gs paper 2 Archives

Choppy Waters

Source: Hindu Relevance: Understanding UNCLOS and India’s vision of maritime security. Synopsis: India recently hosted the UNSC summit on maritime security. With such importance being given to the topic, understanding UNCLOS also becomes important. Problems with UNCLOS: There is friction among many countries because of abuse of maritime rights & disrespect of territorial rights of… Continue reading Choppy Waters

Undermining Justice

Source: The Hindu, Indian Express and TOI Relevance: To understand the collegium system and Tribunals. Synopsis: Indian judiciary has come a long way from the decade of ’70s where politics began to influence the Judiciary. With the arrival of tribunals, further Judicial reforms were expected. However, Judiciary is facing numerous problems. Judicial appointments and collegium… Continue reading Undermining Justice

Towards a new compact (On centre-state relations)

Source: Business Standard Relevance: Bringing in the second generation of reforms – challenges and way forward Synopsis: Without a collaborative arrangement between the Centre and the states, second generation reforms (Reforms in health, education, land, labour, electricity and agriculture) would become more contentious. Background The reach of economic reforms in the last 30 years remained… Continue reading Towards a new compact (On centre-state relations)

Proposed amendments to Coal Bearing Areas Act will change land acquisition for mining: Experts

Source: Down to Earth Relevance: Implications of the amendments to Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) [CBA] Act, 1957. Synopsis: The proposed amendments to the CBA Act are likely to grant more control to private corporations, make tribal land acquisition easy. An analysis. What is the CBA Act? The Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development)… Continue reading Proposed amendments to Coal Bearing Areas Act will change land acquisition for mining: Experts

Years after Indo-US nuclear deal, very little progress on n-deal projects

Source: Indian Express Relevance – Nuclear energy Development in India. Synopsis: A picture of the slow progress of greenfield projects under the Indo-US nuclear deal. Current scenario of some projects. Background Signed in 2005, the 123 agreement signed between the United States of America and the Republic of India is known as the Indo-US nuclear… Continue reading Years after Indo-US nuclear deal, very little progress on n-deal projects

Protection from Police

Source: Business Standard Relevance: The article highlights the police actions on vulnerable people and steps to stop the custodial deaths Synopsis: The CJI has raised concerns over the threat of human rights issues in police custody. CJI’s remarks should expedite steps to stop custodial torture. Introduction: Recently, the CJI observed that Custodial violence and other police atrocities… Continue reading Protection from Police

The importance of the Gulf in shaping the geopolitics of Afghanistan

Source: Indian Express Relevance: Understanding the Afghan issue from a regional perspective. Synopsis: Importance of the Gulf countries in shaping the geopolitics of Afghanistan. Background The Taliban has been making rapid advances across Afghanistan by resorting to widespread violence since the US began withdrawing its troops from the country on May 1. The US has… Continue reading The importance of the Gulf in shaping the geopolitics of Afghanistan

Here’s a sure-fire way to boost your count of Olympic medals

Source: live mint Synopsis: Empirical data shows that the host country gets benefitted from hosting the Olympics. It raises their medal count. Background: Hosting Olympic Games is an economic disaster, even in non-pandemic times. A recent estimate suggests that the cost doubled from initial expectations to $15.4 billion. This includes an additional $3 billion due to… Continue reading Here’s a sure-fire way to boost your count of Olympic medals

Uncaging the Indian tiger from attestations and thumb prints

Source: Livemint Relevance: Significance of digital empowerment of States Synopsis: States must increase the adoption of digital technology to boost the overall ease of doing business. Presently, despite many initiatives by central government, states lag behind implementing digital solutions, resulting in a low ease of doing business. What is e-Rupi? This pre-paid voucher is provided… Continue reading Uncaging the Indian tiger from attestations and thumb prints

Jal Jeevan Mission: Flowing in the right direction

Source: Business Standard Synopsis: Jal Jeevan Mission promises to go down in history as an iconic development initiative. Its objectives can be duly achieved by encouraging greater participation of corporations and charitable trusts towards it. Background: Rural India has 18.93 crore households, of whom only 17 percent had some version of a tap water connection.… Continue reading Jal Jeevan Mission: Flowing in the right direction

