

India in the Indo-Pacific Region: Strategic and Economic Initiatives - By Chandrakant Singh
With the growing strategic and economic importance in Indo-Pacific region, it can be said that the Indo-Pacific is now a theater of opportunity and disputes. The geographical location of India has put it as an important player in Indo-Pacific decision making. Therefore, it is important that India should collectively participate and cooperate with other littoral nations in the region to address contemporary challenges and tap opportunities.Recently, Indian External Affairs Minister

Decarbonizing Indian Economy: Imperatives for a Just Transition - By Satish Kumar Karna
The latest IPCC Sixth Assessment Report makes it abundantly evident that the planet's last chance to limit global warming to 1.5°C by the end of the 21st century is in the upcoming decades. It emphasized the need for economies to decarbonize, in order to protect the earth from the numerous effects of climate change. Two significant problems plague the just transition conversation at the moment: The focus is mostly on

Financial Inclusion in India Access to Formal Finance and Vulnerable Sections: A Perspective - By Sharmila Senthil Kumar
Being able to have access to a transaction account is a first step toward broader financial inclusion since a transaction account allows people to store money, and send and receive payments. A transaction account serves as a gateway to other financial services. Financial access facilitates day-to-day living, and helps families and businesses plan for everything from long-term goals to unexpected emergencies. As accountholders, people are more likely to use other

Competitiveness Roadmap for India@100
On 30th August 2022, the Competitiveness Roadmap for India@100 was released by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). It will serve as a guide for India to become a higher-income economy by 2047, when the country will mark its 100th year of Independence. About the Roadmap for India@100 The roadmap
NFSA: Need for Comprehensive Coverage
Recently, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to come out with a solution so that benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 are not restricted in accordance with the Census 2011. Issues raised by the Supreme Court Due to the coverage not being increased, despite the increase in population, more
Ethanol Blending in India: Prospects & Challenges
In his address to nation on the occasion of76th independence day, Prime Minister announced that India has achieved its target of blending 10% sugarcane-extracted ethanol in petrol, ahead of schedule. India’s aim is to increase this ratio to 20% originally by 2030 but in 2021, when NITI Aayog put out the
Air Quality and Health in Cities
On 17th August, 2022, a report titled ‘Air Quality and Health in Cities’ was published by the State of Global Air. State of Global Air is a collaboration between the US-based Health Effects Institute (HEI) and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation’s Global Burden of Disease Project. About the Report The report

Plans/Policies
One Nation One Fertiliser
On 24th August, 2022, the Centre decided to implement One Nation One Fertiliser by introducing a “Single Brand for Fertilisers and Logo” under the fertiliser subsidy scheme named “Pradhanmantri Bhartiya Janurvarak Pariyojna” (PMBJP). Rationale The maximum retail price of urea is currently fixed by the government, which compensates companies for the
Restructuring of Commerce Department
On 23rd August, 2022, the Government released the ‘Department of Commerce Restructuring Dossier’. Aim: To prepare India to become a key global player in world trade. 5 Pillars The restructuring rests on 5 major pillars - Increasing India’s share in global trade Assuming the leadership role in multilateral organizations Democratization of trade Creating 100 Indian
Agriculture
Pashmina Wool Development Scheme
Recently, the Ministry of Textiles has approved Pashmina Wool Development Scheme under Integrated Wool Development Programme (IWDP) with a budget allocation of Rs.29.25 Cr. for implementation during FY from 2021-22 to 2025-26. A provision has been made under the HRD component of IWDP regarding awareness and training to wool growers including
Infrastructure
Multi Modal Logistics Park
On 24th August, 2022, a tripartite MoU was signed by National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) for swift development of modern Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) under Bharatmala Pariyojna. The goal is to consolidate freight centrally and lower logistics
Industry
Specialty Steel
In a major feat and towards building an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has supplied about 30000 tonnes of the specialty steel for building this first swadeshi Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant for Indian Navy which was commissioned on 2nd September, 2022 at Cochin Shipyard Ltd. About Speciality Steel
News Snippets
Cantillon Effect
It is named after the 18th century French economist Richard Cantillon who published his ideas in the 1755 book Essay on the Nature of Trade in General. It explains the relationship between the general money supply and the prices of goods. According to the Cantillon effect, when new money circulates
Median Income
The median income is the income amount that divides a population into two equal groups, half having an income above that amount, and half having an income below that amount. It may differ from the mean (or average) income. The income that occurs most frequently is the income mode.
Soft Peg and Hard Peg Exchange Rate Policy
In a soft peg exchange rate policy, the foreign exchange market usually determines a country's exchange rate, but the government sometimes intervenes to strengthen or weaken it. In a hard peg exchange rate policy, the government chooses an exchange rate. A central bank can intervene in exchange markets in two
Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP)
It is a measure in monetary terms, the sum total volume of all finished goods and services produced during a given period of time, usually a year, within the geographical boundaries of the State, accounted without duplication. GSDP is classified under three broad sectors such as Primary sector, Secondary
Mithila Makhana
Recently Geographical Indication (GI) tag was awarded to the Mithila Makhana. Mithila Makhana or Makhan (botanical name: Euryale ferox Salisb) is a special variety of aquatic fox nut cultivated in Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal. It is also very famous in Kojagara festival of Maithil Brahmins celebrated for newly
Silk Mark
Silk Mark is a Quality Assurance Label, which signifies that the product to which it is affixed is made of pure silk. It can be affixed to Silk yarn, Sarees, Dress Materials, Made ups, furnishing materials and other silk products which are made up of 100% Natural silk.
