Lead IAS Weekly Recap
A weekend newsletter that covers major newspapers from exam point of view.
Lead IAS Weekly Recap
Major Headlines Good Examples
Useful Perspectives Worksheet for Concise Writing
Key Statistics Suggested Articles
Major Headlines for UPSC Mains Exam
This week, the world celebrated the announcement of the 2024 Nobel Prizes. In international a>airs, the ASEAN-
Synopsis
India Summit was a key event. Domestically, the results of the Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections
were announced, and India achieved a major milestone by eradicating trachoma. Read more below...
1. Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery of
microRNA, a class of RNA molecules that play a crucial role in gene regulation. Their findings revealed a
completely new type of gene regulation that is essential for multicellular organisms, including humans.
2. John Hopfield and GeoJrey Hinton won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for their discoveries that made machine
learning with artificial neural networks possible.
3. The 2024 Nobel Prize for Chemistry was awarded to David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper for
developing tools that make it easier and quicker to decipher proteins' structures and develop entirely new
proteins.
4. South Korean writer Han Kang was awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature. She became the first South
Korean and the 18th woman to win the literature prize.
5. The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, an organisation comprising survivors of the atom
bomb attacks in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
6. In the recently concluded East Asia Summit in Vientiane, Lao PDR, the Prime Minister emphasised the
importance of cooperation and adherence to international rules for achieving peace and prosperity.
Additionally, he presented a 10-point plan to strengthen India-ASEAN relations.
7. The Finance Minister said that the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is
unilateral and arbitrary, and that it is a barrier to trade for the Indian industry.
8. The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the purchase of 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance
(HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) from General Atomics of the U.S and indigenous construction of two
nuclear attack submarines (SSNs).
9. The Union Home Ministry declared Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT), which aims to establish an Islamic state and
Caliphate globally, including in India, a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
(UAPA).
10. The Indian wild ass population has increased by 26.14% (10th Wild Ass Population Estimation (WAPE) 2024, by
the Gujarat government) in the past four years. It took more than four decades of rigorous protection by the
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Lead IAS Weekly Recap
A weekend newsletter that covers major newspapers from exam point of view.
forest department for the species to recover to its current population levels. This endangered species is found
exclusively in the Little and Great Rann of Kutch.
11. Rwanda is facing a significant challenge due to its first outbreak of Marburg virus.
12. The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that India has eliminated trachoma as a public health
concern.
13. To encourage wider adoption of UPI payments, the Reserve Bank of India has decided to increase the UPI Lite
wallet limit to R 5,000.
Key Examples from Newspapers for UPSC
Slogans and mottos put forward by the government are mark-fetching materials, especially while writing the
introduction and conclusion parts of answers. One such example is the Prime Minister's slogan of "Reform,
Synopsis
Perform, and Transform." The examples of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Atal Pension
Yojana are worth mentioning while discussing the government initiatives in the social sectors. Read more like this
below...
1. The Prime Minister's slogan "Reform, Perform, and Transform" serves as a framework for achieving e>ective
governance.
2. With 78 million hospital admissions covered under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana,
the initiative has saved countless lives and shielded families from financial ruin due to medical expenses. It
stands as a testament to India's commitment to Universal Health Coverage.
3. The Atal Pension Yojana has achieved a major milestone with over 7 crore enrolments, demonstrating the
government's success in empowering the unorganized sector.
4. The Union government's recent decision to simplify arbitration procedures for UAE investors sets a positive
precedent that could be adopted in future bilateral agreements with other nations.
5. The Mexican Senate has approved a new law that will allow judges to be elected by the public. This can be
cited while discussing judicial reforms in India.
6. The OpenSAFELY platform, a highly secure, transparent, open-source software platform for analysis of
electronic health records data, created by Ben Goldacre and his team at the University of Oxford can be cited as
a good example of how modern technology can be utilised to facilitate research while upholding privacy
standards.
7. The increased plant cover in Antarctica and the drying up of several sections of the Amazon River serve
as prime examples of the impacts of global warming.
