quality healthcare and education, often linked to economic disadvantage, can further exacerbate the existing inequalities, and perpetuate the cycle of poverty.
  • Supreme Court’s striking down of electoral bonds underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to combat corruption.
  • Letting loose the criminal justice system to defend the rights of animals has already victimised the most vulnerable in our society.
  • The primary intention behind pushing simultaneous polls is to weaken multi-party democracy under which different parties govern in states and replace it with a one-party system with absolute power.

ESSAY TOPIC

  • Passivity is fatal to a soldier.

50-WORD TALK

  • Air pollution, women’s safety aren’t hot-button political issues. But brand India is taking a hard knock. ThePrint now reports a sharp drop in foreign tourists. Diplomats, expats list these as red flags on their ease-of-living index. Vishvaguru talk will sound hollow if informal whisper networks continue to rate India poorly.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (02/03/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. India to set up International Big Cat Alliance READ MORE

2. Don’t make appeal on basis of caste, religion, EC tells parties READ MORE

3. ‘States Have Few Areas Of Taxation, We Must Not Dilute Those’ : Supreme Court Expresses Concerns About Diluting States’ Tax Powers On Minerals READ MORE

4. Decoding the script: On the Genome India Project and its sequencing 10,000 Indian genomes READ MORE

5. Why have GDP and GVA growth rates diverged in Q3? READ MORE

6. Why the Supreme Court overturned its 2018 decision, which set a time limit on courts’ stay orders READ MORE

7. 44 million women, 26 million men in India were obese in 2022: The Lancet READ MORE

8. Climate change threatens African great apes habitats, may witness frequent extreme climate events in future READ MORE

9. UNEA-6 to consider 12 draft resolutions on its final day READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. ‘Gender gap’ between tall talk and action READ MORE

2. Uttrakhand’s Uniform Civil Code Is a Mere Extension of Highly Controlled Lives Indian Women Lead READ MORE

3. Most of Greater Horn of Africa to see excess rain till May thanks to El Nino, climate change READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Cross voting, whips and voter paradoxes READ MORE

2. Do you ‘elect’ or ‘select’? READ MORE

3. Proportionality under review: Analysing Justice Neela Gokhale’s perspective on IT Amendment Rules READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. India’s pink economy READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Change and continuity in India’s Palestine policy READ MORE   

2. India needs to get its strategy right amid global churn READ MORE

3. Indian diplomacy: Leveraging soft power READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. India’s growth surprise READ MORE

2. Making sense of GDP numbers READ MORE

3. Economic surge: Manufacturing sector leading the way READ MORE

4. Push for renewable energy welcome, but focus on adaptation READ MORE

5. MSP methodology and farmer demands READ MORE

6. Karnataka farm distress requires urgent relief READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. A spot of good news READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Chipping in for chips: Semiconductor industry set for big investments READ MORE

2. DC Edit | Indian astronauts set for space adventure DC Comment READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Not a foolproof solution READ MORE  

2. Necessary for security READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Dilemmas in disaster management: SAARC under scrutiny READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Creator vs. created: Ethics in AI course applies faith to rising concerns of new tech tool READ MORE

2. Building bridges with empathy READ MORE

3. Hands: Crafting connections, shaping destinies READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Restoration of order and stability in West Asia and a permanent fix to the Palestine question should be the guiding core of India’s Act West policy. Comment.

2. In India the anti-defection law has embedded this undemocratic practice in the Constitution. Critically comment.

3. India is an aspirant to a place at the high table of international power politics and for that, a reputation for strategic dependability is a sine qua non. Comment.

4. Through proactive engagement and strategic partnerships, India continues to strengthen its position as a key player in international affairs, contributing to regional stability and global cooperation. Comment in the light of recent developments.

5. The changing nature of India’s foreign policy outlook over the last decade has gone through remarkable changes in India’s bilateral relationships with its Quad partners. Critically Discuss.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • There is no such thing as a vote that does not matter.
  • India’s historical policy towards Palestine has been evolving, but a permanent fix to the Palestine question should not be lost sight of.
  • An immediate end to the war, restoration of order and stability in West Asia and a permanent fix to the Palestine question are as much in India’s interests as anybody else’s in West Asia.
  • A broad-based revival of private investments is critical to sustain high growth rates over the medium run as the government tempers its fast and furious investments to enable fiscal consolidation.
  • In India the anti-defection law has embedded this undemocratic practice in the Constitution.
  • The uptick will boost sentiment in the economy. But a rejuvenation of private consumption and investment is necessary to sustain economic momentum.
  • While India has a rich pool of talent in chip designing, it needs to work towards incentivising and retaining the best brains, for they can play a decisive role in making India a semiconductor hub.
  • The big push to semiconductor plants holds the key to unlocking a multitude of opportunities.
  • India is an aspirant to a place at the high table of international power politics. For that, a reputation for strategic dependability is a sine qua non.
  • In international affairs a reputation for reliability is a more important asset than demonstration of tactical cleverness.
  • Being the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world, India has faced mounting pressure to step up initiatives in the global fight to shift to clean energy.
  • While mitigation efforts have been clearly spelt out with the introduction of green growth initiatives such as green mobility, energy efficiency and the green hydrogen mission but developing adaptation solutions and framing a prompt response to current and future climate change impacts is critical and needs to be prioritised.
  • As India looks to fulfil its ambitious targets in pursuit of a just and equitable society, it is crucial that it follows a holistic approach for the benefit of its citizens.
  • In the realm of diplomacy, every gesture and every interaction holds the power to shape bilateral relations and forge alliances.
  • Through proactive engagement and strategic partnerships, India continues to strengthen its position as a key player in international affairs, contributing to regional stability and global cooperation.
  • Law enforcement agencies must rigorously enforce wildlife protection laws to combat poaching, illegal wildlife trade and habitat destruction.
  • Collaborating with international organisations and neighbouring countries to address transboundary conservation issues will also help.
  • Though absolute democracy sounds hypothetical, it is in this form only that the interests of the majority get prioritised while the needs and rights of the marginal and the minorities suffer.
  • Social media platforms have the potential to exacerbate societal discord and undermine public trust in information sources by enabling the widespread transmission and dissemination of false information.
  • Upholding the position of not defining what constitutes ‘fake news’ will leave the ground for ample misuse and create an imperative imbalance between people’s free speech rights and legitimate State interests.
  • Unlocking the economic potential of the LGBTQ+ community will enhance India’s economic progress by tapping into diverse talents, driving innovation, and fostering sustainable economic growth

ESSAY TOPIC

  • Passivity is fatal to a soldier.

50-WORD TALK

  • Mumbai’s Gokhale bridge-Barfiwala flyover gaffe, followed by the BMC and Western Railway pointing fingers at each other is a classic case of everything wrong with the city’s planning. There are multiple agencies involved and the left hand doesn’t know what the right is doing. The city deserves better than piecemeal development.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (01/03/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Leopard numbers show 8% rise from 2018 to 2022 READ MORE

2. New waste management technology could improve life in rural India, claims study READ MORE

3. Critically endangered yellow-breasted bunting sighted for first time in Gujarat’s Nal Sarovar READ MORE

4. Cabinet approves royalty rates for 12 critical minerals READ MORE

5. Parliament doesn’t have power to impose tax on mineral rights, states do: SC READ MORE

6. Himachal Pradesh News: Six rebel Congress MLAs disqualified by Speaker to move SC READ MORE

7. Fiscal deficit at 64% by January; Capex slid last month READ MORE

8. India launches second part of critical minerals auction worth $362 billion READ MORE

9. Obesity rates going up across the world: Lancet study READ MORE

10. No Automatic Vacation Of Stay Orders Of HCs On Civil & Criminal Trials : Supreme Court Overturns ‘Asian Resurfacing’ Judgment READ MORE

11. ZSI names a newly discovered head-shield sea slug after President Droupadi Murmu READ MORE

12. Explained: The Genome India project, aimed at creating a genetic map of the country READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Mapping land ownership as part of the caste census could uncover key patterns about power, resources READ MORE

2. ‘Catastrophic’ Private Costs, Poverty, Malnutrition: What Keeps India From Achieving its TB Goals READ MORE

