💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Author: Staff @CD

  • MEETING LINK INSIDE, Register & Join Now|| Red-Zone, Orange-Zone & Green-Zone of UPSC Prelims Preparation: Where do you Stand Right Now?|| How to Prepare According to Your Prelims Mock Test Series Performance?|| Free Live Webinar by Civilsdaily Mentor & UPSC-CSE 2017 Topper Megha Gupta|| Limited Slots, Register Now

    MEETING LINK INSIDE, Register & Join Now|| Red-Zone, Orange-Zone & Green-Zone of UPSC Prelims Preparation: Where do you Stand Right Now?|| How to Prepare According to Your Prelims Mock Test Series Performance?|| Free Live Webinar by Civilsdaily Mentor & UPSC-CSE 2017 Topper Megha Gupta|| Limited Slots, Register Now

    Civilsdaily Team is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

    Ask Me Anything || Strategy for 2022 Prelims Examination || by Megha Gupta UPSC-CSE 2017 Topper

    Date & Time: Jan 29, 2022 @ 07:00 PM (login 06:45 PM onwards) IST

    Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/96609942527?pwd=NVpJaFd0L00yQjgyQkN2Rk5uajRudz09

    Meeting ID: 966 0994 2527

    Passcode: 231159

    register for upsc topper & civilsdaily mentor megha ma’am’s free live prelims orientation

    In UPSC prelims, it is not the number of questions that you attempt but the number of mistakes you make decides whether you will score above 120 plus or even qualify at all. 

    Based on attempts in practice tests and number of mistakes in tests, you fall into these categories:

    1. Red Zone category: 25 mistakes and above
    2. Orange zone category: 15 to 25 mistakes
    3. Green zone category: Less than 15 mistakes.

    What should you do if you fall under the Red and Orange Zone categories?

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION

    A. RED ZONE CATEGORY: You need to have clarity in topics and have enhanced understanding. Once you have revised the content multiple times through keywords and notes, you can increase the number of attempts. There is no space for elimination and guesswork.

    B. ORANGE ZONE CATEGORY: This category aspirants need to bring mistakes below 15. Complete short keyword notes for all subjects by February 20th. Avoid guess work and learn and practice the question solving techniques such as FCE (Factual Conceptual and Elimination) approach.

    Way Forward for All UPSC Prelims 2022 Aspirants for the next 4 Months

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION

    There are no mistakes such as silly mistakes because either you are not reading properly or don’t remember them. Also, it happens when you are under confident or overconfident. Only intelligent elimination should be opted and that also can work if you have clarity of topics and study a topic holistically. Revision should be holistic. If you have not done an in-depth study of Polity, History and Environment even once, then it is high time.

    This Saturday, Civilsdaily Mentor and UPSC 2017 AIR 674 Topper Megha Gupta Ma’am will be highlighting the different kinds of preparation strategies for red-zone, green-zone and orange-zone aspirants. From her own failures and successes, Megha Ma’am will be sharing the foolproof and easy methods to revise and recollect important prelims static + current affairs topics for 2022.

    Key takeaways of Megha Gupta Ma’am Free Live Webinar on Prelims Preparation

    1. Make a plan for the day. Day-to-day time management.

    2. Dealing with negative emotions such as despair and stress. How did Megha Gupta stay confident when she was feeling down?

    3. Her sources for current events, particularly from a prelims perspective. How did she retain daily current affairs knowledge through mental maps?

    4. Making the UPSC CSE Prelims preparation process easier. Did Megha Ma’am read new sources while revising?

    5. How can aspirants make use of Civilsdaily’s Free Group Study initiative on the Telegram Channel ? Megha Gupta responds.

    6. What practices did Megha completely avoid that were popular among other aspirants? When should you develop your strategy and when should you follow toppers to clear UPSC?

    Webinar Details

    Study hard, break your limits. Then, get used to it. That’s how you prepare for UPSC-CSE. We hope this webinar will help all 2022 aspirants implement the suggestions of Megha Gupta Ma’am.

    Date: 29 January 2022 (Saturday)

    Time: 7 P.M

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION
  • Webinar Today @ 7PM, Registrations Closing 1 Hr|| Red-Zone, Orange-Zone & Green-Zone of UPSC Prelims Preparation: Where do you Stand Right Now?|| How to Prepare According to Your Prelims Mock Test Series Performance?|| Free Live Webinar by Civilsdaily Mentor & UPSC-CSE 2017 Topper Megha Gupta|| Limited Slots, Register Now

    Webinar Today @ 7PM, Registrations Closing 1 Hr|| Red-Zone, Orange-Zone & Green-Zone of UPSC Prelims Preparation: Where do you Stand Right Now?|| How to Prepare According to Your Prelims Mock Test Series Performance?|| Free Live Webinar by Civilsdaily Mentor & UPSC-CSE 2017 Topper Megha Gupta|| Limited Slots, Register Now

    register for upsc topper & civilsdaily mentor megha ma’am’s free live prelims orientation

    In UPSC prelims, it is not the number of questions that you attempt but the number of mistakes you make decides whether you will score above 120 plus or even qualify at all. 

