[Mission 2023] INSIGHTS DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS + PIB SUMMARY 19 December 2022

  InstaLinks :  help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to …

Academic Distress’ and Student Suicides in India

GS1/GS4   Source: Indian Express  Context: Three students, who were preparing for entrance tests in Kota Rajasthan, died allegedly by suicide in two separate incidents.   More students died by suicide than farmers, while farmers’ suicides are widely recognised as a crisis in India, students’ suicides are increasingly swept under the rug.    Data on …

How can methane released in livestock belches be reduced?

GS Paper 3   Source: DTE Context: Scientists are experimenting with feed supplements that can reduce a potent greenhouse gas belched out by stock animals like cattle, goats and sheep. Ruminants release methane, the second most abundant greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide (CO2), which is seen as the biggest concern as well as the best …

[Podcast] [Episode-14] From Ajjampura to Argentina! Life as an Indian Foreign Service Officer with Mr. Santhosha

  Hello Dear Students! We are excited to release an inspiring episode of our podcast : A Little More Light. What makes this episode super special is not just the fact that we have an IFS(Indian Foreign Service) Officer with us today, but that Mr. Santhosha H is hearing-impaired and a PH candidate, who hails …

The challenges of quantum computing

GS Paper 3 Syllabus: Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life   Source: TH  Direction: The article tries to explain quantum technology, its working, application, challenges and way ahead to make it more practical.  Context: Several institutes and companies worldwide have invested in developing quantum computer (QC) systems. Background: The …

Need a national policy to combat viral diseases

GS Paper 3 Syllabus: Disaster and Disaster Management   Source: DTE Direction: The article highlights key lessons/issues learnt/faced by India during the COVID-19 pandemic and the way ahead.  Context: According to a parliamentary committee report, a national policy to combat viral and other such diseases which have a pandemic potential is the need of the …

Decriminalisation of offences under GST

GS Paper 3 Syllabus: Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources   Source: TH  Direction: The article discusses provisions of the GST law that criminalises certain activities and the recommendations of the GST council to decriminalise such activities and their impact.  Context: The Finance Minister chaired the 48th GST Council, which recommended …

India’s Century – Achieving sustainable, inclusive growth’ initiative

GS Paper 3 Syllabus: Indian Economy/ Governance   Source: Live Mint  Direction: It is a beautiful report with recommendations across various sectors. One can go through the summary of the report. The major point of the summary has been highlighted. However, be selective and take only a few recommendations that you may write in the …

INSIGHTS IAS WEEKLY CURRENT AFFAIRS MAGAZINE : 12th Dec – 17th Dec 2022

  InsightsIAS is delighted to present the 32nd edition of the Weekly Current Affairs magazine. It is, as the name suggests, a compilation of the Daily CA initiative of the preceding week. Our motto at InsightsIAS has always been about simplifying UPSC exam preparation for you. This magazine will be an essential study aid – …

[Essay Framework] The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards Justice

  Download Essay Framework here   Note: This is a mere outline to get you to start thinking about the topic. This is not a synopsis or a model essay. Just brainstorming. We’re eager to read your insightful essays! Please post them in the comments.    You may start the essay with an anecdote, poem, …

EDITORIAL ANALYSIS : India’s crushing court backlogs, out-of-the box reform

  Source: The Hindu, The Hindu   Prelims: Supreme Court, collegium system, NJAC, CJI etc Mains GS Paper I and II: Structure, organization and functioning of judiciary, Issues with the collegium system etc ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS The Chief Justice of India stated that increasing the number of judges will not demolish the perennial problem of pendency. …

EDITORIAL ANALYSIS : Good governance beyond motherhood and apple pie

  Source: The Hindu   Prelims: AI, Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP), Governance, etc Mains GS Paper I and II: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies, Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability etc ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS Sir Winston Churchill on governance: “So, they [the government] go on in strange paradox, decided only to be undecided, …

[MISSION 2023] SECURE : Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice: 19 December 2022

Click on EACH question to post/upload you answers. How to Follow Secure Initiative? How to Self-evaluate your answer?  MISSION – 2023: YEARLONG TIMETABLE Join IPM 4.0 to get an assured review of 2 secure answers everyday   General Studies – 1   Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the …

The lack of transparency remains a major impediment in utilisation of public funds, which in turns affects our developmental goals. Examine.

Topic: Utilization of public funds; 7. The lack of transparency remains a major impediment in utilisation of public funds, which in turns affects our developmental goals. Examine. (150 words) Difficulty level: Moderate Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications. Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper …

Examine the limitations of of citizen charters in India and mention the steps that can be taken to make them more robust and effective.

Topic: Citizen’s Charters 6. Examine the limitations of of citizen charters in India and mention the steps that can be taken to make them more robust and effective. (150 Words) Difficulty Level: Easy Reference: Insights on India Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and …

What is quantum computing? Explain its applications and steps taken by India to promote quantum technologies in the country.

Topic:  Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. 5. What is quantum computing? Explain its applications and steps taken by India to promote quantum technologies in the country. (250 words) Difficulty level: Moderate Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India Why the question: The 2022 Nobel Prize for physics …