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  • The Hindu has acknowledged CD’s UPSC Core Mentorship Initiative | Smash Mains 80% Success Rate Mentorship Driven Program can only make you an IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS, Etc. | Talk to Our Mentors Now

    The Hindu has acknowledged CD’s UPSC Core Mentorship Initiative | Smash Mains 80% Success Rate Mentorship Driven Program can only make you an IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS, Etc. | Talk to Our Mentors Now

    “Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living—if you do it well I’m sure someone was cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.”-Civilsdaily.

    -Do You Know?

    • Every year, almost 15 Lakhs serious aspirants fill the form of UPSC-CSE.
    • Approximately, 90% of candidates sit for the exam.
    • Vacancy is announced between 700 and 800.

    As per the above data, there is a chance of clearing for an aspirant is 0.00054% if he/she gives a try without the guidance of an experienced mentor. On the other hand, this chance% increases from 0.00053 to 80%, if CD’s core mentorship is registered.

    Yes, the UPSC-CSE is one of the prestigious examinations in the country as well as worldwide. IAS stands for the INDIAN ADMINSTRATATIVE SERVICES examination and it is conducted every year by UPSC. If you dream to work for Indian administrative services and serve the nation, you should start your preparation way before while being in the college. Since college studies also need enough time, this becomes a challenge to prepare for the IAS examination as well.

    You need to know how to prepare for the UPSC exam either without hampering your present job or without hampering the college course. This sounds pretty much tough though everything is possible with a proper plan and hard work. 

    And to fulfill your dream of becoming an IAS or IPS, you will very much need a toppers‘ mentor’s guidance. 

    –CD’s On-demand Mentorship Program is acknowledged by the best newspaper.
    Civilsdaily Hall Of Fame (Our Mentees)

    Why do you need a mentor’s guidance?

    • How to understand & memorize the gigantic syllabus! Our toppers echoed hundreds of times that to understand the UPSC syllabus is to get your work half done. And without having a mentor, learn the same by heart infers to look for a needle in a haystack.
    • ‘Pattern Analysis’. UPSC is the most dynamic in nature. So, the most important step is to analyze the pattern of the exam. Find ‘Do’s & ‘Don’ts’. Here, also a mentor, only a mentor can show you the right direction.
    • There is a wide difference between the syllabi of the Preliminary and Main Exam, the nature of questions, and consequently, the preparation strategy needs to be well thought out.
    • How to take Mock Tests with a Pinch of Salt! How to read & revise PYQs. ‘What to read & what not to read’ all these aspects remain at a topper’s mentor’s fingertips.
    • After having passed from the phase of prelims, Thousands of aspirants are very much familiar with the butterflies in the stomach at this point. Knowing the unpredictability of this journey, many believe that only hard work can make them luckier. But shockingly, even after working with all their might, 90% of them remain very much clueless about their “strategy” being right or wrong. 
    • One of the musts is to choose the right sources for preparation. How to read newspapers example: “The Hindu’, etc. Best, authentic, minimum materials for UPSC-CSE Preparation are suggested by experienced mentors. 
    • And the last but not the least. ‘How to choose an optional subject’, ‘How to maintain time & stress’, ‘How to prepare current affairs’, Etc. only a mentor can give you the best suggestion along with a great piece of advice.

    And we feel proud & satisfied that we have been mentoring thousands of UPSC aspirants who have already fulfilled their dreams of IAS, IPS, and so on.

    Our dedicated mentorship has been acknowledged by the most UPSC prominent newspaper ‘The Hindu’.

    What to do!

    Civilsdaily’s mentors are highly qualified, with at least 3+ years of mentorship experience and two UPSC-CSE Interviews under their belts. They are well-versed in the many stages of preparation. These mentors will assist you in developing both a comprehensive and micro schedule. They’ll put together a weekly program for you, complete with mentorship calls. This schedule will be created based on a thorough examination of the importance of subjects as well as the interconnection of topics to make it easier for students to grasp the material.

    Do join us if you have made up your mind about clearing UPSC-CSE on your very 1st attempt.

    This is what our students say about our Allround Core Mentorship…

    Wish You All The Best.

  • Imp: Most Important Keywords in Economy for Prelims 2022

    Talk to our mentors for a Roadmap to 2023 Attempt. Click Here

    1. Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs)
    • According to the central bank, D-SIBs are financial institutions that are large enough where they cannot be allowed to fall.
    • A failure of any of these banks can lead to systemic and significant disruption to essential economic services across the country and can cause an economic panic.
    • Therefore, y. In events of distress, the government supports such banks.
    • In order to be listed as a D-SIB, a bank needs to have assets that exceed 2 percent of the national GDP.
    • ICICI and HDFC are in first slab while SBI is in third. Bucket five represents the most important D-SIBs.

    2. HARBINGER 2021 – Innovation for Transformation

    • Theme: ‘Smarter Digital Payments’
    • RBI’s first global hackathon that invites participants to develop solutions that have the potential to make digital payments accessible, Enhance security of digital payments, Enhance ease of payments.
    • In order to be listed as a D-SIB, a bank needs to have assets that exceed 2 percent of the national GDP.
    • ICICI and HDFC are in first slab while SBI is in third. Bucket five represents the most important D-SIBs.

    3. NEO BANKS

    • A neobank is a digital bank that does not have any branches. It is entirely online.
    • Neobanks bridge the gap between the services that traditional banks offer and the evolving expectations of new-age customers. they tie up with RBI lesenced banks to provide services like Banking, Loans, Credit card etc.
    • Neobanks bridge the gap between the services that traditional banks offer and the evolving expectations of new-age customers.

    4. Central Bank Digital Currency

    • CBDC or Central Bank Digital Currency is a legal tender issued by the Reserve Bank of India.
    • It is an electronic record or digital token of a country’s official currency, which fulfils the basic functions as a medium of exchange, unit of account, store of value, and standard of deferred payment.
    • It is same as the currency issued by RBI(Physical form) in digital manner.
    • It can be exchanged by Cash well.
    • CBDC will eliminate the need for interbank settlement.

    5. Co Lending or Co Originating Model

    • is a set-up where banks and non-banks enter into an arrangement for the joint contribution of credit for priority sector lending.
    • Benefits: Lower cost and Greater Reach.
    • NBFCs are required to retain at least a 20 per cent share of individual loans on their books. This means 80 per cent of the risk will be with the banks — who will take the big hit in case of a default.
    • NBFCs will be the single point of interface for consumers and they enter into loan agreements with the borrowers.

    6. Renewable Energy Certificates

    • Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are a market-based instrument that certifies the bearer owns one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated from a renewable resource.
    • The REC received can then be sold on the open market as an energy commodity.
    • REC acts as a tracking mechanism for solar, wind, and other green energies as they flow into the power grid.
    • In India, RECs are traded on two power exchanges — Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) and Power Exchange of India (PXIL).

    7. Waterfall Approach, Agile Approach and Barbell Strategy

    • Waterfall: an upfront analysis of the issue, detailed planning and finally meticulous implementation.
    • Agile framework is based on feed-back loops, real-time monitoring of actual outcomes, flexible responses, safety-net buffers and so on.
    • Barbell Strategy is a dual approach that combines two extremes, one safe and one speculative, and typically emphasizes the requirement for antifragility.

