New undersea cable to boost Net speed in Andaman (Science & Technology) (Optical Fibre Cable, OFC, Andamans, Act East Policy)
Isolating China, as proposition and the reality - Lead Article (Social Justice) (Expansionist China, New Cold War, Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network)
The main bricks to use in India's steel frame Article - (Governance) (Charges against bureaucracy, Inaccessibility, Corruption, Concerns with Police)
Making up for shortfalls in GST collections Article (Indian Economy) (35:43) (GST Compensation, Fall in GST Collection)
Question for the Day
[{"explanation": "<p>China and Nepal have agreed to intensify implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation under the BRI to enhance connectivity, encompassing such vital components as ports, roads, railways, aviation and communications within the overarching framework of trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network with a view to significantly contributing to Nepal’s development agenda</p>", "question": "<p>Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network\" can be associated with which of the following country?</p>", "options": [{"option_id": "5f32b3b67737d42e5e628a6d", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p>Philippines</p>"}, {"option_id": "5f32b3b67737d42e5e628a6e", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p> Russia</p>"}, {"option_id": "5f32b3b67737d42e5e628a6f", "is_correct_answer": true, "title": "<p> Nepal</p>"}, {"option_id": "5f32b3b67737d42e5e628a70", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p> Mongolia</p>"}], "question_id": "5f32b3b67737d42e5e628a6c"}, {"explanation": "<p>The GST Compensation cess is levied on luxury and sin goods, and the proceeds are used to compensate states for any loss they incur within the first 5 years of GST implementation. According to the GST Act, States and UTs with Assemblies are guaranteed compensation if the GST revenue growth is less than 14 per cent.</p>", "question": "<p>With reference to GST Compensation, consider the following statements: </p>\n<ol>\n<li>The GST Compensation is to be paid to the states if the GST revenue growth is less than 14% year-on-year.</li>\n<li>The compensation is to be paid for a period of 3 years.</li>\n</ol>\n<p>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?</p>", "options": [{"option_id": "5f32b4017737d42e5ba41224", "is_correct_answer": true, "title": "<p>1 only</p>"}, {"option_id": "5f32b4017737d42e5ba41225", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p>2 only</p>"}, {"option_id": "5f32b4017737d42e5ba41226", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p>Both 1 and 2</p>"}, {"option_id": "5f32b4017737d42e5ba41227", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p>Neither 1 nor 2</p>"}], "question_id": "5f32b4017737d42e5ba41223"}, {"explanation": "<p>In December 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on a two-day visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, renamed three of the islands as a tribute to Subhas Chandra Bose. Ross Island was renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island; Neil Island as Shaheed Island; and Havelock Island as Swaraj Island.</p>", "question": "<p>Consider the following statements regarding Islands:</p>\n<ol>\n<li>Ross Island was renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island</li>\n<li>Neil Island was renamed as Swaraj Island</li>\n<li>Havelock Island was renamed as Shaheed Island</li>\n</ol>\n<p>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?</p>", "options": [{"option_id": "5f32b4367737d42e6496f55f", "is_correct_answer": true, "title": "<p>1 only</p>"}, {"option_id": "5f32b4367737d42e6496f560", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p>1 and 3 only</p>"}, {"option_id": "5f32b4367737d42e6496f561", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p>1 and 2 only</p>"}, {"option_id": "5f32b4367737d42e6496f562", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p>3 Only</p>"}], "question_id": "5f32b4367737d42e6496f55e"}, {"explanation": "<p>The Paracel Islands, also known as Xisha Islands ('West Sand Archipelago'), are a disputed archipelago in the South China Sea. The archipelago includes about 130 small coral islands and reefs, most grouped into the northeast Amphitrite Group or the western Crescent Group. They are distributed over a maritime area of around 15,000 square kilometres (5,800 sq mi), with a land area of approximately 7.75 square kilometres (2.99 sq mi).</p>", "question": "<p>Which of the following statements is not correct regarding Paracel Islands?</p>", "options": [{"option_id": "5f32b46b7737d42e5e628aad", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p>They are situated in South China Sea</p>"}, {"option_id": "5f32b46b7737d42e5e628aae", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p>They are also known as Xisha Islands</p>"}, {"option_id": "5f32b46b7737d42e5e628aaf", "is_correct_answer": true, "title": "<p>They are a set of around 10 Islands</p>"}, {"option_id": "5f32b46b7737d42e5e628ab0", "is_correct_answer": false, "title": "<p>They are mostly coral Islands</p>"}], "question_id": "5f32b46b7737d42e5e628aac"}]
Prime Minister has launched an undersea Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) connecting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with the mainland that would provide residents of the Union Territory high-speed Internet connection. The Prime Minister had laid the foundation stone for the 2,300-km-long submarine optical fibre cable project connecting Chennai and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on December 30, 2018.
Submarine Optical Fibre Cable
Benefits and Importance of Optical Fibre Cable
Boosting International Maritime Trade
Isolating China, as proposition and the reality
Among war of words between India and China, China has waded into Jammu and Kashmir which is India’s internal matter. In this backdrop, the author says that countries like India must note that despite its belligerence, China is far from being quarantined given its economic clout
Difficult to take sides for China’s Neighbours in Cold War 2.0
Fear of China – China’s expansionists pursuits since 1970s
Declining Neighbourhood Relations
China Moves Ahead - Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network
The main bricks to use in India’s steel frame
As we all know Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) recently announced the results of the Civil Services Main examination.
In this regard the author who is also an Ex-IPS officer expresses views regarding his observations about IAS and IPS.
UPSC process has high credibility because
Major Issues with Civil servants
Special concerns regarding Police
Making up for shortfall in GST Collections
Recently, the Centre has paid the GST compensation of around Rs 13,000 crores to the states for the month of March 2020. It is yet to pay the compensation for the current financial year for the duration April- July 2020.