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UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-III Syllabus & Structure

The UPSC GS 3 constitutes one of the nine subjective papers within the UPSC Mains examination. It encompasses various subjects, including Economic Development, Technology, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management. This article aims to furnish you with a comprehensive GS 3 syllabus and exam structure for your IAS Exam preparations, maintaining the original length.

IAS Mains General Studies-III encompasses the following subjects:

Technology
Economic Development
Biodiversity
Environment
Security
Disaster Management

Focus Area in GS3 Paper

Subject	Topics
Economics	Economic Development in India Macroeconomics
Science & Technology	Dark Matter Higgs Boson Rare Earth Elements GM Crops Gene Editing Artificial Intelligence Space Technology Defence Technology
Biodiversity	Types of Biodiversity Biodiversity and Environment
Security	Internal Security Challenges in India Extremism Terrorism Money-Laundering
Disaster Management	Disaster Management in India PM Cares Fund National Disaster Management Plan 2016

How to Approach GS3 Paper

Subject	Sources
Economic Development	Current Affairs Select articles from ‘The Hindu’ Class 12 NCERT – ‘Introductory Macroeconomics’ Economic Survey of India and India Year Book
Biodiversity, Environment	Current Affairs Textbook of Environmental Studies For Undergraduate Courses by Erach Bharucha Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) Official Website
Technology	Current Affairs
Security & Disaster Management	Current Affairs Yojana (January 2017) edition- this covers Disaster Management perspectives.

Practical Tips for GS Paper 3 Preparation:

Prioritize Current Affairs: Given the significant overlap between IAS Mains GS-III and current affairs, utilize the Daily News Analysis for effective preparation.
Note-Taking Strategy: When making notes, use blank sheets of paper or an unruled notebook. Draw margins on both sides to familiarize yourself with the format of the answer booklet provided during the Mains Examination.
Mnemonics for Memorization: Employ mnemonic devices whenever possible. For instance, consider memorizing the components under ‘Bharat Nirman’ using the mnemonic ‘WRITE H,’ where each alphabet corresponds to a component:
- W: Water
- R: Roads
- I: Irrigation
- E: Electricity
- T: Telephone
- H: Housing
Visual Aids in Notes: Enhance your notes with illustrations. Utilize sticky notes to create brief diagrams, flowcharts, and other visual aids. These can be pasted in your textbooks or notebooks for reference and will prove invaluable during revision.
Clarify Doubts: For answers to even the smallest queries related to the economy, science, environment, or agriculture, rely on Civilsdaily’s Clarity Webinars.

GS-III Structure

The General Studies Paper III in the Mains Exam is characterized by the following key features:

Bilingual Questions: There are 20 questions presented in both English and Hindi, and candidates are required to respond in the language chosen during the application process.
Total Marks: The paper carries a total weightage of 250 marks.
Word Limit: For 10-mark questions, the word limit is set at 150 words, while 15-mark questions allow up to 250 words for answers.
Emphasis on Economic Development: This paper places a significant emphasis on Economic Development. Consequently, questions may venture into areas such as Social Justice and international relations, extending beyond the scope of GS II. Moreover, topics related to Environment may overlap with the geographical knowledge required for GS-I, as well as Economic Development and Biodiversity, which are covered in GS II. Therefore, meticulous analysis of each question and the ability to provide concise, to-the-point answers within the specified word limit is crucial. A thorough understanding of the UPSC GS 3 Syllabus is instrumental in achieving this.
Focus on Security and Disaster Management: Questions pertaining to Security and Disaster Management are predominantly found in the latter half of the paper. Therefore, it is imperative to revise topics related to Internal Security and Disaster Management. Additionally, staying updated on contemporary issues, including emerging challenges such as cybercrime, is essential for success in this paper.

