Q1. Elucidate the challenges associated with ethanol blending in India. Suggest some measures to overcome these challenges.
Q2. What is Kallakkadal? What causes it and how is it distinct from Tsunami? (GS I) (Answer in 150 words)
Q3. Explain the factors that led to the emergence of the different insurgent groups in the North-East region and also suggest some measures to solve the problem. (GS I) (Answer in 250 words)
Q4. Write the advantages and disadvantages of e-governance.
Q5. Difference Between El Nino and La Nina. Discuss the impact of El Nino and La Nina on global weather patterns. (GS I) (Answer in 250 words)
Learners please write the answers and review others’ answer, which will improve the answer writer, reviewer and most importantly the answer itself.
Q1. Discuss the significance of mural paintings as a medium for cultural preservation and storytelling, and their role in fostering a sense of identity and heritage? (GS I) (Answer in 250 words)
Q2. Mention the benefits and importance of Geographical Indications (GI) Tag? Write about the items from Assam which received GI Tag. (GS I) (Answer in 150 words)
Q3. Discuss the issues and challenges associated with the border management system? Suggest some measures for effective border management in India. (GS II) (Answer in 250 words)
Q4. Discuss the Administrative reforms and Political Developments under the reign of Pratap Singha. (GS V) (Answer in 150 words)
Q5. Explain the causes and effects of Groundwater depletion. What are the steps taken to control groundwater depletion? (GS I) (Answer in 150 words)
Learners please write the answers and review others’ answer, which will improve the answer writer, reviewer and most importantly the answer itself.
Ministry of Education releases All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-2022
The Ministry of Education, Government of India releases All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-2022. The Ministry has been conducting AISHE since 2011, covering all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) in the country registered with AISHE collecting detailed information on different parameters such as student enrollment, teachers, infrastructural information, etc.
Key findings of the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22
Total enrollment in higher education increased from approximately 4.14 crore in the previous session to nearly 4.33 crore in 2021-22, marking an increase of around 19 lakh students.
Female enrollment increased from 2.01 crore in 2020-21 to 2.07 crore in 2021-22. The increase in female enrollment from 2014-15 (1.57 crore) to 2021-22 (2.07 crore) accounts for around 50 lakh students.
In 2021-22, 57.2 lakh students were enrolled in the science stream, with female students outnumbering male students (29.8 lakh versus 27.4 lakh).
Female Ph.D. enrollment doubled from 0.48 lakh in 2014-15 to 0.99 lakh in 2021-22. The annual increase in female Ph.D. enrollment for the period 2014-15 to 2021-22 is 10.4%.
The enrollment of Scheduled Tribe (ST) students increased from 16.41 lakh in 2014-15 to 27.1 lakh in 2021-22, marking a 65.2% increase.
Total student enrollment in North East States increased from 9.36 lakh in 2014-15 to 12.02 lakh in 2021-22. Female enrollment in North East States (6.07 lakh) surpassed male enrollment (5.95 lakh) in 2021-22.
OBC student enrollment increased by 45% in 2021-22 (1.63 crore) compared to 2014-15 (1.13 crore). Minority student enrollment increased from 21.8 lakh in 2014-15 to 30.1 lakh in 2021-22, with female minority enrollment witnessing a 42.3% increase
The total number of Universities / University level institutions registered is 1,168, Colleges 45,473 and Standalone Institutions 12,002.
In all, 341 Universities/University level institutions have been established since 2014-15. 17 Universities (of which 14 are State Public Universities) and 4,470 Colleges are exclusively for women.
About All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE):
The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) is an annual statistical exercise conducted by the Ministry of Education (formerly known as the Ministry of Human Resource Development) in India.
It has been published since 2011 with the objective to portray the status of higher education in the country.
The survey covers all institutions providing higher education in the country.
Data is being collected on multiple parameters, such as teachers, student enrollment , programmes, examination results, education finance and infrastructure.
Indicators of educational development such as institution density, gross enrollment ratio, student-teacher ratio, gender parity index, per student expenditure will also be calculated from the data collected through AISHE.
Laughing Gull Spotted for the First Time in India
The laughing gull, a migratory bird originating from North America, has been observed for the first time in the country at the Chittari estuary in Kasaragod district of Kerala.
About Laughing gull
The laughing gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) is a species of bird belonging to the family Laridae.
It is a medium-sized gull with a distinctive appearance characterized by its black head, black legs, long drooping bill white body, and long wings.
The bird is known for its unique laughter-like calls which resemble human laughter.
These birds are most commonly found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, as well as the Caribbean and parts of Central America.
They are known for their adaptability and opportunistic feeding habits.They eat mainly fish, shellfish, crabs, molluscs, insects, bird eggs, and young birds.
E-Ink displays
An E-ink display is a screen that aims to replicate the experience of reading and writing on paper. They are used in e-readers like the Amazon Kindle.
About E Ink displays
The technology was originally developed in the 1990s at MIT and is now owned by E Ink Corporation.
The screens work by manipulating microcapsules filled with positively and negatively charged particles, creating text and images without the need for backlighting.
This makes them ideal for prolonged reading, as they reflect light like paper and consume minimal power.
They are being used at bus stop displays, walking direction signs, and some restaurants’ menu boards.
Pros and Cons
Advantages: E Ink displays excel in low power consumption, making them suitable for devices requiring extended battery life. They also minimize eye strain due to their paper-like visual experience, matte surface, and outdoor readability.
Disadvantages: E Ink displays have slower refresh rates compared to LCD and OLED screens, rendering them unsuitable for video or animation. They also have limitations regarding color and resolution and remain relatively expensive for larger sizes.
