UPSC EDITORIAL PLUS

Editorials reading is the base for learning analytical perspective regarding UPSC Mains Examination, UPSC Essay. Editorial Plus section helps the students to understand the editorials in UPSC notes format, even student will download the important Editorials in his/her folder.

india premier ias institute

What Consumption Expenditure Survey Leaves Unanswered

Why in News? The release of the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) for 2022-23 marks a significant milestone after a decade-long hiatus. The factsheet offers valuable insights into present patterns of household consumption, but decisive conclusions should not be made due to changes in methodology, survey design, and item coverage. Also, it is crucial to understand key takeawa
india premier ias institute

The evolving role of the Colombo Security Conclave

Context: Recently, India’s National Security Adviser (NSA), took part in the 6th NSA meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) which agreed upon a road map for the year 2024. About: Originally known as the Trilateral for Maritime Security Cooperation, this regional security grouping was established in 2011. The primary aim is to foster a safe, secure, and stable Indian Ocean
india premier ias institute

Opportune pause - Indian Science Congress (ISC)

Context: The Indian Science Congress (ISC) 109th edition, originally to be held in  Lucknow University in 2024, has been cast in doubt after the University pulled out citing an  ongoing dispute between the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the ISC Association.  News: The Indian Science Congress (ISC) is an annual event for scientific discussions
india premier ias institute

Milli-second burst detected by AstroSat

Context: AstroSat, India’s first multi-wavelength space-based observatory, has detected bright sub-second X-ray bursts from a new and unique neutron star with ultrahigh magnetic field (magnetar), which can help understand the intriguing extreme astrophysical conditions of magnetars. Magnetars They are neutron stars having an ultrahigh magnetic field that are much stronger
india premier ias institute

Are antibiotics over-prescribed in India?

Context: The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) recently found that over half of the nearly 10,000 hospital patients surveyed for a study were given antibiotics to prevent, rather than treat, infection.  The survey mapped patients treated on one to five days each at 20 tertiary care institutes across 15 States and two Union Territories between November 2021 and April 2022. It
india premier ias institute

Free legal aid in India

Context: Supreme Court judge Justice BR Gavai has been nominated as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC), replacing Justice Sanjiv Khanna – the seniormost judge of the top court after the Chief Justice of India (CJI). What is the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee: The Supreme Court Legal Services Committee, formed under Section 3A of the
india premier ias institute

India’s stubborn income poverty problem

Context: Declining multidimensional poverty is good news but income poverty, which has remained defiantly high for the last five years, must be fixed. Progressing Indian economy: NSO estimates GDP growth at 7.3%, Sensex crosses 72,000, and foreign exchange reserves exceed $620 billion. Inflation contained within RBI's desired band of 4 plus/minus 2 percent. India has achieved a re
india premier ias institute

Warming up to climate change: How do we know humans are causing global warming?

Background: 2023 could have been the hottest year in the 174-year observational record and probably the hottest in 125,000 years. It was dotted with lethal heat waves, devastating floods, droughts, and record-low ice levels in the Arctic and Antarctic. These are only a handful of the effects of climate change. Evidences of increasing temperature on earth surface: There are several lines of e
india premier ias institute

Donkey routes: En route Europe, how Indians visit several countries to create ‘travel history’

Context: Last year, Serbia had to change its visa rules because of the illegal migrants, including Indians, flooding it as an entry point to Europe. Background: Serbia modified its visa rules last year due to pressure from the European Union, prompted by the misuse of its visa-free regime. Indians, among others, were exploiting this route as an illegal transit to enter European countries li
india premier ias institute

The hottest year

Context: With temperatures at all-time high in 2023, 2024 will be pivotal in reducing emissions, without compromising developmental needs News: COP 21 Agreement: Eight years ago in Paris, countries agreed to limit global temperature increases to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and strive for a 1.5-degree Celsius limit as a defense against climate change. Unwritt
india premier ias institute

Floods and a ‘preventive measure’ that needs review

Context: The article underscores the enduring consequences of choices made post-Cyclone Michuang in Chennai, particularly concerning electricity disruptions. The core concept emphasizes the importance of accountability in decision-making during crises, underscoring the delicate equilibrium between safety precautions and potential risks for vulnerable groups, notably the elderly. Moving forward ent
india premier ias institute

ISRO launches XPoSat

Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully placed its inaugural X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) into a meticulous circular orbit at an altitude of 650 km following a 21-minute flight on January 1. XPoSat represents the globe's second satellite mission exclusively focused on conducting X-ray polarimetry measurements. About  XPoSat: XPoSat, India's
india premier ias institute

