Reading News for UPSC is utmost important and rising number of questions year on year in UPSC Prelims is a testimony of this

We are starting a daily series where we will analyze news covered in The Hindu, Indian Express and other newspapers which are important from exam perspective and which are not

Important news would have been covered in our daily news coverage in form of newscards.

Unimportant ones will be mentioned here and a short description regarding why it is not relevant for the exam

Click on news headlines to read the full news

High relevance news

[op-ed snap] Countering China in the Indo-Pacific

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-countering-china-in-the-indo-pacific/

The op-ed not only lists various important naval exercises and ports but also highlights the ways in which India can use partnerships with the USA, Japan & Australia to its advantage. A must-read for both Pre as well as Mains

[op-ed snap] Parched or polluted: on India’s water crisis

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/op-ed-snap-parched-or-polluted-on-indias-water-crisis/

Niti Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index has highlighted the serious condition of water resources in India. Immediate measures that can be taken are mentioned in the op-ed and can be quoted in Mains answers based on this issue.

India’s proposed Assumption Island deal stands cancelled

https://www.civilsdaily.com/news/indias-proposed-assumption-island-deal-stands-cancelled/

Note on maps position of Assumption island and all nearby places. UPSC has turned back to places in news approach from 2018 Prelims. Also, remember about SAGAR program & IORA

Low Relevance News

Centre accused of ‘illegally’ denying details on RTI Act

An activist has accused the government of “illegally” withholding information about amendments proposed to the Right to Information Act, 2005

Not much relevant for exam apart from the following:

Important detail: Section 8(i)(i) of the RTI Act, 2005 exempts the government from giving information about Cabinet papers, including records of deliberations of the Council of Ministers, Secretaries and other officers

PM renews call for debate on simultaneous polls

PM Modi has again called for widespread consultation on simultaneous elections in the country during the fourth governing council meeting of the NITI Aayog

The topic has appeared in UPSC Mains in 2017 and has bleak chances of appearing again. Also, no important details from UPSC perspective