Standing with Kabul – India’s Afghan policy

Source: Indian Express Relevance: India’s Afghan policy post-US-exit from Afghanistan Synopsis: A lack of consensus on Afghanistan amongst the permanent members of UNSC means India will have to build international opinion around this topic gradually. Also, it should put pressure on Pakistan and the Taliban to make peace with Kabul. Analysis of India’s Afghan policy… Continue reading Standing with Kabul – India’s Afghan policy

The many hurdles for students

Source: The Hindu Relevance: This article explains the challenges faced by Indian students abroad and provides suggestions. Synopsis: Indian students studying overseas and those looking to go abroad face many COVID-related challenges Indian students in abroad: Students from China and India accounted for 47% of all active foreign students in the U.S. in 2020 Indian students… Continue reading The many hurdles for students

Addressing the quality deficit in India’s technical education

Source: The Indian Express Relevance: This article explains the issues surrounding Engineering education and suggestions to improve them. Synopsis: The problems surrounding Engineering education needs immediate attention. Introduction: Engineering is an applied science. But private entrepreneurs without the subject knowledge took the lead to meet the country’s growing demand for technical education in the mid-Eighties. This… Continue reading Addressing the quality deficit in India’s technical education

Mending fences: On Goodwill among northeastern states

Source: Indian express Relevance: Assam-Mizoram dispute, its negative impact from regional, national and international perspective, steps that can be taken to resolve such disputes. Synopsis: Border tensions between Assam and Mizoram have calmed down. We need to build upon the momentum and ensure that peace and order is maintained in the North East because the… Continue reading Mending fences: On Goodwill among northeastern states

Putting an end to police brutality

Source: Indian Express Relevance: The article highlights the police brutality & steps to stop the custodial deaths Synopsis: NCRB data have repeatedly shown police brutality, violation of human rights, and even extreme instances of custodial killings. Some recent examples include: Death of fruit stall owner in Tamil Nadu Death of vegetable vendor in UP for… Continue reading Putting an end to police brutality

Securing the Indian ocean

Source: Indian express Relevance: Strengthening maritime security Synopsis: Maintaining and strengthening maritime security is a key concern for India. With an open debate on the issue in UNSC, India has a chance to showcase that maritime security requires a multi-dimensional and multi-stakeholder approach. Context India has convened an open debate of the UN Security Council… Continue reading Securing the Indian ocean

India’s schoolchildren need their childhood back

Source: The Hindu Relevance: This article explains the need to reopen schools and recommendations to open them. Synopsis: India needs to stop asking whether schools are safe and start acknowledging that in-person school is essential Introduction: Malls, bars, restaurants, and some offices are open, but schools have been closed for 16 months and counting. But schools… Continue reading India’s schoolchildren need their childhood back

India, Sri Lanka and Maldives to collaborate on security

Source: The Hindu What is the news? India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have agreed to work on “four pillars” of security cooperation, in a recent virtual meeting of top security officials of the three countries. Background The discussion comes nine months after India’s National Security Adviser visited Colombo for deliberations with the Secretary to Sri… Continue reading India, Sri Lanka and Maldives to collaborate on security

An opportunity for India to pitch for holistic maritime security

Source: Indian Express Relevance: India’s role in steering the debate on maritime peace and security at UNSC. Synopsis: India undertakes the rotating Presidency of the UN Security Council. India has an opportunity to ensure that the global debate on maritime peace and security is approached more holistically, rather than focussing just on the security aspect… Continue reading An opportunity for India to pitch for holistic maritime security

The Power of Population for Economies

Source: Live Mint Relevance: Population control has been debated much. However, there are other aspects that require attention. Synopsis: Governments, globally, are focussing on population control policies. However, political failure is doing more harm compared to population increase. Introduction Reverend Thomas Robert Malthus wrote in his Essay on Population—“The power of population is indefinitely greater than… Continue reading The Power of Population for Economies

A guide to resolving Assam Mizoram border issue

Source: The Hindu Relevance: Resolving the Assam Mizoram border dispute Synopsis: Both Assam and Mizoram need to be sensitive to the historical context of the border issue. Only then they can hope to solve the present dispute. Background Read here: Assam-Mizoram border dispute – Explained Note: Before moving forward, please go through the above link… Continue reading A guide to resolving Assam Mizoram border issue

