INSIGHTS DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS + PIB SUMMARY- 19 DECEMBER 2019

INSIGHTS DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS + PIB SUMMARY- 19 DECEMBER 2019 Table of contents: GS Paper 2: 1. Can the strength of Lok Sabha be increased? 2. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-lll (PMGSY-III). 3. How a US President can be impeached?   GS Paper 3: 1. Biosimilar medicines. 2. Silver Line project.   Facts for prelims: …

Can the strength of Lok Sabha be increased?

Topics Covered: 1. Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. Can the strength of Lok Sabha be increased? What to study? For Prelims: How Lok Sabha strength is determined? Constitutional basis. For Mains: need for revision of the numbers, challenges and significance.   Context: Former President Pranab Mukherjee has advocated …

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-lll (PMGSY-III)

Topics Covered: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-lll (PMGSY-III) What to study? For prelims and mains: features and significance of PMGSY, need for enhanced rural connectivity. Context: Phase III of Pradhan …

Silver Line project

Topics Covered: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. Silver Line project What to study? For Prelims and mains: Key features, geographical location and significance of the project. Context: The Ministry of Railways has granted in-principle approval for the ‘Silver Line’ project, a proposal of the Kerala government. About the Project: It involves laying of …

Biosimilar medicine

Topics Covered: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights. Biosimilar medicine What to study? For Prelims: About Trastuzumab, What are Biosimilars? For Mains: Significance and the need for Biosimilars. Context: WHO prequalifies first biosimilar medicine– trastuzumab- to increase worldwide access to life-saving breast cancer …

QUIZ – 2019: Insights Current Affairs Quiz, 19 December 2019

QUIZ – 2019: Insights Current Affairs Quiz, 19 December 2019   The following quiz will have 5-10 MCQs. The questions are mainly framed from The Hindu and PIB news articles. This quiz is intended to introduce you to concepts and certain important facts relevant to UPSC IAS civil services preliminary exam 2018. It is not …

Insights into Editorial: Disha Bill: What are the highlights of Andhra Pradesh’s new law?

Insights into Editorial: Disha Bill: What are the highlights of Andhra Pradesh’s new law? Context: Andhra Pradesh Assembly passed the Andhra Pradesh Disha Bill 2019 (Andhra Pradesh Criminal Law Amendment Act 2019) to award death sentences to convicts in rape cases within 21 days. The Disha Bill provides for awarding death sentence to criminals found …

[Insights Secure – 2020] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 19 December 2019

[Insights Secure – 2020] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 19 December 2019 Click on EACH question to post/upload you answers. How to Follow Secure Initiative? How to Self-evaluate your answer?  INSIGHTS NEW SECURE – 2020: YEARLONG TIMETABLE General Studies – 1 Topic: Role of women and women’s organization; social empowerment 1. Women may struggle to …

Women may struggle to close the gender pay gap as technology reshapes the global economy, with women’s jobs more likely to be replaced by robots while men dominate emerging sectors. Examine.

Topic: Role of women and women’s organization; social empowerment 1. Women may struggle to close the gender pay gap as technology reshapes the global economy, with women’s jobs more likely to be replaced by robots while men dominate emerging sectors. Examine. (250 words). Deccan Herald Live Mint Why this question: India has been ranked 112th …

Modern sensibilities cannot take root in a nation that allows regressive beliefs to thrive. Comment.

Topic: poverty and developmental issues; Social empowerment; 2. Modern sensibilities cannot take root in a nation that allows regressive beliefs to thrive. Comment. (250 words) Telegraphindia Why this question: Nearly 107 people have been killed in witch-hunting incidents in Assam since 2011, parliamentary affairs Chandra Mohan Patowary told the Assembly during a discussion on various …

The Right to Information Act’s role in fostering a more informed citizenry and an accountable government has never been in doubt ever since its implementation in 2005. Critically discuss.

Topic: Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information. 1. The Right to Information Act’s role in fostering a more informed citizenry and an accountable government has never been in doubt ever since its implementation in 2005. Critically discuss. (250 words) The Hindu Indian Express Why this question: RTI has been a revolutionary legislation …

Refugee situations continue to increase in scope, scale, and complexity in the “decade of displacement”. In light of this statement, the Global Refugee Forum is an opportunity to translate the principle of international responsibility-sharing into concrete action. Discuss

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. 2. Refugee situations continue to increase in scope, scale, and complexity in the “decade of displacement”. In light of this statement, the Global Refugee Forum is an opportunity to translate the principle of international responsibility-sharing into concrete action. Discuss (250 words) Indian Express Unhcr Why …

The performance of United Nations Security Council has not been as envisaged due to the long pending reforms called for by many emerging economies including India. Critically Examine.

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. 3. The performance of United Nations Security Council has not been as envisaged due to the long pending reforms called for by many emerging economies including India. Critically Examine.  (250 words) The Hindu The Wire Why this question: A special meeting of the permanent members …

As the Prime Minister advises states along the river to shift focus from Namami to Arth Ganga, it is clear that the Ganga cannot be restored by only pollution-abatement measures. Discuss.

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. 1. As the Prime Minister advises states along the river to shift focus from Namami to Arth Ganga, it is clear that the Ganga cannot be restored by only pollution-abatement measures. Discuss. (250 words) Down To Earth Why this question: Recently, the Ganga Council headed by …

Disputes are best resolved when you know what you want, can communicate it clearly, understand what someone else wants, and come to favourable terms for everyone. Elucidate.

Topic: Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance. 1. Disputes are best resolved when you know what you want, can communicate it clearly, understand what someone else wants, and come to favorable terms for everyone. Elucidate. (250 words). Ethics by Lexicon Get pocket Why this question: The article discusses in detail …