    Based on attempts in practice tests and number of mistakes in tests, you fall into these categories:

    1. Red Zone category: 25 mistakes and above
    2. Orange zone category: 15 to 25 mistakes
    3. Green zone category: Less than 15 mistakes.

    What should you do if you fall under the Red and Orange Zone categories?

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION

    A. RED ZONE CATEGORY: You need to have clarity in topics and have enhanced understanding. Once you have revised the content multiple times through keywords and notes, you can increase the number of attempts. There is no space for elimination and guesswork.

    B. ORANGE ZONE CATEGORY: This category aspirants need to bring mistakes below 15. Complete short keyword notes for all subjects by February 20th. Avoid guess work and learn and practice the question solving techniques such as FCE (Factual Conceptual and Elimination) approach.

    Way Forward for All UPSC Prelims 2022 Aspirants for the next 4 Months

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION

    There are no mistakes such as silly mistakes because either you are not reading properly or don’t remember them. Also, it happens when you are under confident or overconfident. Only intelligent elimination should be opted and that also can work if you have clarity of topics and study a topic holistically. Revision should be holistic. If you have not done an in-depth study of Polity, History and Environment even once, then it is high time.

    This Saturday, Civilsdaily Mentor and UPSC 2017 AIR 674 Topper Megha Gupta Ma’am will be highlighting the different kinds of preparation strategies for red-zone, green-zone and orange-zone aspirants. From her own failures and successes, Megha Ma’am will be sharing the foolproof and easy methods to revise and recollect important prelims static + current affairs topics for 2022.

    Key takeaways of Megha Gupta Ma’am Free Live Webinar on Prelims Preparation

    1. Make a plan for the day. Day-to-day time management.

    2. Dealing with negative emotions such as despair and stress. How did Megha Gupta stay confident when she was feeling down?

    3. Her sources for current events, particularly from a prelims perspective. How did she retain daily current affairs knowledge through mental maps?

    4. Making the UPSC CSE Prelims preparation process easier. Did Megha Ma’am read new sources while revising?

    5. How can aspirants make use of Civilsdaily’s Free Group Study initiative on the Telegram Channel ? Megha Gupta responds.

    6. What practices did Megha completely avoid that were popular among other aspirants? When should you develop your strategy and when should you follow toppers to clear UPSC?

    Webinar Details

    Study hard, break your limits. Then, get used to it. That’s how you prepare for UPSC-CSE. We hope this webinar will help all 2022 aspirants implement the suggestions of Megha Gupta Ma’am.

    Date: 29 January 2022 (Saturday)

    Time: 7 P.M

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION
  • Webinar Today @ 7PM, Registrations Closing 3 Hrs|| Red-Zone, Orange-Zone & Green-Zone of UPSC Prelims Preparation: Where do you Stand Right Now?|| How to Prepare According to Your Prelims Mock Test Series Performance?|| Free Live Webinar by Civilsdaily Mentor & UPSC-CSE 2017 Topper Megha Gupta|| Limited Slots, Register Now

    Webinar Today @ 7PM, Registrations Closing 3 Hrs|| Red-Zone, Orange-Zone & Green-Zone of UPSC Prelims Preparation: Where do you Stand Right Now?|| How to Prepare According to Your Prelims Mock Test Series Performance?|| Free Live Webinar by Civilsdaily Mentor & UPSC-CSE 2017 Topper Megha Gupta|| Limited Slots, Register Now

    register for upsc topper & civilsdaily mentor megha ma’am’s free live prelims orientation

    In UPSC prelims, it is not the number of questions that you attempt but the number of mistakes you make decides whether you will score above 120 plus or even qualify at all. 

    Based on attempts in practice tests and number of mistakes in tests, you fall into these categories:

    1. Red Zone category: 25 mistakes and above
    2. Orange zone category: 15 to 25 mistakes
    3. Green zone category: Less than 15 mistakes.

    What should you do if you fall under the Red and Orange Zone categories?

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION

    A. RED ZONE CATEGORY: You need to have clarity in topics and have enhanced understanding. Once you have revised the content multiple times through keywords and notes, you can increase the number of attempts. There is no space for elimination and guesswork.

    B. ORANGE ZONE CATEGORY: This category aspirants need to bring mistakes below 15. Complete short keyword notes for all subjects by February 20th. Avoid guess work and learn and practice the question solving techniques such as FCE (Factual Conceptual and Elimination) approach.

    Way Forward for All UPSC Prelims 2022 Aspirants for the next 4 Months

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION

    There are no mistakes such as silly mistakes because either you are not reading properly or don’t remember them. Also, it happens when you are under confident or overconfident. Only intelligent elimination should be opted and that also can work if you have clarity of topics and study a topic holistically. Revision should be holistic. If you have not done an in-depth study of Polity, History and Environment even once, then it is high time.