3. Most of Greater Horn of Africa to see excess rain till May thanks to El Nino, climate change READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. On cross-voting in Rajya Sabha elections | Explained READ MORE

2. E-evidence, new criminal law, its implementation READ MORE

3. Safety standards dangerously fail consumers READ MORE

4. Yes Milord, the process is often punishment READ MORE

5. Cooperation, not coercion READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. India’s fight against rare diseases READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Pakistan’s new government has internal turmoil, India must wait and watch READ MORE  

2. India-ASEAN FTA Rules of Origin reforms: Abating outside influx and consolidating supply chains READ MORE

3. France and India: Partners for a green future READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Should Minimum Support Price be legalised? READ MORE

2. Three things follow from GOI’s latest GDP figures READ MORE

3. The rise of the affluent is the real India growth story READ MORE

4. New India: Roti, kapda, makaan, vigyan and aatmasamman READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Protests stress need for climate-smart agriculture READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Empowering grassroots innovation for progress READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Not a foolproof solution READ MORE  

2. Necessary for security READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Dilemmas in disaster management: SAARC under scrutiny READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Creator vs. created: Ethics in AI course applies faith to rising concerns of new tech tool READ MORE

2. Building bridges with empathy READ MORE

3. Hands: Crafting connections, shaping destinies READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The changing nature of India’s foreign policy outlook over the last decade has gone through remarkable changes in India’s bilateral relationships with its Quad partners. Critically Discuss.

2. Among Quad countries, there is a growing comfort in working with each other given the strong consensus in their strategic outlooks and India’s bilateral partnerships with Quad countries have transformed in recent years. Analyse.

3. While India has made significant strides in fields like space science, vaccine development, and agriculture, persisting societal challenges necessitate a collaborative approach between scientific institutions and grassroots innovators. Justify.

4. The Free Movement Regime has failed to cement people-to-people contact and it has led to the unfettered movement of terrorists, drug smugglers and gun-runners. Comment in the light of recent developments.

5. As India’s competitive efforts to augment itself as a global manufacturing hub expand, the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement’s future success is critical to addressing its unfavourable position in the ASEAN supply chain. Analyse.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • There is no such thing as a vote that does not matter.
  • It would be wishful thinking to expect any further amendments to strengthen the Constitution or laws against cross-voting practices since ruling parties’ benefit from such unprincipled tactics.
  • The root cause is PDS and now the government has made it free. That means that the government will continue to procure large quantities of wheat and rice.
  • The government has withdrawn from the regulatory mechanism and therefore in unorganised markets, intermediaries are active and creating inflationary pressures on the economy.
  • If cooperatives can create storage structures where the farmers can store their produce at reasonable prices to reap the benefits of higher prices in the off season.
  • While some changes have been made in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in connection with investigation and police functioning, a few new offences and some changes introduced in the BNS, the contents of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 have changed little as far as the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) is concerned.
  • There needs to be a general awareness drive now about the modes and methods of encryption, particularly for private agencies which install closed-circuit televisions on their premises or use other electronic devices for security purposes.
  • Despite their key role in the waste value chain ecosystem, waste pickers face systemic marginalisation, severe health hazards and exclusion from legal protection.
  • The country needs a unified structure and system for regulating and administering the licensing, manufacture, sale, safety monitoring and drug advertising of ASU drugs when sold across states in inter-state commerce.
  • GOI has now decided GDP no longer needs a third revision to be finalised. Second revision of a GDP estimate now makes it the final estimate.
  • If the flagship scheme to improve public schooling in the country ends up a hostage of the Centre’s insistence on a scheme to create a clutch of “exemplar schools”, it would be no small irony.
  • The Free Movement Regime has failed to cement people-to-people contact. Instead, it has led to the unfettered movement of terrorists, drug smugglers and gun-runners.
  • The overwhelming evidence is that fences are hardly foolproof, particularly in arduous terrain and in the context of enduring ethnic and familial bonds.
  • While India has made significant strides in fields like space science, vaccine development, and agriculture, persisting societal challenges necessitate a collaborative approach between scientific institutions and grassroots innovators.
  • Among Quad countries, there is a growing comfort in working with each other given the strong consensus in their strategic outlooks and India’s bilateral partnerships with Quad countries have transformed in recent years.
  • The changing nature of India’s foreign policy outlook over the last decade has gone through remarkable changes in India’s bilateral relationships with its Quad partners.
  • The impact of climate change on the agri-sector and the sluggish government response in managing its fallout has come as a double whammy for the farmer community.
  • Combined with water accounting methodologies can build long-term sustainability, efficiency and resilience of the agri-sector besides immensely benefiting the marginal farmers.
  • As India’s competitive efforts to augment itself as a global manufacturing hub expand, the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement future success is critical to addressing its unfavourable position in the ASEAN supply chain.

ESSAY TOPIC

  • Passivity is fatal to a soldier.

50-WORD TALK

  • Mumbai’s Gokhale bridge-Barfiwala flyover gaffe, followed by the BMC and Western Railway pointing fingers at each other is a classic case of everything wrong with the city’s planning. There are multiple agencies involved and the left hand doesn’t know what the right is doing. The city deserves better than piecemeal development.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (24/02/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Paytm app: RBI asks NPCI to look into One97 Communication’s plea to become TPAP for UPI usage READ MORE

2. PSBs can now check borrower’s background on unified portal READ MORE

3. PAPA payload aboard Aditya-L1 detects solar wind impact of Coronal Mass Ejections READ MORE

4. Donor gametes are allowed: what the new rule on surrogacy says READ MORE

5. First moon-landing by private company: What it means for lunar exploration READ MORE

6. Inger Andersen urges inclusion of ‘super pollutants’ such as methane and black carbon in NDCs READ MORE

7. Groundwater contamination due to arsenic, fluoride not being effectively addressed: NGT READ MORE

8. 40 spotted deer translocated within Karnataka marking a new era in wildlife management READ MORE

9. Mutha river bank lost over 200 plant species in last 66 years: Study READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Plan for a growing elderly population READ MORE

2. Will the Indian middle class measure up to its task? READ MORE

3. Heed SC’s directive on saving forests READ MORE

4. Definition of forest: SC underscores concerns over land diversion READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. The message from two SC verdicts READ MORE

2. Electoral bonds: Will the government comply with the Supreme Court’s disclosure orders by March 13? READ MORE

3. On Electoral Bonds: Why is There Something Rather Than Nothing? READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Higher Education Scenario READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. The NB8 visit to India focuses on cooperation and trust READ MORE

2. Ukraine war, two years: India has exhibited deft diplomacy READ MORE

3. Ocean forays READ MORE

4. India–Japan Strategic Partnership and the Indo-Pacific READ MORE

5. NATO and India: Partners for a peaceful, free, and democratic world READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Changing the growth paradigm READ MORE

2. How LPG subsidy can be redesigned to privilege low-income households READ MORE

3. Following Amul, renewing the idea of cooperatives READ MORE

4. Farmers demand MSP protection READ MORE

5. India’s EV journey is revving up, but blind spots galore READ MORE

6. Farmers’ protest has moved MSP debate from ‘why’ to ‘how’. Now we await final stage of ‘when’ READ MORE

7. Informal Sector in India: Competition or Collaboration? READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Reintroducing wild water buffaloes in MP reserve could address population decline, conserve ecology READ MORE

2. Net zero by 2070: Financing India’s biggest infrastructure buildup READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Tracing Algorithmic and AI-biased Data READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Grey-zone warfare latest entry in lexicon of warfare, says Chief of Defence Staff READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

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

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Jnana, Karma and Bhakti READ MORE

2. A champion of free speech READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Our constitutional jurisprudence is currently centred around the ‘basic structure doctrine’ evolved in the Kesavananda Bharati case. Comment

2. To promote stability and prosperity in India’s economy, legislation-backed MSP can be a pivotal point. Comment.

3. Replacing the decades-old and inefficient MSP policy with a legislatively guaranteed MSP offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by the agricultural sector. Critically Examine.