The Collegium system has failed India

Context: There are not enough judges at all levels of the judicial hierarchy to deal with the increased workload. The result is that there is little time to reflect on issues which can change the course of the nation’s march forward. The collegium system has also been in news for tussles between the judiciary and the executive and the slow pace of judicial appointments. About collegium sy
india premier ias institute

A look back at AI in 2023: The dangers and the hope

CONTEXT: In 2023, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on social and economic relations was significant, attributed to the success of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, in solving complex tasks. Concerns about the dangers of LLMs and publicly deployed AI systems started to be voiced by both industry and state actors, highlighting potential perils that were previously ignored by t
india premier ias institute

ULFA peace accord

Context: The pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on Friday  signed a historic tripartite peace deal with the Government of India and the state government of Assam.  Background: Roots in Assamese anxieties Assamese people have a unique culture, language, and strong identity. In the 19th century, the region's economic growth in tea, coal, and
india premier ias institute

Press and periodicals Bill 2023

Context: Seeking to repeal the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867, the Bill contains a unique provision disallowing persons convicted of terrorist acts or unlawful activities, or those who have acted against state security, from publishing periodicals. Background: Key features of Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867 The Press and Registration of Books (PRB) Act 1867 is resp
india premier ias institute

Women’s Reservation Bill 2023

Context: In a special session of Parliament in September, after a wait of nearly three decades, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam was passed, making possible a more women-friendly House. It envisaged reservation of one-third of the seats in Lok Sabha and state assemblies for women. After presidential assent on September 29, it became law. Background: Initiation During Atal Bihari Vajpaye
india premier ias institute

How the PM JANMAN scheme can help Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups

BACKGROUND: The Union Cabinet granted approval on November 29 for the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN). This initiative is designed to furnish households and habitations belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) with fundamental amenities, including secure housing, clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, enhanced access to education, health, and nu
india premier ias institute

India must strengthen ties with Vietnam

Background: India set up its Consul General's office in Hanoi in 1956, while Vietnam established its diplomatic mission in 1972. During the Vietnam War, India supported Vietnam against U.S. intervention, despite the strain it caused in Indo-U.S. relations. The ties were reinforced in the early 1990s when India launched its "Look East Policy," focusing on economic integration and poli
india premier ias institute

Red Sea attacks, Panama Canal drought: How trouble at two shipping choke points could impact global trade

Background: The Red Sea attacks have been carried out by Yemen-based Houthi rebels, who have been in a civil war with the Yemeni government for about a decade. They say the attacks are to protest Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. Shipping via the Panama Canal has dropped by over 50% due to drought conditions at the 51-mile stretch. Due to the shortage of water, shi
india premier ias institute

There is no substitute for an industrial policy

 Key words: Make in India (MII), Self-sufficiency, Protectionism, Jobs, Exports, PLI, NIP, Informal Economy, MSMEs, China Background: For decades, the role of government intervention in shaping economic development has been fiercely contested. While free-market proponents advocate for minimal interference, others argue for strategic government involvement to guide and
india premier ias institute

THE PIR PANJAL CHALLENGE

BACKGROUND: While the Kashmir region, Impact of Article 370 Abrogation: Abrogation has reduced support for separatism in Kashmir, pushing terrorists towards Poonch-Rajouri. Troop Redeployment Concerns: Shifting troops to other sectors, like Ladakh, might weaken optimal deployment in Poonch-Rajouri. HQ Northern Command needs to balance redeployment with ensuring adequate sec
india premier ias institute

Is the climate fight lost? 5 reasons to be hopeful it is not.

CONTEXT: Fight against climate change: From cheap renewables to lucrative green investments, there is lots of progress and innovation, according to experts. Key highlights: Carbon emissions are expected to reach record highs, but a study by the New Climate Institute provides reasons for hope. Climate awareness has become mainstream, with increased media coverage and global climate prote
india premier ias institute

A tale of two villages, one in UP, one in Tamil Nadu: Tracking change, over decades

Use from exam point of view: description of each village can be used as a separate case study or example patterns of change taking place in rural India Case studies: Palakurichi Trends in agriculture located in the lower Cauvery delta of the old Thanjavur region. historically known as the “rice bowl of South India” Mettur dam’s construction in 1934 a
india premier ias institute