Not always fair game

Source: The Hindu Relevance: This article explains the new amendment passed by the TN government to ban online gaming and the court verdict around it Synopsis Tamil Nadu government, driven by the desire to control the menace of online gambling, has moved legislation to ban online games like rummy and poker. Introduction: The Tamil Nadu… Continue reading Not always fair game

China’s border games

Source: Business Standard Relevance: China’s border strategy against India Synopsis: China’s strategy of push and shove to solidify its position along the LAC requires bold and decisive action from India. Context Recently, China’s President made a three-day visit to Tibet. Featuring prominently in his programme was the Tibetan town of Nyingtri (or Nyingchi) which is… Continue reading China’s border games

Re-negotiate Indus Treaty with Pakistan in light of climate change: Standing Committee on Water Resources

Source: Down to Earth Synopsis: The 1960 Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan did not take present-day issues like climate change into account. This calls for a renegotiation of the treaty through discussion and deliberation among the two countries. Background: The standing committee of Water resources has submitted its 12th Report to the… Continue reading Re-negotiate Indus Treaty with Pakistan in light of climate change: Standing Committee on Water Resources

Why are government schools not the first choice?

Source: The Hindu Relevance: This article explains the challenges faced by government schools and suggest remedies to them. Synopsis Improving the infrastructure of government schools will make them more attractive. Introduction Recently, The Patna High Court has recently asked for data on how many IAS and IPS officers have enrolled their wards in government schools. Advantages… Continue reading Why are government schools not the first choice?

A language ladder for an education roadblock

Source: The Hindu Relevance: This article explains the advantages, challenges, and suggestions in promoting learning in the mother tongue. Synopsis Learning in the mother tongue has to be promoted in India. Introduction: Recently, 14 engineering colleges across eight States decided to offer courses in regional languages in select branches from the new academic year. Similarly, the… Continue reading A language ladder for an education roadblock

A Check list for Trust Base Governance in the country

Source: Livemint Synopsis: The slogan of Sabka Sath , Sabka Vikas aivam Sabka Vishwas needs trust of all stakeholders. So we need to work out a strategy towards ‘trust-based governance’. Working to achieve ‘trust-based governance’ requires: Work and social harmony leading to peace and which should check all forms of fundamentalism. Reliable data and statistical… Continue reading A Check list for Trust Base Governance in the country

Cabinet passes bill restoring power of states to make their own OBC lists

Source: Business Standard Synopsis: The reservation has always been a sticky and political issue. While some time back Government gave constitutional status to NCBC, now Government is coming up with a move for states to make their own OBC list. Context: The Union Cabinet is learnt to have cleared a Constitution amendment bill which seeks… Continue reading Cabinet passes bill restoring power of states to make their own OBC lists

No Fundamental Right To Strike

Source: The Hindu Relevance: This article explains the Parliament’s Right to restrict the fundamental rights of the armed forces. Synopsis While the government seeks to reform the Ordnance Factory Board, the workers seem to stall the move by going on strikes. This article discusses the aspects of government bringing move to control these strikes Essential… Continue reading No Fundamental Right To Strike

Several trade-offs impede Zero Hunger goal. A UN report explains why, and how

Source: The Hindu Relevance: This article explains the recent report of the United Nations on achieving Zero Hunger Synopsis According to UN, Achieving SDG2 of achieving ‘Zero Hunger’ will require new investments, smoothly functioning trade, and changes in consumption patterns. Introduction: The United Nations recently released a report ahead of the Food Systems Summit in September… Continue reading Several trade-offs impede Zero Hunger goal. A UN report explains why, and how

Collapse of Adivasi self-governance system in Jharkhand: Need to implement PESA

Source: Down to Earth Relevance: Reviving tribal self-governance system Synopsis: The PESA Act is considered to be the backbone of tribal legislation in India. Proper implementation can rejuvenate self-governance system in Jharkhand. Background During most of the time in history, Adivasis had their own federal governance system. These decision-making processes were considered people-centric and democratic.… Continue reading Collapse of Adivasi self-governance system in Jharkhand: Need to implement PESA

Over the borderline: On Centre’s role in resolving Assam-Mizoram row

Source: The Hindu Relevance: Resolving the Assam-Mizoram border dispute Synopsis: A people-oriented approach facilitated by the Centre can help resolve Assam-Mizoram row Background The violent clashes on the Assam-Mizoram border in Lailapur on July 26th culminated in the death of five policemen and a civilian from Assam. FIRs were also filed. But, the situation now… Continue reading Over the borderline: On Centre’s role in resolving Assam-Mizoram row