    This Saturday, Civilsdaily Mentor and UPSC 2017 AIR 674 Topper Megha Gupta Ma’am will be highlighting the different kinds of preparation strategies for red-zone, green-zone and orange-zone aspirants. From her own failures and successes, Megha Ma’am will be sharing the foolproof and easy methods to revise and recollect important prelims static + current affairs topics for 2022.

    Key takeaways of Megha Gupta Ma’am Free Live Webinar on Prelims Preparation

    1. Make a plan for the day. Day-to-day time management.

    2. Dealing with negative emotions such as despair and stress. How did Megha Gupta stay confident when she was feeling down?

    3. Her sources for current events, particularly from a prelims perspective. How did she retain daily current affairs knowledge through mental maps?

    4. Making the UPSC CSE Prelims preparation process easier. Did Megha Ma’am read new sources while revising?

    5. How can aspirants make use of Civilsdaily’s Free Group Study initiative on the Telegram Channel ? Megha Gupta responds.

    6. What practices did Megha completely avoid that were popular among other aspirants? When should you develop your strategy and when should you follow toppers to clear UPSC?

    Webinar Details

    Study hard, break your limits. Then, get used to it. That’s how you prepare for UPSC-CSE. We hope this webinar will help all 2022 aspirants implement the suggestions of Megha Gupta Ma’am.

    Date: 29 January 2022 (Saturday)

    Time: 7 P.M

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION
  • Red-Zone, Orange-Zone & Green-Zone of UPSC Prelims Preparation: Where do you Stand Right Now?|| How to Prepare According to Your Prelims Mock Test Series Performance?|| Free Live Webinar by Civilsdaily Mentor & UPSC-CSE 2017 Topper Megha Gupta|| Limited Slots, Register Now

    Red-Zone, Orange-Zone & Green-Zone of UPSC Prelims Preparation: Where do you Stand Right Now?|| How to Prepare According to Your Prelims Mock Test Series Performance?|| Free Live Webinar by Civilsdaily Mentor & UPSC-CSE 2017 Topper Megha Gupta|| Limited Slots, Register Now

    register for upsc topper & civilsdaily mentor megha ma’am’s free live prelims orientation

    In UPSC prelims, it is not the number of questions that you attempt but the number of mistakes you make decides whether you will score above 120 plus or even qualify at all. 

    Based on attempts in practice tests and number of mistakes in tests, you fall into these categories:

    1. Red Zone category: 25 mistakes and above
    2. Orange zone category: 15 to 25 mistakes
    3. Green zone category: Less than 15 mistakes.

    What should you do if you fall under the Red and Orange Zone categories?

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION

    A. RED ZONE CATEGORY: You need to have clarity in topics and have enhanced understanding. Once you have revised the content multiple times through keywords and notes, you can increase the number of attempts. There is no space for elimination and guesswork.

    B. ORANGE ZONE CATEGORY: This category aspirants need to bring mistakes below 15. Complete short keyword notes for all subjects by February 20th. Avoid guess work and learn and practice the question solving techniques such as FCE (Factual Conceptual and Elimination) approach.

    Way Forward for All UPSC Prelims 2022 Aspirants for the next 4 Months

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION

    There are no mistakes such as silly mistakes because either you are not reading properly or don’t remember them. Also, it happens when you are under confident or overconfident. Only intelligent elimination should be opted and that also can work if you have clarity of topics and study a topic holistically. Revision should be holistic. If you have not done an in-depth study of Polity, History and Environment even once, then it is high time.

    This Saturday, Civilsdaily Mentor and UPSC 2017 AIR 674 Topper Megha Gupta Ma’am will be highlighting the different kinds of preparation strategies for red-zone, green-zone and orange-zone aspirants. From her own failures and successes, Megha Ma’am will be sharing the foolproof and easy methods to revise and recollect important prelims static + current affairs topics for 2022.

    Key takeaways of Megha Gupta Ma’am Free Live Webinar on Prelims Preparation

    1. Make a plan for the day. Day-to-day time management.

    2. Dealing with negative emotions such as despair and stress. How did Megha Gupta stay confident when she was feeling down?

    3. Her sources for current events, particularly from a prelims perspective. How did she retain daily current affairs knowledge through mental maps?

    4. Making the UPSC CSE Prelims preparation process easier. Did Megha Ma’am read new sources while revising?

    5. How can aspirants make use of Civilsdaily’s Free Group Study initiative on the Telegram Channel ? Megha Gupta responds.

    6. What practices did Megha completely avoid that were popular among other aspirants? When should you develop your strategy and when should you follow toppers to clear UPSC?

    Webinar Details

    Study hard, break your limits. Then, get used to it. That’s how you prepare for UPSC-CSE. We hope this webinar will help all 2022 aspirants implement the suggestions of Megha Gupta Ma’am.

