(Practice Question: Manual Scavenging as a human rights problem persists even today in the society. Highlight the important steps taken by the government to eradicate this problem. - 150 words)  Note: A theme around "Human Rights Violation in the form of Manual Scavenging" can be an essay topic as well. SINCE JANUARY 1, 2017, one … Continue reading Government Efforts to end Manaual Scavenging – Timeline

(Practice Question: Tobacco use has been a widespread cause of concern worldwide especially among the young Indian population. Comment. Do you think new high-tech “heated tobacco products” can provide a suitable solution? - 150 words) Data: Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of deaths worldwide. It is reported to kill an estimated seven million people … Continue reading Tobacco Use

(Practice Question: Tobacco use has been a widespread cause of concern worldwide especially among the young Indian population. Comment. Do you think new high-tech “heated tobacco products” can provide a suitable solution? - 150 words) Data: Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of deaths worldwide. It is reported to kill an estimated seven million people … Continue reading Tobacco Use

A structured committee system was introduced in 1993 to provide for greater scrutiny of government functioning by Parliament. Most committees of Parliament include MPs from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is an ad-hoc body. It is set up for a specific object and duration. Joint committees are set … Continue reading What is the difference between the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC)?

Over the years, the questions asked in the UPSC CSE  - Main Examination have become more analytical and opinion-oriented. Thus, it cannot be denied that mere conventional reading of standard textbooks would not satisfy the demand of the examination. Preparation for the Main Examination needs to be multifaceted. Rather than having a piecemeal approach, all … Continue reading Read, Research, Revise

'Public interest' encompasses and includes the following: complying with applicable law (both its letter and spirit); carrying out functions fairly and impartially; complying with the principles of procedural fairness/natural justice; acting reasonably; ensuring accountability and transparency; exposing corrupt conduct or serious maladministration; avoiding or properly managing private interests conflicting with official duties; and acting apolitically in … Continue reading What is ‘public interest’?

Find the answers and detailed explanations at the end of the post: Q.1. Which of the following organistations is associated with the publication of the ‘Global Hunger Index’: a. International Food Policy Research Institute b. Heifer International c. Food and Agricultural Organisation d. None of the other three options Q.2. Which of the following statements … Continue reading Prelims Quiz – Hunger and Nutrition

Find the answers and detailed explanations at the end of the post: Q.1. Which of the following statements is/are true with respect to the ‘drone policy’ recently announced by the government of India: (1) The ‘drone policy’ is in line with the standards of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO); (2) The ‘Digital Sky Platform’ as … Continue reading Prelims Quiz – New Drone Policy

Find the answers and explanations at the end of the post: (Updates marked in red) Q.1. Which of the following statements about the river ‘Ganga’ is/are true: (1) More than 90% of area of the Ganga basin is in India; (2) The Ganga Basin covers 13 Indian states; (3) The main stem of river Ganga … Continue reading Prelims Quiz – Update – On cleaning of river Ganga

Find the answers and explanations at the end of the post: Q.1 - Which of the codes given below represents the correct order of the following events in chronological order: (1) First 'demonetization' of Independent India; (2) Picture of Gandhiji appeared for the first time on Indian currency; (3) Reserve Bank of India launched the … Continue reading Prelims Quiz – Gandhiji and Currency Notes