    8. Inverted Duty Structure

    • An inverted duty structure comes up in a situation where import duties on input goods are higher than on finished goods.
    • In other words, the GST rate paid on purchases is more than the GST rate payable on sales.
    • When manufacturers cannot set off the taxes paid on raw materials against the tax on the final product, the excess tax paid on inputs gets built into the price of the product.This makes an Indian-made product more expensive than the imported finished product, affecting the competitiveness of Indian makers.

    9. Credit Deposit Ratio

    • As the name suggests that it is the ratio which shiows how much a Bank lends out of its deposits it has mobilised.
    • High ratio means more dependency on deposits for lending purpose as well as high utilisation. Low ratio means Banks are not utilising the deposits properly or they are not earning as much as they can.

    10. Important Index/ Report

    • Consumer Confidence Index: RBI
    • Interest Subvention Report: RBI
    • Financial Stability Report: RBI
    • RESIDEX: NHB
  • Super 100 Mains Program 2023 : Answer writing with personalised Mentorship || Replicating 80% Success Rate for Mains 2020 results || Batch Starts in June – 100 SEATS ONLY || Register here

    Super 100 Mains Program 2023 : Answer writing with personalised Mentorship || Replicating 80% Success Rate for Mains 2020 results || Batch Starts in June – 100 SEATS ONLY || Register here

    click here for MEP 2023 schedule
    Need guidance on the program – Register here and Let us answer any question of your!
    Go to course page for payment details

    Mains is the most important stage of the UPSC exam. It’s also becoming more and more unpredictable, analytical and dynamic than ever before.

    Mains essential Program (MEP) 2023 is your solution to practicing Mains Answer writing. Don’t procrastinate answer writing, developing a skill does not happen magically after you clear prelims.

    Super 100 Mains Program 2023 is a Mentor guided comprehensive and intensive program for GS Mains papers. The focus is on making students understand the requirement of Mains Question, its elements, using information, and imparting answer writing skills for that.

    In 2020, 80% of students in our smash mains program were able to clear the mains examination.

    Every 3rd Ranker in Top 100 is from Civilsdaily|| MAINS MANTHAN 2021 || Register Now – Civilsdaily
    The Hindu covers Civilsdaily Successful smash mains program

    Why Early Start to Mains is Needed?

    Let us answer this with a story

    Guru Dronacharya had instructed the cook at the ashram to not serve his students food at night. One day, however, the dinner got delayed. While everyone was eating at night, suddenly, the lights went off. As Arjuna ate in the dark, he realized that there was automatic coordination between his hands and mouth. He did not require vision to put his hand into his mouth. This was an amazing discovery for him. This meant that he could orient himself to shoot the target even in the night, through his other senses. He immediately took up his bow and arrow to practice in the dark. And from then on, the entire month, he would practice day and night! 

    Day and night- just practice.

    If you want to ace your mains answer writing, then PRACTICE is your only option. Arjuna had practiced for decades before his real test in the Mahabharata war. Even you need to start your answer writing from day one and not leave it for “after the prelims” approach. 

    Be Arjuna of Answer writing!

    Year long Answer writing Program is helpful:

    Your knowledge is tested through your answers: If you have not learned the art to articulate your thoughts on paper, then that’s a disaster waiting to happen. Studying and writing answers is a symbiotic relationship and one reinforces the other.

    • Helps you retain concepts, facts, and figures.
    • Learning the trick to formulate the structure of the answer.
    • Helps to revise things and learn new things not covered by conventional books.
    • Improves your writing speed, and handwriting.

    Avoid these common mistakes with our program

    • Let me first develop enough knowledge to write answers: This is the biggest lie we tell ourselves. There is no such thing as “ENOUGH” in UPSC preparation. It is better to train ourselves from Day 1 – How to apply the knowledge that I have?
    • Not understanding the demand of the Question: Words like ‘Examine’, ‘Comment’, or ‘Discuss’ are used for a reason in the questions. Why would UPSC use different words if it wants the same structure from each question?
    • Structure a Mental Framework: If you lack the practice then, you are not able to create a mental framework. This leads to poor answers- you write points as you remember in a haphazard manner. This completely compromises your presentation.
    • Introduction, body, and conclusion: This is the ideal structure for the mains answer. One very common mistake is that students have a tendency to generalize the introduction and conclusion. Along with this, the scope of dimensions in the body is limited.
    • Low hanging fruits: Some elements in your answer like a diagram, reports/commissions, and supreme court judgments can uplift the quality of your answers. Students have a tendency to skip them.
    click here for MEP 2023 schedule
    Need guidance on the program – Register here and Let us answer any question of your!
    Go to course page for payment details
    The Hindu covers Civilsdaily Successful smash mains program

    KNOW HOW OUR MAINS TEST PROGRAM STANDS APART?

    1. Personalised Mentorship to correct you at each step

    We believe in personalised individual attention. A one-to-one discussion with your Mentor will not only highlight your weaknesses but will also help in tracking your improvements over the subsequent tests. It will also ensure consistency, continuity, and progressive improvement.

    Individual Mentorship helps one to understand and discuss even small integrate details in answer writing. Take for example:

    It is commented that Electoral bonds instead of cleansing India’s electoral system distort India’s democracy. Do you agree? Critically analyse.

    Students usually get swayed by only seeing the theme of the question. Question is not about electoral bonds only. Many aspirants write everything they know about electoral bonds. You need to first mention how it will cleanse India’s electoral system. After that, link it with democracy. How it violates key features of democracy like transparency, accountability and level playing field. Writing only Pros and Cons will not fetch you marks. 

    Just schedule a call with our mentor to clear all your doubts and queries.

    2. Quality standards of questions in our test series

    Our Test series questions have consistently proven to be similar to UPSC standards.

    Here’s the proof

    60% of 2021 GS 1 Mains Questions Are From Civilsdaily Mains Test Series!!|| All 2022 & 2023 UPSC Aspirants, Can You Answer these Questions? || Paper Got Released, Check Details Over Here|| Fill the Samanvaya Free 1-on-1 Call for UPSC Guidance
    85% of 2021 GS 2 Mains Questions Are From Civilsdaily Smash Mains & Samachar Manthan Test Series!!|| All 2022 & 2023 UPSC Aspirants, Can You Answer these Questions? || Paper Got Released, Check Details Over Here|| Fill the Samanvaya Free 1-on-1 Call for UPSC Guidance

    Even our students have appreciated the quality of our questions

    3. Check how mentorship have helped toppers and students across

    One can better understand our process with the results we have produced, so here a look at how toppers have improved over the course of time with our mentorship intervention,

    This is how the UPSC Toppers scored in test series before CD’s intervention —

    Karishma-Nair(AIR-14)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Pooja-Gupta(AIR-42)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Pranav-Vijay-(AIR-65)- Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Lakshay-Kumar-(AIR -132)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    Ponmani-Nehru(AIR-148)-Answers Before Feedback From CD

    With right feedback’s there was tremendous change in their writing style

    Karishma-Nair(AIR-14)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Pooja-Gupta (AIR-42)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Pranav-Vijay (AIR -65) – Answers After Feedback From CD

    Lakshay-Kumar-(AIR -132)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    Ponmani-Nehru(AIR-148)-Answers After Feedback From CD

    If you wish to learn and unlearn certain reading and writing habits, join MEP 2023.

