IAS UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 30th April 2020

Archives


(PRELIMS + MAINS FOCUS)


Global Terrorism Index (GTI), 2019: India ranks seventh worst terrorism affected country

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Terrorism

In News:

Key takeaways:

Important value additions:

The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 


SVAMITVA scheme: a new initiative of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj 

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-II – Welfare Schemes

In News:

Important value additions:

SVAMITVA scheme 


India remains on U.S. Priority Watch List 

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Intellectual Property Rights; GS-II – International Relations

In News:

Key takeaways from the report:

Important value additions:

Special 301 Report


Miscellaneous 

Petersberg Climate Dialogue XI 


(MAINS FOCUS)


INTERNATIONAL/ SECURITY

Topic: General Studies 2:

Afghan Peace and India’s chances

Context: On 16th April 2020, UN Secretariat held a meeting, of what it calls the “6+2+1” group on regional efforts to support peace in Afghanistan. This group includes

Did India participate in the meeting?

No and this was not the first time that India was absent in such crucial talks 

Why was India kept of 2020 talks?

New Delhi’s stand with regard to Afghanistan

What is the basis of India’s goodwill in Afghanistan?

The building blocks of India’s goodwill are its assistance in infrastructure projects, health care, education, trade and food security, 

How has India’s strategy on its support to Ashraf Ghani backfired?

New Delhi’s excessive reliance on Ashraf Ghani has had a two-fold effect: 

Difficulties for India’s Strategic space in Afghanistan

Way Ahead for India

Connecting the dots:


GOVERNANCE/ ECONOMY/ ENVIRONMENT

Topic: General Studies 2 & 3:

COVID-19: Opportunity for Energy Sector reforms

Context: The 9-minute event on April 5th was one PM asked to switch-off lights and light lamps to show respect to COVID-19 warriors. It was interesting for the extent of public participation and expert management of National Electricity grid

Pre-Covid, India’s power sector has been facing a mounting financial crisis which has made it more prominent in recent times caused by an expected slowdown.

Challenges in Energy Sector

Way Ahead

Conclusion

The proposed Electricity Amendment Bill, 2020, is an ambitious step in the right direction—with bold moves to 

Connecting the dots:


(TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE)


Model questions: (You can now post your answers in comment section)

Note: 

Q.1 Global terrorism index is published by which of the following

  1. Amnesty International 
  2. Bill Gates Foundation 
  3. Institute for Economics and Peace 
  4. UN Security Council

Q.2 SVAMITVA scheme is a new initiative of which of the following ministry? 

  1. Ministry of Panchayati Raj 
  2. Ministry of Agriculture 
  3. Ministry of Urban development  
  4. Ministry of Finance

Q.3 Special 301 Report is published by which of the following? 

  1. United States Trade Representative 
  2. World Economic Forum 
  3. International Monetary Fund 
  4. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. 

Q.4 With regard to Special 301 Report, consider the following statements: 

  1. India is placed in US priority watch list.
  2. High custom duties on medical devices and Information and Communications Technology were one of the highlights of the report.

Which of the above is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q.5 Where is Petersberg located? 

  1. Germany 
  2. Russia
  3. France
  4. Italy

ANSWERS FOR 29th April 2020 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE (TYK)

1 A
2 C
3 C
4 D

Must Read

About situation in Brazil:

The Hindu

About limitation of Online Learning:

The Hindu

About COVID-19 impact on Women:

The Hindu

Search now.....

Sign Up To Receive Regular Updates