THE SHAPE OF CLIMATE JUSTICE IN A WARMING INDIA

Why in the News? The recently held G-20 summit at Delhi decided upon tripling renewable energy capacity and voluntary doubling of the rate of energy efficiency improvement by 2030, as a part of the Delhi Declaration.       What should be the ideals for a just energy-transition? Here are some key ideals for ensuring a just and equitable ener
india premier ias institute

AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECAST INDIA’S FOOD SYSTEM

Why in the News? The World Food Day was celebrated on October 16. India’s food system: India feeds the largest population in the world.  The primary goal of a food system is to ensure nutrition security for all. To achieve the primary goal, the producers producing the food should make reasonable economic returns that are resilient over time. Such resilience is dep
india premier ias institute

SAFETY TEST FOR GAGANYAAN

Why in the News? ISRO is set to carry out the first of a series of tests of systems and procedures of Gaganyaan mission, in less than two months after the Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing. The safety test: The Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1): It will demonstrate the performance of the Crew Escape System of the Gaganyaan project.  The flight will be the first
india premier ias institute

THE EXPLOSION OF DIGITAL UNCERTAINTY

Why in the News? The Government of India, recently released a comprehensive report on the opportunities afforded by this current wave of Artificial Intelligence (AI).  What is Digital Uncertainity? Digital uncertainty involves unpredictability and ambiguities regarding the socio-economic impacts of rapidly evolving digital technologies such as AI, social media, cryptocurrencies, and
india premier ias institute

THE OLD MIDDLE-EAST WILL NOT BE BACK

Why in the News? Israel has launched intense airstrikes in Gaza after the territory's militant rulers carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel killing thousands and abducting hundreds of people as captives. “Old Middle East” will not be back: Though terror attack by Hamas on Israel can have an impact on the rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Israel, it shall be
india premier ias institute

MARSQUAKE-MARS MISSIONS

Why in the News? Just like on Earth, the surface of Mars sometimes vigorously shakes and unsurprisingly, that is called a marsquake and the largest ever such marsquake was recorded in history happened in 2022. Reason behind the Marsquake: The quake had a magnitude of 4.7 and had seismic signal similar to previous quakes that were caused by meteoroid impacts. However, the po
india premier ias institute

DEMOLISHING THE FRAME FROM OUTSIDE THE CONSTITUTION

Why in the News? The Delhi Police arrested two persons of news portal NewsClick by invoking the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act on the charges of Accessing funds from pro-China elements  Coverage of events such as the farmers’ protests in 2020-21, that undermined the internal security of India. The line set by “basic structure doctrine” has been crossed
india premier ias institute

CENTRALISED PROCUREMENT AS A POWERFUL HEALTH IDEA

Why in the News? A recent paper titled “A National Cancer Grid pooled procurement initiative, India”, demonstrates the viability of idea of the centralised procurement of pharmaceuticals. Need for a Centralised procurement system: Pooled buyer model for drug procurement can address issues such as Price efficiency as they can conduct direct negotiations wi
india premier ias institute

A LOOMING INVASION: IMPLICATIONS FOR GAZA, HAMAS, PALESTINIAN CAUSE

  Why in the News? Israel issued a new warning to Palestinians to leave northern Gaza and offered a three-hour window for evacuation to southern Gaza, ahead of a launch of ground invasion against the Palestinian militant group Hamas.     What will be the implications of an Israeli ground invasion for Gaza and Israel? The Gaza Strip is a very narrow strip of
india premier ias institute

UN-THE LAWS OF WAR

    Why in the News? Hamas, a Palestine-based terrorist group launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and taking many as hostage which witnessed retaliatory attack from Israel triggering a war. What are the laws of war? The UN Charter spells out under what conditions or when can countries use force in their international rela
india premier ias institute

THE UN APPROVED KENYA-LED SECURITY MISSION TO HAITI

THE UN APPROVED KENYA-LED SECURITY MISSION TO HAITI     Why in the News? Haiti approached the United Nations seeking urgent help to combat deadly gang violence in the country, which has been responded by sending a foreign security mission to combat the spiralling violence in the country. UNSC approved foreign security mission: The United Nations Security Coun
india premier ias institute

FORMATION OF ISRAEL

Why in the News?                                               In the ongoing Israel-Palestine dispute, the Israeli military has ordered thousands of civilians to leave Gaza City as it prepares for a possible ground offensive. Anti-semitism and Zionism: Acco
india premier ias institute