Measures being proposed to curb resurgence of COVID wave

Source: Livemint Synopsis Various governments have adopted various strategies for handling the Covid pandemic. Is making vaccination compulsory the right strategy? Making Vaccine Compulsory in India – will not be a good choice because: There is a mismatch between the demand and supply of vaccines. If made compulsory for any group, would lead to… Continue reading Measures being proposed to curb resurgence of COVID wave

Skills mission underperforms on training, placement goals

Source: Livemint Synopsis Given India’s young population and vast labour force, Skills India Mission was expected to give huge dividends. However, as per the recent data, the mission seems to be underperforming. About the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana(PMKVY) The scheme has 2 components, Short term training STT – Focused on training, certification and placement Recognition… Continue reading Skills mission underperforms on training, placement goals

Preventable abuse: SC calls out wrongful use of preventive detention. Such arrests must be made only in rare cases

Source: Times of India Synopsis The courts have made adverse remarks in the matter of preventive detention. This has raised the debate of fundamental rights and freedom as offered in the constitution. What is preventive detention? It means the detention of a person without trial and conviction by the court. It is a precautionary measure to… Continue reading Preventable abuse: SC calls out wrongful use of preventive detention. Such arrests must be made only in rare cases

Poverty in India is on rise again

Source: The Hindu Synopsis During the 2000’s there was decline in poverty as was indicated by the Government data. However, now multiple data point to a rise in poverty and unemployment. Context Source: The Hindu Consumption expenditure survey (CES) is conducted and released every 5 years by NSO 2017-2018 data was not released, and the… Continue reading Poverty in India is on rise again

Why liberalism is withering on the vine

Source: Business Standard Synopsis: Liberal ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity cannot be optimised, except in small communities. Background: Liberalism is associated with mainly two popular theories. The first one is given by Adam Smith and focuses on economic liberalism. While the other one is drawn from the liberals of the French Revolution and focuses… Continue reading Why liberalism is withering on the vine

Providing horizontal quota: the Bihar way

Source: The Hindu Relevance: This article explains the recent horizontal reservation policy of the Bihar government and its advantages. Synopsis The Bihar government’s horizontal reservation for women should be extended to other states also. Introduction The Bihar government recently announced 33% horizontal reservation for women in State engineering and medical colleges. What is the vertical and… Continue reading Providing horizontal quota: the Bihar way

Getting back in business in the Indo-Pacific

Source: The Hindu Relevance: A visible shift in the USA’s Asian foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific region will be very important for India. Synopsis: Recent visits of the top US officials to various Asian nations indicate that the USA is trying to shift its foreign policy focus away from Afghanistan & Iraq to maritime Asia… Continue reading Getting back in business in the Indo-Pacific

Setting new house rules

Source: Indian Express Synopsis: The legislative body’s role must be strengthened and deepened so that disruption of proceedings ceases to be an option. Background: Disruption is replacing discussion as the foundation of our legislative functioning. In this regard, the government is considering curtailing the monsoon session of Parliament. All sessions since last year have been… Continue reading Setting new house rules

Criminalising welfare issues

Source: The Hindu Relevance: This article explains why the government should avoid criminalising welfare measures Synopsis: Before the legislature adopts coercive legal measures, a welfare response should be considered Introduction: Recently, the Supreme Court turned down a petition to restrain begging at traffic lights, markets, and public places in light of the precautionary measures for the… Continue reading Criminalising welfare issues

The hacking of Indian democracy

Source: The Hindu Relevance: Understanding various dimensions of the fall out of the Pegasus revelations. Synopsis: International treaties, rules, and reports on the issue of right to privacy & the way forward in the Pegasus case. Background The Pegasus revelations reflect an attack on Indian democracy and Indian citizens. National security is important, but it… Continue reading The hacking of Indian democracy

Making a case for Indo-Abrahamic accord

Source: Indian Express Relevance: Emergence of a new geo-political order in West Asia is providing an opportunity for India to increase its role in the region. Synopsis: Turkish president’s excessive ambitions, alienation of Israel and moderate Arabs, growing conflict with Greece and alignment with Pakistan presents India with opportunity to widen outreach to west of… Continue reading Making a case for Indo-Abrahamic accord

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