Central Electricity Regulatory Commission
CERC is a regulator of the power sector in India. It intends to promote competition, efficiency and economy in bulk power markets, improve the quality of supply, promote investments and advise the government on the removal of institutional barriers to bridge the demand supply gap. It is a statutory body

Indian Polity & Governance
Government withdraw Personal Data Protection Bill
On 3rd August, 2022, the Central government withdrew the Personal Data Protection (PDP) Bill that had been tabled in the Lok Sabha on December 11, 2019. Commonly referred to as the “Privacy Bill”, it intended to protect individual rights by regulating the collection, movement, and processing of data that is personal,
The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act 2022
On 4th August, 2022, the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022 came into effect. It replaces the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920, a colonial era law, and authorises police officers to take measurements of people convicted, arrested or facing trial in criminal cases. Background In 1980, the 87th Report of the Law Commission of
Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill 2022
On 8th August, 2022, the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022 was passed by the Lok Sabha. It seeks to amend the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. The 2001 Act was last amended in 2010 to address various new factors that emerged with the energy market’s development over time and to provide for more
Electricity Amendment Bill 2022
On 8th August, 2022, the Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2022 was introduced in the Lok Sabha. It proposes certain amendments to the Electricity Act, 2003. However, the Bill was later sent to the standing committee for further deliberation. Aim It seeks to strengthen regulatory and adjudicatory mechanisms and usher in administrative reforms through a
Creation of New Districts
Recently, the West Bengal cabinet has approved the creation of seven new districts in the state. This will take the number of districts in West Bengal to 30 from the existing 23. Process of Creation of New District The power to create new districts or alter or abolish existing districts rests with the
Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog
Recently, the Prime Minister chaired the seventh meeting of the Governing Council (GC) of NITI Aayog. About Governing Council It is the premier body tasked with evolving a shared vision of national priorities and strategies, with the active involvement of States, in shaping the development narrative. It presents a platform to discuss
Judiciary
Supreme Court strikes down Provision of 1988 Benami Law
On 23rd December, 2022, the Supreme Court struck down the two provisions of Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988. About the Ruling Section 3(2) of the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988 Section 3 of the statute deals with the issue of Prohibition of benami transactions and its impugned sub-section (2) says: Whoever
Constitution Bench of Supreme Court
Recently, newly appointed Chief Justice of India, Justice Uday Umesh Lalit, assured there will be at least one Constitution Bench functioning throughout the year in the Supreme Court. About Constitution Bench A constitution bench consists of at least five or more judges of the court which is set up to decide substantial
Plan/Policy/Initiatives
National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission
Recently, National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM) achieved target of imparting Intellectual Property (IP) awareness and basic training to 1 million students on 31st July 2022, ahead of the deadline which was 15 August 2022. About National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM) It is a flagship program to impart IP awareness and
Grameen Udhyami Project
On 20th August, 2022, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in partnership with Seva Bharti and Yuva Vikas Society launched the second phase of Grameen Udyami Project in Ranchi, Jharkhand. About Grameen Udyami Project It is a unique multiskilling project, funded by NSDC that aims to train 450 tribal students in the country. The
Traditional Knowledge Digital Library
On 17th August, 2022, the Union Cabinet approved the widening access of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) database to users, besides patent offices. The access to the TKDL database would be through a paid subscription model with a phase-wise opening to national and international users. The opening up of the
News Snippets
Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA)
In November 1999, Cabinet Secretariat established the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. The role of the office is to evolve science and technology polices, strategies, and missions of socio-economic significance. The first PSA was APJ Abdul Kalam from November 1999 to November
Smart India Hackathon (SIH)
It is a nationwide initiative by Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell to provide students a platform to solve the pressing problems of the government, ministries, departments, industries and other organisations. SIH is conducted every year since 2017 in two formats i.e. SIH Software and SIH Hardware Editions for higher education
Floor Test
A floor test is primarily taken to know whether the executive enjoys the confidence of the legislature. It is a constitutional mechanism under which a Chief Minister appointed by the governor can be asked to prove majority on the floor of the Legislative Assembly. The Chief Minister has to resign
Composite Floor Test
Composite floor test is necessitated when more than a person stakes the claim to form the government and the majority is not clear. Governor may call a special session to assess who has the majority. The majority is counted based on those present and voting and this can be
Central Universities Endowment Fund (CUEF)
CUEF will be governed by a 7-member board chaired by the vice-chancellor. The board will have three “prominent” donors nominated by the university’s Executive Council for three years: the university’s Finance Officer, and two professors from different departments or streams. The board will take decisions on the fund utilisation, and
National Cancer Grid (NCG)
Formed in 2012, it is an initiative of the Department of Atomic Energy and its grant-in-aid institution, the Tata Memorial Centre, to create a network of cancer centres, research institutes, patient groups and charitable institutions across India. It aims to develop uniform standards of patient care for prevention, diagnosis, and
Zonal Councils
Zonal Councils are the statutory established by an Act of the Parliament, that is, States Reorganisation Act of 1956. The home minister of central government is the common chairman of all the zonal councils Other members include: The Chief Ministers of the States included in each zone act as Vice-Chairman

International Relations
India-Iran Pact on Seafarers
On 22nd August, 2022, India and Iran signed a MoU to mutually recognise certificates of competency for unlimited voyages by seafarers from both countries. Key Points It aims to facilitate the movement of seafarers from the two countries. The MoU has been signed as per the provisions of International Convention on Standards of
Universal Postal Union
Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the ratification of amendments to the Constitution of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) as contained in the Eleventh Additional Protocol to the Constitution signed during the 27th Congress of the Universal Postal Union held at Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire) from 9-27 August, 2021. Significance The approval enables the
India-France Transport Sector Pact
On 17th August, 2022 the Union Cabinet was apprised of the signing of Contract between the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, France on behalf of the International Transport Forum and the Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), India to support the International Transport Forum (ITF) activities on the
9th India-Thailand Joint Commission Meeting
The 9th India-Thailand Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) was held from 16-18 August 2022, in Bangkok, Thailand. India and Thailand are celebrating 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations. Key Highlights Discussions were held on the wide ranging issues of mutual interest and reviewed the progress made in various areas, including political, defence
6th Meeting of Australia-India Education Council
On 22nd August, 2022, the Union Minister for Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship of India, co-chaired the sixth meeting of the Australia India Education Council (AIEC) with his Australian counterpart. Major Highlights The two sides had fruitful discussions on further strengthening cooperation in education, skill development, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. India Australian
World Issues
Abolishing CPEC Authority
Recently, China gave nod to Pakistan’s decision to scrap the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority over the slow pace of the USD 60 billion project. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority was established in 2019 through an ordinance. It was aimed at accelerating the pace of CPEC-related activities, finding new drivers of growth,
Porcupine Strategy
Recently Taiwan has invoked the ‘porcupine strategy’ to protect itself if China attacks. The ultimate objective of this doctrine is that of surviving and assimilating an aerial offensive well enough to organise a wall of fire that will prevent the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) from successfully invading. About Porcupine Strategy It was
Group of Seven (G7)
Recently, the group of seven advanced economies (G7) agreed to implement a price cap on oil exports from Russia. The move is aimed at cutting off a source of financing for Moscow as its invasion of Ukraine continues. Implications of Price Cap The introduction of a price cap on Russian oil means countries
News Snippets
United Nations Woman Police Officer of the Year Award
It was established in 2011. It aims to establish a role model for women police officers serving in peace operations and to promote the UN Secretary General’s Gender Parity Strategy and Department of Peace Operations' Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy through encouraging Member-States to deploy more female police officers to peacekeeping
Blue Helmets
Blue Helmets are the military personnel of the U.N. that work alongside the U.N. Police and civilian colleagues to promote “stability, security, and peace processes”. The personnel get the name from the iconic blue helmets or berets they wear. All military personnel under Blue Helmets are members of their
Joint Rivers Commission
The Joint Rivers Commission of India and Bangladesh was constituted in 1972 as a bilateral mechanism to address issues of mutual interest on common / border / trans-boundary Rivers. As per the treaty, the two nations established the commission to work for the common interests and sharing of water
Supply Chain Ministerial Forum
Hosted by the United States, it aims to advance work to reduce and end near-term supply chain disruptions and collaborate to build supply chain resiliency to avoid future disruptions. Partner Countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, European Union, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands,
Regional Standardization Forum
It is a platform for constructive exchange of ideas, discussing standardization topics including inter alia India’s experience in various sectors of technology like Sustainable Digital Transformation and the Role of ITU Standards, Harnessing Technologies for Digital and Financial Inclusion in Emerging Markets, evolving Data Value Chain and Digital Health.

Space Science
India's First Commercial SSA Observatory
India's first commercial space situational awareness (SSA) observatory to monitor space activity is going to be set up by Digantara in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. At present, India provides a limited range of Multi-Object Tracking Radar at the Sriharikota range in Andhra Pradesh. For additional data, it accesses NORAD (North American
Defence
INS Vikrant: First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier
On 2nd September, 2022, Prime Minister commissioned the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vikrant at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). About INS Vikrant Design & Development INS Vikrant is designed by Indian Navy's in-house Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, a Public Sector Shipyard under the
Tejas Mark-2 Project
The Cabinet Committee on Security has approved Tejas Mark-2 Project. The Committee has sanctioned 6500 crore rupees for designing and developing Tejas Mark-2 fighter jet with prototypes, flight testing, and certification. The allocation comes in addition to the existing 2500 crore rupees sanctioned to HAL. The advanced version of Tejas LCA
New Technology & Innovations
India’s first Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Launched
On 21st August, 2022, Ministry of Science & Technology launched India’s first truly indigenously developed Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus, developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and private firm KPIT Limited. Technology Involved The fuel cell utilizes Hydrogen and Air to generate electricity to power the bus and the
Cervavac: First indigenously developed Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
On 1st September, 2022, the government announced the scientific completion of Cervavac, India’s first indigenously developed quadrivalent human papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer. About Cervavac Cervavac is developed by the Pune-based Serum Institute of India in coordination with the Government of India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT). Effectiveness HPV vaccines are
Anti-Radiation Pills
With fears of a nuclear disaster at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia power plant growing, the European Union has decided to pre-emptively supply 5.5 million anti-radiation pills to be distributed among residents in the vicinity. About Anti-radiation Pills Potassium iodide (KI) tablets, or anti-radiation pills, are known to provide some protection in cases of radiation
Cyber Security
Cyber Security Exercise “Synergy”
On 31st August, 2022, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) under Ministry of Electronics & IT, Government of India, in collaboration with Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), today, successfully designed & conducted the Cyber Security Exercise “Synergy” for 13 Countries. The exercise was part of the International Counter Ransomware Initiative-
Reports