ABORTION LAWS IN INDIA

ABORTION LAWS IN INDIA     Why in the News? The Supreme Court has referred a case to a larger Bench involving a 26 weeks pregnant married woman seeking abortion citing her inability to take care of the child due to post-partum depression and other health issues. She has two other children. The SC initially agreed to her plea but 2 days later, a two-jud
india premier ias institute

THE INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION

THE INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION     Why in the News? Recently, the Indian Ocean Rim Association’s (IORA) Council of Ministers (COM) was held in Colombo under the banner theme of ‘Reinforcing Indian Ocean Identity’. What is the IORA and how was it formed? IORA was formed in 1997 as Indian Ocean Region-Association for Regional Cooperatio
india premier ias institute

ISRAEL’S MISSILE DEFENCE SHIELD- IRON DOME

ISRAEL’S MISSILE DEFENCE SHIELD- IRON DOME Why in the News? Around 2,200 rockets were fired towards southern and central Israel through a multi-pronged attack by Gaza-based militant group Hamas from land, sea and air, which was shot down by ‘Iron Dome’ defensive shield of Israel. Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system: Iron Dome is a short-range anti-rocket, a
india premier ias institute

The Feminisation of Economic Enquiry - Economics Nobel

Why in News? Professor Claudia Goldin became the 3rd woman to be awarded the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences which is commonly referred to as the Nobel Prize for Economics. Highlights of her work: Goldin demonstrated how and why gender differences in earnings and employment rates have changed over time, by analysing 200 years of the United States’ archives.
india premier ias institute

Criticism of Global Hunger Index Methodology

  Why in the News? The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023 ranked India 111 among 125 nations, a fall of four places from last year has received a push-back by the Indian government. India scored poorer than several of its neighboring countries on the index, including Pakistan (102nd), Bangladesh (81st), Nepal (69th), and Sri Lanka (60th). Global Hunger Index (GHI): Th
india premier ias institute

Australia’s Indigenous Voice Referendum

Why in the News? Australians will vote in a referendum to be held soon, to decide whether the country’s indigenous peoples should be formally consulted in making laws. Who are the ‘First Peoples of Australia’? ‘First Peoples of Australia’ or  ‘aboriginal’, refers to the indigenous inhabitants of the continent. They are people who
india premier ias institute

Hamas and its supporters are ‘beyond belief’

Why in the News? The recent attack of Hamas on Israel which has led to flaring up of a full-fledged war, has been condoned by some while condemned by other countries. The War’s effect on the Palestinian cause Views of many European observers: The Hamas attack on Israel is considered wrong and indefensible. However, Hamas launched the attack as consequence o
india premier ias institute

Bihar’s caste census to promote better social justice

Caste Census in Bihar CATEGORY PERCENTAGE Backward Classes 27.13% Extremely Backward Classes 36% Schedule Castes 19.65% Schedule Tribes 1.68% Unreserved categories 15.2% Why in the News? The data of caste-based survey known as the Bihar Jaati Adharit Ganana, conducted by Bihar gove
india premier ias institute

Large ozone hole detected over Antarctica

Why in the News? Recent satellite measurements by European Space Agency Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite as part of the EU’s environmental monitoring program over Antarctica have detected a giant hole in the ozone layer. The hole i.e., the “ozone-depleted area” was 26 million square kilometers (10 million square miles) in size, roughly three times the size of Brazil.
india premier ias institute

UN Security Council (UNSC) reform

    Why in the News? The recently ongoing General Assembly session of the UNSC saw voices for reform of the institution dominated by the political strategies of only five countries can called for reforms of the council.   Call for UNSC reform: It was announced that the Security Council reform must be accomplished in time for the 50th anniversary of t
india premier ias institute

Role of structural inequalities in the incidence of hypertension

    Why in the News? September 29 was observed as the World Heart Day to raise awareness about prevention, detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and promote heart-healthy lifestyles.   Prevalence of Hypertension in India: National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–2021) revealed that 18.3% of the country’s population ha
india premier ias institute

India and the Palestinians

    Why in the News? India has expressed support to Israel stating that “people of India stand in solidarity with Israel in this difficult hour”, soon after the Hamas attack on Israel. Why was India’s diplomatic policy leaned towards Palestine in the initial years? India voted against UN Resolution 181 (II) in 1947, which partitioned M
india premier ias institute

Women want change, society needs change

    Why in the News? The 17th edition of the Global Gender Gap Report 2023 of the World Economic Forum (WEF) has reflected that at the current rate of progress, it will take 131 years to close the global gender gap and it is 149 years in populous South Asian countries including India.   Women in Leadership roles: As proxy leaders H
india premier ias institute

