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17 December 2024 : Daily Answer Writing

Q1) Panchayati Raj Institutions must overcome the ‘dependency syndrome’ for funding to truly function as institutions of self-governance. Analyse. (150 Words/10 Marks) ANS: Panchayati Raj institutions in India generate only about 5% of their revenue and rely heavily on external sources of funding, particularly grants from central and state governments. This lack of capability to…

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17 December 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. The hidden cost of greenwashing the Indian Railways (Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8) Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure Context RITES Ltd. has won contracts to repurpose redundant Indian Railways diesel locomotives for export after gauge conversion, highlighting wastage due to rapid electrification policies. The Indian Railways’…

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17 December 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. A Crisis In The Making (Source: Indian Express; Section: Editorial Page; Page: 12) Topic: GS1 – Society: Population and associated issues Context The article highlights India’s demographic advantage, with a large working-age population poised to drive economic growth. However, challenges like poor education, malnutrition, and inadequate skill development hinder the potential of this workforce….

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17 December 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. SRI LANKA–INDIA EXERCISE – 24 (SLINEX-24) (Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2084913&reg=3&lang=1 ) Context SLINEX 2024 is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka, fostering maritime cooperation since 2005. The event enhances interoperability through professional exchanges and joint operations at Visakhapatnam. Analysis of the news: 2. MSE-SPICE Scheme (Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2084812&reg=3&lang=1 ) Context The MSE-SPICE…

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17 December 2024 : Daily Current Affairs

1. UN talks on drought deal in Saudi fail to produce pact (Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4) Topic: GS2 – International Relations, GS3 – Environment Context The UNCCD’s COP16 in Saudi Arabia concluded without a binding drought protocol, despite increasing global drought challenges costing $300 billion annually. African nations…

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16 December 2024 : Daily Answer Writing

Q1) Discuss the rationales behind India not adopting a strict model of separation of power? In what ways has it led to blurring of the boundary of separation? (150 Words/10 Marks) ANS: Separation of power refers to the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from concentrating powers. Each organ…

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16 December 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. Public Sector Banks: A Resurgent Force (Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2084546&reg=3&lang=1 ) Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy Context In FY 2023-24, Public Sector Banks (PSBs) in India achieved record profits, reflecting significant improvements in asset quality, with a sharp decline in non-performing assets (GNPA). PSBs have also contributed to financial inclusion through key government schemes. The…

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16 December 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. Friends and neighbours (Source: Indian Express; Section: The Ideas Page; Page: 09) Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) has chosen India as his first international destination, continuing a tradition followed by his predecessors. This visitvunderscores India’s “neighborhood-first” policy and highlights the significance of bilateral ties. As the…

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16 December 2024 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. Let’s talk about ‘one candidate, multiple constituencies’ (Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8) Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity Context The practice of one candidate contesting from multiple constituencies (OCMC) in elections, though legally permissible, leads to financial burdens, frequent by-elections, and voter dissatisfaction. This undermines democratic principles while favoring…