    Date: 29 January 2022 (Saturday)

    Time: 7 P.M

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION

  • [Burning Issue] Supreme Court Guidelines for Quotas in Promotions

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

    Context

    The Supreme Court refused to lay down the “yardstick” for determining the inadequacy of representation for granting reservation in promotions for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates in government jobs.

    The court’s judgement came in a batch of petitions from across the country seeking further clarity on the modalities for granting reservation in promotion.

    Current Scenario of Reservations in Promotions for SC/ST

    • The 2006 verdict on Nagaraj vs Union of India brought in a creamy layer filter for promotions for SC/ST employees.
    • Also, the judgement ruled that the state had to collect ‘quantifiable data on backwardness’ of the SC/ST class if it wished to provide reservation in promotions.
    • The judgement finally held that when it comes to promotion of SC/ST employees, the creamy layer concept does apply.
    • So now, only in direct recruitment of the SC/STs, the creamy layer concept does not apply.

    What does the Supreme Court rule?

    Cadre for Collecting Data

    • It held ‘cadre’ and not class, group or the entire service as the unit for the purpose of collection of quantifiable data for giving promotion quotas.
    • It said otherwise the entire exercise of reservation in promotions would be rendered meaningless if data pertaining to the representation of SCs and STs was done with reference to the entire service.

    No Yardstick

    • The question of adequate representation of an SC/ST community ought to be left to the respective States to determine and it cannot lay down any yardstick for determining the inadequacy of representation.

    Set Aside the Judgement in B.K. Pavithra Case (2019)

    • With the recognition of ‘cadre’ as the unit for collection of quantifiable data, the court set aside its earlier judgement in the B.K. Pavithra case.
    • SC held that the conclusion of this court approving the collection of data on the basis of groups and not cadres is contrary to the law laid down by the SC in Nagaraj and Jarnail Singh judgments.
    • The court held that the Nagaraj judgement would have “prospective effect.”

    Review Ordered

    • The SC ordered that a review had to be conducted regarding the data for the purpose of determining the inadequacy of representation in promotions.
    • However, the court left it to the Union government to fix a “reasonable” time for the States to conduct the review.

    What does the Constitution say on reservations?

    • Article 14 of the Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of laws to everyone.
    • Similarly, Article 16(1) and 16(2) assure citizens equality of opportunity in employment or appointment to any government office. 
    • Article 15(1) generally prohibits any discrimination against any citizen on the grounds of religion, caste, sex or place of birth. 
    • However, Articles 15(4) and 16(4) state that these equality provisions do not prevent the government from making special provisions in matters of admission to educational institutions or jobs in favor of backward classes, particularly the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and the Scheduled Tribes (STs).
    • Article 16(4A) allows reservations to SCs and STs in promotions, as long as the government believes that they are not adequately represented in government services.

    What do the precedents say?

    (1) Reservation in Promotions

    • The Central and the State Government since the 1950s have been following a policy of reserving seats in promotions in favours of SC and ST communities on the ground that they are not adequately represented at the decision making level of public services.

    (2) Mandal judgment/ Indra Sawhney case 1992

    • The Supreme Court’s Indra Sawhney vs Union of India(1992) has been hailed as a landmark judgment as it upheld reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
    • However, this judgment also held that reservations in appointments, under Article 16(4) of the constitution, don’t apply to promotions.
    • The Supreme Court upheld the Mandal Commission’s 27% quota for backward classes, as well as the principle that the combined SC, ST and backward-class beneficiaries should not exceed 50% of cap.
    • The court also struck down the government notification reserving 10% government jobs for economically backward classes among the higher castes in 1992.
    • It held that, backward classes of the citizens of in Article 16(4) can be identified on the basis of caste and not only on the economic basis.
    • Reservation shall not exceed 50%. The court said that this rule should be applied every year. However, it may be relaxed in favour of people from far-flung and remote areas because of their peculiar conditions.
    • Carry forward rule is valid but it is subject to 50%. There should be NO reservation in the Promotions.

    (3) 77th and 85th Constitutional Amendment Acts

    • The Constitution (77th Amendment) Act, 1995
      • According to this Act, the Government has decided to continue the existing policy of reservation in promotion for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. 
      • It inserted Article 16(4A) which allows the State to provide reservations to SCs/STs in matters of promotion, as long as the State believes that this category of the marginalized populations –the SCs and STs – aren’t adequately represented.
    • The Constitution (85th Amendment) Act, 2001 provided for consequential seniority in the case of promotion by the virtue of rule of reservation for the government servants belonging to the SCs and STs with retrospective effect from June 1995.

