Kaleswaram project

Topics covered: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. Kaleswaram project What to study? For prelims and mains: key features and significance of the project. Context: Telangana State government has requested the Centre to treat Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) as a National Project. Why? National Projects are provided Central grant of 90% of the estimated cost for their completion …

Tripura gets its first SEZ

Topics Covered: Infrastructure related issues. Tripura gets its first SEZ What to study? For Prelims: What are SEZs? Overview of the legislation. For Mains: Significance of SEZs and challenges faced by them. Context: Recently, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has notified setting up of Tripura’s first ever Special Economic Zone (SEZ). It will be …

UN medal for Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan

Topics Covered: Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate. UN medal for Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan What to study? For Prelims and Mains: About UN Peacekeeping- need, significance, challenges and operations in place. Context: Indian peacekeepers have received the United Nations Medal for their dedication and sacrifice serving so far away from …

GST Council

Topics Covered: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies. GST Council What to study? For Prelims: About GST Council- composition, functions and related key facts, overview of GST. For Mains: Issues associated with GST, need for reforms and various measures announced in this regard.  Context: The all-powerful GST Council, in its 38th meeting has voted for …

[Insights Secure – 2020] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 20 December 2019

[Insights Secure – 2020] Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 20 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: secularism; pluralism 1. Pluralism and Secularism are essential for Indian Democracy. Do you …

Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another. Elucidate.

Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections. 1. Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another and feeling with the heart of another. Elucidate. (250 words). Ethics by Lexicon The Conversation  Key …

If India is to establish itself as a country of doers, containing pollution is one of the first things to be done. Discuss.

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. 1. If India is to establish itself as a country of doers, containing pollution is one of the first things to be done. Discuss. (250 words) Live Mint Why this question: According to a report by the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP), based on …

Delays and dilutions have derailed regulations of packaged and fast foods. Evaluate.

Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. 4. Delays and dilutions have derailed regulations of packaged and fast foods. Evaluate.  (250 words) Down To Earth Why this question: The test results of the Environment Monitoring Laboratory at Delhi-based non-profit Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) have …

What is the mandate of New Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank? Examine whether the coming of NDB and AIIB changes the rules of development financing vis-à-vis the western dominated multilateral financing institutions?

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. 3. What is the mandate of New Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank? Examine whether the coming of NDB and AIIB changes the rules of development financing vis-à-vis the western dominated multilateral financing institutions? (250 words) Why this question: The China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment …

“With SAARC stalled, India is turning to BIMSTEC to center its foreign policy”. Analyse.

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. 2. “With SAARC stalled, India is turning to BIMSTEC to center its foreign policy”. Analyse. (250 words) The Diplomat  The Wire Why this question: After the Uri attack of 2016, India boycotted the SAARC summit, which was to be held in Islamabad. The summit was …

The use of Section 144 is the latest weapon used for political purposes against critics at the national and state levels, but it is hardly a new law having first been used during the colonial era against Indians. Critically discuss.

Topic: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; 1 . The use of Section 144 is the latest weapon used for political purposes against critics at the national and state levels, but it is hardly a new law having first been used during the colonial era against …

Pluralism and Secularism are essential for Indian Democracy. Do you agree. Comment.

Topic: secularism; pluralism 1. Pluralism and Secularism are essential for Indian Democracy. Do you agree. Comment. (250 words). PIB Why this question: Pluralism and secularism for their sustenance require a climate of opinion and a state practice that eschews intolerance. With violence raging across the country due to the CAA bill and NRC, there are …