The Maldives, the evolution of a democracy

The Maldives, the evolution of a democracy     Why in the News? The Maldives, South Asia’s smallest nation-state, held its latest Presidential election successfully, indicating that democracy is thriving and free and fair election has enhanced the country’s international prestige. Five men, shared future: President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (1978 to 20
india premier ias institute

Hamas attack: Israel-Saudi deal as target

Hamas attack: Israel-Saudi deal as target     Why in the News? Hamas, the Palestinian militant group launched a surprise attack on Israel, which triggered the latter to officially declare war against the former in the Gaza strip. Reasons for the Hamas attack: To disrupt or destroy ongoing negotiations for the normalisation of ties between Israel and Saudi Ara
india premier ias institute

THE HAMAS ATTACK CAN SHAKE THE WEST ASIAN GEOSTRATEGIC ARCHITECTURE

THE HAMAS ATTACK CAN SHAKE THE WEST ASIAN GEOSTRATEGIC ARCHITECTURE     Why in the News? The Hamas operation Toofan Al-Aqsa (Al-Aqsa Flood) on Israel has led to launch of retaliatory full-fledged attacks on Gaza by the latter on a war-mode. Key takeaways: From a military perspective, Israel is not under an existential threat because it can push back Hama
india premier ias institute

THE YOM KIPPUR WAR

THE YOM KIPPUR WAR     Why in the News? The Yom Kippur war or the Ramadan war which started 50 years and reset equations in the Middle East forever is compared to the current attack of Hamas on Israel. Why is the current violence being compared with the Yom Kippur war? The current attack by Hamas has been the deadliest attack on Israel killing 400 Israelis so
india premier ias institute

Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel

Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel   Why in the News? Israel witnessed the largest attack from Gaza, the tiny Palestinian enclave, resulting in one of the worst security crises in 50 years. News in Detail: A highly coordinated attack on Israel that involved Hamas militants infiltrating Israeli cities, hitting military bases and killing and taking hostage soldiers
india premier ias institute

Significance of quantum dots in nanotechnology

Significance of quantum dots in nanotechnology     Why in the News? The Nobel Prize for chemistry 2023 was awarded to Alexei I. Ekimov, Louis E. Brus, and Moungi G. Bawendi “for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots”. What is a quantum dot? It is a small assembly of atoms around a few nanometres wide. The small assembly of atoms gives 
india premier ias institute

Aligning higher education with the United Nations SDGs

Aligning higher education with the United Nations SDGs NEP 2020 and SDGs: SDGs are a matter of urgency that requires actions by all countries, both developed and developing, to end poverty and other socio-economic and environmental problems. It requires aligning of strategies that will improve the standard of life and education, reduce inequality, and harness economic growth. The SDG
india premier ias institute

Press Freedom in India

Press, the fourth pillar of democracy: India’s rank at the World Press Freedom index (published by Reporters Without Borders) has been continually declining which now stands at 161 out of 180 (In 2014, it was at 140; in 2022, it was at 150). freedom of the press is considered a part of the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. However,
india premier ias institute

Counting Rural women’s labor

Why in the News? India has one of the lowest female labour force participation rates (LFPR) in the world which is disheartening as the International Day of Rural Women is approaching. The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data: It indicates that LFPR (women in the working age group of 15-59 years) is only 35.6% in India. The LFPR of India is lower than other South Asi
india premier ias institute

India’s Banking sector

  Transformative reforms undertaken: Consolidation in the public sector banking space Emergence of private banks Specialised non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) Emerging fintech ecosystem have increased the diversity quotient of the financial sector and made it inclusive. The legacy issues of non-performing assets (NPAs) have been left behind by banks. Interna
india premier ias institute

Retribution for the south, accolade for the north

Retribution for the south, accolade for the north     Why in the News? The South Indian states face the risk of reduced political representation due to its lower population size compared to the northern states, amid the recent passing of Women Reservation bill, 2023 in the Parliament. Delimitation and political representation: Article 81 of the Constitution:
india premier ias institute

An Accounting System for Carbon

An Accounting System for Carbon   Climate ‘polycrisis’: It was a term made popular by Adam Tooze. It refers to the interconnected and compounding crises related to climate change that are affecting the planet not only in few sectors but across several sectors and domains. It encompasses all dimensions of impacts of climate change such as physical, social, e