For a comprehensive understanding of UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-III (UPSC GS 3 syllabus), please refer to the detailed syllabus outlined below:

Topic	Subtopic
Indian Economy	Issues related to planning Mobilization of resources Growth Development Employment
Inclusive Growth	Inclusive growth Issues arising from or related to inclusive growth
Budgeting	Government Budgeting
Major Crops and Cropping Patterns	Major crops and cropping pattern in different parts of the country Different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage Transport and marketing of agricultural produce Issues related to transport and marketing of agricultural produce E- technology in the aid of farmers
Subsidies, Poverty Alleviation and Agricultural Technology	Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies Issues related to Minimum Support Prices Public Distribution System: Objectives Functioning Limitations Revamp Issues related to buffer stocks and food security Technology missions Economics of Animal rearing
Food Processing and Related Industries	Food processing and related industries in India: Scope and significance Location Upstream and downstream requirements Supply chain management
Land Reforms	Land reforms in India
Liberalization	Effects of Liberalization on the economy Changes in industrial policy Effects of changes in industrial policy on industrial growth
Infrastructure	Energy Ports Roads Airports Railways etc.
Investment	Investment models such as Public-Private Partnerships, Build Operate Transfer etc.
Science and Technology	Developments in Science and Technology Applications of scientific developments in everyday life Effects of scientific developments in everyday life
Achievements of Indians in Science and Technology	Important contributions of Indians in Science and Technology Indigenization of technology Developing new technology indigenously
General Awareness	Awareness in the following fields: IT Space Computers Robotics Nanotechnology Biotechnology Issues related to Intellectual Property Rights in these fields
Environment	Conservation Environmental pollution and degradation Environmental Impact Assessment
Disaster Management	Disasters Disaster Management
Security	Linkages between development and spread of extremism Role of state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security Challenges to Internal Security through communication networks: Role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges Basics of Cyber Security Money laundering and its prevention Security challenges and their management in border areas: Linkages of organized crime with terrorism Various Security forces and agencies and their mandates

GS-III Trend Analysis

Topic	2018	2019	2020
Economy	50	50	50
Agriculture/Food industry	60	55	50
Science/Tech/Environment/Disaster	100	100	100
Security	40	45	50
Total	250	250	250

IAS Exam Pattern

UPSC IAS Exam	Pattern of IAS Exam
Preliminary Examination	General Studies Aptitude Test
Mains Examination	Qualifying: Paper-A (One of the 22 Indian Languages) Paper-B (English) Papers to be counted for merit: Paper-I (Essay) Paper-II (GS-I) Paper-III (GS-II) Paper-IV (GS-III) Paper-V (GS-IV) Paper-VI (Optional Paper-I) Paper-VI (Optional Paper-II)
Personality Test	–

The UPSC IAS Exam witnessed significant structural modifications in 2013, with minor adjustments occurring in 2015 and 2016. The alterations pertaining to General Studies are as follows:

2013: The number of General Studies papers increased from 2 to 4.
2015: CSAT marks ceased to contribute to the merit list, with only General Studies papers, essays, and optional papers considered for merit ranking, while CSAT became a qualifying paper.
2016: The marks distribution for General Studies Papers shifted to a two-tier system, departing from the earlier uniform marks allocation for all questions.

Given the recent trend of in-depth analysis of UPSC papers, it is imperative to thoroughly comprehend the topics covered in General Studies Paper-II. Additionally, reviewing previous years’ UPSC questions and answers can enhance your ability to respond effectively and efficiently.