4. The Uttarakhand Civil Code fails to incorporate progressive provisions. Comment.

5. India’s economic and military potential, coupled with Japan’s unique ability to undertake projects of enormous scope and scale, provides a compelling rationale for strategic collaboration against rising threats in Indo-Pacific. Discuss.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • The independence of judges is best safeguarded by the judges themselves. — Fali S Nariman
  • India’s policymakers must free themselves from western-dominated theories of economics and in this, local solutions are the way to solve global systemic problems.
  • India must find a new paradigm of progress, for itself and for the world, for more inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth.
  • Rural Bharat can be a university for the world, producing innovations in institutions and policies for inclusive and sustainable growth.
  • Indian elections are free and fair. But the first-past-the-post system seeks its credibility entirely from the institution that conducts the polls. And if the conductor falters, the process gets easily accused of manipulation.
  • A strong government derives its strength from the people’s conviction, not from the arm-twisting tactics of its storm-troopers.
  • Indian bureaucracy has for some time now been caged parrots and pet falcons who sing and hunt for their political master.
  • Our constitutional jurisprudence is currently centred around the ‘basic structure doctrine’ evolved in the Kesavananda Bharati case.
  • The imperative need for a legislation-backed MSP grows ever more urgent, promising stability and prosperity for the backbone of India’s economy.
  • MSP reduces the vulnerability of farmers to market fluctuations, ensuring a minimum income for their produce.
  • Replacing the decades-old and inefficient MSP policy with a legislatively guaranteed MSP offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
  • The recurrent presence of Chinese research vessels, ostensibly on scientific missions, poses a challenge that cannot be ignored. As China continues to expand its in- fluence in the region, India must navigate a delicate bal- ance between diplomacy and safeguarding its national security interests.
  • India’s venture into EVs offers vast prospects for economic expansion, energy autonomy, and ecological sustainability. Yet, confronting prevailing hurdles and enacting inclusive policies are imperative to unlock the complete potential of EVs within India’s automotive domain.
  • The Uttarakhand Civil Code fails to incorporate progressive provisions from Muslim personal laws and brings live-in relationships under a draconian boot, revealing its faulty nature.
  • Reviewing the vast literature on the informal sector in India, it is seen that competition, or lack of it, happens to be a crucial issue in analysing firm structure, market structure, and firm dynamics.
  • India’s economic and military potential, coupled with Japan’s unique ability to undertake projects of enormous scope and scale, provides a compelling rationale for strategic collaboration against rising threats in Indo-Pacific.
  • India’s goal of reaching net zero presents a crucial challenge and opportunity.

ESSAY TOPIC

  • We need to move forward on AI development but we also need to be mindful of its very real dangers.

50-WORD TALK

  • X has withheld some accounts while registering protest against the government’s order, another uneasy episode in their face-off that is already in court. Absolute free speech can’t mean hate and abuse. But suspending accounts without transparency is an irrational and illiberal system that doesn’t stand the test of public scrutiny.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (23/02/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. The women of ASHA: overworked, underpaid and on the edge of breakdown READ MORE

2. Race to global eradication of Guinea worm disease nears finish line READ MORE

3. Raisina Dialogue | India to open diplomatic mission in Albanian capital READ MORE

4. Real interest rate of 2% creates risk of turning growth pessimism into a self fulfilling prophecy: Varma READ MORE

5. CBI raids places linked to Satya Pal Malik: What is the Kiru Hydel Project, focus of corruption allegations? READ MORE

6. Google introduces Gemma open source AI models: What does it mean for responsible AI? READ MORE

7. East Africa is losing its glaciers at astonishing speed, all on Kilimanjaro retreating READ MORE

8. 40 spotted deer translocated within Karnataka marking a new era in wildlife management READ MORE

9. What is Alaskapox? A microbiologist explains the recently discovered virus that just claimed its first fatality READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Indian nationhood thrives amid diversity READ MORE

2. Castes, Old and New READ MORE

3. Calm assessment: On the extent of ‘deemed forest’ READ MORE

4. Heed SC’s directive on saving forests READ MORE

5. Definition of forest: SC underscores concerns over land diversion READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Should India have regional benches of the Supreme Court? READ MORE

2. On recent Supreme Court verdicts, hold the celebrations READ MORE

3. In most states, jail is more the norm, not bail READ MORE

4. SC has upheld voter’s rights READ MORE

5. Aadhaar Deactivations and the Genealogy of Cybernetics Gone Rogue in India READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Higher Education Scenario READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. In a tough world, the beacon of U.K.-India strategic ties READ MORE

2. Greek PM’s Visit bolsters historic ties READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. At WTO meet, India could face pressure READ MORE

2. Upholding the essence of agriculture amidst market pressures READ MORE

3. Welfare vs prudence READ MORE

4. On counter-cyclical fiscal policy READ MORE

5. Why World Trade Organization’s Upcoming MC13 Conference Is Significant for India READ MORE

6. At WTO meet, India will have to balance between protecting local fishers and fishing sector growth READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Collapse of the ecological balance and an undeclared war with nature READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Tracing Algorithmic and AI-biased Data READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Self-reliance in defence crucial to winning wars READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

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

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. The anatomy of corruption READ MORE

2. Farmers protest: X complies with Indian government’s order to suspend accounts but says “We disagree…” READ MORE

3. Given the environmental costs, is it ethical to bring a child into the world? READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The UCC despite having contrastive interests clashing over the attributes of pluralism, will successfully balance out things by reinforcing social justice. Critically examine.

2. MSP is plugging more farmers into the industrial agriculture system and the consequent oversupply of agricultural commodities is crashing prices. Comment.

3. The Green Revolution transformed India from a ship-to-mouth existence to self-reliance, but it also sowed the seeds of its own destruction, leading to a grave farming crisis in the country. Examine.

4. Delimitation of constituencies on the basis of the present population will not only lead to inequitable representation in parliament but it will violate the 84th Constitutional amendment. Examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • In order to become the master, the politician poses as the servant.
  • The possibilities for global prosperity cannot be understated and the importance of the Indo-Asia Pacific, not just to the United Kingdom, but to the world, has never been clearer.
  • While SC judgments on electoral bonds and Chandigarh mayoral election are welcome, they ought not to merely be an episodic legitimisation of the façade of constitutionalism.
  • Some of the unfavourable comments India received from EU member countries, post former, not taking a Western approach towards long-standing ally Russia, are likely to fade away with India developing closer bilateral partnerships in the region.
  • Leaving agriculture on the market is neither desirable nor pro-national; it is only pro-corporate and anti-nation.
  • Agriculture produce is for survival while all other industrial or service products are for additional comfort.
  • To keep the farmers growing sufficient for the people to survive, it is well within the reasonable sense for the government to compensate the gaps in case ‘demand and supply’ forces the sale of crops at prices lower than the MSP following the principle it employs in its intervention to support the corporate failures.
  • The legal guarantee for MSP is not about the procurement of the entire crop by the government but about its purchase at a price not less than the minimum remunerative price declared by the government itself.
  • Despite regional differences and identity quests, the strength of Indian nationhood persists, supported by a dedication to constitutional values and productive conversations.
  • Cost recovery from welfare programmes is essential to improve ailing state finances.
  • The risk with fiscal consolidation is that it may dampen growth. However, if fiscal consolidation can accommodate a growing capex budget, high growth is secured, as capex entails large growth multipliers of the order of 4 and above.
  • The SC has exposed the Orwellian double-speak and fake narrative put out that Electoral Bonds were meant to clean up black money from the electoral arena and that it had introduced a system of honest and transparent funding to all political parties.
  • Algorithmic bias in machine learning algorithms has potential consequences for perpetuating discrimination, reinforcing stereotypes, and violating individual privacy.

ESSAY TOPIC

  • We need to move forward on AI development but we also need to be mindful of its very real dangers.