    The Hindu covers Civilsdaily Successful smash mains program

    click here for MEP 2023 schedule
    Need guidance on the program – Register here and Let us answer any question of your!
    Go to course page for payment details

    Program Inclusion:

    • 12 Sectional tests: The whole syllabus will be divided into portions like history, economics, and geography. The test will be spread for a period of 8 months. This will ensure that your basic static preparation happens on a continuous basis alongside your mains answer writing program. Killing two birds with one stone!
    • 12 Full-length tests: After the prelims, it is time to go full gear.
    • Personalized discussion: You doubt why you are scoring less or how you can improve your score for the next paper. No worries! Just schedule a call with our mentor to clear all your doubts and queries.
    • Civilsdaily’s handholding: You will be provided membership to Mains 2023 club on Habitat. There you can put up your doubts and queries. Also can be used to interact with peers on strategies to improve your mains writing. You can also contact mentors like Sajal sir, Sukanya ma’am, Sudhanshu sir and Poornima Ma’am. They all have interview-level experience, so utilize their experience to your benefit.
    • Civilsdaily magazine: Your current affairs will be covered with access to our 1-year subscription.

    Our Philosophy behind MEP 2023

    1. Question Formulation

    It happens under a team of experienced Civilsdaily’s faculty. Questions framed are from the most important UPSC relevant themes and papers are based on the latest pattern of UPSC.

    Our questions specifically state:

    • Whether they are straightforward or thought-provoking/analytical.
    • Whether they have subparts.
    • Why this question – similar previous year questions, the importance of the theme, etc.

    CD Innovation – Red-green highlight – to let you know about the necessary and innovative points.

    2. One-to-One Discussion

    We believe in personalized individual attention. This is the biggest reason why you should join our TS. Students can schedule a call within 2 days of receiving their checked copies.

    A one-to-one discussion with your Mentor will not only highlight your weaknesses but will also help in tracking your improvements over the subsequent tests. It will also ensure consistency, continuity, and progressive improvement.

    3. Answer Checking

    Our evaluation focusses on multiple dimensions and parameters like structure, flow, presentation, contextuality, relevance to question, analytical excellence, and cross-domain inter-linkages than simply on superficial, memory-based lapses.

    Evaluated answer copy – 1 (Click to download)

    Evaluated answer copy – 2 (Click to download)

    4. Model Answers

    More than just simply providing information, our model answers cover all the aspects of a question and provide enriching points to the student. They also include:

    • For ‘thought-provoking/analytical’ type of questions, we’ll provide the best way to approach them.
    • Alternate introductions
    • Sub-headings and categorization to enhance readability and answer structure.
    • Colour coding for main arguments, reports, data, scholars, etc.
      OTB – Out of the box points for additional marks
    The Hindu covers Civilsdaily Successful smash mains program

    5. Civilsdaily’s Handholding

    You’ll be assigned to a special group on Civilsdaily’s Habitat, there you can interact with different mentors like Sajal Sir, Sukanya ma’am, Ajay Sir, Sudhanshu sir, and others.

    Civilsdaily’s Habitat – Desktop and Mobile view

    6. Value-added material

    Current affairs magazines – Civilsdaily’s Magazines are the best in terms of comprehensive coverage, superb design, and high readability.

    Listicles and other relevant study material – Supplementary content provided will be helpful in covering multiple related questions.

    click here for MEP 2023 schedule
    Need guidance on the program – Register here and Let us answer any question of your!
    Go to course page for payment details

    About Mentor:

    Sukanya Rana:

    Sukanya ma’am has firsthand experience of 4 mains and 2 interviews of UPSC. In 2019, she scored 140 in ethics. She has also appeared in the State PCS interview. Before she has worked as a Probationary officer in Canara bank. Now at Civilsdaily, she heads Mains program and engaged in core team of Civilsdaily.

    As per need we will also involved our Civilsdaily core mentors like Swatantra sir, Suhel sir etc.

    This is what our students have to say..

    Kunal Aggarwal Civilsdaily IAS UPSC Mains
    IAS Mains 2020 2021 UPSC Civilsdaily Mains Test series
    From Quora’s answer. (Read the full answer here)

    Mains Test Series: Testimonials

    The Hindu covers Civilsdaily Successful smash mains program
    Need guidance on the program – Register here and Let us answer any question of your!
    Go to course page for payment details

  • Imp: Prelims 2022 || Must Read Locations for Prelims 2022 Part-II

    Talk to our mentors for a Roadmap to 2023 Attempt. Click Here

    1. ‘Sankalp Smarak’ dedicated to the nation by CINCAN: Recently, Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) has inaugurated Sankalp Smarak at Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
      What is Sankalp Smarak?
      • Sankalp Smarak is a monument dedicated to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
      • It is a tribute not only to the resolve of the soldiers of the Indian National Army and their innumerable sacrifices but also reminds us of the values enshrined by Netaji himself.

    Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose & Andaman and Nicobar Islands

    •During World War II (1942–45), Japan had conquered the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from the
    •British and handed it over to Netaji and his army, the Azad Hind Fauj.
    • Netaji then arrived at Andaman and Nicobar Island on 29th December 1943 and declared the island
    •free from British rule, much before India got its Independence in 1947.
    • On the next day,Netaji hoisted the national flag for the first time on Indian soil, at Port Blair.
    • During his visit, he also visited the Cellular Jail and met the freedom fighters lodged there.
    • Before his departure, he renamed Andaman as Shaheed (“Martyrs”) Island, and Nicobar as Swaraj (“Freedom”) Island.

    2. ‘Askot wildlife sanctuary declared eco-sensitive zone: Askot Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh has been finally declared as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).

    About Askot Wildlife Sanctuary
    • The Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary, established in 1986, was established to protect the endangered Musk Deer and its habitat.
    • The sanctuary area is known as ‘Green Paradise on the Earth’.
    • It is located in Askot, a small hamlet in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district.
    • In the sanctuary there are 2600 plants, 250 birds and 37 mammal species like snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan tahr, blue sheep, serow besides musk deer.
    •Among the fauna are species like loong, monal, kalij pheasant and cheer pheasant.
    • The sanctuary also has rare varieties of 2,600 Himalayan herbs and 250 varieties of birds and 37 varieties of reptiles.

    What Are Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ)?
    • Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) is a buffer or transition zone around highly-protected areas such as National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
    • The purpose of declaring ESZs is to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas.

    3. : Srinagar is now a part of UNESCO ‘Creative Cities Network: Recently, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated Srinagar as a part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).

    About the designation
    • The Srinagar city has been designated the creative city in the field of Crafts and Folk Arts – the only second city in India in this category after
    • It will not only provide international recognition for the city of Srinagar but also help it with international funding, networking and vocational
    universities and pitching arts as a product.
    • With this, Srinagar (the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir) has entered the club of 295 creative cities network across the world.
    • Every year, UNESCO seeks applications for various cities across the globe for putting them under its UCCN project.
    • In India, the applications are routed through the Ministry of Culture. Indian Cities on UCCN.

    4. 39th World Heritage Site of India declared:

    Rudreswara Temple, (also known as the Ramappa Temple), Telangana has been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. It was the only nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage site tag for the year 2019.

