GS2 (International Relations) India’s choice should be more on becoming a soft power rather than a hard power. Analyse this… Continue reading 16 Nov 2016 | GS2 | India’s choice should be more on becoming a soft power rather than a hard power. Analyse this statement in the light of relative advantages India enjoys in cultural, spiritual and knowledge spheres and suggest ways of leveraging that advantage.

GS1 (Geography) Recently the World Meteorological Organisation warned that the world is likely to cross 1.2° C of global warming… Continue reading 16 Nov 2016 | GS1 | Recently the World Meteorological Organisation warned that the world is likely to cross 1.2° C of global warming above pre-industrial levels in 2016. Reaching 2 degrees of warming or higher could result in devastating weather events. What are the ways in which global warming is affecting the world today? What are its likely impacts in the future?

Important from Prelims perspective only

GS4 (Ethics) Is ethical conduct in personal life necessary for an honest public servant? Or are the two unrelated? Discuss… Continue reading 15 Nov 2016 | GS4 | Is ethical conduct in personal life necessary for an honest public servant? Or are the two unrelated? Discuss with the help of examples.

GS3 (Science and Technology) A huge role was played by Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the recent U.S. presidential elections by… Continue reading 15 Nov 2016 | GS3 | A huge role was played by Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the recent U.S. presidential elections by analysing large amounts of information about voters and predicting political preferences. What are some of the ways in which AI is affecting the world? Do we need regulation to control the technology?

GS2 (Polity and Governance) Recently a private member’s Bill was introduced which sought to give more powers for mayors. It… Continue reading 15 Nov 2016 | GS2 | Recently a private member’s Bill was introduced which sought to give more powers for mayors. It also tried to introduce provisions for direct election of mayors. Why are these provisions important for providing better urban governance in India? What are some of the problems related with urban local bodies?

GS1 (Indian Heritage and Culture) Heritage erosion has been seen as the greatest problem that undermines the socio-environmental stability and… Continue reading 15 Nov 2016 | GS1 | Heritage erosion has been seen as the greatest problem that undermines the socio-environmental stability and sustainability of India. To what extent it is serious and what suggestions can be made for its management.

Seeing the awesome response in all the other optional threads, I think it would be a good idea to have… Continue reading [Official] Geography Optional | IAS Mains | Daily Initiative 2

source This is part of the government’s move to remove outdated laws which don’t serve any definitive purpose. It’s basically… Continue reading Govt. is repealing some old laws of Pharma. What are they and what about similar issues with IPC

GS4 (Ethics) Unfurling the tri-colour at the Andhra University grounds, Vishakhapatnam on the occasion of the 70th Independence Day, Vice-Chancellor,… Continue reading 14 Nov 2016 | GS4 | What do you understand by human values? Indicate three human values which you consider universal in nature and highlight their importance in Civil Services.

GS3 (Indian Economy) This year India improved its rank in the WB Ease of Doing Business survey only marginally. The… Continue reading 14 Nov 2016 | GS3 | This year India improved its rank in the WB Ease of Doing Business survey only marginally. The survey is said to have many shortcomings in terms of the parameters it uses to determine the rankings. Discuss these shortcomings and whether the rankings accurately reflect India’s attempts at reform.