50-WORD TALK

  • X has withheld some accounts while registering protest against the government’s order, another uneasy episode in their face-off that is already in court. Absolute free speech can’t mean hate and abuse. But suspending accounts without transparency is an irrational and illiberal system that doesn’t stand the test of public scrutiny.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (22/02/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. ST tag for Meiteis | Manipur High Court withdraws contentious part of its order READ MORE

2. Cabinet approves amendment in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy on Space Sector READ MORE

3. Centre increases Fair and Remunerative Price of sugarcane; will be in force from October 1 READ MORE

4. Astronomers find the small, hot helium stars they had been looking for READ MORE

5. To bypass Red Sea, new trade route to Israel involving Mundra port: How this will work READ MORE

6. CAG flags MoEFCC projects costing Rs 4.47 crore for procedural lapses READ MORE

7. New protocol can reduce breeding cycle of pigeonpea by 3-5 years, important for nutritional security in drylands READ MORE

8. How global warming is reshaping winter life in Canada READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. A 100-year-old story of British brutality & Sikh sacrifice READ MORE

2. Caste census lessons for new government in Bihar READ MORE

3. Are Dalits homogenous or heterogenous? READ MORE

4. Calm assessment: On the extent of ‘deemed forest’ READ MORE

5. Heed SC’s directive on saving forests READ MORE

6. Definition of forest: SC underscores concerns over land diversion READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Ending discrimination: On the Union of India and Others vs Ex. Lt. Selina John case READ MORE

2. Governor R N Ravi’s walkout deepens Tamil Nadu crisis: Time to abolish governorships? READ MORE

3. Restoring trust in democracy READ MORE

4. Influence of AI and digital media on general elections READ MORE

5. Fair play READ MORE

6. Uniform Civil Code: Assam going Uttarakhand way? READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Electoral season and restructuring the health system READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Delhi must be prepared to counter Beijing’s lawfare READ MORE

2. Close ties with Russia: India steadfast in its support amid Ukraine war READ MORE  

3. Why is India correct in seeking ‘permanent solution’ for food security at WTO READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. On financial devolution among States | Explained READ MORE

2. India to dominate the global solar industry READ MORE

3. What farmers want is the freedom to sell their produce READ MORE

4. SDG progress report a wake-up call READ MORE

5. MSP: A double-edged sword in Indian agriculture READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Collapse of the ecological balance and an undeclared war with nature READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Dark Net Woes READ MORE

2. Keep it wholesome: On shaping a national cervical cancer control programme READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. India’s security and the fencing of the Myanmar border READ MORE

2. The future of counterterrorism: Evolving online tools and tactics READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

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

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. AI Ethics: 7 Crucial Qualities Of Ethical Leadership READ MORE

2. F S Nariman: judiciary’s ‘Bhishma Pitamah’ who minced no words, combined intellect and ethics READ MORE

3. Given the environmental costs, is it ethical to bring a child into the world? READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The UCC despite having contrastive interests clashing over the attributes of pluralism, will successfully balance out things by reinforcing social justice. Critically examine.

2. MSP is plugging more farmers into the industrial agriculture system and the consequent oversupply of agricultural commodities is crashing prices. Comment.

3. The Green Revolution transformed India from a ship-to-mouth existence to self-reliance, but it also sowed the seeds of its own destruction, leading to a grave farming crisis in the country. Examine.

4. Delimitation of constituencies on the basis of the present population will not only lead to inequitable representation in parliament but it will violate the 84th Constitutional amendment. Examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • Capitalism works if you have safety nets to deal with people who are naturally left behind and brutalised by it.
  • The challenge is to understand the current system of health care and have the imagination to design the process of reform while building the implementation capacity at the district level by training and upskilling existing staff.
  • The Court’s words that rules making marriage of women employees and their domestic involvement a ground for disentitlement are unconstitutional should be heard by all organisations so that the workplace becomes an enabler, and not a hurdle.
  • The economic consequences of the destruction of the environment, the ecotourism in the region, invasive species, and wild animals, combined with the violation of all standards, have led to the degradation of Wayanad’s ecology.
  • Laws and moral standards governing the application of AI to political campaigns ought to be developed to reduce the possibility of abuse and guarantee openness.
  • India will be content to expand its unique relationship with Russia into newer domains, while being confident that there would be no rancour or backstabbing.
  • India’s decision to build a fence along the entire 1,643-km-long Myanmar border will facilitate better surveillance and prevent illegal migration and ingress of Valley-Based-Insurgent Groups.
  • The UCC despite having contrastive interests clashing over the attributes of pluralism, will successfully balance out things by reinforcing social justice in the form of equality, human dignity, gender justice, equal treatment of law etc.
  • New Delhi has rightly pushed for measures to amend the formula calculating the food subsidy cap and to include programmes implemented after 2013 under the ‘Peace Clause’.
  • If MSP is not diverted towards agroecological farming, MSP backing an industrial system of agriculture could potentially be risky.
  • MSP is plugging more farmers into the industrial agriculture system and the consequent oversupply of agricultural commodities is crashing prices.

ESSAY TOPIC

  • We need to move forward on AI development but we also need to be mindful of its very real dangers.

50-WORD TALK

  • Supreme Court using power under Article 142 to declare AAP candidate’s victory in Chandigarh mayoral polls is complete justice. Returning officer who vitiated electoral process by defacing ballot papers deserves exemplary punishment. It’s also a strong indictment of BJP for resorting to malpractices to grab power even at municipal levels.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (21/02/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Maharashtra Assembly unanimously clears 10% Maratha quota; CM Shinde says it will survive test of law READ MORE

2. US vetoes Security Council vote on Gaza cease-fire, pushes alternative READ MORE

3. India, Sri Lanka take trade pact talks ahead READ MORE

4. Inflation expectations may stabilise, edge down going ahead: RBI bulletin READ MORE

5. Rules that edge out women from employment for getting married are ‘coarse’, unconstitutional: Supreme Court READ MORE

6. Global study quantifies rise in blood clots, heart inflammation following COVID-19 vaccination READ MORE

7. Raisina Dialogue begins today: Everything you need to know about the conference READ MORE

8. What is Article 142, invoked by Supreme Court to overturn Chandigarh mayoral poll results? READ MORE

9. The brightest object in the universe is a black hole that eats a star a day READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. A 100-year-old story of British brutality & Sikh sacrifice READ MORE

2. Caste census lessons for new government in Bihar READ MORE

3. Are Dalits homogenous or heterogenous? READ MORE

4. Calm assessment: On the extent of ‘deemed forest’ READ MORE

5. Heed SC’s directive on saving forests READ MORE

6. Definition of forest: SC underscores concerns over land diversion READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Having panchayats as self-governing institutions READ MORE

2. Judicial clarity on free speech READ MORE

3. SC examines divorced Muslim women’s right to maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC READ MORE

4. TN resolution voices South India’s concerns READ MORE

5. SC bonds ruling a reminder how weak India’s key institutions are READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Why are Indians falling ill so frequently? READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Tolerance, coexistence taking root in UAE READ MORE

2. How effective is the UN in conflict mitigation READ MORE

3. India is on the right track in Nepal READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. MSP is the minimum support farmers need to stay in business READ MORE

2. Small farmers’ interests overlooked READ MORE

3. Rate Cut Dilemma READ MORE

4. Green Revolution, 2.0 READ MORE

5. Towards Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA): Strategies, obstacles, and visions for a sustainable future READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Warming up to climate change: How does climate change impact extreme weather events? READ MORE

2. Air pollution needs decentralised, micro solutions READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Dark Net Woes READ MORE

2. Keep it wholesome: On shaping a national cervical cancer control programme READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Tech Wars or Old Battlefields: Lessons from the Recent Conflicts READ MORE

2. The future of counterterrorism: Evolving online tools and tactics READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

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

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Religion, a precise science of creating clarity READ MORE

2. Well done, Milords: SC did the right thing in overturning Chandigarh mayor’s elections. Poll process integrity defines democracy READ MORE

3. Work and wisdom READ MORE

4. Seeking truth in the world of deception READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Gram sabhas have a significant role in fostering self-sufficiency and sustainable development at the grass-roots level by leveraging local resources for revenue generation. Examine.

2. Reservations alone can’t alleviate economic deprivation; they must be complemented by the increased availability of jobs and strong, inclusive growth. Comment in the light of recent developments.

3. Discuss why the UN is facing myriad obstacles in its quest for global harmony. How structural drawbacks to the intertwined interests of its members are affecting its effectiveness in conflict mitigation?

4. The Green Revolution transformed India from a ship-to-mouth existence to self-reliance, but it also sowed the seeds of its own destruction, leading to a grave farming crisis in the country. Examine.