8. A recent study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition found that a diet high in
advanced glycation end products (AGEs), commonly found in ultra-processed and fast food, is a major
contributor to India's status as the world's diabetes capital. Quote it while discussing lifestyle diseases.
9. AlphaFold is an artificial intelligence-based tool that can predict the structure of a protein with outstanding
accuracy. (Creators of it received the 2024 Nobel Prize for Chemistry). Quote it as an example of the usefulness
of AI in the medical field.
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Lead IAS Weekly Recap
A weekend newsletter that covers major newspapers from exam point of view.
Key Perspectives from News papers
This week, newspaper editorials and opinion articles discussed a range of topics, including the recent growth in
agriculture sector, the loss of biodiversity highlighted in the Living Planet Report, food and nutritional security, the
Synopsis
National Agriculture Code, and the middle-income trap.
Including the opinions of well-known personalities can strengthen your answers. The thoughts of this year's
Physics Nobel Prize winners on artificial intelligence are worth considering.
1. On farm sector
a. In India, the recent growth in the farm sector has been largely driven by the livestock and fisheries sectors.
b. These sectors registered an average year-on-year output growth of 5.8 percent and 9.1 percent,
respectively, during 2014–15 to 2022–23. However, the crop subsector grew by just 2.3 percent.
c. The growth of milk, poultry meat, eggs and fish are primarily driven by market demand.
d. This is due to a rising demand for protein-rich foods among Indians.
2. On loss of biodiversity
a. The WWF's Living Planet Report found that global wildlife populations have decreased by 73% in the past
50 years.
b. This decline is primarily due to factors such as habitat loss, degradation, climate change, and invasive
species.
c. When a population of a species declines significantly, it may lose its ability to fulfil its ecological role, such
as seed dispersal, pollination, grazing, and nutrient cycling, which could negatively impact the overall health
of the ecosystem.
3. On food and nutritional security
a. The government has extended the universal supply of fortified rice in all central government food programs
until December 2028. In this context, the following points are worth noting:
i. India faces a significant challenge with malnutrition among women and children, and food
fortification is seen as a promising approach to address this issue.
ii. The FSSAI defines fortification as the intentional addition of essential micronutrients to food to
improve its nutritional quality and provide health benefits.
iii. Rice is a staple food for two-thirds of the Indian population, with an average consumption of 6.8 kg
per month. Fortifying rice with micronutrients could be a way to improve the nutritional intake of
poor.
iv. Various technologies, such as coating, dusting, and extrusion, are available to add micronutrients
to regular rice.
b. Indian dietary preferences are shifting towards protein-rich and micronutrient-dense foods.
i. This dietary evolution is mirrored in the agricultural sector's growing emphasis on horticulture,
livestock, and fisheries.
ii. Technological innovations, including hybrid seeds and eJicient farming practices, have
contributed to this transformation.
4. On National Agriculture Code
a. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is developing a National Agriculture Code similar to the existing
National Building Code and National Electrical Code.
b. The National Agriculture Code will cover all aspects of the agricultural cycle and include guidelines for
future standardization.
c. It will also include standards for new and emerging areas in agriculture, such as the use of Internet of
Things (IoT).
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Lead IAS Weekly Recap
A weekend newsletter that covers major newspapers from exam point of view.
d. It will have two parts: a general part for all crops and a specific part for certain crops like paddy, wheat,
oilseeds, and pulses.
e. It will be a valuable resource for farmers, agriculture universities, and government oJicials.
5. On middle-income trap
a. The World Development Report (WDR) 2024 by World Bank highlights the middle-income trap.
b. It is a phenomenon where economies experience a slowdown in growth rates as incomes increase.
c. It can hinder their progress towards becoming high-income economies.
d. According to the World Bank, there are currently 108 countries, including major economies such as China,
Brazil, Turkey, and India, stuck in the middle-income trap.
e. The WDR emphasises the importance of the "3i" approach: investment, infusion, and innovation, to
overcome the middle-income trap.
f. Most countries that escaped the middle-income trap were members of the European Union, which
fostered growth and the free movement of capital and labour among its member states.
g. An important non-European country that managed to escape the trap is South Korea.