    (4) Nagraj Case

    • In this case applying the creamy layer concept in SC/ST reservation in promotions, the SC reversed its earlier stance in the Indra Sawhney case (1992), in which it had excluded the creamy layer concept on SCs/STs (that was applicable on OBCs).
    • The SC had upheld the Constitutional amendments by which Articles 16 (4A) and 16 (4B) were inserted, saying they flow from Article 16 (4) and do not alter its structure.
    • It also laid down three conditions for promotion of SCs and STs in public employment.
      • The SC and ST community should be socially and educationally backward.
      • The SC and ST communities are not adequately represented in Public employment.
      • Such a reservation policy shall not affect the overall efficiency in the administration.
    • The court held that the government cannot introduce a quota in promotion for its SC/ST employees unless it proves that the particular community was backward, inadequately represented and providing reservation in promotion would not affect the overall efficiency of public administration.
    • The opinion of the government should be based on quantifiable data.

    (5) Jarnail Singh Case 2018

    • Later in 2018, in the Jarnail Singh case, SC modified the Nagaraj judgement to the extent that State need not produce quantifiable data to prove the “backwardness” of a Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe community in order to provide quota in promotion in public employment.
    • The court had given a huge fillip to the government’s efforts to provide “accelerated promotion with consequential seniority” for Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) members in government services.

    (6) Karnataka’s Extension of Consequential Seniority to Government servants Promoted on the Basis of Reservation act 2017

    • It was passed by the Karnataka Government to protect thousands of SC/ST employees who faced demotion in view of the 2017 judgment.
    • It allows the reservation in promotion for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with consequential seniority(Consequential seniority is seniority given to employees from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities in government jobs as a consequence of reservation. It provides reservation in the first promotion as well as subsequent ones. This is not the case for general category employees).
    • It gives the state government to make rules to carry out the purpose of this act.
    • The repeals the Karnataka Determination of Seniority of the Government Servants Promoted on the basis of Reservation (to the posts in the civil services of the State) Act, 2002

    Arguments against Quota in Promotions

    • Not a Fundamental Right: The Supreme Court reiterated in a judgment that reservation in promotion in public posts cannot be claimed as a fundamental right.
    • Impact on Efficiency: Promotions to SCs and STs during appointments to services and promotions may make it difficult to maintain the efficiency of administration.
    • Redundancy of Reservation: The SCs and STs are getting the benefits of reservation in the appointments to various servicers. Therefore, it is undesirable and inefficient to provide quota in promotions for key posts.
    • Not a Compulsion for Government: The Constitution empowers the State to make reservation in matters of appointment and promotion in favour of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes only “if in the opinion of the State they are not adequately represented in the services of the State”.

    Need for Quota in Promotions

    • Representation in Higher Echelons: The main reason for giving promotions in promotions is that there are very few SC/ST candidates in the higher echelons of government.
    • Proper Access to Opportunity: Centuries of discrimination and prejudice suffered by the SCs and STs in a feudal, caste-oriented societal structure poses real barriers of access to opportunity.
    • Constitutional Mandate: Constitution mandates realisation of substantive equality in the engagement of the fundamental rights with the directive principles
    • Special Measures Needed: Unless special measures are adopted for the SCs and STs in promotions also, the mandate of the Constitution for the consideration of their claim to appointment will remain illusory.
    • False Notion of Efficiency: The Constitution does not define what the framers meant by the phrase efficiency of administration. It is a stereotypical assumption that the promotees drawn from the SCs and STs are not efficient or that efficiency is reduced by appointing them.

    Why does reservation matter for equality?

    • Reservation is no more seen by the Supreme Court as an exception to the equality rule; rather, it is a facet of equality.
    • The terms “proportionate equality” and “substantive equality” have been used to show that the equality norm acquires completion only when the marginalized are given a legal leg-up.

     Substantive Equality under question

    • Formal equality is about treating all people alike and distributing resources equally among them.
    • However, someone at a disadvantage needs support to a greater extent than someone who is comfortably placed. Substantive equality recognizes this qualitative difference.
    • Unlike formal equality, it classifies the prospective beneficiaries on the basis of their need and the likely scope of benefit to them.
    • It takes into account people’s location along an axis of advantages and disadvantages. If substantive equality is part of our right to equality, it is untenable to insist that reservation is not a right.
    • While a limited interpretation of fundamental rights may be technically correct, it will not make for sound policy.

    Way forward

    • Meanwhile, calls for reform and ret­hinking reservation policies get louder; one question is whether there’s a need to continue with reservation and if benefits have reached targets.
    • The challenge for India is that while many sections of the society remain disadvantaged, political action has resulted in the relative discrimination within reserved groups.
    • As the reservation pie grows larger, in effect, it becomes a method of exclusion rather than inclusion.
    • It is time that India has to make a critical assessment of its affirmative action programs.
    • Simplification, legislative sunsets, and periodic reviews should be important principles in the redesign.

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • Red-Zone, Orange-Zone & Green-Zone of UPSC Prelims Preparation: Where do you Stand Right Now?|| How to Prepare According to Your Prelims Mock Test Series Performance?|| Free Live Webinar by Civilsdaily Mentor & UPSC-CSE 2017 Topper Megha Gupta|| Limited Slots, Register Now

    Red-Zone, Orange-Zone & Green-Zone of UPSC Prelims Preparation: Where do you Stand Right Now?|| How to Prepare According to Your Prelims Mock Test Series Performance?|| Free Live Webinar by Civilsdaily Mentor & UPSC-CSE 2017 Topper Megha Gupta|| Limited Slots, Register Now

    register for upsc topper & civilsdaily mentor megha ma’am’s free live prelims orientation

    In UPSC prelims, it is not the number of questions that you attempt but the number of mistakes you make decides whether you will score above 120 plus or even qualify at all. 

