Despite the messaging, it is still advantage China

The article examines whether India has been proving a favourable alternative to China or not. Is India becoming alternate supply source and investment destination? Despite media reports and strong messaging from Washington, fewer U.S. companies than predicted might quit China. Companies focused on the Chinese domestic market rather than as a base for exports will… Continue reading

Implications of World Bank halting ‘Doing Business’ report for India

India’s ranking in the World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ index has improved spectacularly. However, the World Bank recently halted its publication and announced decision to review and assess data changes for last five years. Background Citing irregularities of data for a few countries, the World Bank halted its annual publication ‘Doing Business’ report. It… Continue reading

UN’s guidelines on Access to Social Justice for People with Disabilities

The United Nations has released it’s first-ever guidelines on access to social justice for people with disabilities to make it easier for them to access justice systems around the world. Note: These guidelines can be used in mains answer while substantiating their rights. Defining a person with a disability The UN Convention on the Rights… Continue reading

Person in news: Noor Inayat Khan

World War II spy Noor Inayat Khan is now the first woman of Indian origin to be commemorated by the distinct blue London plaque. Try this PYQ: Q.A recent movie titled “The Man Who Knew Infinity” is based on the biography of- (a) S. Ramanujan (b) S. Chandrasekhar (c) S. N. Bose (d) C. V.… Continue reading

Changing India’s health delivery landscape through NDHM

The National Digital Health Mission promises to transform the Indian healthcare system with the aid of technology. The article highlights the key aspects of the mission. Building integrated digital health infrastructure through NDHM NDHM is based on the principles of health for all, inclusivity, accessibility, affordability, education, empowerment, wellness, portability, privacy and security by design.… Continue reading

Issue of GST compensation to states

The article analyses the issue of GST compensation to states under GST regime for five years and how this has turned to be contentious issues after the economic disruption caused by Covid-19. The basis for compensation Under Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime the Centre would make good the loss in the first five years… Continue reading

[Burning Issue] Free Speech Vs. Contempt of Court

Power of judiciary lies neither in deciding cases, nor in imposing sentences, nor in giving punishment for its contempt, but in the trust, confidence and faith of the general public. Criticism is important for it helps to give us a new perspective and opens our eyes to things we may have overlooked or never considered.… Continue reading

What is Compensation of GST?

With Centre-State friction over pending compensation payments under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) taking a new turn in the 41st GST Council to meet, the strain on the finances of states is likely to continue in the near term. Try this question from CSP 2018: Q.Consider the following items: Cereal grains hulled Chicken eggs… Continue reading

GIS-enabled Land Bank System

A prototype of the National GIS-enabled Land Bank System was e-launched by Commerce and Industry Ministry for six States based on which land can be identified for setting up industries. Try to answer this question in short: Q.Discuss the benefits of digitizing land records in India. Land Bank System The system has been developed by… Continue reading

Who was Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis?

A bronze statue of Indian doctor Dwarkanath Kotnis is set to be unveiled in China. Try this PYQ: Q.A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of (a) S. Ramanujan (b) S. Chandrasekhar (c) S. N. Bose (d) C. V. Raman Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis He is revered in China… Continue reading

Species in news: Barn Owl

With a thriving rat population playing havoc with its coconut yield, the UT of Lakshadweep hires barn owls for help. Try this PYQ: Q.The Red Data Books published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) contains lists of: Endemic plant and animal species present in the biodiversity hotspots. Threatened plant… Continue reading

[pib] Eklavya Model Residential Schools

An Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) teacher was selected for National Award to Teachers 2020. Note the specific features of EMRS. Each year in the CSP, there is a question related to tribes/tribal development. Eklavya Model Residential Schools EMRS started in the year 1997-98 to impart quality education to ST children in remote areas in… Continue reading

Boosting demand with wage hike

The article discusses the threat posed to the Indian economy by the subdued demand following the return of the labourers to their urban jobs. Rural employment issue About 30 million migrant workers rushed home to their villages during the pandemic. About 60 per cent of out-migration from rural India is aspiration-led. Income earned in urban jobs… Continue reading

PVTGS in Andaman

Five members of the Great Andamanese tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTGs) have tested positive for COVID-19. Try this PYQ: Q. Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining… Continue reading

Turkey’s Maritime Disputes

Turkish President Erdogan has asserted that his country will take whatever belongs to it in the Mediterranean, as well as Aegean and the Black Sea. Try this PYQ: Q.Turkey is located between (a) The Black Sea and Caspian Sea (b) The Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea (c) Gulf of Suez and the Mediterranean Sea (d)… Continue reading

National Recruitment Agency: Taking jobs closer to people

Recruitment reform in the form of National Recruitment Agency will resolve many issues faced by the youth appearing for the multiple government exam. Context On average, 2.5-3 crore candidates appear for about 1.25 lakh vacancies in the central government every year. But from next year, the NRA will conduct the CET and based on the… Continue reading

How marriage age and women’s health are linked?

PM had announced a panel to fight malnutrition in young women and ensure they get married at the right age. Take a look at how the two are linked: How prevalent is underage marriage? Data show that the majority of women in India marry after the age of 21. Chart 1 shows the mean age… Continue reading

BRICS Innovation Base for 5G and AI Technology

China has made a proposal to create what it has termed a BRICS innovation base to take forward 5G and Artificial Intelligence (AI) cooperation. Try this question from CSP 2019: Q.With reference to communication technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)? LTE ‘is commonly marketed as 3G… Continue reading

[pib] Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Transport Initiative for Asia (TIA)

NITI Aayog will virtually launch the India Component of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)–Transport Initiative for Asia (TIA). Try this PYQ: Q.The term Intended Nationally Determined Contribution is sometimes seen in the news in the context of: (a) Pledge made by the European countries to rehabilitate refuges from the war-affected Middle East. (b) Plan of nation outlined by… Continue reading

[pib] Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2020

NITI Aayog in partnership with the Institute of Competitiveness has released the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2020. Try this PYQ: Q.Which one of the following is not a sub-index of the World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business Index? (CSP 2019) (a) Maintenance of law and order (b) Paying taxes (c) Registering property (d) Dealing with… Continue reading

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