6. On AI
a. When discussing AI, it's worth considering the observations of this year's Physics Nobel laureates.
i. GeoJrey E Hinton has frequently drawn parallels between AI and the Industrial Revolution,
highlighting its potential to boost productivity and enhance healthcare.
ii. John J Hopfield has likened AI to atomic fission, suggesting that it can yield both destructive and
beneficial outcomes.
b. India's artificial intelligence market is expected to reach $17 billion by 2027, and the country currently
leads among 13 Asia Pacific nations in the use and adoption of Generative AI (GenAI). However, certain
factors hinder India's progress on this journey.
i. India generates 20 percent of the world's data but hosts only 2 percent of data centres.
ii. India’s computing infrastructure account for less than 2 percent of global capacity.
iii. While many Indian-origin leaders are part of the global AI workforce, most are employed by
international companies.
7. On judicial pendency
a. Judicial pendency is a major issue in India. The Indian judiciary's scheduling and case management
practices often contribute to these delays.
b. As a way forward, the Case Flow Management Rules were introduced to streamline processes and set
timelines.
c. But their implementation has been inconsistent, resulting in limited impact on improving scheduling and
timely case disposal.
d. Due to this lengthy and costly process, many people are hesitant to pursue legal action.
e. Setting clear timelines for filing documents, conducting witness examinations, scheduling hearings, and
limiting adjournments are essential for eJicient case processing.
8. On energy security
a. India advocates for a phase down in coal consumption, rather than a phase out.
b. This stance of India is based on the fact that its per capita emissions are significantly lower than the global
average, even though it ranks third in total emissions.
c. As a result of this stance, the negotiations at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow ended with an
agreement to phase down the use of coal instead of phasing it out.
9. On internal security of India
a. Left-wing extremism in India is weakening due to several factors, such as:
i. An over-reliance on militarism.
ii. Adherence to outdated Maoist ideology in a diverse country.
iii. Alienation of potential supporters among tribal communities due to continued violence.
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Lead IAS Weekly Recap
A weekend newsletter that covers major newspapers from exam point of view.
10. On textile and apparel industry
a. The Indian textile and apparel industry, a labour-intensive sector, has faced a significant downturn in the
past two financial years. This slump can be attributed to several factors, including:
i. Geopolitical developments and decreased demand from key markets.
ii. Rising raw material costs for cotton and man-made fibres (MMF).
iii. Increased competition from imports.
11. On India- Maldives relationship
a. The recent visit of Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu to India is significant, as he earlier focused
on capitalising on anti-India sentiments. During the interactions with him, the Prime Minister emphasised
the role of India as the first responder to any crisis in the Maldives. In this context, the following points on
India's relationship with the Maldives are worth noting:
i. The Maldives is pivotal for India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the 'SAGAR' vision.
ii. India has recently decided to provide support of INR 30 billion and USD 400 million through a
bilateral currency swap agreement to help address the financial challenges facing the Maldives.
iii. Both countries face common challenges in the Indian Ocean Region, including piracy, illegal and
unregulated fishing, drug smuggling, and terrorism.
iv. Recently, both countries have adopted the vision of the Comprehensive Economic and Maritime
Security Partnership.
12. On India- Russia relationship
a. India and Russia, despite their long-standing relationship, are currently facing some challenges that could
strain their bilateral ties.
i. Russia's growing ties with China and its anti-Western stance are complicating matters.
ii. India is hesitant to fully align with Russia or China due to di>ering strategic priorities.
iii. The United States' desire for a weakened Russia is a concern for India.
13. On India’s role as a peacemaker
a. India is positioning itself as a potential peacemaker in global politics.
b. To achieve this in West Asia, it must collaborate with key partners in the region, including moderate Arab
states like Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, to foster stability and promote peace.
14. On internal conflicts in Africa
a. Many African nations are currently facing internal conflicts, with Sudan being a notable example. The civil
war in Sudan is primarily between two military factions.
b. It started as a rivalry between these factions and has now developed along ethnic lines, drawing in various
regional ethnic militias.