Globalise to Localise: Exporting at Scale and Deepening the Ecosystem are Vital to Higher Domestic Value Addition
On 29th August, 2022, Ministry of Electronics & IT launched a report titled as ‘Globalise to Localise: Exporting at Scale and Deepening the Ecosystem are Vital to Higher Domestic Value Addition’. About the Report It has been prepared by India Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), in collaboration with India
News Snippets
SUMO Protein
Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) is a family of small proteins that are covalently attached to and detached from other proteins in cells to modify their function.This process is called SUMOylation. SUMOylation is directed by an enzymatic cascade analogous to that involved in ubiquitination. In contrast to ubiquitin, SUMO is not
Bisphenol A (BPA)
It is a chemical produced in large quantities for use primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics. It is found in various products including shatterproof windows, eyewear, water bottles, and epoxy resins that coat some metal food cans, bottle tops, and water supply pipes. Bisphenol A can leach into
Forever Chemicals
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) are known as forever chemicals. These are man-made chemicals used to make nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, cosmetics, firefighting forms and many other products that resist grease, water and oil. PFAs can migrate to the soil, water and air during their production and
Standalone and Non-standalone 5G Networks
In the standalone mode, the 5G network operates with dedicated equipment, and runs parallel to the existing 4G network, while in the non-standalone mode, the 5G network is supported by the 4G core infrastructure The standalone mode provides access to full 5G capabilities and new network functionalities such as slicing
Cloud Seeding
It is the process of spreading either dry ice or more commonly, silver iodide aerosols, into the upper part of clouds to try to stimulate the precipitation process and form rain. Cloud seeding uses planes to spray clouds with chemicals to condense smaller particles into larger rain droplets. It increases rainfall
Facial Recognition Technology
Facial recognition is an algorithm-based technology which creates a digital map of the face by identifying and mapping an individual’s facial features, which it then matches against the database to which it has access. In the Automated Facial Recognition System (AFRS), the large database (containing photos and videos of peoples’
CSA6
A newly identified gene(CSA6) can hold the key to prevent fungal infection Candidiasis that often affects intensive-care unit (ICU) patients, cancer patients and patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy.The gene called CSA6 has been identified in Candida albicans, a fungal species infamous for causing high rates of morbidity and mortality under certain

Climate Change
New Project to Accelerate Climate Action in India
India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Government of Japan, and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have announced a new initiative to accelerate climate action in 10 States and Union Territories across the country. Background At the COP26 summit in Glasgow in November 2021, India pledged to cut the country's total projected carbon emission
Biodiversity
Conservation of Marine Biodiversity
Recently, in an intergovernmental conference organized by the United Nations (UN), India and other member countries of the UN deliberated on a one-of-its-kind agreement to conserve marine biodiversity in the high seas, namely the oceans that extend beyond countries’ territorial waters. Unfortunately, the negotiations failed. After the latest deadlock, talks will
11 Wetlands from India Declared Ramsar Sites
Recently, 11 wetlands from India were included in the list of Ramsar sites, taking the total number of such sites in the country to 75. The 11 new sites include four in Tamil Nadu, three in Odisha, two in Jammu & Kashmir and one each in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The 11
Government Policies
Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022
On 24th August, 2022, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, published the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. The rules aim to ensure environmentally sound management of waste batteries. The new rules will replace Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001. Key Points Coverage The rules cover all types of batteries,
Sustainable Development
Forum for Decarbonizing Transport in India
On 23rd August, 2022, NITI Aayog and World Resources Institute (WRI), India, jointly launched the ‘Forum for Decarbonizing Transport’ in India as part of the NDC-Transport Initiative for Asia (NDC-TIA) project. The project aims to bring down the peak level of GHG emissions (from transport sector) in Asia resulting in problems
Arth Ganga Model: Focusing on Sustainable Development
Recently, at the Stockholm World Water Week 2022, the Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga spoke about the Arth Ganga Model during his virtual keynote address. It is being developed into an economic model for sustainable river rejuvenation. Arth Ganga: Key Points Background In 2019, the Prime Minister first introduced
Reports
Getting India to Net Zero Report
Recently, the ‘Getting India to Net Zero’ report was released. It was commissioned by the High-level Policy Commission on Getting Asia to Net Zero. The report contains new research and modelling and finds that policies to initiate the clean energy transition will be crucial in determining when India achieves net zero
News Snippets
Arctic Amplification
In the context of changes brought about by global warming, any change in the surface air temperature and the net radiation balance tend to produce larger changes at the north and south poles. This phenomenon is known as polar amplification; these changes are more pronounced at the northern latitudes and
Katchal Island
Recently, a study by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) highlighted the loss of mangrove cover on Katchal island, part of India’s Nicobar archipelago. More than 90% of mangrove cover on the island was lost due to the Indian Ocean Tsunami. The study also noted that worldwide, mangroves had
Tasmanian Tiger
Scientists in the US and Australia have embarked on a project to resurrect the Tasmanian Tiger, a marsupial that went extinct in the 1930s, using gene-editing technology. Tasmanian Tiger (Thylacinus cynocephalus) was the only animal in the Thylacinidae family to survive in modern times. The animal was at the
Bent-toed Gecko
Recently, a group of researchers discovered a new species of bent-toed gecko from Agasthyamalai hills in the Western Ghats. The new species has been given the scientific name Cyrtodactylus aravindi. This ground gecko has so far been found only at two locations, Muppanddal and Thuckalay, in Kanyakumari district. Geckos are
Greenland Ice Melting
According to a new study, Greenland’s rapidly melting ice sheet will eventually raise global sea level by at least 10.6 inches, more than twice as much as previously forecast. That's because of something that could be called zombie ice. That's doomed ice that, while still attached to thicker areas of
News Notes
Persons In News
Commodore Vidhyadhar Harke
Commodore Vidhyadhar Harke has been designated as the Commanding Officer of India's first indigenously-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant which was dedicated to the nation on 2nd September 2022.