September 5, 2023

UPI QR Code-Central Bank Digital Currency interoperability: How does it work and how do customers benefit?
What’s the news?
- The fusion of UPI and CBDC is an essential component of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) ongoing pilot project aimed at propelling the retail digital rupee.
Central idea
- Banks are boosting digital rupee (e₹-R) adoption by integrating UPI QR codes with CBDC or e₹ apps. Users can now scan any UPI QR code for transactions, while merchants can accept digital rupee payments using their existing UPI QR codes.
Definition- Interoperability
- Interoperability, as defined by the RBI, is the technical compatibility that enables a payment system to operate harmoniously with other payment systems.
- This fosters the seamless execution, clearance, and settlement of payment transactions across diverse systems.
- The synergy between payment systems contributes to fostering adoption, coexistence, innovation, and efficiency for end-users.
Understanding QR Codes
- A Quick Response (QR) code is a pattern of black squares arranged in a grid on a white background, interpretable by imaging devices like cameras. It carries information about the attached item.
- This versatile tool provides an alternative contactless payment channel, allowing merchants to directly receive payments into their bank accounts.
What is a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)?
- CBDC is a legal tender issued by the central bank in digital form. Like rupee notes or coins, which are in physical form.
- Simply put, it’s just like rupee (₹) notes but in digital form (e₹). You can also exchange e₹ for physical currency notes.
- However, unlike fiat currency that’s usually stored in banks and hence their liability, CBDC is a liability on the RBI’s balance sheet. That’s why you don’t necessarily need to have a bank account to own a digital rupee.
What is the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)?
- UPI is India’s mobile-based fast payment system, which enables customers to make round-the-clock payments instantly using a virtual payment address (VPA) created by the customer.
- It eliminates the risk of the remitter sharing bank account details with the remitter.
- UPI supports both Person-to-Person (P2P) and Person-to-Merchant (P2M) payments, and it also enables a user to send or receive money.
The interoperability between UPI and CBDC
- The interoperability between UPI and CBDC introduces the concept of UPI QR code-CBDC interoperability. This entails the compatibility of all UPI QR codes with CBDC applications.
- In the pilot phase of the retail digital rupee, e₹-R users had to scan a specific QR code for transactions. However, with UPI-CBDC interoperability, transactions can now be initiated using a single QR code.
- The digital rupee, a tokenized digital variant of the rupee, is issued by the RBI as CBDC. The e₹ is stored within a digital wallet linked to a customer’s existing savings bank account, while the UPI directly connects to the customer’s account.
Significance of Interoperability
- Enhanced User Experience: Interoperability simplifies the payment process, allowing users to seamlessly make transactions using any UPI QR code. This eliminates the inconvenience of switching between multiple payment apps or systems, enhancing user satisfaction.
- Accelerated Adoption of the Digital Rupee: Leveraging the popularity of UPI, interoperability promotes the adoption of the retail digital rupee. This aligns with the government’s objectives to drive digital currency usage and reduce reliance on physical cash.
- Merchant-Friendly: Merchants benefit from this interoperability as it eliminates the need for them to manage a separate QR code for digital rupee payments. This lowers the entry barrier for merchants to accept digital currency, making it more accessible to a wider range of businesses.
- Expanding Financial Inclusion: Interoperability has the potential to extend financial inclusion efforts, particularly in underserved regions. Users and merchants with limited exposure to digital payments can now participate more easily in the digital economy.
- Efficiency and Cost Savings: For both users and merchants, interoperability reduces the operational costs associated with maintaining multiple payment platforms. It simplifies accounting and transaction management for businesses.
How will it drive CBDC adoption?
- Presently, UPI is a widely used payment method. The interoperability between UPI and CBDC is poised to accelerate the adoption of the digital rupee.
- With over 70 mobile apps and 50 million merchants accepting UPI payments, the existing UPI ecosystem sets the stage for the retail digital rupee’s growth.
- The RBI reported 1.3 million customers and 0.3 million merchants using e₹-R in July, with daily transactions ranging from 5,000 to 10,000.
- Prominent banks, including State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Yes Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, and IDFC First Bank, have introduced UPI interoperability on their digital rupee applications.
Benefits for Users
- Seamless Transactions: Users can effortlessly execute digital rupee transactions by scanning any UPI QR code, eliminating the need for multiple apps or QR codes for different transactions.
- Wider Acceptance: Users are no longer restricted to specific QR codes; they can utilize their digital wallets linked to UPI for transactions at various merchants, increasing flexibility.
- Financial Inclusion: Interoperability ensures that users, including those in remote areas, can easily access and use the digital rupee without specialized infrastructure or additional QR codes, promoting financial inclusion.
- Reduced Transaction Costs: Users can avoid extra fees associated with using multiple payment platforms. Interoperability makes digital rupee transactions more cost-effective.
- Streamlined Wallet Management: Users can consolidate their digital transactions within a single digital wallet, simplifying financial management.
Benefits for Merchants
- Ease of Adoption: Merchants can accept digital rupee payments without the complexity of creating and maintaining a separate QR code for CBDC, simplifying onboarding for businesses, including small retailers.
- Expanded Customer Base: With interoperability, merchants can cater to a broader range of customers using digital rupees, regardless of whether customers possess a specific QR code.
- Reduced Infrastructure Costs: Merchants save on expenses related to setting up and maintaining additional payment infrastructure, such as separate QR codes or payment terminals.
- Efficient Settlement: The integration allows for efficient settlement of digital rupee payments, whether or not the merchant has a CBDC account. This ensures prompt and secure payment receipts for merchants.
- Increased Sales: Simplified payment options often lead to smoother and quicker checkouts, potentially boosting customer satisfaction and increasing sales for merchants.
Conclusion
- The convergence of UPI and CBDC through interoperability marks a transformative phase in the realm of digital payments. With the fusion of two powerful platforms, the retail digital rupee is poised to gain widespread adoption, revolutionizing the landscape of digital transactions in India.
Also read:

