UPSC EDITORIAL ANALYSIS : Rising power, rising responsibilities

Source: Indian Express Prelims: Current events of international importance, multilateralism, NAM, RCEP, initiative on critical and emerging technologies (iCET) etc. Mains GS Paper II: Bilateral, regional and global grouping and agreements involving India or affecting India’s interests. ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS Deep structural changes are unfolding in the international system that demand major adjustments in India’s worldview …

[VIDEO] Day 2-MARGHADARSHAN: PSIR Through PYQ’s with NIKHIL SIR

MARGHADARSHAN: (19th June 2024)   Today’s Question : Day :1 1Q) Machiavelli’s secularism Comment (10)(CSE 2020) 2Q) Trace the evolution of Western political thought from ancient to modern period (20) (CSE 2020)      Follow us on our Official TELEGRAM Channel HERE Subscribe to Our Official YouTube Channel HERE Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE Official Facebook …

Mercury Island

Source: PIB Context: The documentary “My Mercury” premiered at the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) for Documentary, Short Fiction, and Animation Films. The film explores the life of her brother, Yves Chesselet, a conservationist on Mercury Island off the coast of Namibia. The 104-minute documentary portrays Yves’ efforts to reclaim the island for endangered …

World Crocodile Day

Source: DTE  Context: In 1975, India initiated its Crocodile Conservation Project in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).   About Crocodiles: Crocodiles are large, aquatic reptiles found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They belong to the family …

Bio-bitumen

 Source: ET Context: India is planning to produce bio-bitumen from biomass and agricultural waste to reduce its reliance on imports and address stubble-burning issues in road construction. Currently, India imports about half of its annual bitumen requirement. A pilot study by the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) and the Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun, will …

Matsya 6000

Source: PIB Context: India is set to become the sixth country to have its own Deep Sea Mission. The first stage of the harbour trial aims at reaching a depth of 40-50 meters. The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) developed Matsya 6000, a submersible capable of reaching depths of 6000 meters, and collaborated with …

‘5G Intelligent Village’ and ‘Quantum Encryption Algorithm’

Source: PIB Context: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced two significant calls for proposals to stimulate innovation and technological advancement in the telecommunications sector. These initiatives aim to promote indigenous R&D, IP creation, and inclusive digital growth across India under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme.  

Direct seeding of rice (DSR)

Source: IE Context: The Punjab government is promoting the direct seeding of rice (DSR) technique due to its benefits, such as reducing water usage by 15-20%, requiring less labour, and maturing faster than traditional methods.  DSR involves sowing seeds directly into the field without nursery preparation or transplantation, which reduces water and labour requirements. Successful …

Reports in News

Report Description Sustainable Development Report 2024 By UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Key Highlights of the report: Globally, only 16% of SDG targets are on track for achievement by 2030. Progress varies widely among countries, with Nordic nations leading, BRICS making strides, and Poor & Vulnerable nations falling behind.   India is ranked 109th …

Two Decades of Quad: Diplomacy and Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific

Syllabus: International Relations Source: ORF Context: A report has been released on the TWO DECADES OF THE QUAD: Diplomacy & Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific What is QUAD? The Quad, or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is a strategic partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the US. It is not a military alliance or mutual defense agreement. It …

A Study on Ageing in India

Syllabus: Indian Society/ Government  Policies and Interventions/ Vulnerable sections Source: TH, TH Context: The study titled ‘Ageing in India – Exploring Preparedness & Response to Care Challenges – A HelpAge India Report’ was released on the eve of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (15th June). Key Findings of the Study (India): Working Status: Only 15% …

Analysis of Constitutional Morality

GS PAPER-2 Syllabus: Indian Constitution Source: TH Context: The article criticizes the recent government’s actions for disregarding the Indian Constitution. Examples of Recent Government Actions Against the Constitution: Preemptive Decision-Making: The government approved a ₹20,000 crore scheme (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) before ministerial portfolios were allocated. Cabinet Actions Without Portfolios: The first cabinet meeting …

UPSC Editorials Quiz : 19 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 MINDMAPS – Democratising Education

Democratising Education [ PDF ] Join our Official Telegram Channel HERE Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelHERE Follow our Twitter Account HERE Follow our Instagram ID HERE 

[Podcast] A Little More Light on Unlocking the Power of No: A Dialogue with Vinay Sir & Sudeep Sir

Unlocking the Power of No: A Dialogue with Vinay Sir & Sudeep Sir   Dear Students, We are excited to announce a new series of our podcast: “A Little More Light – Igniting Imagination, Inspiring Action.” This series features candid conversations with Vinay Sir and Sudeep Sir, diving deeply into thought-provoking topics, starting with our …

UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – Insights SECURE: 19 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 …

“Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”  – C.S. Lewis

Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; 7.  What does this quote means to you? (150 words) “Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point.”  – C.S. Lewis Difficulty level: Easy Why the question: The question is …