Nallathamby Kalaiselvi
Nallathamby Kalaiselvi recently became the first female Director General of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, a consortium of 38 state-run research institutes across the
Queen Máxima
Recently, Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands visited India from 29-31 August 2022, in her official capacity as United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate (UNSGSA) for Inclusive Finance for Development and G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) Honorary Patron.The talks centered on how India will incorporate financial inclusion and
Appointments
Uday Umesh Lalit
On 27th August 2022, Uday Umesh Lalit became the 49th Chief Justice of India. He replaced N. V. Ramana.He is the second direct appointee from the Bar after Justice S.M. Sikri (13th CJI) to be appointed as the Chief Justice of India. Justice Lalit aims at focusing on three areas
Justice D.Y. Chandrachud
On 2nd September 2022, President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Justice D.Y. Chandrachud as the executive chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).Justice Chandrachud took the position that became vacant after Justice U.U. Lalit was elevated as the 49th Chief Justice of India (CJI).The NALSA has been constituted under the
Simon Stiell
Simon Stiell of Grenada has been appointed as the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).He succeeded Patricia Espinosa of
Krishnamurthy Subramanian
India’s former Chief Economic Adviser Krishnamurthy Subramanian has been appointed to the post of Executive Director (India) at the IMF, with effect from November 1, 2022Mr. Subramanian, who is currently a Finance Professor at the Indian School of Business, will replace Surjit S. Bhalla who was appointed to the role
Mary Elizabeth Truss
Liz Truss of Conservative Party has become the third female prime minister in British history after Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May.She defeated Indian-origin former chancellor Rishi
Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rios
Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Rios (Argentina) has been appointed as the Head of Mission and Chief Military Observer for the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan
Samir V Kamat
He has been appointed as the Chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation
Rajkiran Rai G
He has been appointed as the Managing Director of National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development
Obituary
Mikhail Gorbachev
Mikhail Gorbachev, who ended the Cold War without bloodshed but failed to prevent the collapse of the Soviet Union, died on 30th August 2022.Gorbachev, the last Soviet president, forged arms reduction deals with the United States and partnerships with Western powers to remove the Iron Curtain that had divided Europe
Abhijit Sen
Noted economist Abhijit Sen has passed away on 30th August 2022.He was a former member of the now defunct Planning Commission of India (2004-2014).In 2010, he was awarded the Padma Bhusan for public
J. S. Grewal
Jagtar Singh Grewal was a writer, historian and scholar who passed away on 11 August 2022.He had published several articles and books on Sikh history.He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2005, for his contributions to Indian
Narayan
Considered as the first tribal novelist of Kerala, he passed away on 16th August, 2022.He is best known for his debut novel Kocharethi (1998) which was given the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in the Novel category for the year
Shimoga Subbanna
Noted Kannada singer Shivamogga Subbanna passed away on 11th August 2022. Subbanna was the first Kannadiga to win a National Award for playback singing for his song "Kaadu Kudure Odi Banditta" in the film "Kaadu Kudure".
Syed Sibtey Razi
Syed Sibtey Razi, the former Governor of Assam and Jharkhand has passed away on 20th August 2022.He also served as the Deputy Home Minister of
Samar Banerjee
Noted footballer Samar Banerjee (nick named "Badru") has passed away on 20th August 2022. He played in the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne as captain of the India national team where India achieved a historic fourth-place finish. It was the country's best footballing performance at the Summer
Rakesh Jhunjhunwala
Billionaire stock investor and founder of the country’s newest airline Akasa Air, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, passed away on 14th August 2022. He is known as India’s Warren
T. V. Sankaranarayanan
Noted Carnatic vocalist T. V. Sankaranarayanan has passed away on 2 September 2022.He was awarded Padma Bhushan in 2003 and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in
Mary Roy
Mary Roy, an Indian educator and women's rights activist has passed away on 1st September 2022.She is known for winning a Supreme Court lawsuit in 1986 against the gender biased inheritance law prevalent within the Syrian Malabar Nasrani community of Kerala. The judgment ensured equal rights for Syrian Christian women
Places In News
Padang
During its 57th national Day celebration, Singapore has declared Padang (meaning field in Malay), a site of countless events in the country's history and from where Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose gave his 'Delhi Chalo' slogan in 1943, as its 75th national
Kannauj
In order to give impetus to the perfume industry, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to develop Kannauj as a perfume tourism destination. It will also hold an international perfume fair in Kannauj in December
Haridwar
The NITI Aayog has declared holy city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand as the best aspirational district on five parameters, thereby providing an additional allocation of three crore
Military Operations/Exercises
'Udarashakti'
Hosted by Malaysia, 'Udarashakti' is the first bilateral exercise between Indian Air Force (IAF) and Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).‘Harimau Shakti’ is Joint military exercise held annually between the two
‘Ex Skylight’
Exercise Skylight was recently carried out by the Indian Army to test its satellite communication systems in the event of an attack by an enemy
'Vajra Prahar' 2022
The 13th Edition of India – USA Joint Special Forces Exercise ‘Vajra Prahar 2022’ was held at Bakloh (Himachal Pradesh).This annual exercise is hosted alternatively between India and the United States. The 12th edition was conducted at Joint Base Lewis Mc Chord, Washington (USA) in October
‘Super Garuda Shield’
This military exercise was recently carried out in Indonesia with participation of the United States, and allies as part of Washington's efforts to prevent a regional conflict after China's ‘destabilising actions’ around
Vostok 2022
From September 1-7, Russia held annual military exercise ‘Vostok 2022’ in its eastern region, with about 13 countries including India and China.Though Indian Army participated in land exercises, it skipped the maritime section of the two-part event. This is because it involved the disputed islands of South Kuril, claimed by
Other Exercises