India’s Central bank digital currency (CBDC) in detail
September 5, 2023
Emerging countries need women-led climate action
What’s the news?
- In the current era, the fusion of gender equality and environmental sustainability presents a dynamic duo that holds the key to accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Central Idea
- The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) aptly points out that gender equality and environmental goals are not isolated endeavors; they forge a symbiotic relationship that can amplify progress towards a sustainable future.
Vulnerability in a Changing Climate
- Climate change, a pressing global concern, has repercussions that reverberate across demographics, with women bearing a disproportionate brunt of its impact.
- The International Labour Organization (ILO, 2019) forecasts that by 2030, scorching temperatures will result in a 2.2% loss of global working hours—equivalent to 80 million full-time jobs.
- The United Nations (2009) highlighted that across genders, women are considered to be more vulnerable and disproportionately affected by climate change than men.
- Estimates project that by 2050, climate change risks, coupled with natural disasters and food inflation, could push 130 million people into poverty, disproportionately affecting women’s inequality.
Climate Change and its Impact on Women, Particularly in Low-Income Countries
- Gendered Vulnerability in Low-Income Countries:
- Women across the globe face heightened risks to their health, safety, and quality of life. Yet, the vulnerability is notably more pronounced in developing and less developed countries, especially those grappling with low-income realities.
- This vulnerability is rooted in their reliance on natural resources and labor-intensive work, making them more susceptible to climate change impacts.
- A crucial aspect of this vulnerability lies in the interconnectedness of poverty and climate change.
- Climate Crisis Intensifying Basic Needs Struggles:
- Rural women, in particular, are burdened with the responsibility of ensuring access to essentials like clean water, cooking fuel, and nutritious food for their families.
- This often involves arduous journeys and exposes them to health and safety risks.
- Underpaid and Overworked:
- Despite their pivotal role in food production systems, women engaged in agriculture face persistent challenges.
- Data from the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights that over 60% of working women in southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are in agriculture. Unfortunately, they often receive inadequate pay and work under challenging conditions.
- Owning Land: A Gender Disparity:
- A significant gender disparity exists in land ownership, with women owning only a small fraction of cultivated land.
- Despite being the backbone of the food production system, women own only about 10% of the land used for farming.
- This discrepancy further diminishes their resilience against the impacts of climate change.
- Projected Displacement and Urgent Action:
- As a grim outlook, studies like McAllister’s 2023 research forecast a potentially staggering 1.2 billion climate refugees by 2050.
- This underscores the urgency of addressing these intertwined challenges.
Gender-specific issues
- Displacement and Vulnerability: A UN study reveals a stark reality – a substantial 80% of those displaced by climate-related disasters are women and girls.
- Challenges for Vulnerable Women: Women, especially from marginalized communities, grapple with distinct challenges in the aftermath of natural disasters. Their displacement increases their susceptibility to prejudice and exploitation, exacerbating the hardships they already face.
- Exploitation Post-Disasters: The disruption caused by disasters creates an environment ripe for exploitation, with women as primary targets. Notably, the aftermath of the 2015 Nepal earthquake exposed women to trafficking and exploitation, further highlighting the risks they face.
- Gender-Based Violence Intensifies: The upheaval following disasters leads to an alarming escalation of gender-based violence against women. Disrupted communities and increased vulnerability create an environment where women are at greater risk.
- Limited Access to Essential Services: Essential services like employment, education, healthcare, and psychosocial support become scarcer post-disaster. For women, this translates into further limitations and challenges, exacerbating their already marginalized status.
- Resource and Knowledge Disparities: Women in agriculture face barriers in accessing quality resources, education, and technical knowledge. As climate change compounds these challenges, their vulnerability is magnified.
Way Forward: Empowering Women for Climate Resilience and Action
- Women’s Role in Climate Adaptation: Acknowledging the potential women possess to contribute to climate adaptation is crucial. Women bring unique perspectives and knowledge to the table, making their engagement indispensable in finding effective solutions.
- Empowerment Through Education and Training: Investing in women’s education and training is paramount for building resilience to the impact of climate change. Equipping women with the knowledge and skills needed for sustainable practices, such as agriculture, water management, and energy generation, fosters their capacity to adapt to changing conditions.
- Supporting Women Farmers: Initiatives like the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in India exemplify the importance of imparting knowledge to women farmers on how to navigate shifting climate patterns.
- Women in Climate Policy Decision-Making: Acknowledging the disparities women face in climate change impacts, the need for their active involvement in decision-making becomes evident.
- Programs to Amplify Women’s Voices: Initiatives like the Gender and Climate Change Development Programme in South Asia seek to elevate women’s influence in policymaking, granting them a stronger voice in shaping climate strategies that directly impact their lives.
- Global Imperative for Women-Led Climate Action: The call for women-led climate action is not confined to specific regions; it’s a global imperative. Developing and emerging countries, where women often bear the brunt of climate impacts, necessitate collective efforts to empower women as agents of change.
Conclusion
- The convergence of gender equality and environmental sustainability is no longer an abstract concept; it is a tangible pathway towards a more equitable and resilient world. In a future marred by climate uncertainty, investments in women’s education, training, and participation stand as beacons of hope.
September 5, 2023