    Based on attempts in practice tests and number of mistakes in tests, you fall into these categories:

    1. Red Zone category: 25 mistakes and above
    2. Orange zone category: 15 to 25 mistakes
    3. Green zone category: Less than 15 mistakes.

    What should you do if you fall under the Red and Orange Zone categories?

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION

    A. RED ZONE CATEGORY: You need to have clarity in topics and have enhanced understanding. Once you have revised the content multiple times through keywords and notes, you can increase the number of attempts. There is no space for elimination and guesswork.

    B. ORANGE ZONE CATEGORY: This category aspirants need to bring mistakes below 15. Complete short keyword notes for all subjects by February 20th. Avoid guess work and learn and practice the question solving techniques such as FCE (Factual Conceptual and Elimination) approach.

    Way Forward for All UPSC Prelims 2022 Aspirants for the next 4 Months

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION

    There are no mistakes such as silly mistakes because either you are not reading properly or don’t remember them. Also, it happens when you are under confident or overconfident. Only intelligent elimination should be opted and that also can work if you have clarity of topics and study a topic holistically. Revision should be holistic. If you have not done an in-depth study of Polity, History and Environment even once, then it is high time.

    This Saturday, Civilsdaily Mentor and UPSC 2017 AIR 674 Topper Megha Gupta Ma’am will be highlighting the different kinds of preparation strategies for red-zone, green-zone and orange-zone aspirants. From her own failures and successes, Megha Ma’am will be sharing the foolproof and easy methods to revise and recollect important prelims static + current affairs topics for 2022.

    Key takeaways of Megha Gupta Ma’am Free Live Webinar on Prelims Preparation

    1. Make a plan for the day. Day-to-day time management.

    2. Dealing with negative emotions such as despair and stress. How did Megha Gupta stay confident when she was feeling down?

    3. Her sources for current events, particularly from a prelims perspective. How did she retain daily current affairs knowledge through mental maps?

    4. Making the UPSC CSE Prelims preparation process easier. Did Megha Ma’am read new sources while revising?

    5. How can aspirants make use of Civilsdaily’s Free Group Study initiative on the Telegram Channel ? Megha Gupta responds.

    6. What practices did Megha completely avoid that were popular among other aspirants? When should you develop your strategy and when should you follow toppers to clear UPSC?

    Webinar Details

    Study hard, break your limits. Then, get used to it. That’s how you prepare for UPSC-CSE. We hope this webinar will help all 2022 aspirants implement the suggestions of Megha Gupta Ma’am.

    Date: 29 January 2022 (Saturday)

    Time: 7 P.M

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION
  • Red-Zone, Orange-Zone & Green-Zone of UPSC Prelims Preparation: Where do you Stand Right Now?|| How to Prepare According to Your Prelims Mock Test Series Performance?|| Free Live Webinar by Civilsdaily Mentor & UPSC-CSE 2017 Topper Megha Gupta|| Limited Slots, Register Now

    Red-Zone, Orange-Zone & Green-Zone of UPSC Prelims Preparation: Where do you Stand Right Now?|| How to Prepare According to Your Prelims Mock Test Series Performance?|| Free Live Webinar by Civilsdaily Mentor & UPSC-CSE 2017 Topper Megha Gupta|| Limited Slots, Register Now

    register for upsc topper & civilsdaily mentor megha ma’am’s free live prelims orientation

    In UPSC prelims, it is not the number of questions that you attempt but the number of mistakes you make decides whether you will score above 120 plus or even qualify at all. 

    Based on attempts in practice tests and number of mistakes in tests, you fall into these categories:

    1. Red Zone category: 25 mistakes and above
    2. Orange zone category: 15 to 25 mistakes
    3. Green zone category: Less than 15 mistakes.

    What should you do if you fall under the Red and Orange Zone categories?

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION

    A. RED ZONE CATEGORY: You need to have clarity in topics and have enhanced understanding. Once you have revised the content multiple times through keywords and notes, you can increase the number of attempts. There is no space for elimination and guesswork.

    B. ORANGE ZONE CATEGORY: This category aspirants need to bring mistakes below 15. Complete short keyword notes for all subjects by February 20th. Avoid guess work and learn and practice the question solving techniques such as FCE (Factual Conceptual and Elimination) approach.

    Way Forward for All UPSC Prelims 2022 Aspirants for the next 4 Months

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION

    There are no mistakes such as silly mistakes because either you are not reading properly or don’t remember them. Also, it happens when you are under confident or overconfident. Only intelligent elimination should be opted and that also can work if you have clarity of topics and study a topic holistically. Revision should be holistic. If you have not done an in-depth study of Polity, History and Environment even once, then it is high time.