The PM inaugurates the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Supreme Court of India
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Supreme Court of India at the Supreme Court auditorium in Delhi. He also launched citizen-centric information and technology initiatives that include Digital Supreme Court Reports (Digi SCR), Digital Courts 2.0 and a new website of the Supreme Court.
About the Supreme Court of India
The Supreme Court of India is the apex judicial body under the Constitution of India.
Article 124 of the Constitution states that “There shall be a Supreme Court of India.”
The Supreme Court came into existence on January 26, 1950, with the coming into force of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court has original, appellate, and advisory jurisdiction.
It serves both as the final court of appeals and the final interpreter of the Constitution.
Its exclusive original jurisdiction extends to any dispute between the Government of India and one or more States or between the Government of India and any State or States on one side and one or more States on the other, or between two or more States, if and insofar as the dispute involves any question (whether of law or fact)on which the existence or extent of a legal right depends.
Article 32 of the Constitution gives extensive original jurisdiction to the Supreme Court for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
Status Report of Snow Leopards in India
The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released the report on the Status of Snow Leopards in India during the National Board for Wildlife meeting held in New Delhi.
The report was released as part of the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program, which is the first-ever scientific exercise that reports Snow leopard population of 718 individuals in India.
About Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program
The SPAI systematically covered over 70% of the potential snow leopard habitat across the trans-Himalayan region, including UTs of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, and states such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is the National Coordinator for this exercise that was carried out with the support of all snow leopard range states and two conservation partners, the Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysuru and WWF-India.
The assessment was conducted from 2019 to 2023 using a meticulous two-step framework, including evaluating snow leopard spatial distribution and estimating snow leopard abundance using camera traps.
The first step involved evaluating Snow leopard spatial distribution, through an occupancy-based sampling approach in the potential distribution range. In the second step, Snow leopard abundance was estimated using camera traps in each identified stratified region.
Recommendations of the SPAI Program
The report emphasises the need for establishing a dedicated Snow Leopard Cell at WII under the MoEFCC to focus on long-term population monitoring.
Consistent monitoring through periodic population estimation is proposed to ensure the long-term survival of snow leopards and to identify challenges, address threats, and formulate effective conservation strategies.
India Nominates ‘Maratha Military Landscapes’ for UNESCO World Heritage List 2024-25
The “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” will be India’s nomination for recognition as the UNESCO World Heritage List for the year 2024-25.
This nomination comprises 12 components, each holding a unique place in history and culture. The twelve component parts of this nomination are, Salher fort, Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Khanderi fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay durg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. These components, distributed across diverse geographical and physiographic regions, showcase the strategic military powers of the Maratha rule.
About Maratha Military Landscapes
The Maratha Military Landscapes of India, which developed between the 17th and 19th centuries, represent an extraordinary fortification and military system envisioned by the Maratha rulers. This extraordinary network of forts, varying in hierarchies, scales and typological features, is a result of integrating the landscape, terrain and physiographic characteristics distinctive to the Sahyadri mountain ranges, the Konkan Coast, Deccan Plateau and the Eastern Ghats in the Indian Peninsula.
There are more than 390 forts in Maharashtra out of which only 12 forts are selected under the Maratha Military Landscapes of India, of these eight forts are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
These are Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala fort, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg and Gingee fort whereas Salher fort, Rajgad, Khanderi fort and Pratapgarh are protected by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Maharashtra.
In the Maratha Military Landscapes of India Salher fort, Shivneri fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad and Gingee fort are hill forts, Pratapgad is hill-forest fort, Panhala is hill-plateau fort, Vijaydurg is coastal fort whereas Khanderi fort, Suvarnadurg and Sindhudurg are island forts.
Maratha Military Ideology
The origins of Maratha Military ideology can be traced back to the 17th century during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (circa 1670 CE).
This enduring legacy continued through subsequent rules, including the Peshwa rule until 1818 CE.
Nomination and Criteria
There are two categories of nomination- cultural and natural criteria, the Maratha Military landscapes is nominated in the category of cultural criteria.
There are six criteria (i to vi) for cultural sites and four criteria (vii to x) for natural sites for inclusion in the World Heritage List.
The Maratha Military Landscapes of India is nominated under criterion (iii): To bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization that in living or which has disappeared,
criterion (iv): to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble, or landscape that illustrates significant stage(s) in human history and
Criterion (vi): To be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
India’s UNESCO Heritage
At present in India there are 42 World Heritage sites, out of which 34 are cultural sites, seven are natural sites whereas one is mixed site.
In Maharashtra there are six World Heritage Sites, five cultural and one natural these are, Ajanta Caves (1983), Ellora Caves (1983), Elephanta Caves (1987), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) (2004), Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai (2018) and western Ghats of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala is serial property in natural category (2012).
The Maratha Military Landscapes of India included in the Tentative List of World Heritage sites in 2021 is the sixth cultural property nominated for inclusion in the World Heritage List from Maharashtra.
India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’
The inaugural edition of India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’ commenced at Mahajan, Rajasthan. The Exercise is conducted from 29th January to 10th February 2024.
Participation and Representation:
The Saudi Arabian contingent comprising 45 personnel is being represented by Royal Saudi Land Forces.
The Indian Army contingent also comprising 45 personnel is being represented by a Battalion from the Brigade of the Guards (Mechanised Infantry).
Objectives
Aim of the Exercise is to train troops of both sides for Joint Operations in Semi Desert terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
About Exercise Sada Tanseeq
The Exercise will enable both the sides to share their best practices in the tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting operations in sub-conventional domain.