    About
    • A brief description of Rudreswara (Ramappa)Temple
    • The Rudreswara temple was constructed in 1213 AD.
    • It is also known as ‘Thousand Pillar Temple’.
    • It was constructed under the reign of the Kakatiya Empire by RecharlaRudra, a general of Kakatiya king Ganapati Deva.
    • The Ramappa temple is named after its architect, Ramappa who executed the work in the temple for 40 years.
    • The presiding deity here is RamalingeswaraSwamy.
    • The triple shrine (Trikutalayam) is dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva, and Surya.
    • The temple stands on a 6 feet high star-shaped platform.
    • The walls, pillars, and ceilings adorned with intricate carvings attest to the unique skill of the Kakatiyan sculptors.
    • The temple was called the “brightest star in the galaxy of medieval temples of the Deccan” by European travelers.

    5. Kuril Islands:

    •Kuril Islands are stretched from the Japanese island of Hokkaido to the southern tip of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula separating Okhotsk Sea from the North Pacific ocean.
    •It consists of 56 islands and minor rocks.
    •The chain is part of the belt of geologic instability circling the Pacific and contains at least 100 volcanoes, of which 35 are still active, and many hot springs.
    •Earthquakes and tidal waves are common phenomena over these islands.

    6. China constructing bridge to connect Pangong Tso lake:

    China is constructing a bridge in eastern Ladakh connecting the north and south banks of Pangong Tso (lake), which will significantly bring down the time for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to move troops and equipment between the two sectors.

    About the lake
    • Pangong Tso or Pangong Lake is an endorheic lake spanning eastern Ladakh and West Tibet.
    • It is divided into five sublakes, called
    Pangong Tso
    Tso Nyak
    Rum Tso (twin lakes)
    Nyak Tso
    • Approximately 50% of the length of the overall lake lies within Tibet China, 40% in Ladakh India and the rest is disputed and is a de-facto buffer zone between India and China.
    • During winter the lake freezes completely, despite being saline water.
    • It has a land-locked basin separated from the Indus River basin by a small elevated ridge, but is believed to have been part of the latter in
    prehistoric times.

    7. Razzaza Lake, Iraq’s second largest lake drying up:

    Iraq’s Razzaza Lake was once a tourist attraction known for its beautiful scenery and an abundance of fish that locals depended on. Now, dead fish litter its shores and the once-fertile lands around it have turned into a barren desert.

    About the lake
    • Razzaza Lake, also known as Lake Milh, Arabic for Salt Lake, is located between Iraq’s governorates of Anbar and Karbala.
    • It’s the second largest lake in Iraq and is part of a wide valley that includes the lakes of Habbaniyah, Tharthar and Bahr al-Najaf.
    • The lake was constructed as a measure to control floods in the Euphrates and to be used as huge reservoir for irrigation purposes. Iraqis and tourists frequented the lake as a recreational spot to cool down during Iraq’s hot summers.
    • Razzaza Lake is the latest victim of a water crisis in Iraq, known as the “Land Between the Two Rivers”, the Tigris and the Euphrates.
    • Upstream dams in Turkey, Syria and Iran have shrunk the rivers and their tributaries, seasonal rainfall has dropped and infrastructure has fallen into disrepair.

    8. The Crisis in Ukraine’s Donbass Region: President Vladimir Putin recently told his Security Council that Russia should consider
    recognising the independence of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic and the Lugansk People’s Republic in Donbass as independent.

    About the crisis:
    • The Donbass region, comprising the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts
    of Ukraine, has been at the centre of the conflict since March
    2014 when Moscow invaded and annexed the Crimean Peninsula.
    • In April 2014, pro-Russia rebels began seizing territory (with
    Russia supporting them through hybrid warfare) in Eastern
    Ukraine and in May 2014, the rebels in the Donetsk and Luhansk
    regions held a referendum to declare independence from Ukraine.
    • Since then, these predominantly Russian speaking regions (more
    than 70% speak Russian) within Ukraine have been witnessing
    shelling and skirmishes between the rebels and Ukrainian forces.

  • Direct Joining Link-Free Official Webinar On Super 100 UPSC Mains: 2023 Year long Program By Senior IAS Mentor Swatantra Dantre

    Direct Joining Link-Free Official Webinar On Super 100 UPSC Mains: 2023 Year long Program By Senior IAS Mentor Swatantra Dantre

    Feel Free to Join the amazing Ask Me Anything open book session & consult your UPSC Mains’ trial for more satisfactory performance. 

    Civilsdaily Team is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
    *Super 100 UPSC Mains: 2023 Year long Program || By Senior IAS Mentor Swatantra Dantre*Date & Time: *May 18, 2022 @07:00 PM (Please login by 06:45 PM) India*
    Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/84607414160?pwd=bkFQTGJYWTVVcGtlcldJd1FxS1VWQT09
    Meeting ID: 846 0741 4160

    Passcode: 261950

    REGISTER FOR THE OUTSTANDING LIVE WEBINAR OF SWATANTRA SIR | Super 100 upsc mains 2023 year long program

    Webinar Details:

    Grasp the opportunity to get exceptional tips on ‘what is the best strategy for UPSC-Mains’, and ‘how to write fantastic or above-average answers by presenting with a clear structure. This entire webinar is free. All aspirants are wholeheartedly welcome to attend.

    Date: 18th May 2022 (Wednesday)

    Time: 7 PM to 8 PM

    REGISTER FOR THE OUTSTANDING LIVE WEBINAR OF SWATANTRA SIR | super 100 upsc mains: 2023 program

    Strategies & Approaches, in This Free Live Webinar by Swatantra Sir!

    • Best, authentic, minimum materials for UPSC-CSE Mains Preparation. Do’s & Dont’s, How to remake ‘Recognition of information’ into ‘recall, analyse & express’.
    • Whether your answers ought to reflect the editorial standards of The Hindu! What should be the foolproof strategy? What subject to pick up first to start your Mains Preparation!
    • How toppers prioritize speed over content, and content over structure. How to fix your answer writing structure, improve the content
    • How to create a basic conceptual framework of the answer before committing anything to paper. Implications of overstretching your imagination.
    • How to fetch maximum score in both ‘Essay’ & ‘Ethics’ papers to enhance your marks in total.
    • What is the difference between ‘Opinion-based’ & ‘Fact-based’ questions will also be discussed thoroughly in this webinar?
    • How & where to present the answer, replete with a Map/diagram/flowchart/, It will help to get extra 0.25-0.5 marks across 80 questions of GS papers.
    • If the question is in two parts, sticking to the word limit, how to address the demand of each part. What is the way to enclose also any critical analysis you should have within the subheading?
    • How to enhance writing patterns, where to take mock regularly, how many mock tests are fit, Etc. will be discussed in this live webinar.
    •  The untold secret of coverage of the Mains syllabus is that the syllabus can be covered 100%. The most brilliant of candidates will testify that even their coverage of the syllabus was not completely 100%. 
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  • Imp: Prelims 2022 || Must Read Locations for Prelims 2022 Part-I

    Talk to our mentors for a Roadmap to 2023 Attempt. Click Here
    1. Assam-Meghalaya border dispute partially resolved:

    With the signing of a “historic agreement”, Assam and Meghalaya have partially resolved a 50-yearold border dispute in six of the 12 sectors along
    their 885-km boundary.


