Chabahar Rail Project

The Iranian government has decided to proceed with the construction of Chabahar Rail Project on its own, citing delays from the Indian side in funding and starting the project. What is the issue? Four years ago, India and Iran signed an agreement to construct a rail line from Chabahar port to Zahedan, along the border… Continue reading

Dehing Patkai WLS to be upgraded into National Park

The Assam government has decided to upgrade Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary into a National Park. Try this question from CSP 2019: Which one of the following National Parks lies completely in the temperate alpine zone? (a) Manas National Park (b) Namdapha National Park (c) Neora Valley National Park (d) Valley of Flowers National Park Dehing… Continue reading

Mapping: Islands of Polynesia

How did the Polynesian peoples come to live on the far-flung islands of the Pacific? The question has intrigued researchers for centuries. The newscard contains some trivial facts. However, aspirants are advised to observe the map. Study on Polynesia Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl brought the topic to public attention when he sailed a balsa-wood raft… Continue reading

Mapping: Mont Blanc

The melting Mont Blanc glacier in the French Alps yielded a clutch of newspapers with banner headlines from when Indira Gandhi became India’s first and so far only woman Prime Minister in 1966. Try this MCQ Q.The Mont Blanc in the Alps can be located near the conflux of which of the following two countries?… Continue reading

Smart Cities Mission and the public health

“Smart Cities Mission” lacks the focus on public health. This article highlights the consequences of this. The article suggests strengthening the of local governments and provisions for the livelihood through an urban employment guarantee scheme. “Smart Cities Mission”: Progress so far The ‘Smart Cities Mission’, a flagship programme of the government, completed five years, in… Continue reading

Policing the police

Custodial deaths in Tamil Nadu and death of a criminal in UP has brought to the fore the issue of illegalities carried out by the police. This article discusses the ways in which people face such illegalities and need for the reforms. Issue of illegalities by police It is common practice in police stations to… Continue reading

Election Commission (EC)’s power to delay elections

Political parties are increasingly voicing concerns over holding elections in Bihar amid a pandemic. This newscard contains some interesting facts related to conduct and postpone of elections. EC’s power to hold elections The EC is mandated under law to hold elections at any time within six months before the five-year term of the Lok Sabha… Continue reading

National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) signed MoU with NCRB

The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) has signed an MoU with the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to access the centralised online database on FIRs and stolen vehicles. The MoU would enable the NATGRID to get information about details of a suspect as mentioned in the FIR such as his/her father’s name, telephone number and other… Continue reading

What is T Cells Immunity?

A recent study has shown that people unexposed to and not infected with novel coronavirus may still exhibit T cell responses specific to this virus. It is thought that Coronavirus specific T cell responses seen in healthy people might arise from memory T cells derived from exposure to ‘common cold’ coronaviruses. Try this question from… Continue reading

[pib] India’s Tiger Census sets a New Guinness Record

The fourth cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation 2018, results of which were declared to the nation on Global Tiger Day last year has entered the Guinness World Record for being the world’s largest camera trap wildlife survey. Before reading this newscard, try these PYQs: Q. The term ‘M-STrIPES’ is sometimes seen in the… Continue reading

Do we need Fiscal Council

Why there is a need for Fiscal Council? With a complex polity and manifold development challenges, India need institutional mechanisms for prudent fiscal practices. An independent fiscal council can bring about much needed transparency and accountability in fiscal processes across the federal polity. International experience suggests that a fiscal council improves the quality of debate… Continue reading

[pib] ASEEM Portal

Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has launched Aatmanirbhar Skilled Employee-Employer Mapping (ASEEM) portal to help skilled people find sustainable livelihood opportunities. There are various web/portals/apps with peculiar names such as YUKTI, DISHA, SWAYAM etc. Their core purpose is similar with slight differences. Pen them down on a separate sheet. ASEEM Portal ASEEM refers… Continue reading

Rabari, Bharvad and Charan Tribes of Gujarat

The Gujarat government will constitute a commission to identify the members of Rabari, Bharvad and Charan communities who are eligible to get the benefits of Schedule Tribe (ST) status. Try this question from CSP 2017: Q.Every year, a monthlong ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which certain communities/ tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. Which… Continue reading

Judiciary and criminalisation in politics

This article discusses the issue of criminalisation in politics and the reasons for its persistence despite several judgements by the Supreme Courts to deal with the issue. The Feb 2020 SC order In a February 2020 judgement the Supreme Court has asked the political parties to state the reasons for the selection of candidates. The… Continue reading

Malabar Naval Exercise to include Australia

India has finally planned to invite Australia to join the annual Malabar naval exercise that has so far included just Japan and the U.S., in a move that could risk China’s ire. Go through the list for once. UPSC may ask a match the pair type question asking exercise name and countries involved. [Prelims Spotlight]… Continue reading

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteurs have made public their third communication forwarded to India expressing concern over alleged excessive use of force, ill-treatment during arrests and detentions. Practice question for mains: Q.There is an urgent need for reforming the criminal justice system in India in light of rising cases of custodial torture and killings. Comment.… Continue reading

UAE in support of Open Skies Agreement with India

The UAE is keen to have an open sky agreement with India. Open Skies Agreement! Look how confusing does it sound compared to the Open Skies Treaty between the US and Russia. What is the Open Skies Agreement? The National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016, allows the government to enter into an ‘open sky’ air services… Continue reading

Rewriting the social contract to deal with the pandemic

The article examines the theoretical basis on which the governments exercise power. That basis is encapsulated in the ‘social contract theory’. The role of government, however, came under the scanner in the pandemic in which the impact of pandemic was different for the different people. Social contract theory: Then and now In the course of… Continue reading

Digitising the state

This article examines the issues with governments account problems and their implications. It also suggests the ways to deal with the problems with data management in India.It is is line with the suggestions made by the CAG in this regard. Problem with government account keeping The Union budget grew from Rs 197 crore in 1947… Continue reading

Postal Ballots in Elections

The Election Commission has announced that it will allow those above the age of 65 as well as those under home or institutional quarantine to vote using postal ballots during the Bihar elections. Opposition parties are unhappy with the move and termed it unconstitutional. Try this question from CSP 2017: Q.Consider the following statements: The… Continue reading

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