It will facilitate developing interoperability, bonhomie and camaraderie between troops from both the sides.
The Exercise will involve Establishment of Mobile Vehicle Check Post, Cordon & Search Operation, House Intervention Drill, Reflex Shooting, Slithering and Sniper Firing.
The Exercise will provide an opportunity to both the contingents to strengthen their bond.
It will act as a platform to achieve shared security objectives, enhance the level of defence cooperation and foster bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.
PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme (PM YASASVI)
PM YASASVI is a Scholarship scheme for Other Backward Class (OBCs), Economically Backward Class (EBC) and Denotified Nomadic Tribes (DNT) Students.
The scheme aims to provide scholarships to students from various impoverished classes. The Scheme provides these students with the resources they need to become financially independent and continue their studies.
A total of ₹32.44 Crore has been released for Pre-matric Scholarships and ₹387.27 Crore for Post-Matric Scholarships to States/Union Territories (UTs) under the PM YASASVI scheme.
About PM YASASVI
Under this Scheme students can avail Pre-Matric Scholarship from Class 9 to 10 and Post Matric Scholarship for their higher studies at post-matriculation or post-secondary stage.
Students who excel in their studies also get an opportunity of Scholarship to study in Top Class Schools and Colleges under the Scheme of ‘Top Class School Education’ and ‘Top Class College Education’.
Additionally, hostel facilities are provided for OBC students through a construction scheme.
Eligibility:
Other Backward Class (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT)
Parents or guardians annual income is not more than Rs. 2.50 Lakhs.
Studying in a Top Class School in Class 9 or 11.
There are five sub-Schemes under the Scheme.
Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students: For students studying in class IX and X on a full-time basis in Government Schools only. Benefit-The students shall be given a consolidated academic allowance of Rs. 4000/- per annum
Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students. : For students studying at post-matriculation or post-secondary stage to enable them to complete their education. Benefits-allowance from Rs.5000 to Rs.20000 is awarded to students as per category of course.
Top Class School Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students: For meritorious students belonging to OBC, EBC and DNT categories from Class 9 onwards till they complete Class 12. Benefits-Scholarship is awarded for tuition fee, hostel fee and other charges subject to a maximum of Rs. 75,000/- per annum per student of class 9 and 10 and Rs. 1,25,000/- per annum per student of class 11 and 12.
Top Class College Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students: For students belonging to OBC, EBC and DNT categories. Benefits-by providing full financial support that include tuition fee,living expenses,books and stationaries etcs.
Construction of Hostel for OBC Boys and Girls -To provide hostel facilities to students belonging to socially and educationally backward classes, especially from rural areas, to enable them to pursue secondary and higher education in the Govt. schools, universities, institutions and institutes located at a reasonable distance.
Arvind Panagariya Appointed Head Of Sixteenth Finance Commission
The Government of India has appointed Arvind Panagariya, a renowned trade economist and former Niti Aayog vice chairman, as the chairman of the Sixteenth Finance Commission.
Major Terms of Reference for the 16th Finance Commission:
Division of Tax Proceeds: Recommending the distribution of taxes between the Union Government and the States under Chapter I, Part XII of the Constitution. Includes the allocation of shares among the States from these tax proceeds.
Principles for Grants-in-Aid: Establishing principles governing grants-in-aid to the States from the Consolidated Fund of India. Determines amounts to be provided to the States as grants-in-aid under Article 275 of the Constitution.
Enhancing State Funds for Local Bodies: Identifying measures to enhance the Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement resources available to Panchayats and Municipalities. Based on recommendations made by the State’s own Finance Commission.
Evaluation of Disaster Management Financing: The Commission may review current financing structures related to Disaster Management initiatives. Examines funds created under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and presents suitable recommendations for improvements or alterations.
About Finance Commission
The Finance Commission (FC) of India was established by the President in 1951 under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution.
Functions
Its primary role is to define and regulate the financial relations between the central government and the individual state governments.
The Finance Commission (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1951, further outlines the qualifications, appointment, disqualification, term, eligibility, and powers of the Finance Commission.
The Fifteenth Finance Commission, made recommendations covering the period of six years commencing on April 1, 2020.
Composition:
Appointed every five years, the FC comprises a chairman and four other members.
The chairman of the commission is selected from among persons who have had experience in public affairs.
Four other members are selected from among persons who:
are, or have been, or are qualified to be appointed as Judges of a High Court;
or have special knowledge of the finances and accounts of Government;
or have had wide experience in financial matters and in administration;
or have special knowledge of economics
Padma Awards 2024
The President has approved conferment of 132 Padma Awards including 2 duo cases (counted as one) for the year 2024.
Padma Awards 2024 List
The list comprises 5 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 110 Padma Shri Awards. 30 of the awardees are women and the list also includes 8 persons from the category of Foreigners / NRI / PIO / OCI and 9 Posthumous awardees.
About Padma Awards
The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honours of India. They are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March / April every year.
The Awards are given in various disciplines / fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.
The Padma Awards are provided in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
The ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is given to people who have done outstanding and remarkable service.
The ‘Padma Bhushan’ is awarded for excellent service of a high order.
The ‘Padma Shri’ is given to those who have shown great service in different fields.
The award contain a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President, medallion and a small replica of the medallion, awardee names are also published in the Gazette of India on the ceremonial day.
The award does not amount to title and cannot be used as a suffix or prefix to the awardees’ name.