    About the Dispute
    • Meghalaya was carved out of Assam as a separate state in 1972 but the new state had challenged the Assam Reorganisation Act, 1971, leading to dispute in 12 locations in the border areas.
    • These include the areas of Upper Tarabari, Gazang reserve forest, Hahim, Langpih, Borduar, Boklapara, Nongwah, Matamur, Khanapara-Pilangkata, Deshdemoreah Block I and Block II, Khanduli and Retacherra.
    • A major point of contention between Assam and Meghalaya is the district of Langpih in West Garo Hills bordering the Kamrup district of Assam.
    • Langpih was part of the Kamrup district of Assam during the British colonial period but after India’s Independence in 1947; it became part of the Garo Hills and Meghalaya.
    • Another point of contention is the Mikir Hills, which Assam considers to be its part.
    • Meghalaya has questioned Blocks I and II of the Mikir Hills, now Karbi Anglong region, being part of Assam.

    2. India’s 1st E-waste Park to be in Delhi: The Delhi government will build India’s first electronic waste eco-park in the national capital.


    • The e-waste eco-park will consist of an authorized refurbishing market as a secondary product sale market for batteries, electronic goods, laptops, chargers, mobiles and PCs.
    • This facility will consist of dismantling, refurbishing, segregation, plastic recycling, material wise storage, and testing, and precious metal extraction facilities, from Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) through high-end technologies.
    • There will be end-to-end processing of e-waste and zero landfill will be ensured.
    • It will provide integrated and environmentally-safe disposal of e-waste, using innovative technologies.

    3. Konark is going to be the first model town in Odisha: Konark is going to be the first model town in Odisha to shift from grid dependency to green energy. The Odisha government has planned to run the Sun Temple completely on solar energy.

    About Konark Sun Temple
    •The Sun Temple built in the thirteenth century was conceived as a gigantic chariot of Sun God, with twelve pairs of exquisitely ornamented wheels pulled by seven pairs of horses at Konark on the coastline of Odisha, India.
    •“Konarka” , the place bears a name composed of two World elements: Kona meaning corner and ARKA meaning the Sun.
    •The Sun god worshiped in Ark Kshetra is also called Konark.
    •The temple is attributed to king Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty about 1250 CE.
    •It is dedicated to the Hindu Sun God Surya.
    •This temple was called the “Black Pagoda” in European sailor accounts.
    •It forms part of the golden triangle of Odisha, along with Puri and
    Bhubaneswar, and attracts tourists, pilgrims, and history and art lovers.
    • The Sun Temple, Konârak is protected under the National Framework of India by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act (1958) and its Rules (1959).

    4. Seagrass protection project underway along AP coast: The Centre has initiated a project across the states of Andhra Pradesh,
    Maharashtra, and Odisha on enhancing climate resilience of India’s
    coastal communities by protecting and restoring India’s natural
    ecosystems such as mangroves and seagrasses.

    About the Programme
    • The project had been undertaken at a total cost of US $130.269
    million (around Rs 1,000 crore) which includes a grant of US
    $43.419 million by Global Climate Fund (GCF) covering 24
    ecosystems in these selected states.
    • It aims to strengthen the climate resilience of coastal communities by
    protecting and restoring India’s natural ecosystems such as
    mangroves and seagrasses.
    • Under the programme, study of seagrasses along the coastlines is
    prominent.
    • Andhra Pradesh coast is an area of major study in the programme.

    5. Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh becomes 100th ‘Har
    Ghar Jal’ District    : Jal Jeevan Mission has achieved the significant milestone of
    providing tap water to every home of 100 districts across the country.

    About Jal Jeevan Mission
    •Jal Jeevan Mission is a central government initiative under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
    •It aims to ensure access to piped water for every household in India.
    •The mission’s goal is to provide to all households in rural India safe and adequate water through individual household tap connections by 2024.

    6. Himachal Pradesh gets 1st Biodiversity Park at
    Mandi    : Recently, Himachal Pradesh got the first biodiversity park to make its contribution towards the conservation of endangered Himalayan herbs.

    What are Biodiversity parks?
    •Biodiversity is the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
    •Biodiversity is measured by two major components: species richness, and species evenness.
    •Biological diversity is a precious resource intended for the continued existence of mankind, and hence, conserving biodiversity is concerned with restoring the equilibrium between humans & the atmosphere.

    7. Atal Tunnel makes it to World Book of Records: Recently, Atal Tunnel has officially been certified by the World Book of Records as the ‘World’s Longest Highway Tunnel above 10,000 Feet’, during a landmark ceremony in New Delhi.

    8. Chauri Chaura Incident: Recently, 100 years have passed since the Chauri Chaura incident which took place on February 4, 1922 at Chauri Chaura in the Gorakhpur district of British India.

    About ‘Chauri Chaura’ Incident
    • The incident took place on 4 February 1922 at Chauri Chaura in the Gorakhpur district of the United Province.
    • A large group of protesters participating in the Non-Cooperation Movement clashed with police who opened fire.
    • In retaliation the demonstrators attacked and set fire to a police station, killing all of its occupants.
    • The incident led to the death of three civilians and 22 policemen.
    • Mahatma Gandhi, who was strictly against violence, halted the non-co-operation movement on the national level on 12 February 1922, as a direct result of this incident.

    09. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve bags TX2 award: Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (Erode district, Tamil Nadu) has been given the prestigious TX2 award after its tiger numbers doubled to 80 since 2010.

    About STR
    • Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve is a protected area and tiger reserve along the Western Ghats in the Erode District of Tamil Nadu.
    • First declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 2008 and enlarged in 2011, it covers a forest area of 1,411.6 km2 (545.0 sq mi) and is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.
    • In 2013, it became the fourth tiger reserve as a part of Project Tiger in the state of Tamil Nadu.

    10. : Adi Shankaracharya’s birthplace to become A National Monument:

    About Adi Shankaracharya
    •Adi Shankaracharya was born in Kalady in Kerala in 788 C.E and disappeared in the year 820 C.E at the young age of 32.
    •He was an exceptional child as Adi Shankara had become fluent in Sanskrit by the age of two. By four, he was comfortably reciting scriptures including Vedas.
    •The burning quest for attaining superior knowledge from an early age pushed Adi Shankara to leave his home and set on the search for a guru.
    •His quest ended with Govid Bhagvatpad at Omkareshwar (Madhya Pradesh) on the bank of Narmada river.
    •Adi Shankaracharya championed the Advait branch of philosophy that declared that god and humans were not two. He then set out to spread the message of his guru.

  • [Sansad TV] Perspective: Judicial Reforms

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    Context

    • Chief Ministers of States and Chief Justices of High Courts (CMCJs) participated in a joint conference in the national capital to discuss various aspects of the justice delivery system.
    • Participating in the inaugural session PM Modi said that judicial reform is not merely a policy matter and Human sensitivities should be kept in the centre of all the deliberations on this issue.

    Key takeaways from the CMCJ summit

    • PM stressed on the importance of Mediation as an important tool for the settlement of pending cases in the courts, especially at the local level.
    • CJI N V Ramanna in his remarks said a National Judicial Infrastructure Authority should be created for the standardization and improvement of judicial infrastructure which currently needs urgent attention.
    • Both CJI and Prime Minister also highlighted the need to promote local languages in the courts so that people of the country feel connected with the judicial process.

