[pib] Kumhar Sashaktikaran Yojana (KSY)

The Centre has distributed 100 electric potter wheels to 100 trained artisans under the KSY. Try this question from CSP 2018: Q. Consider the following provisions under the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in the Constitution of India: Securing for citizens of India a uniform civil code. Organising village panchayats. Promoting cottage industries… Continue reading

Rosalind Franklin: the unsung heroine of DNA

The famous British scientist and virologist Rosalind Franklin is remembered across the world on her birth centenary who worked to construct the double-helix structure of DNA. Try this PYQ from CSP 2019: DNA/RNA has been an all-time favourite of UPSC! Q.‘RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why? It is… Continue reading

Gold and forex reserves cannot finance stimulus

The article analyses the issues with suggestions like printing of currency and using forex reserves to finance the stimulus. They also lead to an increase in government debts. Context Prime Minister announced a stimulus package of ₹20 trillion to fight the economic fallout of the covid pandemic. Since then, several unorthodox ideas have been floated… Continue reading

False urban rural binary

The article brings out the issues in the rural-urban binary, which leads to the disparity in the allocation of resources to the urban areas. Congestion and health issues in cities The congestion in large cities has turned out to be their worst enemy during this pandemic. Congestion is most evident in slums in large cities… Continue reading

Women officers can now get permanent commission in Indian Army

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued the formal Government Sanction Letter for grant of Permanent Commission (PC) to women officers in the Army. Try this question for mains: Q.“Concern for equality of sexes or political expediency should not influence defence policies.” Discuss on lines with the debate over the induction of women in the… Continue reading

Bats and their Ecological Significance

The COVID pandemic has magnified our fear of bats, but their conservation is crucial to prevent such events from arising again. Try this PYQ from CSP 2014: Q.Consider the following: Bats Bears Rodents The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2… Continue reading

COVID-19 Law Lab

The UN agencies have started a portal called the COVID-19 Law Lab to host all recent legal enactments to fight the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Note the following things about COVID-19 Law Lab: 1) It is an online portal and not a cubical laboratory 2) Parent agency includes the UN and WHO 3) It… Continue reading

Transforming higher education

The issues of quality of higher education explain the lack of employability of Indian youth. This article examines the issue and suggests the approach to deal with the issue. Three learning outcomes The first is to provide knowledge in the relevant discipline to the students. Second, imparting students with the skills needed for their jobs/enterprises.… Continue reading

[pib] Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP-3) in Gujarat

The indigenously designed 700 MWe reactor at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project has achieved Criticality. Try this PYQ from CSP 2013: Q. The known forces of nature can be divided into four classes, viz, gravity, electromagnetism, weak nuclear force and strong nuclear force. With reference to them, which one of the following statements is not… Continue reading

Key stakeholders in data regulation

The article examines the structures and role of key stakeholders in regulation of Non-Personal Data as per the report submitted by the committee headed by Kris Gopalakrishnan. Context There is a realisation that data should be unlocked in public interest beyond the use by a few large companies Data, in many cases, are not just… Continue reading

[pib] RAISE Initiative

The Ministry of Power has launches Retrofit of Air-conditioning to improve Indoor Air Quality for Safety and Efficiency (RAISE) – a joint initiative of EESL and USAID. Possible prelims question: Q. The MAITREE programme recently seen in news is related to: Trade/Energy Efficiency/Climate Change/ Strategic Relations RAISE Initiative It aims to ensure cleaner and greener… Continue reading

Comparing fiscal responses to Covid on qualitative and quantitative basis

For all the talks over the size of Atmanirbhar package, India’s response turns out to be inadequate when compared with the other countries with similar levels of per capita income. This article analyses the same. Context India’s fiscal response is compared to countries which are similar in GDP per capita, state capacity, and structure of… Continue reading

What is a Serological Survey?

A Serological Survey was recently conducted in New Delhi to determine the exposure of the novel coronavirus among the population. Try this question from CSP 2019: Which one of the following statements is not correct? (a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV. (b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.… Continue reading

[pib] DDT and its impact on environment

India has supplied 20.60 MT of DDT to South Africa for its Malaria control program. Try this question from CSP 2014: With reference to ‘Global Environment Facility’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (a) It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Convention on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’ (b) It… Continue reading

Explained: Consumer Protection Act, 2019

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 has come into effect from July 20, replacing the earlier Consumer Protection Act, 1986. What are the Rights of the Consumers? Try this question from our AWE initiative Compare and contrast the Consumer Protection Act 1986 with that of the Consumer Protection Bill 2018. How far do you think the… Continue reading

[pib] Manodarpan Initiative

The Union HRD Ministry will launch the Manodarpan Initiative, today. Try this question from CSP 2016: Q.’Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to: (a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood (b) release the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood… Continue reading

Godhan Nyay Yojana to boost rural economy

Chhattisgarh is set to launch ‘Godhan Nyay Yojana’. The scheme aims to put money in the pockets of people living in rural areas and also solve the problem of stray cattle. Try this question from CSP 2019: Consider the following statements Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into the environment. Cattle release ammonia into the environment.… Continue reading

Vitamin D and its health benefits

There have been considerable discussions in scientific circles on the importance of vitamin D in these days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Try this question from CSP 2017: Q.Regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended in the diet since they are a good source of antioxidants. How do antioxidants help a person maintain health… Continue reading

Voting right to migrant workers

A large number of migrant workers cannot vote in their constituency. This assumes significance when we consider that the Supreme Court has interpreted the right to vote as an extension of the fundamental right of the freedom of expression. So, the ECI should find ways to enable them exercise their right. Universal adult franchise: India’s… Continue reading

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