Progress track: Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY)

Central Idea

The Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY) by the Central Government has outperformed its initial employment targets, proving its effectiveness in fostering job creation during the COVID-19 crisis.

About Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY)

Launch	Introduced in November 2020
Purpose	As part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Package 3.0 to boost post-Covid-19 employment
Government’s Contribution	Subsidy for provident fund contributions in EPFO-registered organizations
Coverage	Up to 1000 employees: Both employee (12%) and employer (12%) contributions for two years Over 1000 employees: Employee (12%) contribution for two years
Subsidy Disbursement	Subsidy credited upfront to Aadhaar-linked EPFO accounts (UAN) of new employees
Eligibility Criteria	Establishments adding new employees compared to September 2020 reference base
Target Beneficiaries	Employees with monthly wages under Rs. 15,000 joining EPFO-registered establishments Individuals reemployed on or after October 1, 2020, who left jobs between March 1 and September 30, 2020

Achievements and Numbers

The scheme, open for registrations until March 31, 2022, targeted around 7.18 million employees across India.
By July 31, 2023, ABRY had already exceeded its target, enrolling over 7.58 million new employees.
Benefiting 1,52,380 establishments with 60,44,155 new employees, the scheme disbursed benefits totaling Rs. 9,669.87 Crore.

September 4, 2023

Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) on DIKSHA Platform
Central Idea
- The National eGovernance Division (NeGD) plans to incorporate Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) into its existing Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) platform.
- PAL offers individualized learning experiences based on students’ unique needs and abilities.
DIKSHA 2.0 Portal
- Diksha Portal was launched in 2017 to provide a digital platform to teachers giving them an opportunity to learn and train themselves and connect with the teacher community.
- It serves as the National Digital Infrastructure for Teachers.
- It aids teachers to learn and train themselves for which assessment resources will be available.
- It houses digitized National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks, teaching videos, and practice questions.
- It also has assistive technologies for learners with disabilities, but it’s a static content repository.
Integration of PAL
- NCERT seeks MeitY’s expertise in implementing PAL within DIKSHA.
- PAL provides customized learning paths for each student based on their learning progress.
- PAL can loop back students to basic concepts if they make mistakes, enhancing learning efficiency.
Challenges and Implementations in States
- PAL development involves categorizing and tagging content, potentially creating new material.
- Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics for Classes 9 to 12 are prioritized for PAL development.
- Several states like Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Haryana experimented with PAL, facing budget constraints.
September 4, 2023
HC allows Stem Cell Therapy for autistic kids
Central Idea
- The Delhi High Court granted permission for two children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to undergo Stem Cell Therapy for their condition.
- The court’s decision followed a challenge against the Ethics and Medical Registration Board’s (EMRB) recommendation against stem cell treatment for ASD.
Understanding Stem Cells
- Stem cells are the foundational cells that can differentiate into specialized cells with distinct functions.
- Two main categories: pluripotent stem cells (can differentiate into various adult cells) and adult stem cells (tissue/organ-specific).
- Pluripotent stem cells are found in embryos; reprogramming of adult cells leads to induced pluripotent stem cells.
Stem Cells in Medicine
- Stem cells’ regenerative properties make them valuable in regenerative medicine.
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation treats conditions like leukaemia.
- Challenges: Limited adult stem cells post-removal, focus on making them pluripotent.
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
- ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder affecting communication, behaviour, and interactions.
- Conventional therapies focus on symptom management, social skills training, behaviour analysis, and speech and occupational therapy.
Potential of Stem Cell Therapy for ASD