Padma Vibhushan 2024
Name FieldState/ Region
Ms. Vyjayantimala Bali Art Tamil Nadu
Shri Konidela Chiranjeevi Art Andhra Pradesh
Shri M Venkaiah Naidu Public Affairs Andhra Pradesh
Shri Bindeshwar Pathak Social Work Bihar
(Posthumous)
Ms. Padma Subrahmanyam Art Tamil Nadu
Padma Bhushan Awardees 2024
Name Field State/Country
Ms. M Fathima BeeviPublic AffairsKerala
Shri Hormusji N CamaLiterature & Education Maharashtra
Shri Kundan VyasLiterature & Education – JournalismMaharashtra
Padma Awards 2024
The Padma Shri Awards 2024 have been announced, honouring 110 distinguished individuals across various fields for their exceptional service.
Individual/s has been awarded with the Padma Shri Awards 2024from Assam
Assam’s first female elephant mahout, Parbati Baruah, is recognized for her commitment to mitigating human-elephant conflict.
Sarbeswar Basumatary also known as “Chirang ke Krishi Chiraag,” is a farmer whose innovative approach to farming, incorporating various technologies, has not only transformed his own agricultural practices but has also garnered attention at the national level.
Folk artiste from Assam Drona Bhuyan, an exponent of Ojapali and Deodhani dancer
Sapinda Marriage
Delhi High Court recently rejected a challenge to the constitutionality of Section 5(v) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (HMA), which prohibits marriage between Hindus if they are “sapindas” of each other.
About Sapinda Marriage
A sapinda marriage is one between individuals who are related to each other within a certain degree of closeness.
Sapinda relationships for the purposes of the HMA are defined in Section 3 of the Hindu Marriage Act.
Under section 3(f)(ii) of the act, two persons are said to be sapindas of each other if one is a lineal ascendant of the other within the limits of sapinda relationship, or if they have a common lineal ascendant who is within the limits of sapinda relationship with reference to each of them.
Under the provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act, on the mother’s side, a Hindu individual cannot marry anyone who is within three generations of them in the line of ascent.
On the father’s side, the same prohibition applies to anyone within five generations of the individual.
Exceptions to the Prohibitions Against Sapinda Marriages
The Hindu Marriage Act (HMA) provides an exception to the prohibition against sapinda marriages.
This exception applies when the customs of each individual involved permit such marriages.
According to Section 3(a) of the HMA, a custom must be continuously and uniformly observed for an extended period to gain legitimacy.
For a custom to be valid, it must be certain, not unreasonable, and in line with public policy. Additionally, if the custom applies only to a specific family, it should not have been discontinued by that family.
Cabinet approves the scheme for promotion of Coal/Lignite
Union Cabinet approved the scheme for promotion of Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects of Government PSUs and Private Sector with an outlay of Rs.8,500 crore towards incentive for coal gasification projects under three categories.
The cabinet has approved the scheme as follows:
Total outlay of Rs.8,500 crore will be provided as financial assistance for coal gasification projects under three categories.
Finance under 3 categories
In category I, Rs.4,050 crore provisioned for Government PSUs in which upto 3 projects will be supported by providing lump-sum grant of Rs.1,350 crore or 15% of capex, whichever is lower.
In category II, Rs.3,850 crore provisioned for private sector as well as Government PSUs in which lump-sum grant of Rs.1,000 crore or 15% of capex, whichever is lower provided for each project. At least one project will be bid out on tariff-based bidding process and its criteria will be designed in consultation with NITI Aayog.
In category III, Rs.600 crore provisioned for demonstration Projects (indigenous technology) and/or small-scale product-based Gasification Plants under which lump-sum grant of Rs.100 crore or 15% of capex, whichever is lower, will be given to the selected entity who will have a minimum Capex of Rs. 100 Crore and minimum production of 1500 Nm3/hr Syn gas.
Project Veer Gatha
The third edition of Project ‘Veer Gatha’, a joint initiative of Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education as part of Republic Day celebrations, has witnessed an overwhelming pan India response.
About Project Veer Gatha
Project Veer Gatha was initiated under the Gallantry Awards Portal (GAP) in 2021 with the primary goal of raising awareness about the brave actions of Gallantry Awardees and sharing their life stories with students.
It aims to inspire patriotism and civic values among the youth.
It aims to disseminate the details of acts of bravery of the Gallantry Awardees and the life stories of these brave hearts among the students.
The order of precedence for Gallantry awards – Param Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra, Shaurya Chakra.
Q1. Our education system has helped us in acquiring skills but has failed us in inculcating values and ethics.” Do you agree? Illustrate with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q2. Explain the concept of ‘Vasundhara Kutumbakam’. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q3. Describe the following terms with respect to the fundamental values of Civil Services : (Answer in 150 words) 2×5=10
Integrity
Impartiality
Objectivity
Empathy
Compassion towards weaker sections
Q4. Describe the recommendations of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission for code of conduct. (Answer in 150 words)
Q5. It is said that our behaviour reflects our attitude. Do you agree? What are some of the ways by which our attitude gets shaped? (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q6. Distinguish between personal and professional ethics. Do you think it is justified for a civil servant to be ethical in his/her professional life without being so in his/her personal life? Explain with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q7. *An effective public servant must be a good leader rather than a good boss.” Comment. What are the three most important leadership qualities that a public servant must possess? (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q8. The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” (Mahatma Gandhi). Explain what the statement means to you in the present context. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q9. What are the principal measures taken by the government in recent years to bring transparency? Have these brought down corruption? Elucidate with examples. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q10. Government departments are are increasingly resorting to contractual employment or outsourcing activities. Do you think this is the right way to improve work culture in government departments and service delivery? (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q11. Social media is a double-edged sword and must be used carefully by public servants Discuss the role of Emotional Intelligence in management of social media by public servants. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q12. What, in your opinion, has been the impact of rise of nuclear families on family as an institution for inculcating values? (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q13 “A man with integrity refuses to be compromised.” Elaborate with reference to a real-life example. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Section-B
Q14. An activist files a petition in your office stating that there have been irregularities in choosing beneficiaries by your staff in office. You decide to initiate an enquiry and then come to know that the activist has taken money from your staff in office. The next day the activist again comes to your office with a petition to withdraw the previous petition. He argues that he received wrong information from the beneficiaries. You know that initiating an enquiry will damage the reputation of your office and also demoralise your office staff.