5. Delimitation of constituencies on the basis of the present population will not only lead to inequitable representation in parliament but it will violate the 84th Constitutional amendment. Examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • Broad-mindedness is related to tolerance; open-mindedness is the sibling of peace.
  • There is a need to educate elected representatives and the public on the significance and the need for panchayats to be able to survive on its own resources.
  • Gram sabhas have a significant role in fostering self-sufficiency and sustainable development at the grass-roots level by leveraging local resources for revenue generation.
  • There is a need to educate elected representatives and the public on the significance of raising revenue to develop panchayats as self-governing institutions.
  • Small farmers lack the means to be part of MSP-driven procurement system. Despite the focus of the farmers’ talks on pulses, this needs to be addressed.
  • Withdrawing from regional trading agreements and insulating the farm sector may render it vulnerable to price volatility, with direct implications for domestic food price inflation.
  • Reservations alone can’t alleviate economic deprivation. They must be complemented by the increased availability of jobs and strong inclusive growth.
  • Reservations alone can’t alleviate economic deprivation; they must be complemented by the increased availability of jobs and strong, inclusive growth.
  • From structural drawbacks to the intertwined interests of its members, the UN faces myriad obstacles in its quest for global harmony.
  • The Green Revolution transformed India from a ship-to-mouth existence to self-reliance. But the Green Revolution was not an unmixed blessing. Over the decades which followed, it sowed the seeds of its own destruction, leading to a grave farming crisis in the country.
  • In the complex tapestry of global economic dynamics, India finds itself at a crossroads as the murmurs of a delayed rate cut gain momentum.
  • Delimitation of constituencies on the basis of the present population will lead to inequitable representation in parliament.
  • As terrorists and violent extremists adapt their online tactics in the era of AI, counterterrorism efforts should also evolve, employing new tools and approaches.
  • Climate-Smart Agriculture holds promise in building a robust agri-food system amidst the intensifying effects of climate change, however, there is a pressing need to enhance current initiatives.

ESSAY TOPIC

  • We need to move forward on AI development but we also need to be mindful of its very real dangers.

50-WORD TALK

  • The demands of agitating farmers encapsulate broader systemic inequities within India’s farming landscape. While addressing these demands is crucial, sustainable solutions must prioritise the empowerment of small and marginal farmers. Assured support for pulses must be accompanied by marketing and financial reforms.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (20/02/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Bacteria could help turn CO2 to rock under extreme conditions READ MORE

2. A recently formed ocean inside Saturn’s moon Mimas READ MORE

3. Go back to dictionary meaning of ‘forest’: Supreme Court READ MORE

4. Ladakh leaders call off hunger strike as MHA agrees to discuss Statehood, constitutional safeguards READ MORE

5. Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act 2023: States, UTs must act as per definition in TN Godavarman judgement, says SC READ MORE

6. Only 32 Indian cities had clean air this January, Delhi, Bhagalpur most polluted READ MORE

7. Central Asian Flyway recognised to protect over 600 migratory bird species READ MORE

8. ISRO’s latest launch: Why is the GSLV rocket nicknamed ‘naughty boy’? READ MORE

9. Gemini Pro 1.5 with 1 million tokens surpasses GPT-4 Turbo: What does that mean? READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. The tribal communities of central India: Challenges and way forward READ MORE

2. Gender disparity in Indian science READ MORE

3. La Nina impacted air quality in India in the winter of 2022: What a new study says READ MORE

4. Bangladesh experienced 185 extreme weather events between 2000 and 2019: ICCCAD report READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Uttarakhand UCC pits vulnerable young couples against the might of the state READ MORE

2. Transparency in poll funding remains a challenge READ MORE

3. Undermining the right to learn READ MORE

4. The implications of the Supreme Court ruling READ MORE

5. Tamil Nadu: The power struggle intensifies READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Can safe drinking water improve children’s educational outcomes? READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Ties across the sea: On the India-UAE close relationship READ MORE

2. The rise of ‘intelligence diplomacy’ in a time of global security challenges READ MORE

3. India-UAE relations look beyond the diaspora READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Denying MSP legal guarantee threat to India’s food security READ MORE

2. What does a guaranteed MSP mean? READ MORE

3. MSP proposal: Govt’s offer fails to convince farmer leaders READ MORE

4. Farmers’ demands are impractical and unrealistic READ MORE

5. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund: A catalyst for India’s agri-future READ MORE

6. Skill development: Key to India’s shifting job market READ MORE

7. Balancing welfare and fiscal responsibility READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Warming up to climate change: How does climate change impact extreme weather events? READ MORE

2. Air pollution needs decentralised, micro solutions READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Hundred years ago, Satyendra Nath Bose changed physics forever READ MORE

2. Recalibrating merit in the age of Artificial Intelligence READ MORE

3. Why big data is becoming small READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Misplaced priorities: On the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime between India and Myanmar READ MORE    

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

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

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Chandigarh mayor polls: Presiding officer admitted he tampered ballots, must be prosecuted, orders Supreme Court READ MORE

2. The Role of Discipline in Education READ MORE

3. Basant asks us to shift from wanting to giving READ MORE

4. ‘Triple A’ personality: Anant, Akash, Anand READ MORE

5. The mind and soul READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. As the benefits are more than the cost of the free movement regime between India and Myanmar hence, it should not be scrapped. Critically examine.

2. The Supreme Court is right in striking down electoral bonds for not being transparent, but it does not help bring transparency into electoral funding in any manner. Examine.

3. The larger objectives of enhancing food security, increasing farmers’ income and reducing dependence on imports can be achieved if the glaring anomalies in the MSP regime are removed. Comment.

4. Discuss the importance of skill-based education to bridging the gap between potential and realisation in a job market increasingly favouring specialised technical skills.

5. The distribution of power between the Centre and states as put forth by the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution has created a fiscal gap and led to a vertical fiscal imbalance. Examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • We need to move forward on AI development but we also need to be mindful of its very real dangers.
  • India-UAE ties are also built on a bedrock of history and cultural engagement that includes centuries-old maritime trade and a diaspora that contributes about 18% of India’s global remittances.
  • While India’s technological prowess and the UAE’s positioning as a trade and industry hub bring complementarities, the changes in their polity and societies bring possible friction points.
  • The free movement regime between India and Myanmar had more benefits than costs.
  • The idea of neighbourly relations and borders was tied not just to the interest of national security for the post-colonial nation-state but also to the interests of the people in border areas and their imagined histories.
  • The Agreement for an Intergovernmental Framework on the India-Middle East Economic Corridor paves the way for multilateral cooperation between India and the UAE.
  • Recalibrating meritocracy in the face of AI advancements demands a sophisticated understanding of the interplay between technology and societal structures.
  • The Supreme Court is right in striking down electoral bonds for not being transparent, but it does not help bring transparency into electoral funding in any manner.
  • Governments (States and Centre) have to find comprehensive long-term solutions to the problems confronting farmers and their livelihoods, climate change, food inflation and the demands of food and nutrition security.
  • The larger objectives of enhancing food security, increasing farmers’ income and reducing dependence on imports can be achieved if the glaring anomalies in the MSP regime are removed.
  • India needs to think of alternative initiative(s) to ensure its place in the international domain, as it has come up with the idea of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which seems to be gaining momentum.
  • To prevent the influence of money in elections in the future, we need regulations for donations, spending limits, public funding, and disclosure.
  • The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund aims to improve India’s agricultural infrastructure by providing incentives and financial support for medium to long-erm debt financing.
  • Skill-based education is paramount to bridging the gap between potential and realisation in a job market increasingly favouring specialised technical skills.

ESSAY TOPIC

  • We need to move forward on AI development but we also need to be mindful of its very real dangers.