    The main subjects that were discussed, are as under:

    • Infrastructure of Subordinate Courts
    • Performance of Morning/Evening and Holiday Courts
    • Conditions of Jails with particular reference to under trial prisoners
    • Implementation of Information and Communication Technology
    • Strengthening the Legal-Aid Programmes
    • Strengthening of Juvenile Justice System
    • Utilization of grants
    • Review of Quality Legal Education Programmes in the States
    • Post-Retirement benefits to Judges
    • Model Courts and the Establishment of Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division High Courts
    • Filling up vacancies in the High Courts

    Indian Judiciary: A Backgrounder

    • Our Judicial system has been the nation’s moral conscience keeper.
    • It speaks truth to political power, upholds the rights of citizens, mediates between Centre-state conflicts, provides justice to the rich and poor alike, and on several momentous occasions, saved democracy itself.
    • Despite its achievements, a gap between the ideal and reality has been becoming clear over the years.
    • The justice delivery is slow, the appointment of judges is mired in controversy, disciplinary mechanisms scarcely work, hierarchy rather than merit is preferred, women are severely under-represented, and constitutional matters often languish in the Supreme Court for years.
    • As Justice Chelameswar said in his dissent in the NJAC judgment, the courts must reform, so that they can preserve.

    Challenges to the judicial system

    • Lack of infrastructure of courts
    • High vacancy of judges in the district judiciary
    • Pendency of Cases
    • Ineffective planning in the functioning of the courts
    • Delay in the delivery of judgements
    • Lack of transparency in appointment and transfers.
    • Corruption
    • Undertrials serving Jail
    • Outdated laws ex. Section 124A IPC

    What led to under-performance of Indian Judiciary?

    The primary factors contributing to docket explosion and arrears as highlighted by Justice Malimath Committee report are as follows:

    • Population explosion
    • Litigation explosion
    • Hasty and imperfect drafting of legislation
    • Plurality and accumulation of appeals (Multiple appeals for the same issue)
    • Inadequacy of judge strength
    • Failure to provide adequate forums of appeal against quasi-judicial orders
    • Lack of priority for disposal of old cases (due to the improper constitution of benches)

    Recent developments:

    Proposal for the creation of National Judicial Infrastructure Corporation (NJIC)

    • The CJI has pitched to set up a National Judicial Infrastructure Corporation (NJIC) to develop judicial infrastructure in trial courts.
    • He indicated a substantial gap in infrastructure and availability of basic amenities in the lower judiciary.
    • There is a dearth of court halls, residential accommodation, and waiting room for litigants in trial courts, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.
    • Experience shows that budgetary allocation for state judiciary often lapses since there is no independent body to supervise and execute such works.
    • NJIC is expected to fill this vacuum and overcome problems related to infrastructure.

    Way forward

    • Creating NJIC: It will bring a revolutionary change in the judicial functioning provided the proposed body is given financial and executive powers to operate independently of the Union and the State governments.
    • Appointment reforms: There are many experts who advocate the need to appoint more judges with unquestionable transparency in such appointments.
    • Creating All Indian Judiciary Services: It would be a landmark move to create a pan-India Service that would result in a wide pool of qualified and committed judges entering the system.
    • Technology infusion: The ethical and responsible use of AI and ML for the advancement of efficiency-enhancing can be increasingly embedded in legal and judicial processes. Ex. SUPACE.
    • Legal education: This should be in alignment with the evolving dynamics of the law must be propagated in trial and constitutional courts. This will improve the competence of the judicial system.
    • Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR): ADR mechanisms should be promoted for out-of-court settlements. Primary courts of appeal should be set up.
  • Live Webinar On How to clear UPSC-CSE 2023 in the very 1st Attempt by studying Only 5 hrs per day! | Free Live Webinar for Working Professionals with UPSC 2017 Ranker Megha Gupta | Direct Joining Link

    Live Webinar On How to clear UPSC-CSE 2023 in the very 1st Attempt by studying Only 5 hrs per day! | Free Live Webinar for Working Professionals with UPSC 2017 Ranker Megha Gupta | Direct Joining Link

    Civilsdaily Team is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

    How to clear UPSC-CSE 2023 in the very 1st Attempt by studying Only 5 hrs per day! | Megha Gupta, UPSC 2017 Ranker
    Date & Time: May 16, 2022 @07:00 PM (Login 06:45 PM Onwards) India

    Join Zoom Meeting

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    Webinar Details

    Grasp the opportunity to get exceptional tips on ‘what is the best strategy for UPSC-CSE for working professionals’, and ‘how to prepare in holistic manner’. This entire webinar is free. All aspirants are wholeheartedly welcome to attend.

    Date: 16th May 2022 (Monday)

    Time: 7 to 8 PM

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    Strategies & Approaches, in This Free Live Webinar by Megha Ma’am!

    1. The UPSC preparation process is divided into four stages. What should you focus on during each phase? How to manage time & control stress during every preparation phase. How to utilize holidays! will be discussed effectively.

    2. Working examinees’ largest challenge is time management, which is critical for studying and taking care of one’s health while working a 9-hour shift. So, how to break down the syllabus into small chunks, and develop an effective & workable study strategy for UPSC preparation will also be discussed.

    3. Our step-by-step 5-hour learning plan. How to complete syllabus, how to cover mock test series in such a short time! Other toppers’ time-management skills are also discussed.

    4. Avoid errors that cost you a chance. How do you get your preparation off to a good start? What is one of the good sources for current affairs? is going to be discussed here.

    5. The advantages of being a UPSC aspirant while working. What distinguishes you from the other competitors?

    6. Studying judiciously. How can you save time by using the Civilsdaily App/website to acquire aggregated information?

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  • Imp: Score 100% in Polity Questions & Must Read Acts in News

    Talk to our mentors for a Roadmap to 2023 Attempt. Click Here

    Indian polity plays a very crucial role in the Prelims exam. If you want to ensure the cutoff marks then you can not expect a single mistake in Indian polity questions. To ensure that you follow these few pointers. We have also included some examples to ensure that you understand the points

    Read the Each keyword very carefully: Polity is a game of words, even a single change will change the answer. 

    Consider the following statements:

    1. According to the Constitution of India a person who is eligible to vote
      can be made a minister in a State for six months even if he/she is not a member of the Legislature of that State
    2. According to the Representation of People Act, 1951, a person
      convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment for five years is permanently disqualified from contesting an election
      even after his release from prison
      Which of the statements given above is are correct?
      (a) 1 only
      (b) 2 only
      (c) Both 1 and 2
      (d) Neither 1 nor 2

      In above question, At first S1 seems correct but when we look carefully it says any eligible voter but the criteria is above 25 years. Similarly S2 says Permanently, but it is temporary

    Read all the options very carefully: Even if you know that the first option is the correct answer, look for other options as well. There are chances that according to the question it is not the most appropriate one.

    The Preamble to the Constitution of India, is
    (a) part of the Constitution but has no legal effect
    (b) not a part of the Constitution and has no legal effect either
    (c) a part of the Constitution and has the same legal effect as any other part
    (d) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts.

    In the above question A looks correct but when we read all options then D looks more appropriate.

