Category: Strategy Sessions

Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

Click on news headlines to read the full news

High relevance news

[pib] NITI Aayog to join hands with CII to develop a roadmap for Global Innovation Index

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-niti-aayog-to-join-hands-with-cii-to-develop-a-roadmap-for-global-innovation-index/

Read about GII and its details. Can be asked in Prelims.

Explained: Thermal Battery

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/explained-thermal-battery/

A first of its kind plant in the world has been set up in India and this itself makes the news important. Read about the thermal battery and all related details. Can be asked in Pre as well as Mains.

[op-ed snap] Time for economic policy vigilance

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-time-for-economic-policy-vigilance/

Indian economy is facing challenges from domestic as well as international front. The editorial discusses all these in detail and also recommends solutions to attain fiscal stability. Read and make notes for Mains.

Low Relevance News

Monsoon session: Most productive for Lok Sabha since 2000

The Monsoon session of Parliament, which ended on Friday, was the “most productive” for Lok Sabha since 2000. The Lok Sabha worked for 110 per cent of the scheduled hours.

No important details in news except the work done in the monsoon session.

Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

Click on news headlines to read the full news

High relevance news

India faces a stern test of its commitment to RCEP

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/india-faces-a-stern-test-of-its-commitment-to-rcep/

RCEP has been on cards for a long time. Now India has moved forward to take a final call on joining RCEP. Read the associated consequences for Mains and member countries for Prelims.

[pib] Swachh Survekshan 2019, ODF+ & ODF ++ Protocols and Swachh Manch Web Portal

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-swachh-survekshan-2019-odf-odf-protocols-and-swachh-manch-web-portal/

Read about swacch survekshan and associated parameters and agencies involved. Can be asked in Prelims. The change in mindset being brought by this campaign can be a topic for Mains.

[op-ed snap] The urgent need for states to get fiscally fit

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-the-urgent-need-for-states-to-get-fiscally-fit/

A detailed editorial highlighting the fiscal strain of states and measures to bring more revenue and better fiscal prudence. Must read for Mains.

Low Relevance News

NGT grants interim relief to Sterlite

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has granted Vedanta Limited access to its administrative section of the Sterlite Copper plant in Tuticorin. However, the green panel said that the production process will continue to remain shut

No important things in news from the exam perspective

Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

Click on news headlines to read the full news

High relevance news

[op-ed snap] The need for digitizing land records in India

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-the-need-for-digitizing-land-records-in-india/

A good editorial highlighting issues being faced in digitization of land records and why it is essential. Read and make notes for Mains.

[op-ed snap] Commissions Of Inaction

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-commissions-of-inaction/

The editorial highlights the functioning of various constitutional and statutory commisions and how they have proved to be white elephants and nothing else. Make notes for quoting in Mains answers as one question can be asked on OBC commission or related details.

LS passes SC/ST amendment Bill

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/ls-passes-sc-st-amendment-bill/

A very hot topic. Read and note details of the amendment bill as well as what is the issue. Can be asked in Mains.

Access to Andaman eased

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/access-to-andaman-eased/

Read about Restricted area permit and mentioned places. Can be asked in Prelims. (Map based questions)

Parliament clears Bill for death in rape cases

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/parliament-clears-bill-for-death-in-rape-cases/

The bill awarding a maximum sentence of death to those convicted for raping girls below 12 years of age has been passed by both houses of Parliament. It had become a necessity seeing the rising instances of sexual abuse of children in the country. Note important details of the bill, can be asked in Mains.

Low Relevance News

Gurumurthy appointed to the board of RBI

The Centre has appointed RSS ideologue S. Gurumurthy and Satish Kashinath Marathe as part-time non-official directors on the central board of Reserve Bank of India for four years after the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by PM approved their names as recommended by the department of financial services, Ministry of Finance

No important detail in news from the exam perspective

Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

Click on news headlines to read the full news

High relevance news

[op-ed snap] Citizenship and compassion

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-citizenship-and-compassion/

A very good editorial highlighting flaws in handling migrant crises and what needs to be done. Make notes from it as the points can be quoted in Essay as well as Ethics paper.

Lateral entry of officers: Search panel decides UPSC will choose

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/lateral-entry-of-officers-search-panel-decides-upsc-will-choose/

Read about the future course of action on lateral entry. Very hot topic for Mains 2018

Explained: How do roads impact wildlife, and why should anyone bother?

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/how-do-roads-impact-wildlife-and-why-should-anyone-bother/

Animal and human conflicts have increased in recent times across all reserved areas. Read the explainer to know reasons as well as mitigation strategies.