Key Statistics from News papers
1. As of now, left-wing extremist violence is confined to 16 districts, down from 96 districts previously. The
number of police stations reporting incidents of violence has also decreased, dropping to 171 from 465. This
reflects the evolving landscape of left-wing extremism in India.
2. India was the third-largest textile exporter globally in FY22, with a 5.4% market share, and also has the second-
largest manufacturing capacity in the sector.
3. Half of all women in India su>er from anaemia, and one-third of children are stunted.
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Lead IAS Weekly Recap
A weekend newsletter that covers major newspapers from exam point of view.
4. Over 95% of Indian households have a telephone or mobile phone, but only 9.9% have a computer. (The
Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey 2022-23)
Microclass Prelims Assignments
Locate Iron mining places and regions in India | Ekatha Harbour Projects| Mandakini River | iDEx |Indian Wild Ass| Micro
RNA| Biomarkers| Bilateral Investment Treaty| Marburg Virus| Gene Regulation |High Performance Buildings| Trachoma
| USCIRF | PSLV, GSLV | Farmer producer organization | Machine learning | Artificial neural network| ASEAN |
East Asia Summit | Lothal | Algeria | Malawi | Mauritania | WWF | Different vulture species in India | Food
fortification | Stunting and wasting differences | Micronutrients | AlphaFold | Role of proteins | Hurricane Milton |
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism | Flexible inflation targeting | UN Peacekeepers | NATO | Horseshoe Crab |
OpenSafely | Climate Vulnerable Forum | Middle Income Trap | World Development Report | Reports by World Bank|
Operation Sadbhav| India and South East Asia - Historical cultural exchanges| Vat Phou & Wat Pakea Temple| Border
Road Organisation| Autonomous Driving Technology| Red Herring Prospect| Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons|
Northern Lights
Suggested Articles for Exam
1. Trade not just globalised, but it's also now weaponised: Jaishankar
2. A defeat foretold
3. A long road ahead
4. Agri sector report card
5. MicroRNA: tiny RNAs that hold key to how organisms develop
6. A re-balancing of India’s great power relations
7. Sunset for the U.K.’s coal-fired power, lessons for India
8. Why govt wants to formulate standard National Agriculture Code
9. As green patch spreads in Antarctica, here's what is worrying scientists
10. Milton was an unusual hurricane, but not unexpected. Here's why
11. Rice with added nutrients, Centre to continue supply until 2028
12. Deciphering proteins using Al
Note: Links are clickable
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Lead IAS Weekly Recap
A weekend newsletter that covers major newspapers from exam point of view.
Keyword Worksheet for concise writing
This worksheet prepared based on the useful ideas and keywords from newspaper articles. Try figuring out or recall a
single word to present the detailed description given here. This exercise will help you to be a master in concise
presentation.
Concise Word Descriptions
It is the political perspective that advocates the use of threats or military force
in foreign relations as opposed to finding a diplomatic solution.
They are structures which are designed and operated in ways that optimize
energy e>iciency, minimize environmental impact, and promote a healthy
indoor environment for occupants.
It is a word of Japanese origin generally designating the people a>ected by the
atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States at the end
of World War II.
It is an economic policy that restricts international trade to help domestic
industries.
It is all work or service which is exacted from any person under the threat of a
penalty and for which the person has not o>ered himself or herself voluntarily
It is a policy regime under which the central bank pursues the primary
objective of maintaining low and stable inflation while taking into account
other objectives such as output or employment and ensuring that pursuit of
those other objectives remains consistent with the primary inflation objective.
It is a societal philosophy that calls for the need to have strong-armed forces
that can be used to win economic and political advantages.
It is a machine learning program, or model, that makes decisions in a manner
similar to the human brain, by using processes that mimic the way biological
neurons work together to identify phenomena, weigh options and arrive at
conclusions.
Clues here:
Flexible inflation targeting
Jingoism| High-performance buildings| Protectionism| Militarism | Forced labour| Neural network| Hibakusha|
