UPSC EDITORIAL ANALYSIS : India’s looming financial crisis

 Source: The Hindu Prelims: Indian Economy(GDP, BOP, GVA, Economic reforms etc Mains GS Paper III: Indian economy and issues related to planning, mobilization of resources, Effect of liberalization on the economy etc   ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS In 2023, the Board of Directors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) praised the performance of the Indian financial sector. …

Xylitol

 Context: A recent study has found that artificial sweeteners, particularly xylitol, commonly found in products like sugar-free chewing gums, low-sugar baked goods, mints, and toothpaste, may increase the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. The study revealed that xylitol enhances platelet aggregation and activity, leading to a hypercoagulable state. This heightened platelet reactivity …

Microalgae

  Context: Scientists at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) have identified microalgae, specifically ‘Chlorella sorokiniana’, as a promising protein supplement for food and feed.   Their research highlights the Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), a protein-rich extract from the algae, which offers high-quality protein and essential amino acids that surpass those in commercially available …

Apple Intelligence

   Context: Apple introduced “Apple Intelligence” a generative AI system integrated into iPhones, iPads, and Macs via iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. Apple Intelligence combines generative AI with personal context to provide personalized, context-aware responses, enhancing user experience while prioritizing privacy through on-device processing and Private Cloud Compute. Key features include: Writing Tools …

GAAR

 Context: The Telangana High Court ruled against a taxpayer using bonus stripping to offset losses, marking the first judgment on GAAR. What is Bonus Stripping?  Bonus stripping involves buying shares of a company before it issues bonus shares and selling the original shares immediately after to incur a short-term capital loss.   What is GAAR?  …

Initiatives to foster innovation

Source: The Print Context: NITI Aayog, under its Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), launched two initiatives, to foster innovation and sustainability in India. Tags:    Key phrases: , Innovations for You (5th Edition)

Cold lava

Context: A volcanic eruption at Mount Kanlaon in the Philippines led to rivers of cold lava, or lahar. About Cold Lava: Cold lava, or “lahar,” is a hazardous flow of volcanic material, debris, and water that descends rapidly from volcanoes, resembling a fast-moving landslide rather than moltenlava. This dense mixture forms when water interacts with …

Reports In News

  Tags:   Key Phrases: State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024 report, Strengthening Data Ecosystems in Indian Schools report

Drying Up: Fixing Urban India’s Water Problem

Syllabus: Environment Conservation/ Geography: Conservation of Resources Source: IE  Context: Urban India faces recurring water crises due to fast-depleting aquifers. Despite efforts by the government to provide tap water, aquifer health remains neglected.   India’s Status: India is endowed with rich water resources: India has 4% of the world’s water resources India has 1123 billion cubic metres of surface …

Potential of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) for India

Syllabus: Science and technology  Source: LM  Context: Artificial general intelligence (AGI) holds the potential to revolutionize India’s trajectory. What is Artificial general intelligence (AGI)?  Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) surpasses conventional AI in sophistication. Unlike AI, AGI aims for a broad, human-like intelligence, encompassing reasoning, learning, and creativity. It generalizes knowledge, engages in complex reasoning, and …

Flaws in the Criminal Justice System

Syllabus: Governance: Police Reforms Source: TH Context: Recently, a woman in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, falsely accused a man of rape, leading to wrongful imprisonment. It highlights the loopholes in India’s Criminal Justice System. Also, the government recently extended the centrally sponsored scheme for Fast Track Special Courts (FTSC) till 2026. Structure of the Criminal Justice System …

UPSC Editorials Quiz : 12 June 2024

Introducing QUED – Questions from Editorials (UPSC Editorials Quiz) , an innovative initiative from InsightsIAS. Considering the significant number of questions in previous UPSC Prelims from editorials, practicing MCQs from this perspective can provide an extra edge. While we cover important editorials separately in our Editorial Section and SECURE Initiative, adding QUED (UPSC Editorials Quiz) …

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 12 June 2024

The Insights IAS Secure Initiative for UPSC Mains Answer Writing practice enables you to practice daily answer writing, enhancing your skills and boosting your scores with regular feedback, expert tips, and strategies. Let consistency be the hallmark of your preparation and utilize UPSC Mains Answer Writing practice initiative wisely   Click on EACH question to post/upload …

The significant influence of money in elections allows wealthy interests to disproportionately sway outcomes and potentially leading to corruption and loss of trust in the system. Elucidate.

Topic: challenges of corruption. 7. The significant influence of money in elections allows wealthy interests to disproportionately sway outcomes and potentially leading to corruption and loss of trust in the system. Elucidate. (150 words) Difficulty level: Easy Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Directive: …

What is reusable launch vehicle (RLV)? RLV offers cost-effective access to space, reduced launch costs, and increased flexibility in deploying satellites and conducting space missions. Discuss.

Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights. 6. What is reusable launch vehicle (RLV)? RLV offers cost-effective access to space, reduced launch costs, and increased flexibility in deploying satellites and conducting space missions. Discuss. (250 words) Difficulty level: Moderate Reference: Insights on India …

Enumerate the key provisions of the draft Digital Competition Bill (DCB). The Digital Competition Bill in India seeks to promote fairness and competition in the digital sector but needs to clarify core digital service identification and prevent double regulation to ensure an effective competitive environment. Critically analyse.

Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth. 5. Enumerate the key provisions of the draft Digital Competition Bill (DCB). The Digital Competition Bill in India seeks to promote fairness and competition in the digital sector but needs to clarify core digital service identification and prevent …