- Some experts suggest stem cells could enhance immune system regulation and neural connectivity in the brain.
- Current clinical trials show mixed results; treatment is experimental, lacks sufficient data.
- EMRB recommendations against stem cell therapy due to limited evidence, risks, side effects, and absence of established protocol.
EMRB’s Concerns
- EMRB’s recommendation stemmed from “predatory marketing” of stem cell therapy, giving false hope to parents about “curing” ASD.
- The Delhi HC ruling doesn’t assess the general validity of stem cell therapy but permits ongoing treatment for specific cases.
Conclusion
- The court’s verdict allows continued stem cell therapy for ASD, acknowledging the ongoing uncertainty and potential of the treatment.
- The decision underlines the need for further research and data to establish stem cell therapy’s efficacy and safety for treating autism.
September 4, 2023
Festivals in news: Pulikkali
Central Idea
- The culmination of Onam festivities witnessed the Pulikkali celebration, a traditional folk art form from Kerala, where humans dressed as tigers and leopards paraded through the streets.
About Pulikkali
- Pulikkali, also known as Tiger Dance, is a unique folk art of Kerala.
- Celebrated on the fourth day of Onam, artists adorn themselves as tigers with distinctive yellow, red, and black stripes, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional percussion instruments like thakil, udukku, and chenda.
- The central theme revolves around tiger hunting, with individuals playing the roles of both the tiger and the hunter.
- It was introduced by Maharaja Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran, the former ruler of Cochin, Pulikkali reflects a rich cultural heritage.
Onam Festival: Key Highlights
- Onam, the most significant celebration in Kerala, holds great cultural importance.
- Occurring at the onset of Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam Calendar, it’s a harvest festival celebrating prosperity.
- The Onam Carnival extends for four to ten days, with Atham (first day) and Thiruonam (tenth day) as the most pivotal.
- A popular belief holds that Onam welcomes King Mahabali’s spirit, who is believed to visit Kerala during this period.
- The festival includes Vallamkali, a thrilling snake boat race ‘Vallamkali’ conducted on the Pampa River.
- Onam showcases Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal, graceful dances performed by women, adding elegance to the celebrations.
September 4, 2023
Chandrayaan-3 Update: Pragyan put to Sleep Mode
Central Idea
- Chandrayaan-3 accomplished India’s historic achievement of soft landing on the Lunar South Pole.
- Its mission success marked by several noteworthy observations since touchdown on August 23.
Chandrayaan-3’s: Key Achievements
- Pragyan rover’s Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument identified elements like aluminium, sulphur, calcium, iron, and more.
- Vikram lander recorded a ‘moonquake’ and detected an ultra-thin layer of plasma in the lunar atmosphere.
- These findings hint at distinct characteristics of the moon’s atmosphere compared to Earth.
Significance of Observations
- Sulphur discovery carries paramount importance in comprehending the moon’s origin and past surface (explosiveness) conditions.
- The presence of significant sulphur amounts can provide insights into lunar volcanic activity, potentially indicating the presence of subterranean water.
- Sulphur’s presence could offer clues about past lunar life support and constructing structures for human habitation.
Exploring Lunar Water
- Chandrayaan-3’s findings, particularly sulphur and oxygen on the moon’s surface, play a crucial role in narrowing down possible water sources.
- The presence of sulphur and oxygen enhances the prospects of water detection.
- ISRO was actively pursuing information about lunar hydrogen, another potential indicator of water.
Other mission Lunar Discoveries
- China’s Chang’e 5 mission unveiled a new lunar mineral, Changesite-(Y), and identified water in glass beads.
- Chandrayaan-3’s sulphur detection aligns with the quest for similar glass beads.
- NASA previously confirmed lunar water presence in shadowed craters and sunlit regions.
Present status of Ch-3 Mission
- Chandrayaan-3’s core objectives attained; Pragyan rover placed in ‘sleep’ mode.
- The rover’s solar panels will recharge during the next lunar sunrise.
- Plans to reactivate the rover for further observations remain underway.
September 4, 2023
4th Sep 23 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

