ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 19 April. Click Here for more information.
ForumIAS Answer Writing Focus Group (AWFG) for Mains 2024 commencing from 24th June 2024. The Entrance Test for the program will be held on 28th April 2024 at 9 AM. To know more about the program visit: https://forumias.com/blog/awfg2024
GS 1
Social issues
Ambedkar’s armies: (Indian Express, Editorial)
Saharanpur’s Bhim Army is part of the tradition of organisations for the self-defence and cultural assertion of the Dalit community.
GS 2
International groupings and agreements
Clouded coherence: (The Hindu, Editorial)
Given India’s recent foreign policy fluidity, the sustainability of its SCO membership is in doubt.
Effects of developed and developing countries policies
Terror in Tehran: (The Hindu, Editorial)
Heightened Iran-Saudi Arabia tensions put regional security in West Asia at further risk.
India and neighbors
Modi to meet Xi to repair bilateral ties: (The Hindu)
Differences over China’s Belt and Road project, Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal have put relations under strain.
One Belt, One Road has no basis in China’s history: (Live Mint, Editorial)
China is seeking to legitimize One Belt, One Road by invoking the Silk Road, but the initiative more closely resembles European imperial engagement with Asia in the 19th century.
Government policies
Are cattle trade rules good in law?: (The Hindu)
Question before Supreme Court is whether they override animal cruelty Act.
GS 3
Indian Economy. Planning, Growth and Employment
Getting back on the growth track: (The Hindu, Editorial)
A big push on private investment is needed. But social harmony is also a prerequisite for faster growth.
2 States breach 3% fiscal deficit target: (The Hindu)
While the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had specifically cautioned seven States not to breach the 3% fiscal deficit target, two States had already breached that threshold.
DGFT may come under Revenue dept: (The Hindu)
The Centre is considering a proposal to shift the entire Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) office to the Department of Revenue (DoR) from the Department of Commerce (DoC) as part of measures to simplify processes relating to export and import.
Products used by common man to cost less: (The Hindu)
Branded foodgrains and flours to attract 5% rate under GST.
Pollution and conservation
Water Quality Index set to be announced soon: (The Hindu)
A certain and easy way to find out pollution levels in water will be introduced in the coming weeks.
Is the Paris Agreement necessary?: (The Hindu, Editorial)
The U.S. withdrawal is an opportunity to make the rules of the Paris Agreement stronger and more ambitious.
Prelims Related News
A new cast of crabs in Western Ghats:
The Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot is in the spotlight once again, as scientists have discovered a new genus and six new species of freshwater crabs in these mountainous forests.
Only PSUs may be let to make Oxytocin:
After being banned in retail markets, the Drug Controller will soon restrict manufacturing of controversial hormone drug Oxytocin to public sector undertakings (PSUs).
India’s first uterine transplant:
The cervical biopsy tests to gauge organ rejection after the uterus transplant carried out on both patients in the first and second weeks after the operation showed no signs of organ rejection.
World’s oldest fossil mushroom discovered:
The world’s oldest fossil mushroom, dating back to about 115 million years has been discovered.