Now, answer the following questions:
(a) What are the various ethical dilemmas you are currently facing?
(b) List out the various options available to you in dealing with the situation.
(c) What option will you finally exercise? Justify.
(Answer in 250 words]
Q15. There are situations where a public servant faces dilemma between what is written in the law and what her empathy and compassion call for How should servant resolve this dilemma? What should she prioritise? Discuss with suitable example. (Answer in 250 words) 20
Q16. You are posted as a Circle Officer of X Revenue Circle in Y district. There is a public complaint filed against one of your Lat Mondals for demanding bribe in a mutation case. The Deputy Commissioner orders you to enquire and submit a report. When you begin the enquiry, you get evidence that the Lat Mondal did in However, the Lat Mondal is connected to a senior officer in the government who starts pressurising you to give clean chit to the said Lat Mondal.
In this context, answer the following questions:
What the ethical dilemmas that you are facing?
What are the various actions you can take in this case?
Discuss the ethical implications of each action.
Which action will you finally choose and why?
(Answer in 250 words)
Q17. You are HOD of a government department. Mr. A is a very efficient employee in your office. He comes to office on time, leaves after everyone has left and never says no to any work you assign to him. One day, one woman by the name of Mrs. B comes to your office. She alleges that she is the first wife of Mr. A and that A has married a second time without informing her. She says that she does not want to complain against him, but needs your intervention in ensuring that A gives a monthly maintenance. Upon enquiry, you find that A has indeed married a second time without divorcing Mrs. B. A has also informed you that the marriage with Mrs. B broke down due to irreconcilable differences and that A had offered to give her maintenance which she refused. A has further stated that Mrs. B demanded a much higher maintenance-nearly half his salary-which A refused as he now has children from his second wife and also a home loan. You know that it is illegal for a government servant to marry second time without divorcing the first.
Now, answer the following questions:
What are the ethical dilemmas faced by you?
How would you tackle the above situation?
(Answer in 250 words)
Q18. What is the importance of discretion for a civil servant? Discuss some of the areas where you as a civil servant might have to exercise discretion. Do you think that discretion also increases the possibility of corruption? Critically examine. (Answer in 250 words) 20
Q19. “Corruption is more of a social problem than a legal problem.” In the light of recent incidents of officials apprehended for taking bribes, critically examine the above statement. Also, explain the steps taken by the government in recent years to reduce corruption: Do you think the Amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act will help honest officials in discharging their duties? (Answer in 250 words) 20
Q1. What do you mean by supply chain of agricultural produce? Explain how e-technology can bring about a positive change in agricultural marketing in India. (Answer in 150 words) 4+6=10
Q2. State the salient features of National Green Hydrogen Mission in India.
Q3. Give five reasons that positively connect economic liberalization with economic growth.
Q4. Explain how Union Budget 2023-24 is banking on ‘crowding-in’ effect.
Q5. Give an outline of the National Logistics Policy of India.
Q6. “Al is more a boon than a bane.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q7. What are structural and non-structural mitigation measures for Flood Management? (Answer in 150 words) 10
Q8. What is Bhuvan in space technology? What are the benefits of Bhuvan?
Q9. What is quantum technology? What initiatives have been taken by the Govt of India for its development?
Q10. What is the goal of Net Zero Emissions? What steps should India take for Zero Emissions by 2050?
Q11. Delineate the possible advantages from getting access to Chittagong Port of Bangladesh from the perspective of the economic development of North-East.
Q12. Discuss the implications of the recent discovery of 5.9 million ton stash of lithium reserves located within the region of Jammu and Kashmir.
Q13. What is gender-responsive Disaster Risk Reduction? What are the barriers that prevent gender mainstreaming in Disaster Risk Reduction? Give some examples of overcoming these barriers.
Q14. Highlight the key usages of Aadhaar in the daily lives of Indian citizens.
Q15. “NITI Aayog is a harbinger of cooperative and competitive federalism.” Elucidate.
Q16. Suggest innovative steps to make Assam an attractive tourist destination.
Q17. Do you think that the road to sustainability starts with pollution prevention? Give reasons.
Q18. What are the challenges proper functioning of the Public Distribution System? How is the govt responding to these challenges?
Q19. Can you suggest some measures to address the problem of educated unemployment in the light of the National Education Policy, 2020?
Q20. Discuss how floods in Assam can utilized for sustainable source the irrigation and maintenance of all-weather inland water transport in the State.
Amit Shah unvelis book ‘Assam’s Braveheart Lachit Barphukan’
Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently launched a book titled ‘Assam’s Braveheart Lachit Barphukan‘.
The book was released at the Srimanta Sankardev International Auditorium in Guwahati in the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
The book, authored by Arup Kumar Dutta, delves into the life of the legendary 17th-century Ahom warrior Lachit Barphukan.
The book highlights Lachit Barphukan’s significant role in defending Assam against the Mughal army, chronicling historical events and the enduring influence of Barphukan’s legacy.