    This Saturday, Civilsdaily Mentor and UPSC 2017 AIR 674 Topper Megha Gupta Ma’am will be highlighting the different kinds of preparation strategies for red-zone, green-zone and orange-zone aspirants. From her own failures and successes, Megha Ma’am will be sharing the foolproof and easy methods to revise and recollect important prelims static + current affairs topics for 2022.

    Key takeaways of Megha Gupta Ma’am Free Live Webinar on Prelims Preparation

    1. Make a plan for the day. Day-to-day time management.

    2. Dealing with negative emotions such as despair and stress. How did Megha Gupta stay confident when she was feeling down?

    3. Her sources for current events, particularly from a prelims perspective. How did she retain daily current affairs knowledge through mental maps?

    4. Making the UPSC CSE Prelims preparation process easier. Did Megha Ma’am read new sources while revising?

    5. How can aspirants make use of Civilsdaily’s Free Group Study initiative on the Telegram Channel ? Megha Gupta responds.

    6. What practices did Megha completely avoid that were popular among other aspirants? When should you develop your strategy and when should you follow toppers to clear UPSC?

    Webinar Details

    Study hard, break your limits. Then, get used to it. That’s how you prepare for UPSC-CSE. We hope this webinar will help all 2022 aspirants implement the suggestions of Megha Gupta Ma’am.

    Date: 29 January 2022 (Saturday)

    Time: 7 P.M

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION

  • 28th January 2022| Daily Answer Writing Enhancement(AWE)

    Topics for Today’s questions:

    GS-1    Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc, geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes

    GS-2     Role of civil services in a democracy; Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure

    GS-3     Indian Economy; Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it

    GS-4     Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions

    Question 1)

     

    Q.1 Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples. (15 Marks)

     

    Question 2)

    Q.2 What are the reasons for the Government of India’s proposed move to amend the IAS service rules and why some State governments are concerned with it? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

    Question 3)

    Q.3 Despite efforts at formalisation, the challenge of informality looms large for India. Examine the reasons for persistent informality and suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

    Question 4)  

    Q.4 Identify ten essential values that are needed to be an effective public servant. Describe the ways and means to prevent non-ethical behavior in the public servants. (10 Marks)

     

    HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?

    1. Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.

    2. A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.

    3. You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.

    4.  Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.

    5. Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.

    6. If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 11th  October is uploaded on 11th October then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis

    7. If you are writing answers late, for example, 11th October is uploaded on 13th October, then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.

    8. We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.

    *In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. 

    For the philosophy of AWE and payment: 

    CLICK HERE To join Daily AWE

  • Red-Zone, Orange-Zone & Green-Zone of UPSC Prelims Preparation: Where do you Stand Right Now?|| How to Prepare According to Your Prelims Mock Test Series Performance?|| Free Live Webinar by Civilsdaily Mentor & UPSC-CSE 2017 Topper Megha Gupta|| Limited Slots, Register Now

    Red-Zone, Orange-Zone & Green-Zone of UPSC Prelims Preparation: Where do you Stand Right Now?|| How to Prepare According to Your Prelims Mock Test Series Performance?|| Free Live Webinar by Civilsdaily Mentor & UPSC-CSE 2017 Topper Megha Gupta|| Limited Slots, Register Now

    register for upsc topper & civilsdaily mentor megha ma’am’s free live prelims orientation

    In UPSC prelims, it is not the number of questions that you attempt but the number of mistakes you make decides whether you will score above 120 plus or even qualify at all. 

    Based on attempts in practice tests and number of mistakes in tests, you fall into these categories:

    1. Red Zone category: 25 mistakes and above
    2. Orange zone category: 15 to 25 mistakes
    3. Green zone category: Less than 15 mistakes.

    What should you do if you fall under the Red and Orange Zone categories?

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION

    A. RED ZONE CATEGORY: You need to have clarity in topics and have enhanced understanding. Once you have revised the content multiple times through keywords and notes, you can increase the number of attempts. There is no space for elimination and guesswork.

    B. ORANGE ZONE CATEGORY: This category aspirants need to bring mistakes below 15. Complete short keyword notes for all subjects by February 20th. Avoid guess work and learn and practice the question solving techniques such as FCE (Factual Conceptual and Elimination) approach.

    Way Forward for All UPSC Prelims 2022 Aspirants for the next 4 Months

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION

    There are no mistakes such as silly mistakes because either you are not reading properly or don’t remember them. Also, it happens when you are under confident or overconfident. Only intelligent elimination should be opted and that also can work if you have clarity of topics and study a topic holistically. Revision should be holistic. If you have not done an in-depth study of Polity, History and Environment even once, then it is high time.

