What is the duration of the IAS Exam Preparation Course?

The IAS Exam Preparation Course lasts for 6 months.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling?

There are no prerequisites for enrolling in the IAS Exam Preparation Course.

3rd June - AAJ KA QUALITY ENRICHMENT

Aaj Ka Quality Enrichment Program 3rd June 2023 Save

KEYWORDS
Circle of trust:

Meaning: The concept of a circle of trust is associated with building strong relationships, fostering emotional support, and maintaining confidentiality.
It allows individuals/groups/society/community to feel secure in sharing their vulnerabilities, seeking advice for fraternity, social good and harmony.
Usage: GS 1 (Indian society- communalism, regionalism & secularism), GS 2 (Polity & IR–Center-State relations, bilateral/multilateral relations, cooperation among developed & developing countries), GS 3 (Cooperation between countries/multilateral organization for climate change/disaster management)

From Democracy (Jan Rajya) to Dharmocracy (Dharm Rajya) - the Indian version of democracy

Meaning: The term is a combination of "Dharma" and "Democracy," blending the principles of Indian philosophy with the democratic system.
Dharma is one that unites. It refers to righteousness, duty, moral and ethical principles, and the inherent nature of things.
Usage: GS 1 (Social/Communal harmony, unity & integrity,), GS 2 (Democracy and welfare society, Good governance, grassroot democracy, constitutionalism, rule of law, elections); GS 4: Ethics.

Swaraj, Sushasan, and Samridhi: 3Ss of good governance/administration:

Meaning: Swaraj, Sushasan and Samridhi means self-rule, good governance and prosperity respectively.
They represent three key aspects or ideals that are considered essential for effective governance.
Usage: GS 1: Vulnerable sections & public welfare; GS 2: Good Governance, poverty, inequality; GS 3 (Together with 3Ss and Atmanirbharta it can also be used in Economy, infrastructure creation, R&D, technology).

Plug & play model:

Meaning: The model signifies a device or component that can be easily connected to a system and immediately recognized and utilized without the need for complex configurations or manual setup.
Usage: GS 2 (Health, education, e-governance, DBT), GS 3 ('Plug and Play' Housing/ Infrastructure, Industry, Start up India, supply chain management, SEZ, Electronics, Digital India.
Extended usage: From 'command and control' mode to 'plug and play' mode (Economic planning, Self reliant India, competitive federalism, EoDB etc )

Emerging to resurgent power:

Meaning: It refers to the journey of a country or entity that is transitioning from a state of emerging or developing status to one of renewed strength, influence, or prominence.
It suggests a significant positive transformation or a shift in the global or regional dynamics.
Usage: GS 1: Social reforms & Transitions (Urbanization, Globalisation, dismantling of caste system, etc.), GS 2: Governance and International relations (Global order, Multilateral institutions, National/Economic Power); GS 3 (Economy, Developed India by 2047), infrastructure, R&D, technology, Defence capabilities, Renewable energy adoption).

From Geographical separation to Territorial integrity:

Meaning: Geographical separation: Physical separation of populations/organisms from one another due to geographical barriers.
Territorial integrity: The territorial 'oneness' or 'wholeness' of the State.
Right to sovereign states to defend their borders.
Usage: GS 1 (Social barriers/harmony), GS Paper 2 (Center-state relations, international relations), GS 3 (Infrastructure, Transportation), GS Paper 4 (Ethical Issues in International Relations).
GS 1 (Social barriers/harmony), GS 2 (Center-state relations, International relations), GS 3 (Infrastructure, Transportation, NE Insurgency, LWE), GS Paper 4 (Ethical Issues in International Relations).

Last mile challenges to last mile connectivity:

Meaning:
Last mile challenge: Poor service delivery/ infra connectivity, , lack of transparency, Inefficiency, etc
Last mile connectivity: Having access to welfare and essential services to everyone.
Usage: GS 1 (Vulnerable sections and policies, urbanization, rurbanisation,), GS 2 (Grassroot democracy, good governance, Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections), GS 3 (Agriculture, Exports, SEZ, Infrastructure/ Transportation, Financial Inclusion), GS Paper 4 (Probity in Governance).