50-WORD TALK

  • As India stands on the brink of an era of transformation, it is vital to rethink education, give priority to on-the-job training, and embrace apprenticeships to shape a workforce that not only possesses theoretical knowledge but also has the practical tech-based skills necessary to gain a competitive advantage and thrive in the dynamic landscape of the country’s economy.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (13/02/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. CMS COP14: Expect listing of new species, action plans for conservation at Samarkand summit READ MORE

2. Odisha: Gupteswar forest declared as fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site in state READ MORE

3. Andhra Pradesh: Rise in footfall in eco-sensitive areas poses threat to biodiversity and wildlife READ MORE

4. From turtles to fruit bats, migratory species increasingly under threat, says UN READ MORE

5. 8 convicted Navy veterans set free by Qatar; PM Modi to visit Doha READ MORE

6. Earth-wide telescope confirms black hole shadow is ‘real’ READ MORE

7. SC finds States do not violate Constitution in appointment of Deputy Chief Ministers READ MORE

8. What is a floor test, which Nitish Kumar won in the Bihar Legislative Assembly? READ MORE

9. 2024 peak year for Kyasanur Forest Disease, Karnataka health officials confirm as cases rise READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. How can child safety be ensured online? READ MORE

2. Uttarakhand UCC is an attempt to control young people’s sexuality READ MORE

3. How coaching culture lets children down READ MORE

4. Arctic: The quasi-global common READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. The real travesty: On the Governor of Tamil Nadu and the Governor’s address READ MORE

2. Uttarakhand UCC is an attempt to control young people’s sexuality READ MORE

3. 16th Finance Commission: Towards vertical and horizontal balance READ MORE

4. An exhilarating term READ MORE

5. The impact and evolution of IBC 2016 READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Develop skills with experimental learning READ MORE

2. Advancing the maxim of ‘One Earth, One Health’ READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Escape from Doha: GOI’s quiet diplomacy & India’s economic heft in Qatar both contributed to ex-navymen’s release READ MORE  

2. India-US ties: Beyond fleeting expediencies READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. A global alliance to bridge the gender equity gap READ MORE

2. Decoding India’s economic realities: Comparing the state of the economy under the NDA and UPA governments READ MORE

3. Payments banks need new business models READ MORE

4. I-T Act clause triggers a row in MSME sector READ MORE

5. Delink disinvestment from the Budget READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Earth’s Changing Climate READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Neurotech a ray of hope for brain disorder patients READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Why India is fencing its border with Myanmar — and why that could be a problem READ MORE    

2. Tensions escalate in Bab-el-Mandeb Strait READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

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

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Confluence of social service with spirituality READ MORE

2. A journey through loss and healing READ MORE

3. Swami Dayananda’s pursuit of ultimate truth READ MORE

4. Choose well: Power of choice is power of God READ MORE

5. Idols and idolatry READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The distribution of power between the Centre and states as put forth by the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution has created a fiscal gap and led to a vertical fiscal imbalance. Examine.

2. In fiscal federalism, the objective should not be only to raise ‘backward’ states to the average level or filling the revenue gap, but also to promote a continuous process whereby states at various levels of development keep progressing constantly, with the disparities among them gradually narrowing down. Comment.

3. India’s abiding commitment to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and its continued efforts towards Sabka Saath, Sabka Prayaas, Sabka Vikaas, Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality is poised to be a force to reckon with on all gender-related issues. Critically comment.

4. Strengthening legal frameworks and multilateral agreements can foster greater cooperation among nations and promote sustainable ocean governance. Comment in the light of recent turmoil in the Red.

5. The IBC of 2016 stands as a testament to India’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment and enhancing the ease of doing business in the country. Examine.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • It’s the responsibility of the police to maintain the government’s prestige and protect the honour of the citizens.
  • A Governor who profoundly disagrees with the State government should not stay in office.
  • It is not constitutionally sustainable to claim that the Governor’s address should contain no criticism of the Centre or make no policy pronouncements against the Centre’s policies.
  • India’s launch of the Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality is a step towards enabling ‘equity’ and ‘equality’.
  • India’s abiding commitment to Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and its continued efforts towards Sabka Saath, Sabka Prayaas, Sabka Vikaas, Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality is poised to be a force to reckon with on all gender-related issues.
  • Mainstreaming gender equality and equity has been a key development area for the Government of India for over a decade now.
  • Bilateral ties between India and the US have a standalone and enduring logic of their own. The US bet on India is part of a long-term vision.
  • Digital services provided by regular bank accounts have pushed them out. The Paytm fiasco points to need for a coherent regulatory response.
  • In fiscal federalism, the objective should not be only to raise ‘backward’ states to the average level or filling the revenue gap, but also to promote a continuous process whereby states at various levels of development keep progressing constantly, with the disparities among them gradually narrowing down.
  • Instead of expanding the arbitrary and discretionary transfers under grants-in-aids (such as Revenue Deficit Grant), FC16 should focus on increasing the vertical share for more rational transfers under tax devolution.
  • Addressing the complex issues surrounding maritime security and sustainable development requires concerted international efforts and innovative solutions.
  • Strengthening legal frameworks and multilateral agreements can foster greater cooperation among nations and promote sustainable ocean governance.
  • The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code IBC of 2016 streamlines insolvency resolution processes and bolstering investor confidence.
  • In conflict and post-conflict scenarios, a gender perspective must be integrated into the reconstruction and redevelopment plans.
  • The lack of essential services such as health care, including sexual and reproductive health services, also makes them more vulnerable to unplanned pregnancy, maternal mortality and morbidity, sexual and reproductive injuries and sexually transmitted infections. While girls face obstacles in accessing education.
  • With the continued support and efforts of regulatory authorities like the IBBI, India is well-positioned to further strengthen its insolvency framework and drive economic growth and development in the years to come.

ESSAY TOPIC

  • Knowledge has become fundamental to economic development and technological advancement.
  • The greatest resource of all economic development is the mind.

50-WORD TALK

  • India securing the release of 8 Navy veterans from Qatar is an example of fine diplomacy at work and NSA Doval’s effective backroom parleys. It is an indication of India’s growing diplomatic position in the global order. India also did well to stay away from public rhetoric over the issue.
  • Pakistan elections were supposed to be a crowning moment for Nawaz Sharif, but now he will have to cobble up numbers to form a government. While some say independent candidates winning is a setback to the Army, one wonders whether this was the military’s ploy to have a weakened Nawaz.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (12/02/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Scientists say tectonic plate tearing apart under Pacific Ocean from Japan to New Zealand READ MORE

2. Scientists discover new fungus species in Thrissur READ MORE

3. What are the changes in the new Water Act? READ MORE

4. Probability of survival decreases with increased duration of CPR READ MORE

5. India set to transition to hyperlocal extreme weather forecasting READ MORE

6. Parliament’s average annual sitting days down to 55 in the 17th Lok Sabha from 135 in the first READ MORE

7. Experts Explain | Darwin Day: How theories of evolution helped our knowledge of life on Earth READ MORE

8. Is La Nina in the offing? How the shift from El Nino may impact monsoon, summer in India this year READ MORE  

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. How can child safety be ensured online? READ MORE

2. Uttarakhand UCC is an attempt to control young people’s sexuality READ MORE

3. How coaching culture lets children down READ MORE

4. Arctic: The quasi-global common READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. What does Uttarakhand’s UCC entail? READ MORE

2. How women can be represented in politics READ MORE

3. Fiscal federalism at a crossroads READ MORE

4. The menace of political defections READ MORE

5. Defamation: Law panel is wrong READ MORE

6. South India is rightly agitated by unfair allocation. Limiting Centre’s power is the answer READ MORE

7. Electoral Bonds ‘Likely to be Sold’ Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls. Will the SC Act? READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. More women taking up higher education READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. A privileged strategic partnership, without a gulf READ MORE

2. India focuses on small blocs amid wait for permanent UNSC seat READ MORE

3. Strategic shift READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Circular economy paves the way for sustainable vehicle lifecycle management READ MORE

2. Boosting the fisheries’ ecosystem in India READ MORE

3. Good reason to keep repo rate unchanged READ MORE

4. India’s WTO Stance on Farmers Will Be a Test of Its Rhetoric of Championing the Global South READ MORE

5. Role of prosumers in renewable energy adoption in India READ MORE

6. Pulses: Sustaining the Earth and nourishing communities READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Earth’s Changing Climate READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Future Warfare and Critical Technologies: Evolving Tactics and Strategies READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Cybersecurity concerns amidst rising cyber threats READ MORE 

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

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

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Swami Dayananda’s pursuit of ultimate truth READ MORE

2. Choose well: Power of choice is power of God READ MORE

3. Idols and idolatry READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Providing a quota for women in Parliament and State Assemblies only increases women’s political representation, but in actuality, it does not represent women. Critically examine.

2. In recent times, the United Arab Emirates has become most important pillar for India in its look-west policy. Comment.

