Challenger Deep: the deepest spot in the ocean

On June 7, astronaut and oceanographer Kathy Sullivan, who was the first American woman to walk in space in 1984, became the first woman and the fifth person in history to descend to the deepest known spot in the world’s oceans, called the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench. The ocean relief can be divided… Continue reading

Species in news: Asiatic Lion

Asiatic lions have now significantly risen in number at an estimated population of 674 in the Gir forest region of Gujarat. Unlike in previous years, this count was estimated not from a Census, but from a population “observation” exercise called Poonam Avlokan. Try this question from CSP 2017: Q. The term ‘M-STrIPES’ is sometimes seen… Continue reading

Complexity of India-Nepal relations

This article helps us understand Nepal’s perspective of the India-Nepal border dispute. Though the issue dates back to India’s independence, it came to dominate the political landscape in Nepal since 1990s. But there is no solution in sight. So, what makes the issue complex? Read to know… What the border dispute between two countries is… Continue reading

Permafrost and the hazards of its Thawing

The principal reason that led to the recent 20,000-tonne oil leak at an Arctic region power plant in Russia that is now being recognised is the sinking of ground surface due to permafrost thaw. Try this question from Mains 2017: Q. What is Cryosphere? How does the Cryosphere affect global climate? What is Permafrost? Permafrost… Continue reading

Taking care of finances of local governments

This article makes some suggestions to improve local finance and argues that the extant fiscal illusion is a great deterrent to mobilisation. Advantageous position in handling disasters In terms of information, monitoring and immediate action, local governments are at an advantage, and eminently, to meet any disaster such as COVID-19. While increasing the borrowing limits… Continue reading

Who is afraid of monetisation of deficit?

Rating agencies influence the decisions of investors. So, when any economy is downgraded by them, it’s certainly a cause for concern. But to restart the economic engines, governments need to spend more by borrowing. This article suggests the way to achieve both: avoiding downgrade and increasing spending. How? Read to know… To worry or not… Continue reading

Shapes of Economic Recovery

Predicting recovery graphs, economists have added cool shapes for our information. The types of graphs mentioned here are the possible indicators of macro-economic recovery. They are the potential hotspots for a prelim question. UPSC can puzzle you with the type of graphs and associated macroeconomic situation. Try to mirror! How would our economy grow?! Types… Continue reading

International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)

The Ministry of Shipping has informed about the steps taken for prevention and control of pollution arising from ships in the sea and in the inland waterways under the MARPOL Convention. Aspirants must note the following things: 1. If the convention is a subsidiary to the United Nations/IMO, 2. Whether it is Legally binding? 3.… Continue reading

Green colour band for BS-VI 4W vehicles

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued an order mandating a coloured strip to identify four-wheeled BSVI vehicle. Note important PM levels allowed under BS VI norms. Note how it is different from the earlier BS IV norm. Details of the colour band MoRTH has mandated a strip of green colour of… Continue reading

[Burning Issue] Reorienting MGNREGA in times of COVID

Termed in a moment of hubris by present government as ‘“a living monument of UPA’s failures”, the government has fallen back on this Scheme in this moment of crisis. This piece is an attempt to understand the silent success of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) which was allegedly dying a… Continue reading

Tax Avoidance: case study on Flipkart deal

Through this story, we will explore how investment fund companies exploit the tax agreements between the two countries. This story involves the famous case of investment by Walmart in Flipkart. So, let’s see what was involved in the case and what argument was made by the investment fund involved in the case. Tax avoidance Tax… Continue reading

Explained: Gross Value Added (GVA) Method

The National Statistical Office (NSO) recently released its provisional estimates of national income for the financial year 2019-20. The release also detailed the estimates of the Gross Value Added (GVA). Try this question from CSP 2011: Q. In the context of Indian economy, consider the following statements 1. The growth rate of GDP has steadily… Continue reading

Environment Performance Index 2020

India has secured 168 ranks in the 12th edition of the biennial Environment Performance Index (EPI Index 2020). CSP 2019 has been a year with two questions based on rankings and indices viz. the EoDB index and Global Competitiveness Index. Note all such indices and their publishing agencies here at [Prelims Spotlight] Important reports and… Continue reading

Aerosols Radiative Effects in the Himalayas

Indian researchers have found that the effect of anthropogenic aerosols is much higher over the high altitudes of western trans-Himalayas. Try this question from CSP 2019: Q. In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into the stratosphere?… Continue reading

‘Race to Zero’ campaign

The UN has launched the “Race to Zero” campaign ahead of delayed COP 26 Climate Talks. Possible question for prelims: The ‘Race to Zero’ campaign often seen in news is related to zeroing: Global Hunger/Carbon Emission/HR violations/None of these. ‘Race to Zero’ campaign The campaign aims to codify commitments made via the Climate Ambition Alliance… Continue reading

Nagar Van (Urban Forest) Scheme

On the occasion of World Environment Day (5th June), the union govt has announced the implementation of the Nagar Van Scheme to develop 200 Urban Forests across the country in the next five years. Do you know? India has 8 per cent of world’s biodiversity, despite having many constraints like only 2.5 % of the… Continue reading

[Burning Issue] COVID-19 and its Impact on Agriculture

Farmers in India constantly battle against skewed monsoon and erratic rainfall, extreme natural events, interrupted supply chains and rising inflation. Like this was not enough. These troubles now are supplemented this year by the COVID induced lockdowns and the heralding Locusts Attack! God bless our Annadatas! Context The start of the coronavirus pandemic has coincided… Continue reading

A chill in US-China relations and India as a collateral damage

Even before the covid pandemic we could sense the rising tension between the U.S. and China. However, pandemic proved to be the tipping point. This article explains the role the U.S. played in China’s rise. And its recent acceptance under Donald Trump of not so peaceful rise of China. Let’s look into recent announcements on… Continue reading

Defence reforms must ensure the alignment of its various domains

This article draws on the model used for accident investigation but in a reverse manner. For proper functioning of the defence system of a country, proper alignment of various domains is essential. This article divides the defence system of the country into three layers and visualises them as a slice of cheese in the model.… Continue reading

Setting agenda for G-12

Recently, there was a call for expansion of the membership of the G-7 by the U.S. President. But the expanded group should not be seen as an anti-China gang-up. Disciplining and not isolating China is what most of the members of the group would want. And to do so, this new group needs to have… Continue reading

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.

Your better version awaits you!