SAREX-2022 The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 10th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise SAREX -22 in Chennai. Exercise "SAREX-2022" was reviewed by Indian Coast Guard chief VS Pathania, other agencies, and foreign participants. Cyber Security Exercise “Synergy” Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, in collaboration
Important Days
Awards
Magsaysay Awards 2022
Launched in 1958, the Ramon Magsaysay Award, widely considered to be Asia’s equivalent to the Nobel Prize, recognises outstanding leadership and communitarian contributions in Asia.Ramon Magsaysay Award is an annual award that has been established to perpetuate the former President of the Philippines Ramon Magsaysay’s example of integrity in governance,
Winners of 2022
Tadashi Hattori (Japan): A Japanese ophthalmologist who provides free eye surgeries in Vietnam.Sotheara Chhim (Cambodia): A psychiatrist and mental health advocate who has been healing his countrymen’s unique trauma, baksbat.Bernadette J. Madrid (Philippines): A pediatrician who has been championing the Filipino child’s right to protection by creating safe spaces for
Sports
Amlan Borgohain: Fastest Indian
Sprinter from Assam, Amlan Borgohain clocked 10.25s to break the six-year-old national record of Amiya Kumar Mallick (10.26s) at the 87th all-India inter-Railway athletics championships in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh. He also holds 200m national record.In women’s category, Dutee Chand holds the National Record for the 100m sprint (11.17s). The
Fastest Man and Woman at the Commonwealth Games 2022
Ferdinand Omanyala (Kenya) and Elaine Thompson-Herah (Jamaica) were the fastest male and female sprinters of the Commonwealth Games 2022 held in
Kalyan Choubey elected as AIFF President
A former goalkeeper with Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, he beat Bhaichung Bhutia to become All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) first Player
UEFA Player of the Year Award
Karim Benzema (France) and Alexia Putellas (Spain) have won the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year Award 2021/22
AIFF Footballer of the Year
Sunil Chhetri and Manisha Kalyan were recently declared the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Footballer of the Year in Men’s and Women’s category respectively for the 2021-22
ICC Player of the Month (July 2022)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced Sri Lankan spin sensation Prabath Jayasuriya and England batting all-rounder Emma Lamb as the winners of its Player of the Month awards for July
5th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2022
The Ministry of Women and Child Development is celebrating the 5th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2022 from 1st to 30th September 2022. In the 5th Rashtriya Poshan Maah the aim is to convert Jan Andolan into Jan Bhagidari to fulfill the Hon’ble PM’s vision of a Suposhit Bharat. (Through Suposhit Bharat initiative, the

History
Manusmriti
Recently, the Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University criticised the Manusmriti, the ancient Sanskrit text, over its gender bias. About Manusmriti Also known as the Manavadharmasastra or the Laws of Manu, it is a Sanskrit text belonging to the Dharmasastra literary tradition of Hinduism. The text is attributed to the mythical figure
Art & Culture
Godna Paintings
Recently, a group of locals from Bastar in Chhattisgarh has taken up the task of reviving the region’s age-old ‘Godna’ tattoo art form. About Godna Paintings Godna paintings are done mostly by Devar Godna of Rajanandgaon district of Chhattisgarh, Godi godna of Surguja district of Chhattisgarh, badi Godna of Dindori district of
Mandala Art
Recently, a spectacular Mandala art was made at a Liverpool city regional park in the United Kingdom. About Mandala Art Mandala art is a geometric design that holds a great deal of symbolism in Hindu and Buddhist cultures. Mandala art is a Sanskrit word for “magic circle”. Basically mandalas are circles contained
Personality
Women Freedom Fighters
In his ninth Independence Day address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, Prime Minister paid tribute to the followingwomen freedom fighters for showing the world the true meaning of India’s “nari shakti”. Rani Laxmibai The queen of the princely state of Jhansi, Rani Laxmibai is known for her
Bijay Chand Mahtab
In West Bengal, the 119-year-old Curzon Gate in Bardhaman is currently in news after the ruling government of the state decided to erect statues of Maharaja Bijay Chand Mahatab and his wife Radharani in front of the Curzon Gate, one of the city’s major landmarks. Maharaja Bijay Chand Mahatab of Bardhaman
Pandurang Khankhoje
Recently, Lok Sabha Speaker unveiled statue of Maharashtra-born freedom fighter and agriculturalist Pandurang Khankhoje in Mexico. About Pandurang Khankhoje He was born in Wardha, Maharashtra. He was an ardent admirer of the French Revolution and of the American War of Independence. Khankhoje moved to the US, where he enrolled in college as a
Pingali Venkayya
Recently, the Ministry of Culture organized “Tiranga Utsav” to celebrate the contributions of Pingali Venkayya to the nation on the occasion of his 146th Birth Anniversary. A commemorative Postal Stamp, in the honor of Pingali Venkayya, was also released during the event. About Pingali Venkayya He was born on August 2, 1876 at
Freedom Fighter Ondiveeran
On 20th August, 2022, India Post issued a commemorative Postage stamp on Ondiveeran, the commander-in-chief of Poolithevan’s army, the first to rebel against the British rule. About Ondiveeran Ondiveeran was a trusted lieutenant in the Pulithevan Army that had taken on the imperialist forces. Ondiveeran was a native of Nerkattum Seval near Sankarankoil
News Snippets
Manimahesh Yatra
Manimahesh Kailash also known as Chamba Kailash, which stands towering high over the Manimahesh Lake, is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. It is located in the Bharmour subdivision of the Chamba district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The lake and peak are considered sacred
Bharat Rang Mahotsav
Bharat Rang Mahotsav or the National Theatre Festival, started in 1999, is the annual theatre festival organized by National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi. Originally a national festival showcasing the work of the most creative theatre workers in India, it has evolved to international scope, hosting theatre companies
Menhir
It is a free standing stone, slightly leaning towards the north-west. They are widely distributed across Europe, Africa and Asia. Menhirs are known by various names like, Nilskal, Nintikal, Anekallu, Rakkasakal, Garbinikal and so on in South
Shumang Leela
It is a traditional form of theatre in Manipur and the roles of female artists are all played by male actors and male characters are played by female artists in case of female theatre groups. The activities are done in the open air. Originally Shumang Leela began as a comedy
Naukhai
Nuakhai is an annual harvest festival in Odisha, celebrated to welcome the season’s new rice. Celebrated a day after Ganesh Chaturthi, Nuakhai is one of the most important festivals in western Odisha and neighbouring areas in Simdega district of Jharkhand. In Nuakhai, nua means new and khai means food.