3. Citizens have the right to their reputation and it may be considered as part of their right to privacy the provision like criminal defamation acts as a curb on free speech, which is more important in a democracy. How can the balance be created the freedom of expression and the right to reputation?

4. NGOs act as catalysts for change, addressing gaps in transformation, supporting marginalised groups, delivering essential services, and persuading better policy decisions. Comment.

5. A UCC is neither desirable nor necessary, and, instead, each body of personal law be reformed to eliminate discrimination or regressive practices. How far do you agree view this view?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • It’s the responsibility of the police to maintain the government’s prestige and protect the honour of the citizens.
  • Providing a quota for women in Parliament and State Assemblies seems to be the only way to increase their political representation.
  • India has numerous strategic partnership agreements across the globe, but none displays more convergence and mutual respect at all levels than the one with the UAE.
  • While India recognises and values the UAE’s role in the region, the UAE too is cognisant of the ‘global leadership’ role that India is set to acquire. Both countries recognise that this privileged strategic partnership is only set to grow stronger in the years ahead.
  • Distributing more tickets to women in the first-past-the-post system may not necessarily lead to more representation of women in legislature.
  • Centre should engage with southern states’ concern over funds allocations.
  • The disproportionate anxiety over interfaith and inter-caste relationships, including live-in relationships, betrays the state’s inherently paternalistic attitude towards adult women citizens.
  • The people who cast the votes don’t decide an election, the people who count the votes do.
  • The anti-defection law, which was passed in 1985 and amended in 2003, is not effective because the power of proving defection vests with the speaker, who belongs to the ruling party and works partially.
  • Citizens have the right to their reputation and it may be considered as part of their right to privacy. That is a basic requirement of civilised life and coexistence.
  • Civil defamation will serve the purpose of adequately protecting the right to reputation of individuals and civil remedies are available for aggrieved persons.
  • Criminal defamation is the legacy of an era and attitude which considered questioning of anything as a crime. It should have no place in a democracy which thrives on free expression of views and open criticism.
  • Citizens have the right to their reputation and it may be considered as part of their right to privacy. That is a basic requirement of civilised life and coexistence. The consequence is that it acts as a curb on free speech, which, too, is a fundamental right, and more important in a democracy.
  • South India’s situation is unlike any in large federal unions across the world. US, UK, China, Germany, and Spain correct their fiscal imbalances through tax policy. India is making it worse.
  • At the upcoming WTO’s biennial trade ministerial conference in Abu Dhabi, it will become clear whether India fights for its farmers or yields ground to Uncle Sam on one of the most crucial issues for poor farmers in developing countries.
  • The current ecological and geopolitical shifts in the Arctic region may warrant a thorough revaluation of the Arctic Council’s functions and authority.
  • he World Pulse Day provides an opportunity for various stakeholders to come together and celebrate the significance of pulses in achieving certain SDGs.
  • Despite many positive outcomes of globalization, “it has also undeniably led to such deep economic concentrations that much of the world today depends on production of a few geographies.”

ESSAY TOPIC

  • Knowledge has become fundamental to economic development and technological advancement.
  • The greatest resource of all economic development is the mind.

50-WORD TALK

  • Pakistan elections were supposed to be a crowning moment for Nawaz Sharif, but now he will have to cobble up numbers to form a government. While some say independent candidates winning is a setback to the Army, one wonders whether this was the military’s ploy to have a weakened Nawaz.
  • EC’s decision to give NCP name and symbol to Ajit Pawar faction was unsurprising. Its arguments for relying solely on legislative strength are convoluted. Assembly Speaker, a BJP leader, sits on MLAs’ disqualification petitions and EC uses their strength to rule in favour of BJP’s ally. It’s politics, not justice.
  • Karnataka has joined Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana in protesting Centre’s tax devolution policies. The timing works since 16th Finance Commission’s deliberations have just started. But such concerted criticism is another sign of worsening Centre-State relations. If the Centre is serious about fiscal federalism, it needs to rebuild states’ trust.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (09/02/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. India suspends Free Movement Regime with Myanmar READ MORE

2. ‘Bail is rule, jail an exception’ does not apply in terror cases: Supreme Court READ MORE

3. El Niño On the Decline, La Niña On the Horizons! Here’s How the Pacific Twins Could Impact India This Year READ MORE

4. RBI pegs FY25 growth at 7%, inflation at 4.5% READ MORE

5. With CRISPR poised to revolutionise therapy, a pause to consider ethical issues READ MORE

6. Monkey Fever Symptoms: Top 7 Warning Signs That Say You Are Infected With Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus READ MORE

7. Rajya Sabha passes Bill to amend Water Act to decriminalise minor offences READ MORE

8. Cabinet approves new scheme for MSMEs in fisheries sector READ MORE  

9. Clean water crisis: Nitrogen pollution to triple scarcity in river sub-basins worldwide READ MORE

10. Olive Ridley turtles are back on Mangaluru beaches! READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Charting a path for the population committee READ MORE

2. Privilege equality over uniformity READ MORE

3. Pitfalls for tourists: HP must warn visitors of deadly spots READ MORE

4. Deep Seabed Mining in the Arctic READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Towards uniformity: On the UCC adopted by the Uttarakhand Assembly READ MORE

2. Should coaching be restricted to those above 16 years? READ MORE

3. What makes government schemes and missions work READ MORE

4. Good leaders are a credit to the police: Vital to ensure that unsuitable officers are not elevated to high positions by those in power READ MORE

5. NGOs have a major role to improve development indicators READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. The role of caste and gender in determining science education in India READ MORE

2. Establishing meaningful educational priorities READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Ditch the ‘rules-based international order’ READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. What the white paper on economy says — and doesn’t READ MORE

2. MPC keeps it tight, for now READ MORE

3. RBI’s battles with inflation READ MORE

4. Interim Budget shows fiscal discipline and prudence READ MORE

5. Solar scheme offers free electricity and economic empowerment READ MORE

6. International CRAs: Anything but fair READ MORE

7. The rising inequality READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Policies and politics are vital for air pollution mitigation READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Can open new doors READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Cybersecurity concerns amidst rising cyber threats READ MORE 

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

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

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Need to tread warily: Human trials of a brain-reading chip have elicited hope, but the concerns must be addressed READ MORE

2. To see life as an infinite gamble READ MORE

3. What a pleasure! READ MORE

4. Supreme Court’s ‘murder of democracy’ remarks on Chandigarh mayor polls give ammo to Oppn READ MORE

5. To link or delink neural connections READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. NGOs have significantly influenced participative governance, contributing to the formulation of landmark laws but they are facing significant challenges that hindering their effectiveness. Examine.

2. NGOs act as catalysts for change, addressing gaps in transformation, supporting marginalised groups, delivering essential services, and persuading better policy decisions. Comment.

3. A UCC is neither desirable nor necessary, and, instead, each body of personal law be reformed to eliminate discrimination or regressive practices. How far do you agree view this view?

4. The concept of justice should not be lost in the search for uniformity, and it should be no more than an incidental consequence of equality. Comment.

5. Community connect, respect for the federal principle, civil society partnerships and women-led development are necessary conditions for a more inclusive India. Comment.