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UPSC 2024 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

September 4, 2023

Has the RTI been weakened over the years?

Central Idea

Activists worry about the diminishing effectiveness Right to Information Act, 2005 in holding officials accountable.
The Act has exemptions for political parties, the judiciary, and intelligence agencies.
Recent amendments have sparked concerns, such as personal data protection provisions.

The DPDP Act and RTI

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, of 2023 prohibits personal data disclosure, even for social audits, reducing transparency.
Critics fear this blanket ban may hinder accountability and transparency efforts.

About the Right to Information (RTI)

Enactment	June 15, 2005
Objective	Promote transparency and accountability
Applicability	All public authorities at central, state, local levels
Scope	Access to information on matters of public interest, government policies, budgets, etc.
RTI Application	Filed in writing with the concerned public authority
Response Time	Within 30 days (48 hours for life or liberty issues)
Exemptions	Some information exempted to protect national security, privacy, etc. Judiciary
Fees	Nominal fee varies based on state and information requested
First Appellate Authority	Filed if dissatisfied with the response
Second Appeal	Filed with the relevant Information Commission
Whistleblower Protection	Safeguards against victimization for exposing corruption
Impact	Promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance

Challenges in Implementation

Implementation issues undermine the transparency that the Act aims to achieve.
The Act’s effectiveness depends on subordinate rules set by the Union and State Governments.
Slow appointments to information commissions delay appeals and erode trust in the system.

Barriers and Online Solutions

Payment methods for RTI applications vary among States, causing complications.
Online RTI portals remove barriers but are not widespread, hindering access.
The Union Government’s RTI portal has usability issues, impacting data retrieval.

Growing Dissatisfaction

Rising first appeals indicate growing dissatisfaction with the information provided.
Structural problems in institutions and websites hinder RTI effectiveness.
Activists emphasize the importance of addressing broader institutional issues.

Conclusion

The RTI Act’s efficacy is hampered by implementation challenges, amendments, and online barriers.
A holistic approach is needed to restore and enhance the Act’s effectiveness.
Addressing these issues will strengthen transparency, accountability, and citizens’ access to information.

September 4, 2023

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Table of Contents

IAS Mains General Studies-III encompasses the following subjects:

Focus Area in GS3 Paper

How to Approach GS3 Paper

Practical Tips for GS Paper 3 Preparation:

GS-III Structure

GS-III Trend Analysis

IAS Exam Pattern

What’s the news?

Central idea

Definition- Interoperability

Understanding QR Codes

What is a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)?

What is the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)?

The interoperability between UPI and CBDC

Significance of Interoperability

How will it drive CBDC adoption?

Benefits for Users

Benefits for Merchants

Conclusion

What’s the news?

Central Idea

Vulnerability in a Changing Climate

Climate Change and its Impact on Women, Particularly in Low-Income Countries

Gender-specific issues

Way Forward: Empowering Women for Climate Resilience and Action

Conclusion

Central Idea

About Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY)

Achievements and Numbers

Central Idea

DIKSHA 2.0 Portal

Integration of PAL

Challenges and Implementations in States

Central Idea

Understanding Stem Cells

Stem Cells in Medicine

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Potential of Stem Cell Therapy for ASD

EMRB’s Concerns

Conclusion

Central Idea

About Pulikkali

Onam Festival: Key Highlights

Central Idea

Chandrayaan-3’s: Key Achievements

Significance of Observations

Exploring Lunar Water

Other mission Lunar Discoveries

Present status of Ch-3 Mission

Central Idea

The DPDP Act and RTI

About the Right to Information (RTI)

Challenges in Implementation

Barriers and Online Solutions

Growing Dissatisfaction

Conclusion

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