Low Relevance News

National Library blocks websites following complaints

The National Library (NL) authorities have blocked access to websites with sexually explicit content, along with the ones displaying violence and hate speech, from computers within its premises

Nothing important in news from UPSC perspective

VVPAT machines don’t click pictures: Election Commission

Those distributing cash to voters could threaten them saying that paper trail machines take their picture while casting the vote

The poll panel would launch a campaign to inform the voters that the paper trail machines do not breach their secrecy at the polling booth

No important points from UPSC perspective

Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

Click on news headlines to read the full news

High relevance news

Ballistic Missile Interceptor AAD Successfully Flight Tested

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/ballistic-missile-interceptor-aad-successfully-flight-tested/

Missiles and satellites are very important. Read the news and make notes from Prelims perspective

[pib] NITI Aayog launches Move Hack, a global mobility hackathon

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-niti-aayog-launches-move-hack-a-global-mobility-hackathon/

Read about MoveHack and its components. Can be asked in Prelims.

Explained: SC/ST (Amendment) Act, 2018

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/explained-sc-st-amendment-act-2018/

The government has moved forward with an amendment to turnaround SC judgment. Note important points of SC/ST Act. Can be asked in Prelims/Mains

Low Relevance News

People clueless as UIDAI helpline number enters their phonebooks

Thousands of smartphone users in India woke up puzzled on Friday with a Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) toll-free helpline number saved in their phonebooks by default.

UIDAI has replaced an earlier helpline number with the new, 1800-300-1947, which got into people’s phonebooks without their consent

No important details in the news.

Centre withdrawing notification on social media hub, AG informs Supreme Court

The Central government has told the Supreme Court that it was withdrawing its notification proposing to create a social media hub, which some have alleged could become a tool to monitor online activities of citizens

Not much important as the issue is settled now.

Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

Click on news headlines to read the full news

High relevance news

[pib] Nationwide ‘State Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index’ released

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/pib-nationwide-state-energy-efficiency-preparedness-index-released/

Read about the new index and its elements. Can be asked in Prelims.

[op-ed snap] Scaled-up solutions for a future of water scarcity

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-scaled-up-solutions-for-a-future-of-water-scarcity/

The editorial discusses impending water crisis in India and suggests sustainable solutions to avoid such problem. Read and make notes as it is a good topic for Mains.

NASA’s newest planet hunter starts operations

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/nasas-newest-planet-hunter-starts-operations/

NASA and ISRO missions are a must read for both Pre as well as Mains. Cannot be skipped at any cost. Make notes of the details of the mission.

Low Relevance News

Improvement in water quality of Ganga river: Govt

The water quality of the Ganga river has improved at several locations according to an assessment carried out by the Central Pollution Control Board

The Dissolved Oxygen, which is an indicator of river health, has been found to be within the acceptable limits of notified primary bathing water quality criteria.

The Ganga river basin is the largest in India and is spread across four states

No important points in news per se but read about BOD & COD from Environment notes. Also remember about the Ganga river basin being largest, as this statement can be used to make a tricky question.

SC says penal provision on adultery violative of right to equality

The Supreme Court said matrimonial sanctity is an issue but the penal provision on adultery is apparently violative of the right to equality under the Constitution as it treats married men and married women differently

SC is hearing a petition challenging the constitutional validity of Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code

Since matter is subjudice, such statements will keep coming. A detailed coverage will be done once SC announces the verdict

Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

Click on news headlines to read the full news

High relevance news

Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/banning-of-unregulated-deposit-schemes-bill-2018/

Chit fund scams have been a big headache for the state as well as central governments. The bill seeks to address this issue. Read and note important points.

[op-ed snap] Improving state finances by reducing power losses

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-improving-state-finances-by-reducing-power-losses/

A good editorial discussing power subsidies and its impact on other sectors as well as measures to reduce the burden on the state. Important for Mains.

Law Commission to finalise report on ‘Family Law Reform’

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/law-commission-to-finalise-report-on-family-law-reform/

One more strep towards Uniform Civil Code. Note important recommendations and also go back to polity book to read about UCC & related provisions

India gets STA-1 status from U.S.

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/india-gets-sta-1-status-from-u-s/

India-US relations are at an all-time high in recent years. STA status is one more testament to that fact. Note benefits that India would get from this status.

Low Relevance News

Centre warns against data abuse

The Centre informed the Lok Sabha that it was up to social media platforms to weed out fake news, and it would come down heavily on companies found abusing data to influence elections

The Centre would also seek the States’ response to a proposed data protection law

No important details in the news from UPSC perspective

Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

B2B #1: From news- Govt. plans ‘ISRO-like’ ocean mission 

UN International Sea Bed Authority

1. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an intergovernmental body that was established to organize, regulate and control all mineral-related activities in the international seabed area beyond the limits of national jurisdiction, an area underlying most of the world’s oceans
2. It is an organization established by the Law of the Sea Convention
3. It is based in Kingston, Jamaica
4. Currently, the Authority has 167 members and the European Union, composed of all parties to the Law of the Sea Convention
5. The Authority operates by contracting with private and public corporations and other entities authorizing them to explore, and eventually exploit, specified areas on the deep seabed for mineral resources essential for building most technological products

Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

Name : GEF

Objective : Established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit as a separate institution. Earlier was a part of WB. Partnership of 18 agencies. Financial mechanism for 5 conventions * Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) * United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) * UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) * Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) * Minamata Convention on Mercury The GEF, although not linked formally to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (MP), supports implementation of the Protocol in countries with economies in transition.

