1. PM releases 109 high yielding, climate resilient and biofortified varieties of crops (Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2044302 ) Topic: GS3 – Agriculture Context On August 11, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled 109 high-yielding, climate-resilient and biofortified crop varieties at the India Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi. This initiative highlights the government’s focus on enhancing…
1. Three neighbourhood questions (Source: Indian Express; Section: The Editorial Page; Page: 10) Topic: GS2– International Relations – India and its neighbourhood Context: The article discusses recent setbacks in India’s foreign and security policies in its immediate neighborhood, particularly in Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Afghanistan. The article also highlights the need for introspection, better coordination…
1. A nutrition strategy would have averted Olympic agony (Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8) Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health Context The disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat at the Paris Olympics 2024 underscores a significant gap in the Indian sports support system. It highlights the critical need…
Q1) Discuss the natural and anthropogenic factors behind incidents of land subsidence. Suggest counter-measures to contain such incidents. (150 Words/10 Marks) ANS Land subsidence is a gradual settling or sudden sinking of the Earth’s surface because of underground material movement. Land subsidence may happen owing to various natural and anthropogenic factors: Natural causes: Activity along…
1. Cabinet approves Amendment in “Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana” (Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2043925 ) Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government Policies Context The Union Cabinet approved an extension and enhancement of the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana to advance biofuel development. The modified scheme now includes advanced biofuels from lignocellulosic feedstocks and supports “bolt-on” and “brownfield” projects….
1. New Bill to give statutory powers to Railway Board (Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 3) Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity Context The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, aims to grant statutory powers to the Railway Board and improve its autonomy. By merging provisions…
1. Refugee rights, the gendered nature of displacement (Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6) Topic: GS2 – Social Justice, GS2 – Governance Context The article discusses the global displacement crisis, highlighting the increasing number of refugees due to conflicts and persecution. It emphasises the disproportionate impact on women, who face…
1. Sub-quota red herrings (Source: Indian Express; Section: The Ideas Page; Page: 15) Topic: GS2– Social Justice Context: The ongoing debate about the Supreme Court’s judgment on sub-quota within the reservation system has started off on the wrong foot. Instead of addressing real issues and concerns raised by the judgment, the discussion has veered off…
Q1) The utility of APMCs is not lost despite a plethora of limitations. Discuss and recommend corrective measures for overhauling the APMCs. (150 Words/10 Marks) ANS Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) is a marketing board established by state governments. Though the APMCs are criticised for limiting free trade in agricultural commodities, their utility is not…
