What are the highlights of the recent UGC guidelines for PhD? What are the concerns associated with the change?

  The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued new PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) degree guidelines, which include a number of changes to the eligibility criteria, admission procedure, and evaluation methods that govern doctoral programmes in colleges and universities. Key highlights: The UGC has eliminated the prerequisites for submitting research articles to peer-reviewed journals or giving ..

Topics: GS-II: Social Sector Services Education Human Resources

What are some of the key features of the Vande Bharat 2.0 train? How would it improve India’s railways?

  The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) at Perambur, Chennai, planned and produced the Train18, subsequently known as the Vande Bharat Express, over the course of 18 months as part of the Indian government’s Make in India programme. This train’s second generation was recently unveiled. Key features: Advanced, cutting-edge safety measures, such as the indigenously designed ..

Topics: GS-III: Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology • GS-III: Infrastructure Ports Roads Airports Railways

Why is it important to conserve shallow water bodies? What are the unique challenges faced by these geographical features?

  At this time, every component of the planet’s ecosystem is being impacted by human activity. This covers freshwater ecosystems and the related aquatic biodiversity. Shallow water bodies continue to suffer most among the various types of freshwater bodies due to comparatively less conservation attention. Shallow water bodies: The National Lake Conservation Programme (NLCP) defines ..

Topics: GS-III: Conservation Environmental Pollution Degradation

What are the pros and cons of a strong Rupee? What can be done to strengthen the currency?

  Over the past several months, there has been a steady decline in the Indian Rupee’s (INR) exchange rate relative to the US Dollar ($). Since the commencement of the conflict in Ukraine and the rise in crude oil prices, the rupee has been declining. Reasons for fall of Rupee: The crisis between Russia and ..

Topics: GS-III: Effects of Liberalization On Indian Economy • GS-III: Indian Economy Issues Relating to Planning

In light of the External Affairs Minister’s recent visit to Russia, examine the role of India in the Russia-Ukraine crisis. How can India help improve the situation?

  The visit of India’s external affairs minister, S Jaishankar, to Russia has sparked considerable international interest in the possibility of an intervention to end the nine-month-long war in Ukraine. The minister for external affairs of India expressed strong support for discussion and diplomacy to bring about a return to peace and expressed worry without ..

Topics: GS-II: Bilateral Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements • GS-II: India's Foreign Policy Neighbourhood International Relations

What is the significance of the government’s recent push to facilitate international trade in Rupee, as opposed to the Dollar? What more needs to be done to conserve forex reserves?

  Except for countries like Nepal and Bhutan, a company’s exports and imports are currently always made in foreign currency, particularly the dollar. International trade in domestic currency: By establishing a Vostro account in India, bilateral transactions will now be conducted in rupees. This will enable payments to be made to Indian exporters in rupees ..

Topics: GS-III: Economic Growth Development • GS-III: Indian Economy Issues Relating to Planning