Headquarters : Washington, United States of America

Year Founded : 1991

Category : Environment

Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

B2B #1: From news- [op-ed snap] Layers of protection: on changes in anti-corruption law

UN Convention Against Corruption

1. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) is a multilateral treaty negotiated by member states of the United Nations (UN) and promoted by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
2. It is one of several legally binding international anti-corruption agreements
3. UNCAC was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 31 October 2003
4. UNCAC’s goal is to reduce various types of corruption that can occur across country borders, such as trading in influence and abuse of power, as well as corruption in the private sector, such as embezzlement and money laundering
5. Another goal of the UNCAC is to strengthen international law enforcement and judicial cooperation between countries by providing effective legal mechanisms for international asset recovery
6. UNCAC requires state parties to the treaty to implement several anti-corruption measures that focus on five main areas:

• prevention
• law enforcement
• international cooperation
• asset recovery
• technical assistance and information exchange

Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

Name of the scheme : Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme

Objectives : 1. Strengthening and improving quality of basic TB services addressing TB HIV co-infection, other co-morbidities and MDR-TB 2. Engaging with care providers both in the public and the private sector 3. Targeted intervention in the vulnerable population and strengthening urban TB control along with active case finding activities 4. Integrating newer molecular diagnostics for TB in the health system (CBNAAT) for early diagnosis of MDR TB 5. Leveraging of Information Communication Technology for enhancing TB notification and strengthening of monitoring

Salient Features : 1. Under the RNTCP, Government is committed to end tuberculosis by 2025. 2. The strategies adopted for this purpose include strengthening and improving quality of basic TB services, engaging with providers other than public, addressing TB HIV co-infection, other co-morbidities and programmatic management of drug resistant TB.

Nodal Ministry : Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

Click on news headlines to read the full news

High relevance news

Explained: Privilege Motion

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/explained-privilege-motion/

Read and make notes about privilege motion. Can be asked in Pre as well as Mains

Lok Sabha passes Anti-Trafficking Bill

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/lok-sabha-passes-anti-trafficking-bill/

A major step to curb the menace of trafficking and protect vulnerable groups such as women and children.

Low Relevance News

Row over shifting of Nehru’s photograph at NMML

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has accused the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) administration of removing the photograph of Jawaharlal Nehru from the main seminar room and replacing it with that of Deen Dayal Upadhyay

Nothing important from exam point of view

Govt. Poster for easy recall

Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

Key words related to History : Kaivalya

Dynasty/era : Mahavira period

Meaning : 1.Kaivalya is a state of solitude, aloneness, isolation and detachment. The word is derived from the Sanskrit kevala, meaning “alone” or “isolated.” 2.It is a separation of purusha (Self or Soul) from prakriti (primal matter). The state of kaivalya is the main goal of Raja yoga. 3.It is a detachment and independence from relationships, egoism, attraction, aversion and the cycle of birth and death. One can achieve this state by performing austerities, yoga practice and discipline. One who achieves this state is called a Kevalin.

Key words related to History : Parigraha

Dynasty/era : Mahavira period

Meaning : 1.Parigraha-parimana is one the 12 vratas or vows of a layperson in Jainism. Specifically, it is a vow to limit attachment to worldly possessions. 2.Unlike monks or ascetics who observe such vows more strictly, the layperson may make a vow to limit his or her attachment to certain possessions or a certain number of possessions, or they may vow to limit attachment for a specified period of time.

Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

Name : Aditya-L1

Details : It is India’s first solar mission. It will study the sun’s outer most layers, the corona and the chromospheres and collect data about coronal mass ejection, which will also yield information for space weather prediction.

Significance of the mission : The data from Aditya mission will be immensely helpful in discriminating between different models for the origin of solar storms and also for constraining how the storms evolve and what path they take through the interplanetary space from the Sun to the Earth.

Position of the satellite : In order to get the best science from the sun, continuous viewing of the sun is preferred without any occultation/ eclipses and hence, Aditya- L1 satellite will be placed in the halo orbit around the Lagrangian point 1 (L1) of the sun-earth system. What are Lagrangian points and halo orbit? Lagrangian points are the locations in space where the combined gravitational pull of two large masses roughly balance each other. Any small mass placed at that location will remains at constant distances relative to the large masses. There are five such points in Sun-Earth system and they are denoted as L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5. A halo orbit is a periodic three-dimensional orbit near the L1, L2 or L3.

Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

B2B #1:  [pib] Special AYUSH Clinics for the Elderly

National AYUSH Mission

1. Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has launched National AYUSH Mission (NAM) during 12th Plan for im­plementing through States/UTs.
2. The basic objective of NAM is:

• to promote AYUSH medical systems through cost-effective AYUSH services,
• strengthening of educational systems,
• facilitate the enforcement of quality control of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani & Homoeopathy (ASU &H) drugs and sustainable availability of ASU & H raw-materials.

3. It envisages flexibility of implementation of the programmes which will lead to a substantial participation of the State Governments/UT.
4. The NAM contemplates the establishment of a National Mission as well as corresponding Missions in the State level.

Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

Name : Prahaar

Defence Forces : Army

Module Type : Missiles

Brief Intro : Prahaar is a solid-fuelled Surface-to-surface guided short-range tactical ballistic missile that would be equipped with omni-directional warheads and could be used for hitting both tactical and strategic targets

Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

B2B #1: [pib] Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan

1. This is an HRD Ministry initiative launched in 2014 with the two-fold aim to provide rural India with professional resource support from institutes of higher education in the field of STEM
2. And Building institutional capacity in Institutes of higher education in research & training relevant to the needs of rural India
3. This programme will be launched in collaboration with the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), Indian Institutes of Science Education & Research (IISERs) and the National Institutes of Technology (NITs) throughout the country
4. Each IIT/NIT/IISER will identify 10 villages in its neighbourhood and work out technologies to solve the most pressing issues of the region
5. Various teams from these institutes will visit the villages, identify problems and then aim to find financially-viable schemes.

B2B #2:  NCTE amendment Bill passed

National Council for Teacher Education

1. National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) is a statutory body of Indian government set up under the National Council for Teacher Education Act, 1993 in 1995
2. It has been established to formally oversee standards, procedures and processes in the Indian education system
3. This council functions for the central as well as state governments on all matter with regard to the Teacher Education
4. Functions

• undertake surveys and studies pertaining to all aspects of the teacher education and publish the corresponding results
• For the preparation of suitable plans and programmes regarding the field of teacher education, it makes recommendations to both the state and central governments, universities, University Grants Commission (UGC), and other recognised institutions.
• it coordinates and monitors the teacher education system throughout the country.
• it lays down the guideline for the minimum qualifications need for an individual to be a teacher in schools and recognised institutions.
• it lays downs guidelines for the provision of physical and infrastructural facilities, staffing pattern etc. for the compliance by recognised institutions.
• it lays down standards with respect to examinations, the major criteria for such admission as well as schemes for courses or training.
• it promotes and conducts research and innovation in schools and recognised institutions and then disseminates the results thereof.
• it examines its own laid-down guidelines, norms and standards for the improvement.
• it identifies the recognised institutions and set up new institutions for the developmental programmes of teacher education system.
• it takes up necessary steps for the prevention of the commercialisation of teacher education.
• it also performs other function that is entrusted to it by the central government

Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

Name : BIOFIN

Objective : UNDP in October 2012 launched the Biodiversity Finance Initiative – BIOFIN

Category : Environment

Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

Click on news headlines to read the full news

High relevance news

India to expand polar research to Arctic as well

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/india-to-expand-polar-research-to-arctic-as-well/

After China’s stride on poles to search for hydrocarbons and other resources, it was inevitable for India to follow the suit. Arctic research has been in focus in India and a question related to it was asked in Prelims 2015. Read more and make notes.

[op-ed snap] Why private hospitals should join AB-NHPM

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-why-private-hospitals-should-join-ab-nhpm/

NHPM is a very ambitious scheme for the turnaround of the health sector. Participation of private hospitals will surely help in achieving its objectives. Note important points from editorial to quote in mains answers.

[op-ed snap] Who’s responsible for modernizing a 150-year-old law?

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-whos-responsible-for-modernizing-a-150-year-old-law/

A very nice editorial tracing the history of section 377 as well its judicial discourse. Must read for Mains

Low Relevance News

Centre mulls changes in IPC to deal with mob lynching

The Centre is considering the possibility of amending the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to define ‘mob lynching’ as a penal offence. If the IPC is amended, the government will not have to bring a stand-alone law on mob lynching.

Nothing important as this proposal is still in nascent stage. Will become substantial if amendment takes place

Women and Child Development Ministry to move proposal to amend POCSO Act

The Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry is set to move a proposal before the Cabinet for enhanced punishment in cases of sexual assault of male children which the Law Ministry has cleared

Not important now. Will become once the amendment is approved by Cabinet

Govt. Poster for easy recall