The book has been published in English language by the state government and translated into 24 scheduled Indian languages.
India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise CYCLONE
The 2nd edition of Exercise CYCLONE, a joint special forces drill between India and Egypt, is taking place in Anshas, Egypt, from January 22 to February 1, 2024. The exercise is designed to develop bilateral military cooperation and strengthen bond between two armies through conduct of discussions and rehearsal of tactical military drills.
About Exercise Cyclone
The Indian contingent is being represented by troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and an Egyptian contingent comprising 25 personnel is being represented by Egyptian Commando Squadron and Egyptian Airborne Platoon.
Aim of the Exercise is to acquaint both the sides with each other’s operating procedures in the backdrop of Special Operations in desert/ semi desert terrain under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter.
The Exercise will involve planning and execution of special operations in sub conventional domain and conducted in three phases.
While the first phase will include Military Exhibitions and Tactical Interactions, second phase will focus on training on Improvised Explosive Device (IED), counter IED and Combat First Aid. The third and final phase will encompass Joint Tactical Exercise based on Fighting in Built-up Area and Hostage Rescue Scenarios.
The Exercise will provide an opportunity to both the contingents to strengthen their bond and share best practices. It will also act as a platform to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations.
The first edition of the exercise was conducted last year in India.
Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana
The PM announced Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana, a pioneering government initiative aimed at installing rooftop solar power systems in one crore households across the nation.
About Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana
This scheme is a new attempt to help reach the target of 40 GW rooftop solar capacity.
It will involve installing solar power systems at rooftops for residential consumers.
The scheme would help not only reduce electricity bills of the poor and middle class, but also push India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in the energy sector.
Current Solar Capacity in India
According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, solar power installed capacity in India has reached around 73.31 GW as of December 2023.
Meanwhile, rooftop solar installed capacity is around 11.08 GW as of December 2023. Overall, solar power has a major share in the country’s current renewable energy capacity, which stands at around 180 GW.
High performing states In terms of total solar capacity, Rajasthan is at the top with 18.7 GW. Gujarat is at the second position with 10.5 GW.
When it comes to rooftop solar capacity, Gujarat tops the list with 2.8 GW, followed by Maharashtra by 1.7 GW.
Previous schemes to promote rooftop solar system
In 2014, the government launched the Rooftop Solar Programme. This had aimed to achieve a cumulative installed capacity of 40,000 megawatts (MW) or 40 gigawatts (GW) by 2022.
‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman campaign’
The Vice-President of India had inaugurated ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ to commemorate the 75th Year of India as a Republic. The campaign, led by the Ministry of Law and Justice, aims to reaffirm commitment to the Constitution, celebrating shared values.
This nationwide initiative envisage to instill a sense of pride and responsibility to uphold the ideals outlined in the constitutional framework. It will also give opportunity to every citizen to participate in various ways, empower them to contribute in a meaningful way in our democratic journey.
Some of the themes to be covered during the Campaign include:-
Sabko Nyay Har Ghar Nyaya – Connecting the villagers and spreading awareness of legal services. The citizens would also get the opportunity to showcase their talents and to test their knowledge on the Constitution.
Vidhi Jagriti Abhiyan – Involving the students to carry the message Panch Pran in the villages adopted by the Law colleges, under the Pro Bono Club scheme.
Nyaya Setu – Expanding the legal services till the last mile. The event also released the achievement booklet of the Scheme on Access to Justice ‘Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice’ (DISHA).
Partnership with IGNOU – To allow Paralegals to acquire certifications in diverse field of laws to increase their employability. Partnership with Bhashini – To break the barriers of language in accessibility to justice.
The 9th India International Science Festival (IISF)
The 9th edition of India International Science Festival, (IISF-2023) held from 17 to 20 January at Faridabad, Haryana.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India is organizing the 9th edition of IISF and its autonomous organization National Innovation Foundation-India is the coordination and implementation body of IISF 2023.
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) institutes Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) – Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) located in Faridabad (Haryana) is the host institute of the grand event
Objectives
The aim of this science festival is to celebrate the achievements of India in the frontier areas of science and technology.
The festival also aims to acknowledge the achievements of science enthusiasts and inculcate scientific temper among young students and spread the same among the Indian citizens.
Theme
The central theme of IISF 2023 is “Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal”.
This time, 22 countries are also participating at IISF 2023. These include Argentine Republic, Republic of Armenia, Commonwealth of Australia, Kingdom of Cambodia, French Republic, Federal Republic of Germany, Republic of Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Kenya, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Republic of Namibia, Republic of the Philippines, Republic of Rwanda, Republic of Singapore, Republic of South Africa, Kingdom of Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and Republic of Zimbabwe.
19th NAM Summit held in Uganda
The 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit was held in Kampala, Uganda. Uganda has taken over as chair from Azerbaijan, to run until 2027.
Theme: ‘Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.’
Key discussions
Israel-Hamas war: The leaders of NAM countries have denounced Israel’s offensive in Gaza and demanded an immediate ceasefire during the summit.
India’s “Vishwa Mitra” initiative: India emphasized its role as a friend to the world, or “Vishwa Mitra” to global solidarity and cooperation in his address.
A call for multipolar world
About Non-Aligned Movement
The NAM was established in 1961 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, through the initiative of five leaders of newly independent countries: Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Sukarno of Indonesia, and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana.
It was formed during the Cold War as an organisation of States that did not seek to formally align themselves with either the United States or the Soviet Union but sought to remain independent or neutral.
Currently it has 120 Member States, 17 Observer Countries and 10 Observer organizations.