    Go through the PYQs properly: Understanding PYQs will not help in Polity but in the entire paper. For example take a question from 2017

    Which one of the following is not a feature to Indian federalism?

    (a) There is an independent judiciary in India. 

    (b) Powers have been clearly divided between the Centre and the States.

     (c) The federating units have been given unequal representation in the Rajya Sabha. 

    (d) It is the result of an agreement among the federating units

    Above question indicates that Independent Judiciary is a feature, Now look at 2021 question

    Which one of the following in Indian polity is an essential
    feature that indicates that it is federal in character?
    (a) The independence of judiciary is safeguarded.
    (b) The Union Legislature has elected representatives from
    constituent units.
    (c) The Union Cabinet can have elected representatives
    from regional parties.
    (d) The Fundamental Rights are enforceable by Courts of
    Law

    Understand NCERTs carefully: Nowadays UPSC has a tendency to ask questions from NCERTs, especially from 11th ncert. 

    Avoid using elimination rules: UPSC expects you to remember Indian Polity therefore the scope is very narrow to use Tikdam rules.

    Revision: Most of the questions in Polity are from very spefic chapers or source. They are 11th ncerts, Historical Background, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, DPSPs, Parliament, State Legislature, President, Governor, Supreme Court and High Courts. Make sure that you have the best command on the above topics.

    Important Acts in News

    1. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (Amendment) Bill, 2021)
    • The Act provides for the bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) into the Union Territory of J&K and Union Territory of Ladakh. 
    • The Act provides that Article 239A of the Constitution, which is applicable to the union territory of Puducherry, shall also apply to the union territory of J&K.  Article 239A provides for the constitution of a union territory of Puducherry with: (i) a legislature, which may be elected, or partly nominated and partly elected, or (ii) a Council of Ministers. 
    • In addition to Article 239A, any other provision of the Constitution which refers to elected members of a legislative assembly of a state and is also applicable to the union territory of Puducherry, will apply to the union territory of J&K.
    •  The Act specifies that the members of the Indian Administrative Service, the Indian Police Service and the Indian Forest Service serving in the state of J&K would continue to serve in the two union territories, based on allocation decided by the central government.
    1. The Inland Vessels Bill, 2021
    • The Bill seeks to introduce a uniform regulatory framework for inland vessel navigation across the country.
    • The central government will prescribe the: (i) classification, (ii) standards of design, construction, and crew accommodation, and (iii) type and periodicity of surveys, for these vessels.  Construction or modification of such vessels will require prior approval of a designated authority, as prescribed by the central government.
    • To operate in inland waters, all such vessels must have a certificate of survey, and a certificate of registration. The certificate of survey will be granted by state governments, in a form as prescribed by the central government.
    • The central government will prescribe the minimum number of people that vessels must have, for various roles.
    • Vessels will discharge or dispose of sewage, as per the standards specified by the central government.  The central government will notify the list of pollutants which will be prohibited for discharge or disposal.  State governments will grant vessels a certificate of prevention of pollution.
    • The Bill provides for a development fund.
    • The Bill empowers state governments to delegate certain functions related to non-mechanically propelled inland vessels to their local governments. 
    1. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2021
    •  The Act empowers the central government to reserve any mine (other than coal, lignite, and atomic minerals) to be leased through an auction for a particular end-use.The Bill provides that no mine will be reserved for particular end-use.
    • The Bill empowers the central government to specify a time period for completion of the auction process in consultation with the state government.  If the state government is unable to complete the auction process within this period, the auctions may be conducted by the central government.
    • The Act provides that the period of mining leases granted to government companies will be prescribed by the central government.
    1. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2021
    • The Code provides a time-bound process for resolving the insolvency of corporate debtors (within 330 days) called the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP).
    • The Bill introduces an alternate insolvency resolution process for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), called the pre-packaged insolvency resolution process (PIRP).  Unlike CIRP, PIRP may be initiated only by debtors.
    • Application for initiating PIRP may be filed in the event of a default of at least one lakh rupees.
    • During PIRP, the debtor will be provided with a moratorium under which certain actions against the debtor will be prohibited.  These include filing or continuation of suits, execution of court orders, or recovery of property.

    CIRP: Under CIRP, a committee of creditors is constituted to decide on the insolvency resolution.  The committee may consider a resolution plan which typically provides for the payoff of debt by merger, acquisition, or restructuring of the company.  If a resolution plan is not approved by the committee of creditors within the specified time, the company is liquidated.  During CIRP, the affairs of the company are managed by the resolution professional (RP), who is appointed to conduct CIRP.

    1. The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2021
    • The Bill amends the Constitution to allow states and union territories to prepare their own list of socially and educationally backward classes. 

    List of socially and educationally backward classes:

              The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) was established under the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993.

                 The 2021 Bill amends this to provide that the President may notify the list of socially and educationally backward classes only for purposes of the central government.  This central list will be prepared and maintained by the central government.  Further, the Bill enables states and union territories to prepare their own list of socially and educationally backward classes. 

    1. The Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021
    • The bill provides that the electoral registration officer may require a person to furnish their Aadhaar number for establishing their identity. 
    • Persons will not be denied inclusion in the electoral roll or have their names deleted from the roll, if they are unable to furnish Aadhaar number due to sufficient cause as prescribed. 
    • The Bill provides four qualifying dates in a calendar year, which will be January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Earlier it was only 1 i.e. January 1.
    1. The Central Vigilance Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2021
    •  It replaces the Central Vigilance Commission (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021.  The Bill seeks to amend the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003.  The 2003 Act provides for the constitution of a Central Vigilance Commission to conduct inquiries into offences alleged to have been committed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.  
    • Under the 2003 Act, the Director of Enforcement is appointed by the central government, on the recommendation of a Committee.This Committee is chaired by the Central Vigilance Commissioner, and includes the Secretaries from the Ministries of Home Affairs, Personnel, and the Revenue Department. 
    • The Bill adds that the tenure of the Director may be extended by up to one year at a time, till the completion of five years from the initial appointment.  Such extensions may be granted in public interest, on the recommendation of the Committee.
    1. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2020
    • Under the Act, certain persons are prohibited to accept any foreign contribution.  These include: election candidates, editor or publisher of a newspaper, judges, government servants, members of any legislature, and political parties, among others
    • The Amendment prohibits the transfer of foreign contribution to any other person.
    • The Act states that a person may accept foreign contribution if they have: (i) obtained a certificate of registration from central government, or (ii) not registered, but obtained prior permission from the government to accept foreign contribution
    • Under the Act, a person who receives foreign contribution must use it only for the purpose for which the contribution is received.Further, they must not use more than 20% of the contribution for meeting administrative expenses.
    1. The Major Port Authorities Bill, 2020
    • The Bill will apply to the major ports of Chennai, Cochin, Jawaharlal Nehru Port, Kandla, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Mangalore, Mormugao, Paradip, V.O. Chidambaranar, and Vishakhapatnam.
    • The Bill provides for the creation of a Board of Major Port Authority for each major port.  These Boards will replace the existing Port Trusts. 
    • Under the 1963 Act, the Board has to seek prior sanction of the central government to raise any loan.
    • The Bill provides that the Board may use its funds for providing social benefits(Corporate Social Responsibility)
    • The Bill provides for the constitution of an Adjudicatory Board by the central government.

