With Mains 2017 results declared, UPSC CSE 2017 exam now enters its final stage. Congratulations to all those who made it to the list of selected students for Interview. Before I start, I have to state that I have a long-standing empathy-corner for people who get bummed out of the UPSC boat at this stage.… Continue reading Samanvaya: IGP 2018 (Interview Guidance Program): Here's how you start

Constitution provided a mechanism for parliament to amend the constitution in the form of article 368 but the nature and scope of this amending power was questioned in supreme court on multiple occasions. Supreme court gave a series of judgement which ultimately culminated in probably the most landmark judgement – Basic structure doctrine judgement. They… Continue reading Wow Wednesday : Evolution of Basic Structure Doctrine

#1. [op-ed snap] The outsider: On adultery law Importance level: HIGH Prelims worthy: Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code, Article 15(3) of Constitution, Section 198(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Mains worthy: Various laws/provisions that treat women as subordinate and the need to repeal them Short Summary: Op-ed discusses the issue of adultery… Continue reading Weekly Gyaan with Dr. V | Priority 1 news items from Dec 8-14 2017

#1. [op-ed snap] Stand up against torture Importance level: HIGH Prelims worthy: Convention Against Torture (CAT). UPSC has been asking 1-2 conventions every year in prelims and mains. Example they asked a question on ‘United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’ in 2016 Mains worthy: How lack of ratification of this convention is undermining India’s prestige… Continue reading Weekly Gyaan with Dr. V | Priority 1 news items from 1-7 Dec 2017

High Priority (P1) news items from 23 November – 30 November   Cabinet approves India’s membership for EBRD Importance level: HIGH Prelims worthy: EBRD, International economic institutions Mains worthy: Membership of India at various international forums/institutions Short summary: News discusses approval by Union Cabinet for India’s membership to European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).… Continue reading Weekly Gyaan with Dr. V | Priority 1 news items from 23-30 Nov 2017

Note – Attempt the questions in the parenthesis in the comments For other titbits, click on the tag prelims titbits Give your feedback in the comments below Judiciary Parliament decide the number of judges of supreme court while president decides the numbers in high courts Both supreme court and high court judges are appointed as… Continue reading Prelims titbits : Polity

GS PAPER 1 MAINS 2017 GS PAPER 2 MAINS 2017 GS PAPER 3 MAINS 2017 GS PAPER 4 MAINS 2017 Essay Paper Mains 2017  

Section A All questions are compulsory 10 Marks, 150 Words   Q1. Conflict of interest in the public sector arises when (a) official duties, (b) public interest, and (c) personal interest are taking priority one above the other. How can this conflict in administration be resolved? Describe with an example.   Q2. Examine the relevance of the following in… Continue reading GS PAPER 4 MAINS 2017

All questions are compulsory First ten questions are of 10 marks (150 words) each while last 10 questions are of 15 marks (250 words)  each.   The local self government system in India has not proved to be effective instrument of governance”. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation. Critically examine the Supreme Court’s… Continue reading GS PAPER 2 MAINS 2017

All questions are compulsory First ten questions are of 10 marks (150 words) each while last 10 questions are of 15 marks (250 words)  each. How do you justify the view that the level of excellence of the Gupta numismatic art is not at all noticeable in later times? Clarify how mid-eighteenth century India was… Continue reading GS PAPER 1 MAINS 2017