6. The ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana’ represents a significant step towards sustainable energy adoption, promising not only free electricity but economic empowerment. Discuss.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • It’s the responsibility of the police to maintain the government’s prestige and protect the honour of the citizens.
  • When the Constitution makers made the adoption of a UCC one of the directive principles, opinion was divided on whether a UCC will undermine minority rights or promote equal status for women in all religions.
  • A UCC is neither desirable nor necessary, and, instead, each body of personal law be reformed to eliminate discrimination or regressive practices.
  • The concept of justice should not be lost in the search for uniformity, which should be no more than an incidental consequence of equality.
  • The population committee needs to adopt an interdisciplinary approach if it is to tackle issues that affect family planning, maternal and child health, education, employment, and socio-economic development in India.
  • Community connect, respect for the federal principle, civil society partnerships and women-led development are necessary conditions for a more inclusive India.
  • STEM education is crucial for technological progress, and students with a knack for these subjects should have the opportunity to pursue them. However, there are socio-economic, gender, and racial disparities in pursuing STEM majors and careers.
  • The government is mandated by the law and the Constitution to provide a safe, secure environment to the people who have elected it.
  • It is not necessary to look down upon technology as inferior to science. As a matter of fact, it is technological breakthroughs like the telescope and microscope that have opened up hidden universes and enabled scientific discoveries.
  • The intricate balance between practical demands of commercial relevance and scholarly aspirations within management education reflects the ever-changing nature of academia.
  • The Finance Minister has not only demonstrated fiscal restraint and prudence in the election year but also balanced the Interim Budget in favour of common man.
  • The ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana’ represents a significant step towards sustainable energy adoption, promising not only free electricity but also economic empowerment.
  • Collaborative efforts among NGOs, Government bodies and other stakeholders are vital for building a more inclusive, equitable and developed society.
  • NGOs act as catalysts for change, addressing gaps in transformation, supporting marginalised groups, delivering essential services, and persuading better policy decisions.
  • By embracing community-driven approaches, NGOs can access local resources and gain increased support from the people they serve.
  • Despite their significant contributions, NGOs grapple with challenges such as limited funding, operational hurdles, and the need for sustainable models. Overcoming these challenges requires resilience and innovation as NGOs seek creative solutions to address the evolving needs of the communities they serve.
  • The absence of data on women workers is a serious omission, as women in India have historically constituted approximately half the male workforce in the cultivation of crops.

ESSAY TOPIC

  • Knowledge has become fundamental to economic development and technological advancement.
  • The greatest resource of all economic development is the mind.

50-WORD TALK

  • EC’s decision to give NCP name and symbol to Ajit Pawar faction was unsurprising. Its arguments for relying solely on legislative strength are convoluted. Assembly Speaker, a BJP leader, sits on MLAs’ disqualification petitions and EC uses their strength to rule in favour of BJP’s ally. It’s politics, not justice.
  • Karnataka has joined Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana in protesting Centre’s tax devolution policies. The timing works since 16th Finance Commission’s deliberations have just started. But such concerted criticism is another sign of worsening Centre-State relations. If the Centre is serious about fiscal federalism, it needs to rebuild states’ trust.

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.



WSDP Bulletin (08/02/2024)

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. Amid Red Sea crisis, India gets a specific zone in Duqm Port READ MORE

2. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary offers a safe haven for vultures READ MORE

3. Tamil Nadu pioneers a model for saving the sinking islands in the Gulf of Mannar  READ MORE

4. Explained: The new process for picking Election Commissioners, what led to it READ MORE

5. Kerala govt to protest against Centre at Jantar Mantar: What are its grievances over money allocation? READ MORE

6. Microplastics found in Nile River’s tilapia fish: new study READ MORE

7. WWF demands protection for naturally-restored Mahmudia wetland in Romania’s Danube Delta READ MORE

8. In breakthrough, neural network ‘explains’ how it found a new antibiotic READ MORE  

9. 390-year-old lamp post in Nalgonda dedicated to Kasi Viswanatha unravels trade links of Telangana READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Live-in fear: Uniform patriarchal code READ MORE

2. Privilege equality over uniformity READ MORE

3. Vijayanagara was the Indian Renaissance State. It contains memories of older empires READ MORE

4. The Earth’s tectonic plates made the Himalayas — and could rip them apart READ MORE

5. Deep Seabed Mining in the Arctic READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Good/Bad start: U’khand’s UCC ticks some boxes. But it also encourages moral policing & coddles a few social taboos READ MORE

2. Uniform Civil Code: Regulation of live-in relationships regressive READ MORE

3. India’s public recruitment system stuck in ‘state incapacity’ trap. Can new exam bill save it? READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. India’s universities Government school crisis: Critical to win back trust of students READ MORE

2. States have a big role in next-generation social sector reforms READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Takeaways from the great churning: No room for ambiguity on the foreign policy front as India’s credibility is at stake READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Road map for fiscal consolidation READ MORE

2. Equity concerns in banning fossil fuel extraction READ MORE

3. Blue Carbon economy READ MORE

4. RBI confident of containing inflation, maintaining growth READ MORE

5. India is scorning energy bounty that transformed China READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. How cities can factor the climate crisis in budgets READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Innovation needs free and rational minds READ MORE

2. Pioneering progress: Exploring the frontiers of AI-driven growth READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Sparks from Manipur can ignite bigger conflict in region READ MORE    

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

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

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. To see life as an infinite gamble READ MORE

2. What a pleasure! READ MORE

3. Supreme Court’s ‘murder of democracy’ remarks on Chandigarh mayor polls give ammo to Oppn READ MORE

4. To link or delink neural connections READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The UCC is a must to ensure pan-India uniformity of civil laws while respecting religious and cultural diversity, but its nationwide implementation is a huge challenge. Comment.

2. AI is undeniably causing disruptions across the board but a shift in narrative is required to view AI as a constructive force, focusing on its potential to bring about positive changes. Discuss.

3. Budget management of the State is the discretion of the State government and it cannot be ceded to the Union executive and Parliament in the name of fiscal management. Examine the statement in the light of recent stand-off between Kerala and Center.

4. The character of India’s federalism is moving rapidly from cooperative to destructive and annihilation, and recent borrowing restrictions are an example of ‘annihilative federalism’ at play. Critically examine.

5. Climate change poses a significant threat to the country in the coming decades and to address these challenges effectively, the Republic’s current structure needs to evolve by encouraging the devolution of powers to local government bodies (LGBs). Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

  • It is impossible to build a multipolar world without a very relevant role of India.
  • The purpose of enacting special Acts such as the POCSO Act and making special provisions in the IT Act is to protect children from sexual exploitation and punish people involved in different forms of exploitation.
  • Any fiscal deficit of the Centre and States taken together substantially above 6% of GDP can only lead to inflation.
  • A country such as India, which is facing serious unemployment concerns, cannot afford to transit towards cleaner fuel without adequate transition support and creation of suitable economic opportunities and livelihoods for those affected.
  • Despite India’s notable progress in renewable energy systems, fossil fuel continues to dominate India’s power sector.
  • The UCC is a must to ensure pan-India uniformity of civil laws while respecting religious and cultural diversity, but its nationwide implementation is a huge challenge.
  • The Naga government and people unhappy with the fencing and abrogation of the FMR, the risk of militancy and insurgency reigniting in the North-East, either by accident or design, is higher than ever before.
  • The govt’s plan to send Indians abroad as labourers is seen as a practical acknowledgment of the constraints in the domestic economy. However, the larger issue here is an ethical one.
  • Education is the most effective tool to act as an external suggestion to bring out knowledge stored in the mind. It acts as the friction needed to fire the flint.
  • Education is the instrument through which we look at the universe, interpret it and experience the world.
  • Education institutions are the most powerful institution of society. Education is compulsory and a fundamental human right in our country.
  • Irrational, illogical, biased thinking along with authoritative oppression in the long run will one day culminate in disaster in society in the form of a threat to democracy and halt in the progress of economic growth.
  • Fiscally incentivizing blue carbon conservation and restoration programmes and fostering partnerships with stakeholders across sectors will also be crucial.
  • Fostering and leveraging international collaborations can facilitate exchange of knowledge, transfer of technology, and enhancement of capacity in conserving and managing blue carbon. Investing in and promoting blue carbon initiatives will be a pragmatic approach to expanding India’s climate action portfolio.
  • The shift towards states as accelerators of future reforms stems from a feeling that the Centre has concluded its role in easing the process of doing business.
  • AI is undeniably causing disruptions across the board. However, a shift in narrative is required to view AI as a constructive force, focusing on its potential to bring about positive changes.

ESSAY TOPIC

  • Knowledge has become fundamental to economic development and technological advancement.
  • The greatest resource of all economic development is the mind.

50-WORD TALK

  • EC’s decision to give NCP name and symbol to Ajit Pawar faction was unsurprising. Its arguments for relying solely on legislative strength are convoluted. Assembly Speaker, a BJP leader, sits on MLAs’ disqualification petitions and EC uses their strength to rule in favour of BJP’s ally. It’s politics, not justice.
  • Karnataka has joined Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana in protesting Centre’s tax devolution policies. The timing works since 16th Finance Commission’s deliberations have just started. But such concerted criticism is another sign of worsening Centre-State relations. If the Centre is serious about fiscal federalism, it needs to rebuild states’ trust.

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.