  • [Sansad TV] Mudda Aapka: India’s Pharma Exports Boom

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    Context

    • India is a significant player in the global medicines industry.
    • Indian pharma exports witnessed a growth of 103% since 2013-14, from Rs. 90, 415 Crores in 2013-14 to Rs. 183,422 Crores in 2021-22.

    Feats achieved by India’s Pharma Sector

    • Surplus trade: The Pharma trade balance continues to be in India’s favour. 
    • Worldwide production: India ranks 3rd worldwide for Pharmaceutical production by volume and 14th by value. The current market size is around USD 50 billion. 
    • High competitiveness: Indian pharma companies enabled by their price competitiveness and good quality have made a global mark with 60% of the world’s vaccines and 20% of generic medicines coming from India.   
    • Major destinations: India’s top 5 pharma export destinations are the USA, UK, South Africa, Russia and Nigeria.
    • Regulatory compliance: Around 55 % of our pharma exports from India cater to highly regulated markets. For instance, the largest number of FDA approved plants outside the US is in India.

    India’s Pharma Sector: A Backgrounder

    • India enjoys an important position in the global pharmaceuticals sector.
    • The country has a large pool of scientists and engineers with the potential to steer the industry ahead to greater heights.
    • Presently, over 80% of the antiretroviral drugs used globally to combat AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) are supplied by Indian pharmaceutical firms.

    Its evolution

    Over the last few decades, the Indian pharmaceutical industry has experienced rapid expansion, which may be divided into four stages:

    1. Foreign domination: The time before 1970 is considered as the first stage of the pharma industry. At that time, the Indian market was dominated by foreign companies.
    2. Rise of domestic companies: The second stage covers 1970 to 1990 when several domestic companies began operations.
    3. LPG reforms: 1990 to 2010 is the third stage, where liberalization led Indian components to launch operations in foreign countries.
    4. Patent assisted boom: The introduction of the patent bill was one of the first advancements in the pharma industry. It allowed the Indian pharmaceutical sector to become less reliant on intellectual property laws in the US.
    5. Rise of OTC drugs: Over-the-counter drugs (bought without prescriptions) constitute the next biggest segment with 21% of the market segment.

    Market Size

    • According to the Indian Economic Survey 2021, the domestic market is expected to grow 3x in the next decade.
    • India’s domestic pharmaceutical market is at US$ 42 billion in 2021 and likely to reach US$ 65 billion by 2024 and further expand to reach ~US$ 120-130 billion by 2030.
    • India’s biotechnology industry comprises biopharmaceuticals, bio-services, bio-agriculture, bio-industry, and bioinformatics.

    Who regulates Indian Pharma Sector?

    • The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 was the central legislation that regulates India’s drug and cosmetic import, manufacture, distribution and sale.
    • The Act clearly defines the spurious drugs, adulterated drugs and mis-branded drugs.
    • This also established the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
    • The Act establishes the regulatory control over the manufacture and sale of drugs.
    • State Health department has to regulate the manufacturing, sales and distribution of drugs.
    • Drug Inspectors will control the implementation at ground level.

    What made India the world’s pharmacy?

    • Low manufacturing costs: Compared to other nations, the cost of manufacturing pharmaceutical goods in India is much lower and more effective.
    • Skilled workforce: India now has a highly-skilled workforce as a result of technological advancements.
    • R&D: India’s pharma industrial sector is also robust. Most pharma labs has turned incubators.
    • Marketing benefits: With economic liberalization, India’s marketing and distribution system are likewise on the higher side. The sector is additionally strengthened by its diversified ecosystem.
    • Focus on generics: The companies broke into the worldwide market by exploring generic alternatives to costly proprietary medications.

    Various govt. policies

    • FDI relaxation: The government has allowed 100% FDI in Greenfield pharmaceutical projects and 74% FDI in brownfield pharmaceutical projects.   
    • PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana: The government had launched this scheme to supply low-cost pharma drugs to the economically weaker sections.
    • Bulk Drug Parks: In March 2020, the centre approved the establishment of mega ‘Bulk Drug Parks’ to provide common facilities like solvent recovery, effluent treatment, distillation, etc.
    • PLI scheme: The Cabinet also approved the ‘Production Linked Incentive Scheme’ for encouraging domestic manufacturing of drug intermediaries.
    • SPI Scheme: In March 2022, under the Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry (SPI) Scheme, a total financial outlay of Rs. 500 crore (US$ 665.5 million) for the period FY 21-22 to FY 25-26 were announced.

    Various challenges

    • FDA mandate in US: The US accounts for more than a quarter of Indian pharmaceutical exports. Every medicine sold in the United States is subject to FDA monitoring and site visits by Indian businesses.
    • Hostile competition: There is stiff competition from firms in countries like China, Israel and Japan. Hostile and negative lobbying by the big players who frequently accuse Indian firms of violating patent laws.
    • Over-dependence on China: The industry is highly dependent on China for pharmaceutical raw materials. Indian drug-makers import around 70% of their total Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) / bulk drug requirements from China.
    • Hollowing out: India today is preferred low-cost producer and exporter of simpler off-patent formulations, the road taken is ‘hollowing out’ manufacturing in raw material: API.
    • Plagiarism: Fake versions of high value and/or high volume brands of the pharma companies are adversely affecting their business performance. It can also create a health hazard.
    • Domestic drug price control: The GoI’s Drug Price Control Order put excessive pressure on product pricing, affecting pharmaceutical companies’ profitability. Small businesses face a danger from the new MRP-based excise duty structure.
    • Low spending on R&D: India’s current public expenditure on R&D consistently remains low, at less than 1% of gross domestic product (GDP).  
    • Burden of new diseases: New diseases, curbing costs, medical infrastructure, and foreign regulations are some of the challenges being faced by the pharma industry.
    • Regulatory lacunae: Many states have an inadequate number of drug inspectors – sometimes even as high as 53% vacancies like in Karnataka. The CDSCO itself suffers from insufficient personnel with 22% vacancies.

    Major contribution of Pharma Sector: Medical Diplomacy

    • Medical diplomacy is the state’s use of essential medicines’ trade and medical personnel’s dispatch to affected countries to improve its international relations.
    • India’s vaccine diplomacy during the pandemic also reaped huge praises all across the world.
    • India has been supplying essential drugs like hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and paracetamol to different categories of countries ranging from USA, Russia, France and UK to African and Latin American countries like Zambia, Uganda, Niger, Kenya, Colombia and Uruguay.
    • In the neighbourhood, the drugs are being supplied to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
    • While some of these countries received the drugs on a commercial basis, others received it as grants from India.

    Way forward

    • Harnessing global value-chain: Besides the volume share, India now needs to capture value share as well.  
    • R&D boost: India will need to make exponential investments in R&D, manufacturing and digital transformations to become a global pharmaceutical innovation hub.
    • Incentivization: The government needs to urgently explore mechanisms to incentivize investment in R&D and evaluate various funding mechanisms that can help co-research.
    • Focus on API: This is also an opportunity to bring a much larger proportion of manufacturing of APIs back into India, so that the country is not dependent on imports of critical inputs.
    • Rational drug pricing: India needs to rationalize drug price control. Pharma companies must not be loaded with the cost public health.