India's No.1 PU & Degree With Integrated IAS & IPS(UPSC/PSC) Training College.
Why in the news? A new study challenges previous estimates that Saturn’s rings are only 100 million years old. Computer models suggest dust particles are expelled, keeping the rings clean, implying they could be 4 billion years old, like the Solar System. New Insights: Rings May Be Ancient A new study from Tokyo and Paris-based …
Read MoreWhy in the news? India’s average import tariff (17%) is the highest among BRICS nations and five times that of the U.S. (3.3%), mainly due to high agricultural tariffs. The U.S. is pushing for tariff reductions, impacting trade negotiations. India’s Import Tariff Structure India’s average import tariff in 2023 was 17%, significantly higher than the …
Read MoreWhy in the news? India is preparing to submit its first-ever Biannual Transparency Report (BTR) under the Paris Agreement, providing an updated greenhouse gas inventory and climate action efforts. The report, delayed from the December 2024 deadline, will undergo an external UN review. About India’s BTR Submission India is finalizing its first-ever Biannual Transparency Report …
Read MoreSyllabus: GS-2: Constitutional Bodies , Transparency & Accountability Focus: For the first time, India’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) was appointed under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Act, 2023. However, the new law has been challenged in the Supreme Court for allegedly undermining the Election …
Read MoreRelevance: GS 2 – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests Why in the News? India-Qatar Trade Expansion: India and Qatar have agreed to double bilateral trade to approximately $28 billion over the next five years. Diversification Beyond Hydrocarbons: Piyush Goyal emphasized that while India and Qatar share a …
Read MoreIn the context of India’s pluralistic society, how can political and legal mechanisms be optimized to balance religious sentiments and constitutional mandates? Suggest policy measures to prevent divisive litigation while ensuring justice. (250 words) Introduction India’s pluralistic democracy thrives on religious and cultural diversity. However, balancing religious sentiments with constitutional mandates remains a challenge, especially …
Read MoreThe Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, aims to maintain the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947. Critically analyze the challenges posed by recent petitions questioning its validity. (250 words) Introduction The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, seeks to preserve religious harmony by maintaining the …
Read MoreExamine the challenges posed by external influence on national electoral processes. How can India safeguard its democratic integrity in an era of global interconnectedness? (250 words) Model Answer: External influence on national electoral processes presents several challenges, particularly in an era of globalization where information, funding, and narratives transcend borders. Some of the major challenges …
Read MoreDiscuss the role of soft power in international relations with reference to the influence of foreign funding on democratic processes in developing countries. (250 words) Model Answer: Soft power, a concept introduced by Joseph Nye, refers to the ability of a country to influence others through cultural appeal, political values, and diplomatic engagement rather than …
Read MoreThe issue of foreign influence in domestic electoral processes has long been a matter of strategic and political debate. Recently, discussions emerged regarding a claim that the United States Department of Government Efficiency had allocated $21 million to boost voter turnout in India. However, the current U.S. administration has reportedly withdrawn this funding, triggering questions …
Read More