NAM does not have a permanent secretariat or a formal founding charter, act, or treaty.
Arunachal Pradesh celebrated the 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival
The 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF) celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the region’s commitment to wildlife conservation, with a special focus on hornbills.
The festival took place at Seijosa in the Pakke Kessang district from January 18-20, 2024.
About Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival
The first-ever Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival was held in 2015.
It aims to recognise the role played by the Nyishi tribal group in conserving hornbills in Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR).
The festival also aims to establish alternative income sources, steering away from harmful practices like hunting and logging.
It serves as a platform for creating national awareness about the natural wonders of the Pakke Tiger Reserve and its surroundings.
The festival brings together diverse communities to unite in their efforts to protect these iconic birds and promote environmental awareness.
This year, the festival’s theme is Domutoh Domutoh, Paga hum Domutoh. It translates to ‘Let Our Hornbills Remain’ in the Nyishi language.
This year’s festival aims to underscore the critical need for preserving these iconic birds.
India Inc lauds establishment of gender equity Alliance at WEF meet 2024
Indian industry lauded the government for establishing the ‘Alliance for Global Good- Gender Equity and Equality’ announced on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting 2024.
Highlights of the Alliance for Global Good- Gender Equity and Equality
It seeks to build on the initiatives of the Engagement Group and frameworks like Business 20, Women 20, and G20 EMPOWER.
The idea of this alliance emerged from the G20 Leaders’ Declaration and India’s abiding commitment to the cause of women-led development as propounded by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The primary and stated objective of this new Alliance is to bring together global best practices, knowledge sharing and investments in the identified areas of women’s health, education, and enterprise.
Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the alliance will be housed and anchored by the CII Centre for Women Leadership.
The alliance aims to champion women-led development, leveraging India’s spectacular inclusive growth story and its philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Prayas” (Together with all, Development for all and Effort for all).
Union Ayush Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal lays foundation stone for State-of-the-Art ‘Ayush Diksha’ centre at Bhubaneswar
The Union Minister of Ayush and Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone for ‘Ayush Diksha’,a groundbreaking center at the Central Ayurveda Research Institute in Bhubaneswar.
Key Points
The ‘Ayush Diksha’ center is set to become a hub for the advancement of human resources in Ayush, with a primary focus on Ayurveda professionals.
The institution aims to foster collaboration with prominent national institutes to enhance capacity, strengthen human resources, facilitate research and development, and achieve self-sustainability for revenue generation.
The institution will offer training programmes for Ayush professionals, especially those from Ayurveda, as it aims to collaborate with national institutes of prominence for capacity development, strengthening human resources, facilitate research and development, achieve self-sustainability with an objective to generate revenue.
The Ayush Diksha centre is being built with a budget of ₹30 crores. It will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including two auditoriums, 40 modern rooms with all amenities, suites for VIPs, dedicated space for a natural library, discussion rooms, modular kitchen, dining lounge, among other amenities.
The CARI, Bhubaneswar is a unit under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. This ground breaking initiative marks a significant step towards promoting and advancing research in Ayurveda on scientific lines.
WHO Releases Guidelines for Multi-Modal Generative AI in Healthcare
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released comprehensive guidance on the ethical use and governance of large multi-modal models (LMM) in healthcare.
About the Guidelines
The guiding document identified five broad applications of LMMs in healthcare: Diagnosis and clinical care, such as responding to patients’ written queries; patient-guided use for investigating symptoms and treatments; clerical and administrative tasks in electronic health records; medical and nursing education with simulated patient encounters; and scientific research and drug development.
It also recommends designing LMMs for well-defined tasks with the necessary accuracy and understanding of potential secondary outcomes.
It offers a roadmap for harnessing the power of LMMs in healthcare while navigating their complexities and ethical considerations.
This initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring that AI technologies serve the public interest, particularly in the health sector
WHO’s six core principles for AI in health: protect autonomy, promote well-being, ensure transparency, foster responsibility, ensure inclusiveness, and promote sustainability.
Risks Associated with LMMs in Healthcare Generation of False or Biased Information:
LMMs may produce inaccurate or biased information due to biases present in the training data, potentially leading to misguided health decisions.
LMMs might perpetuate healthcare disparities based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, and age, reflecting the biases present in their training data.
There is a risk of automation bias, where healthcare professionals and patients may overly trust the output of LMMs, leading to the oversight of potential errors.
As LMMs rely on trustworthy algorithms, any compromise in these algorithms could result in the release of sensitive patient information, posing cybersecurity risks.
The WHO Recommendations for Mitigating Risks
Encourages investment in public infrastructure, such as computing power and datasets, adhering to ethical principles.
Stressed on the need for global cooperative leadership to regulate AI technologies effectively.
Governments from all countries must cooperatively lead efforts to effectively regulate the development and use of AI technologies, such as LMMs.
Calls for the implementation of mandatory post-release audits and impact assessments.
Advises developers to engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including potential users and healthcare professionals, from the early stages of AI development.
Emphasizes designing LMMs for well-defined tasks with the necessary accuracy while understanding potential secondary outcomes.
President Droupadi Murmu confers Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu conferred the “Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar” instituted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India to 19 children at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
This year’s awardees include one child each in the categories of Bravery, Science & Technology and Innovation, four in the category of Social Service, five in the category of Sports, and seven in the category of Art & Culture.
Every year, the Government of India acknowledges the exceptional achievements of children in the age group of 5 to 18 years by conferring the ‘Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) upon them. Each awardee received a medal and a certificate from the President.
Saiyam Mazumdar from Assam has been awarded Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Award, 2024 in the field of social service.