Indian Society
Special Marriage Act 1954
On 29th August, 2022, the Supreme Court (SC) dismissed a writ petition challenging provisions of the Special Marriage Act (SMA), 1954 requiring couples to give a notice declaring their intent to marry 30 days before their marriage. About the Petition It challenged the Constitutional validity of certain provisions of the SMA under
SMILE-75 Initiative
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has identified 75 Municipal Corporations to implement rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of begging under “SMILE: Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise “named as “SMILE-75 Initiative”. About SMILE-75 Initiative The objective is to make our cities/town and municipal areas begging-free and
Social Justice
Tribal TB Initiative
On 24th August, 2022, Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Tuberculosis (TB) division of Ministry of Health and Family welfare organized a national conclave at the National Tribal Research Institute (NTRI) to disseminate the learnings of the 100-day Aashwasan Campaign under ‘Tribal TB Initiative’. Tribal TB Initiative is a joint initiative of
Extension of Ayushman Bharat Scheme to Transgenders
On 24th August, 2022, the National Health Authority (NHA) under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Department of Social Justice and Empowerment today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide inclusive and composite health package for transgenders under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY. Key Points of MoU Coverage:The scheme would cover all transgenders
Plan & Policies
National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E) is preparing to undertake a nationwide survey to enumerate all people engaged in hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. The enumeration exercise is part of the Union government’s National Action Plan for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE). About NAMASTE It is a Central Sector Scheme
Reports & Indices
Global Employment Trends for Youth 2022
On 11th August, 2022, International Labour Organisation (ILO) has released the Global Employment Trends for Youth 2022 report. Major Findings Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic The pandemic has exacerbated the numerous labour market challenges facing those aged between 15 and 24 years, who have experienced a much higher percentage loss in employment than adults
News Snippets
Hukou System
It is a governmental household registration system. In Taiwan, this system operates mostly as census tool, providing demographic information about residents in each region. In China however, the Hukou system is used to actively limit where a person is allowed to live. The system institutionalizes inequality and consolidates the government’s
Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
This legislation aims at preventing the commission of offences by persons other than Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Any person who is not a member of a scheduled caste or a scheduled tribe and commits an offence listed in the Act against a
Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojna (PMAAGY)
Union Government has modified and renamed the ‘Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Scheme’ to ‘Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojna (PMAAGY)’. The scheme will be implemented during 2021-22 to 2025-26. The scheme aims to mitigate gaps and provide basic infrastructure in villages with a notable tribal population. It will cover
Paalan 1000
‘Paalan 1000 - Journey of the First 1000 Days’ focuses on the cognitive development of children in the first two years of their life. The first 1000 days establishes a solid platform for a child's physical, mental, emotional, cognitive and social health. It will provide practical advice to caregivers on
PEN PLUS Strategy
It is focused on alleviating the non-communicable disease (NCD) burden among the poorest children and young adults. It increases the accessibility and quality of chronic care services for severe NCDs in the rural areas of low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs). It can treat diseases like type 1 diabetes, advanced rheumatic
Ayush Grid Project
It was launched by Ministry of Ayush in 2018 under Digital India Program that support ‘Information and Technology’ in transforming operational efficiency, enhancing service quality and improving delivery of service. It will allow integration of all stakeholders and services or functions related to Ayush systems of health care. The project

Madhya Pradesh
Mandla: India’s First Fully ‘Functionally Literate’ District
Madhya Pradesh’s tribal-dominated Mandla region has become the first fully “functionally literate” district in the country. A major campaign was launched on Independence Day 2020, in association with the school education department, Anganwadi & social workers, women and child development department, to educate women and senior
World’s Largest Floating Solar Power Plant
The world’s largest floating solar power plant is going to be built at Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh. Floating Solar Project on Narmada, which is to be built on the backwaters of the Omkareshwar Dam, will be one of only 10 floating solar plants in the world. The 600 MW-capacity
Maharashtra
Dahi-Handi: Official Sport of Maharashtra
'Dahi-Handi' has been recognized as an official sport of Maharashtra. The Govindas will get a job under the sports category and if any Govinda loses his life insurance of Rs 10 lakh will be given, also if they end up being partially handicapped insurance of Rs 5 lakh will
Arunachal Pradesh
First Steel Slag Road
The Border Road Organization (BRO) will build Steel Slag Road in Arunachal Pradesh based on the Pilot project. It aims to make durable roadways that can withstand heavy rain and adverse climatic conditions. The use of Steel Slag to construct roads will improve the durability and quality of roads
Medicine From The Sky
Arunachal Pradesh has adopted drone-based medical facilities 'Medicine from the sky’. The first successful flight was conducted from Seppa to Chaoyang Tajo in the East Kameng
Donyi Polo Airport
The third airport in Arunachal Pradesh, which is now under construction in Itanagar, has been given the name “Donyi Polo Airport” by the Arunachal Pradesh administration. The name represents the long-standing customs and rich cultural legacy of the tribally dominant state and would also reflect the long-standing indigenous respect
Delhi
‘Make India Number 1’ Mission
The five-point vision of this initiative: To provide free and quality education to every child of this country. To take is to provide free and best medical treatment along with free medicines and test facilities to every citizen of the country. To provide employment to every youth. Every woman should
Meghalaya
2nd Edition of North East Olympics
Meghalaya Sports Department set to host 2nd edition of North East Olympics from 30th October, 2022. The first edition of the Games was held in Manipur in 2018, with 12 disciplines. In this edition, about 4,000 participants from eight North Eastern States will be competing in 18 disciplines at 13
Odisha
MoU with NIOT
The Odisha Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chennai-based National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) for the protection of coastal areas from various natural calamities like flood, cyclone, soil erosion and high tide, etc. Seven districts namely Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, Kendrapada, Bhadrak, Baleswar and Jagatsinghpur
Assam
Vidya Rath- School on Wheels Project
The project aims at providing economically challenged underprivileged children to access elementary education for a period of 10 months. It will reportedly provide access to elementary education to underprivileged children for 10 months. After 10 months, the children will be integrated into the conventional system of
Andhra Pradesh
Haryana
Chief Minister Equal Education Relief, Assistance and Grant (CHEERAG) Program
Under the program, government school children in grades 2 through 12 may enroll in private schools. To qualify, parents’ verifiable annual income must be less than Rs. 1.8 lakh. The state of Haryana will pay back Rs. 700 each student in grades two through five, Rs 900 per student in
Uttarakhand
Sanskrit Gram
Uttarakhand government has decided to develop one Sanskrit-speaking village in each of the 13 districts in the state. Sanskrit teachers will be sent to the selected villages to teach locals how to communicate in the language. To be called “Sanskrit Gram”, each of these villages will be a
Uttar Pradesh
Radio Jaighosh
As part of the celebrations for Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister debuted “Radio Jaighosh” to commemorate the anniversary of the Kakori Train Action. The daily radio programmes “Parakram” and “Shaurya Nagar” will feature folktales from all 75 of the state’s districts and feature valiant troops from
Tamil Nadu
Chhattisgarh
Rural Industrial Parks
To strengthen the rural economy and make the “gauthan” (cattle shed) a centre of livelihood, the Chhattisgarh government will set up ‘gramin aajeevika parks’, to be known as ‘rural industrial parks’ in the state. The project will be launched on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, 2022. The first such park in
Himachal Pradesh
Freedom of Religion (Amendment) Bill 2022
It gives definition of mass conversion that means a conversion wherein two or more than two persons are converted at the same time. If a person marries someone by concealing his religion in such a manner that other person believes that his religion is truly the one professed by him
Kerala
Kerala Savari
It is India’s first online taxi service owned by a state (Kerala) government. It is started by the Motor Workers Welfare Board under the leadership of the Labor Department. It will ensure safe travel for public at government approved fares. The first phase of the project is being implemented in
Nagaland
Sports In News
Sports Persons In News
Neeraj Chopra
He is the first Indian to win a Diamond League Meet title by winning the Lausanne leg. He came at first place in javelin throw with a throw of 89.08m. He also qualified for Zurich Finals and World Championships 2023.
