Lake Victoria

Mapping:   Source: DTE  Context: Efforts are being made to restore Lake Victoria. The lake faces environmental challenges that threaten the livelihoods of approximately 45 million people dependent on its resources.   Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake and the world’s second-largest freshwater lake, spans approximately 59,947 km² and is shared by Kenya (6%), Uganda (43%), …

Hermit crabs

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: BBC  Context: Hermit crabs worldwide, known for using scavenged shells as armour, are increasingly turning to plastic waste instead, according to an ecological study using social media photos. The research, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, revealed that two-thirds of hermit crab species were pictured using …

Scrap Steel

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: TH  Context: The Indian government aims to raise the share of scrap in steel production to 50% by 2047.   What is Scrap Steel? Scrap steel refers to recycled steel derived from discarded or unused metal products, industrial waste, or end-of-life vehicles. It is processed and reused in steel …

Artificial Greening and Plantations

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)   Source: DTE  Context: In India, invasive alien plant species are displacing native vegetation, posing a significant threat to wildlife by disrupting natural habitats and depleting essential food sources. A study suggests that about 66% of the country’s natural systems are infested by 11 invasive species, compromising or threatening two-thirds …

AI Effect on Labour

GS Paper 4 Syllabus: Applications of Ethics   Source: HBL   Context: As AI, including generative AI like ChatGPT, becomes commercially widespread, concerns arise regarding its impact on the job market. Studies suggest potential automation of 60-70% of employee tasks by current AI, with projections of 50% automation by 2045. Ethical Aspects of AI’s Impact …

Examples of Ethics

GS Paper 4   Syllabus: Application of Ethics   Source: Multiple   Example 1: IAS Rajat Bansal (Development in Naxal Region) In addressing the challenge of Naxal violence in Chhattisgarh, the district administration of Bastar launched Think-B, a start-up incubator, to encourage youth entrepreneurship. Led by IAS Rajat Bansal, the initiative aims to provide employment …

Role of the Indian National Army (INA) in India’s freedom

GS Paper 1 Syllabus: India’s freedom struggle   Source: IE   Context: Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA) emerged as a pivotal force in India’s quest for independence during World War II.   What was INA? The INA (a military organization) was established to encourage the growth of armed Indian nationalism. It was also …

UPSC EDITORIAL ANALYSIS : Why is there no snowfall in Kashmir?     

  Source: The Hindu   Prelims: Current events of international importance, Climate change, el-nino, western disturbances, jet stream, COP, IPCC, G20 etc Mains GS Paper II: Biodiversity and Environment: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation etc   ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS This winter Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh regions are extremely dry. Places like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, have been …

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 26 January 2024

  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: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as …

“Virtue lies in our power, and similarly so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act…” ― Aristotle.

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; 4.  What does this quote means to you? (150 words) “Virtue lies in our power, and similarly so does vice; because where it is in our power to act, it is also in our power not to act…” ― Aristotle. …

“Reason shows me that if my happiness is desirable and good, the equal happiness of any other person must be equally desirable” ― Henry Sidgwick

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; 3. What does this quote means to you? (150 words) “Reason shows me that if my happiness is desirable and good, the equal happiness of any other person must be equally desirable” ― Henry Sidgwick Difficulty level: Moderate Why the …

The prolonged nature of the Depression was influenced by a combination of factors, including policy mistakes, the slow recovery of the banking sector, and the global scope of the crisis. Analyse

Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society. 2. The prolonged nature of the Depression was influenced by a combination of factors, including policy mistakes, the …

World War-I origins are a complex interplay of diplomatic failures, militarism, and nationalist tensions across Europe. Examine.

Topic: History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society. 1. World War-I origins are a complex interplay of diplomatic failures, militarism, and nationalist tensions across Europe. Examine. …