    This Saturday, Civilsdaily Mentor and UPSC 2017 AIR 674 Topper Megha Gupta Ma’am will be highlighting the different kinds of preparation strategies for red-zone, green-zone and orange-zone aspirants. From her own failures and successes, Megha Ma’am will be sharing the foolproof and easy methods to revise and recollect important prelims static + current affairs topics for 2022.

    Key takeaways of Megha Gupta Ma’am Free Live Webinar on Prelims Preparation

    1. Make a plan for the day. Day-to-day time management.

    2. Dealing with negative emotions such as despair and stress. How did Megha Gupta stay confident when she was feeling down?

    3. Her sources for current events, particularly from a prelims perspective. How did she retain daily current affairs knowledge through mental maps?

    4. Making the UPSC CSE Prelims preparation process easier. Did Megha Ma’am read new sources while revising?

    5. How can aspirants make use of Civilsdaily’s Free Group Study initiative on the Telegram Channel ? Megha Gupta responds.

    6. What practices did Megha completely avoid that were popular among other aspirants? When should you develop your strategy and when should you follow toppers to clear UPSC?

    Webinar Details

    Study hard, break your limits. Then, get used to it. That’s how you prepare for UPSC-CSE. We hope this webinar will help all 2022 aspirants implement the suggestions of Megha Gupta Ma’am.

    Date: 29 January 2022 (Saturday)

    Time: 7 P.M

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION
  • Red-Zone, Orange-Zone & Green-Zone of UPSC Prelims Preparation: Where do you Stand Right Now?|| How to Prepare According to Your Prelims Mock Test Series Performance?|| Free Live Webinar by Civilsdaily Mentor & UPSC-CSE 2017 Topper Megha Gupta|| Limited Slots, Register Now

    Red-Zone, Orange-Zone & Green-Zone of UPSC Prelims Preparation: Where do you Stand Right Now?|| How to Prepare According to Your Prelims Mock Test Series Performance?|| Free Live Webinar by Civilsdaily Mentor & UPSC-CSE 2017 Topper Megha Gupta|| Limited Slots, Register Now

    register for upsc topper & civilsdaily mentor megha ma’am’s free live prelims orientation

    In UPSC prelims, it is not the number of questions that you attempt but the number of mistakes you make decides whether you will score above 120 plus or even qualify at all. 

    Based on attempts in practice tests and number of mistakes in tests, you fall into these categories:

    1. Red Zone category: 25 mistakes and above
    2. Orange zone category: 15 to 25 mistakes
    3. Green zone category: Less than 15 mistakes.

    What should you do if you fall under the Red and Orange Zone categories?

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION

    A. RED ZONE CATEGORY: You need to have clarity in topics and have enhanced understanding. Once you have revised the content multiple times through keywords and notes, you can increase the number of attempts. There is no space for elimination and guesswork.

    B. ORANGE ZONE CATEGORY: This category aspirants need to bring mistakes below 15. Complete short keyword notes for all subjects by February 20th. Avoid guess work and learn and practice the question solving techniques such as FCE (Factual Conceptual and Elimination) approach.

    Way Forward for All UPSC Prelims 2022 Aspirants for the next 4 Months

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION

    There are no mistakes such as silly mistakes because either you are not reading properly or don’t remember them. Also, it happens when you are under confident or overconfident. Only intelligent elimination should be opted and that also can work if you have clarity of topics and study a topic holistically. Revision should be holistic. If you have not done an in-depth study of Polity, History and Environment even once, then it is high time.

    This Saturday, Civilsdaily Mentor and UPSC 2017 AIR 674 Topper Megha Gupta Ma’am will be highlighting the different kinds of preparation strategies for red-zone, green-zone and orange-zone aspirants. From her own failures and successes, Megha Ma’am will be sharing the foolproof and easy methods to revise and recollect important prelims static + current affairs topics for 2022.

    Key takeaways of Megha Gupta Ma’am Free Live Webinar on Prelims Preparation

    1. Make a plan for the day. Day-to-day time management.

    2. Dealing with negative emotions such as despair and stress. How did Megha Gupta stay confident when she was feeling down?

    3. Her sources for current events, particularly from a prelims perspective. How did she retain daily current affairs knowledge through mental maps?

    4. Making the UPSC CSE Prelims preparation process easier. Did Megha Ma’am read new sources while revising?

    5. How can aspirants make use of Civilsdaily’s Free Group Study initiative on the Telegram Channel ? Megha Gupta responds.

    6. What practices did Megha completely avoid that were popular among other aspirants? When should you develop your strategy and when should you follow toppers to clear UPSC?

    Webinar Details

    Study hard, break your limits. Then, get used to it. That’s how you prepare for UPSC-CSE. We hope this webinar will help all 2022 aspirants implement the suggestions of Megha Gupta Ma’am.

    Date: 29 January 2022 (Saturday)

    Time: 7 P.M

    REGISTER FOR UPSC TOPPER & CIVILSDAILY MENTOR MEGHA MA’AM’S FREE LIVE PRELIMS ORIENTATION