He is a wildlife conservationist who started off by saving and taking care of stray animals, exhibiting incredible compassion.
He bravely saved snakes and informed others about their ecological significance.
President of India inaugurates the 5th edition of the Meghalaya Games
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 5th Edition of the Meghalaya Games in Tura, Meghalaya on January 15, 2024.
The President said that the North East region has a tremendous potential for the development of sports and sportspersons
She emphasized the need to support the talent from the tribal areas and groom them to become professional sportspersons.
With Government’s new initiatives and encouragement to the athletes, Indian sportspersons are now winning more medals than ever in global events.
Programmes such as Khelo India are helping in identifying and nurturing future sports champions.
Q1. Discuss the recent initiatives taken by the Assam government in resolving border disputes with neighbouring states? ( Answer in 250 words) [GS Paper V]
Q2. Discuss the impacts of Socio-religious movements in India? (Answer in 150 words) [GS Paper I]
Q3. Write the various causes of inter-state water disputes? Suggest some measures to address Inter-State River Water Disputes. (Answer in 150 words) [GS Paper II]
Q4. What are the objectives of the National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP)? Discuss some of the key wetlands included under NWCP. Also write its contribution towards wetland conservation. (Answer in 250 words) [GS Paper III]
Q5. What is Assam accord? Discuss why clause 6 of Assam Accord is controversial? (Answer in 250 words) [GS Paper V]
Learners please write the answers and review others’ answer, which will improve the answer writer, reviewer and most importantly the answer itself.
Q1. Which of the following traditional sports was organised for the first time under government guidance in Assam?
Cock Fight
Horse Fight
Elephant Fight
Buffalo fight
Buffalo fight
Q2.Who individual/s has been awarded witth the Padma Shri Awards 2024 from Assam?
Ms. Parbati Baruah
Shri Sarbeswar Basumatary
Shri Drona Bhuyan
All of the above
All of the above
Assam’s first female elephant mahout, Parbati Baruah, is recognized for her commitment to mitigating human-elephant conflict.
Sarbeswar Basumatary also known as “Chirang ke Krishi Chiraag,” is a farmer whose innovative approach to farming, incorporating various technologies, has not only transformed his own agricultural practices but has also garnered attention at the national level.
Folk artiste from Assam Drona Bhuyan, an exponent of Ojapali and Deodhani dancer.
Q3. Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan is launched to
Promote the development of rural women who are part of self-help groups.
Promote the health sector in the state.
Provide free lunch to school-children.
Improve school education in six states covering 10 million teachers.
Promote the development of rural women who are part of self-help groups.
Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan scheme is designed to promote the development of rural women who are part of self-help groups.
It aims to transform them into “Rural Micro Entrepreneurs” with an annual income target of ₹1 lakh per member.
Q4. Which teacher from Assam has received the National Teachers’ Award 2023 during the Teachers Day celebration?
Madhav Singh
Bhupinder Gogia
Kumud Kalita
Netai Chandra Dey
Kumud Kalita
Q5. Who among the following has been awarded with Sahitya Academy Award for the short stories category for his book titled ‘Sreshtha Galpa.’
Dhirendra Nath Chakraborty
Pranavjyoti Deka
Joysurya Bora
Kunal Saikia
Pranavjyoti Deka
Q6. What is the objective of ‘Amrit Brikshya Andolan’ initiated in Assam?
It is an initiative aimed at planting a total of 1 crore commercially-viable saplings across the State by individuals.
It aims to stimulate the tree-based economy within the state, generating sustainable livelihoods and income opportunities.
It aims to increase Assam’s forest cover as a measure to combat climate change and promote environmental conservation.
All of the above
All of the above
The Assam Amrit Brikshya Andolan is a massive tree planting initiative launched by the Assam government in 2023.
The initiative aimed at increasing the state’s green cover by planting saplings, primarily of commercial trees.
The initiative aims to increase Assam’s forest cover as a measure to combat climate change and promote environmental conservation.
The Andolan aims to stimulate the tree-based economy within the state, generating sustainable livelihoods and income opportunities.
The primary objective of the campaign was to plant 1 crore saplings across Assam, involving thousands of people from various regions of the state.
Q7. Which place of Assam has been selected as the best tourism village of India 2023?
Dhordo village
Biswanath Ghat
Ranthali
Sualkuchi
Biswanath Ghat
Q8. The government of Assam conferred the Artists Award (Silpi Bota) for the year 2024 to
Chetana Das
Dr. Pradipjyoti Mahanta
Manisha Hazarika
Jagadish Barman
Manisha Hazarika
The Artists Award (Silpi Bota) for the year 2024 was bestowed upon distinguished artist Manisha Hazarika, along with seven other notable individuals recognized for their substantial contributions to the Assamese socio-cultural and literary spheres.
Q9. Who among the following has won the Sukapha Award 2023?
Kuladhar Saikia
Rajendra Prasad Basumatari
Kashinath Barua
Dhirendra Nath Bezbaruah
Dhirendra Nath Bezbaruah
Q10. As per the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), what penalty is prescribed under the new hit-and-run law?
10 years in jail and a fine of Rs 7 lakh
10 years in jail and a fine of Rs 5 lakh
5 years in jail and a fine of Rs 8 lakh
15 years in jail and a fine of Rs 10 lakh
10 years in jail and a fine of Rs 7 lakh
As per the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which is a replacement for the British-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), if a driver causes a serious road accident due to careless driving and then leaves without informing the police or any official, they could be punished with up to 10 years in jail and a fine of Rs 7 lakh.