Linthoi Chanambam
Judoka Linthoi Chanambam from Manipur became the first Indian judoka to clinch the country's first-ever gold across any age-group in the Cadet World Championships held in
Apeksha Fernandes
She is the first Indian woman to reach the final of the World Junior Swimming Championships. She finished eighth in the 200m women's butterfly summit clash in Lima,
GM Magnus Carlsen
The Norwegian player won the FTX Crypto Cup, the American finale of Champions Chess Tour, in Miami despite losing his final match in a tiebreak to Indian GM R. Praggnanandhaa R, who thereby secured second place in the tournament. Magnus won the event on the basis of a higher score.
Info Bytes
Info Bytes
India recently surpassed which country to become the world’s fifth largest economy according to GDP figures from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)? - Britain According to a State Bank of India report, at the current rate of growth, by which year India will become the third largest economy in the
Mains Specials
Model Mock Questions & Answers
Special
Civil Services
Beginners' Strategy
Special
In order to ensure that the candidates do not suffer due to lack of planning, in this issue, we have come up with an exclusive ‘Beginners’ Strategy Special’ segment. The content has been meticulously prepared by our team of experts. Our sole purpose is to arm you with credible information, a well thought of plan and a rock solid strategy to help you compete successfully in the Civil Services Examination and realize your most cherished dream. This is because Lakhs of candidates appear in the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) every year, but only a handful clear the test and come out with flying colours. Just like any other worthwhile human endeavour, preparing for the Civil Services also requires proper planning and a solid strategy. But every year, thousands of extremely bright students face failure owing to the absence of a right strategy. Also, hundreds of candidates with average mental caliber succeed in the exam due to proper implementation of a well thought of plan of preparation. Abraham Lincoln is often quoted for having said, “If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe.” Therefore, the importance of planning and strategy cannot be overemphasized when it comes to the Civil Services Examination. |
Beginners' Strategy
The Dream and the Vision
“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude” - Zig Ziglar It all starts with a dream and a vision; the vision of a better future for the country, the society, the community, and finally, your family and you. Yes, almost every educated youth (including their parents and family members) in
Expert Advice
Expert Advice - Strategy for Optional Anthropology
Q. Who should choose Anthropology as an optional / How to assess oneself before choosing it / What are the criteria for choosing it as optional? Ans. It is a very subjective question. It can be answered in different ways. Anthropology is not a common subject. Even at the college level,
Expert Advice - Strategy for Science Optionals
How to choose right optional? In my opinion, optional should be chosen on the basis of: Interest in that subject, Scoring pattern of the subject in last two –three years, Availability of study material, and Expert guidance. First advice to choose optional is that one must have keen interest/ strong liking for the subject. It
Expert Advice - Strategy for Optional Physics
Whether Physics a Safe Optional in Cse (Mains)? Physics is one of the most preferred optional amongst the Science/Engg stream subjects. Reasons in its favour are: It’s well defined and well-structured syllabus. Horizontal and vertical spread is well defined by the syllabus. It’s scoring nature. Every year lot many Physics candidates make
Expert Advice - Strategy for Optional Philosophy
Q. Who should choose Philosophy as an optional? How to assess oneself before choosing it? What are the criteria for choosing it as an optional?Ans. The decision of selecting the best optional subject is very crucial since it plays a significant role in your final selection and good position in
Expert Advice - Strategy for Optional Law
Q. Who should choose Law as an optional?Ans. The Law Optional has a high success rate. Not only students from law backgrounds, but also from non-law backgrounds choose law as their optional subject as it is based on common sense and logic. It can be understood only if right approach
Expert Advice - Strategy for Optional Geography
Q. Who should choose Geography as an optional? How to assess oneself before choosing it? What are the criteria for choosing it as optional?Ans. In the UPSC mains exam, geography is a very popular optional subject. Because of the nature of the subject, it is especially popular among candidates having a
Expert Advice - Strategy for Optional Public Administration
Q. Who should choose Public Administration as an optional? How to assess oneself before choosing it? What are the criteria for choosing it as an optional?Ans: An optional paper selection should be based primarily upon aspirant’s interest to the subject, the contribution of the subject in other areas of an
Expert Advice - Strategy for Optional Psychology
Q. Who should choose Psychology as an optional? How to assess oneself before choosing it? What are the criteria for choosing it as an optional? Ans. In UPSC, one should choose that subject as an optional in which he/she has interest because unlike academic exams, UPSC never asks direct questions. Psychology as