KEY FACTS
Weather forecasting and early-warning systems:

Mobile apps related to weather forecasting: Umang, Rain Alarm and Damini, developed by the IMD.
‘Damini’ app: It triggers warning about lightning strikes three hours in advance which can help reduce losses to life and property. This app has now been made available in 15 languages for easy dissemination of information.

Telangana: Proactive Policies of the Telangana government

Welfare Schemes:
1 lakh financial assistance to families of artisans,
Distribution of pattas (lands) of Podu lands to tribal families,
Distribution of house sites to poor and
Implementation of KCR nutrition kits scheme in the State.
Impact: Per capita income and GSDP of the State has increased more than 2.5 times since 2014-15.

CASE STUDIES/ EXAMPLES
Facts related to Sexual violence/Crimes against women:

NFHS-5 (2019-21): About 1/3rd of women have experienced physical or sexual abuse. But, less than 15% either spoke about it or reported it.
Declared number of ‘Crime against women’ cases against Lok Sabha MPs sharply increased by 850% from 2009 to 2019.
Steps taken in India against women violence:
India Ratified Declaration of the Basic Principles of Justice for the Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power (1985)
Ratified Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993)
The POCSO Act of 2012
Visakha guidelines and Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013

Strategic petroleum reserves (SPR) facilities in India:

Existing SPR facilities: Mangaluru and Padur in Karnataka, and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
Planned SPRs at two locations: Chandikhol in Odisha and Padur in Karnataka.
International Energy Agency (IEA): Suggests country should hold emergency oil stocks equivalent to at least 90 days of net oil imports.
India: Apart from the SPR that are sufficient to meet 9.5 days of oil requirement, the oil marketing companies (OMCs) have storage facilities for 64.5 days—ie sufficient storage to meet around 74 days of the country’ s petroleum demand.

Floating Solar Power Capacity:

India: Floating Solar power accounts for less than 0.5% of India’s 67 gigawatts (GW) of total solar capacity.
Largest floating solar power plane: Ramagundam Floating Solar PV Project at Ramagundam, Telangana.

PM/VP/PRESIDENT SPEECHES
PM Speech on Farmers:

“The sweat and toil of our farmers plays a big role in the country's progress. Their relentless work is the backbone of our food security”.
There is a need of empowering Annadatas and ensuring this sector scales new heights of growth.

JUDGEMENTS/ COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
15TH Finance Commission recommendations:

It has recommended health be transferred to the concurrent list allowing for uniform policy formulation and implementation.
Need: This change would empower the Centre to establish nationwide standards while preserving state autonomy to tailor policies.

DEFINITION

Deepfakes:
Definition: It is a specific kind of synthetic media or fake, digitally manipulated video, image or audio file produced by using deep learning/ artificial intelligence.
Benefits of Deepfakes: In areas such as accessibility, education, film production, criminal forensics, and artistic expression.
Challenges: Pornography, fake news, security issues (hatred, chaos, confusion, anti-state sentiments), commit financial fraud, fabricate evidence, etc.

Nano Medicines:
Definition: Nanomedicine is a branch of medicine that applies the knowledge and tools of nanotechnology to the prevention and treatment of disease.
Nanomedicine involves the use of nanoscale materials, such as biocompatible nano-particles and nano-robots, for diagnosis, delivery, sensing or actuation purposes in a living organism.

QUOTES

Quote on instincts: “The best decisions aren’t made with your mind but with your instinct”. - LIONEL MESSI
Meaning: It reflects the belief that intuitive decision-making can sometimes lead to better outcomes than purely rational or analytical thinking. It suggests that trusting your gut feelings or instincts can be valuable in certain situations.
Quote on Bliss/happiness: “The ocean of bliss is ever-present within, yet one keeps pursuing it outside”.
Meaning: It highlights a philosophical perspective that suggests happiness or fulfillment can be found internally, within oneself, rather than seeking it externally.
The underlying message is that true and lasting bliss can be discovered by turning inward, exploring one's inner self, and cultivating qualities such as self-awareness, acceptance, gratitude, and mindfulness.