Maintaining consistency is one of the biggest issues faced by IAS Aspirants. Streak’s initiative is to help Aspirants in their day-to-day preparation. You can follow the monthly, weekly, and daily timetables and continue this streak until you find yourself on the final list.

Please register for Streak free initiative through this link:- https://www.civilsdaily.com/course/streak-daily-initiative/

You will get following study material:-

1. Questions (PDF).
2. RSTV/Yojana monthly notes (PDF).
3. Burning issue (PDF).
4. Subject specific (PDF).
5. Mentor’s phone call for support & encouragement.

_______________________________________________

UPSC PRELIMS-2021 || Current Affairs based Most Probable Questions for Prelims 2021 – by Sukanya Rana

Q1) Consider the following statements with respect to Brucellosis:

1. It is a fungal disease caused by Blastomyces which causes respiratory disease in humans.

2. Brucellosis is often spread when people eat contaminated food, which may include raw meat and unpasteurized milk.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are incorrect?

a. 1 only

b. 2 only

c. Both 1 and 2

d. Neither 1 nor 2

Q2) With respect to mRNA vaccines, consider the following statements:

1. They are non-infectious, non-integrating in nature, and degraded by standard cellular mechanisms.

2. They are highly efficacious because of their inherent capability of being translatable into the protein structure inside the cell cytoplasm.

3. They are fully synthetic and do not require a host, like eggs or bacteria, for growth.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a. 1 and 2 only

b. 1 and 3 only

c. 2 and 3 only

d. 1, 2 and 3

Q3) Consider the following statements with respect to Ultra White Paint:

1. It is made of calcium carbonate and reflects 85% of white light.

2. It remains cooler than the ambient temperature in full sunlight.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are incorrect?

a. 1 only

b. 2 only

c. Both 1 and 2

d. Neither 1 nor 2

Q4) Which of the following statements are correct with respect to Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC):

1. It aims to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade.

2. The Membership of the Commission is open to all Member Nations and Associate Members of FAO and WHO.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

a. 1 only

b. 2 only

c. Both 1 and 2

d. Neither 1 nor 2

Q5) Consider the following statements with respect to Python-5 Missile:

1. It is a fifth generation infra-red air-to-air missile.

2. It has a range of around 20 km.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

a. 1 only

b. 2 only

c. Both 1 and 2

d. Neither 1 nor 2

UPSC PRELIMS-2021 || Most Probable Questions for UPSC Prelims 2021 – by Santosh Gupta

Q1) Consider the following statements regarding “Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence”:

1. It envisages responsible and human-centric development and use of artificial intelligence
2. India is one of the founding members of the GPAI initiative.
3. The GPAI initiative was conceived by Germany and France during their G7 presidencies.

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

(a) 1  AND 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) All of them

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q2) Which of the following sectors is included in the NITI Aayog’s “National AI Strategy”:

1. Agriculture
2. MSME
3. Education
4. MOBILITY
5. Oil and Natural Gas

Select the correct code:

(a) 1 and 4 only

(b) 2 and 5 only

(c) 3 and 5 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Q3) Consider the following statements regarding “eVIN”

1. It digitizes Covid Vaccination supply chain.
2. Both state Government and private companies can place their orders directly for vaccine through this portal

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q4) Consider the following statement about the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI):

1. It is a WHO led alliance of public health organizations of UN members. 
2. The objective is to ensure immunization for all. 

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q5) Which of the following given statements is/are true about India’s supercomputer Param Siddhi?:

1. It is ranked in the top 100 among 500 most powerful non-distributed computer systems in the world.
2. It has been developed under the National Supercomputing Mission.
3. It is the fastest supercomputer of India till now

Which of the given statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) All of them

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Important Types of Bills in Parliament/Types of Majority

 A Bill is a draft legislative proposal that becomes a Law upon enactment. Bills could be broadly classified into two ways:

1. On the basis of the source of origin:

 (1) Government Bill

It is also called Public Bill. It is a Bill introduced by a minister in the government. It is the primary method of legislation.

(2) Private Member Bill

• It is the bill introduced by a Member of Parliament who is not a minister.
• It is important to remember that a Bill introduced by a non-minister MP of even the ruling party is called Private Member Bill.
• Such bills can only be introduced and discussed on Fridays.

 2. On the basis of the procedure of passage of the Bill:

 (1) Ordinary Bill

• An ordinary bill does not require the recommendation of the President and can be introduced in either of the Houses.
• It needs only a simple majority and the second House may choose any of the following courses of action:

1. Pass the Bill
2. Reject the Bill
3. Propose Amendment to the Bill
4. No action
   In case the Bill is rejected or amendments which are not agreeable to the originating House are proposed or inaction for a period of 180 Parliamentary days, a deadlock is deemed to have emerged. Such a deadlock could be resolved by a joint sitting notified and summoned by President under article 108.
   Once notified, neither House shall proceed forth with the pending bill. When submitted to the assent of President. Such a deadlock could be resolved by a joint sitting notified and summoned by the President under article 108. Once notified, neither House shall proceed forth with the pending bill.
   When submitted for the assent of President, after due passage in the Parliament, he has the following options:

1. Give assent to the Bill and then it becomes a Law
2. Withhold assent
3. Exercise Suspensive Veto or
4. Exercise Pocket Veto

 (2) Money Bill

It is the bill which exclusively deals with one or more money matters under article 110 which are as follows:

1. Imposition, alteration or abolition of a tax
2. Borrowing of money by the government
3. Custody of Consolidated Fund of India or Contingency Fund of India
4. Deposit or withdrawal from the above mentioned funds
5. Appropriation of money out of consolidated fund of India
6. Receipt of money upon Consolidated Fund of India or Public Accounts of India
7. Declaring any expenditure as expenditure charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.

 Points to Remember about Money Bill

• A Money Bill can be introduced only in Lok Sabha and that too only after the recommendation of the President.
• It needs only a simple majorityand the speaker is required to certify it as a Money Bill prior to its transmission to Rajya Sabha.
• Rajya Sabha does not have the power to amend or reject the bill but it may suggest amendments.
• If Rajya Sabha does not pass the bill within 14 days the bill would be deemed as passed by the Rajya Sabha.
• Deadlock is not possible.
• The President may either give or withhold assent to Money Bill. But ordinarily he is expected to give his assent.
• The President cannot send a Money Bill back in the House is for reconsideration as per Article 111.

(3) Financial Bill

• It deals with non-money matters along with the money matters mentioned under article 110.
• The differences with Money Bill are:
  • Money Bill exclusively deals with money matters under article 110 only.
  • While the money is the sole purpose of a Money Bill, the primary objective of a Financial Bill in general is something else and money is only incidental to that objective.
• Financial bill requires prior recommendation of the President.
• It can be introduced only in Lok Sabhaand not in Rajya Sabha.
• However, the Rajya Sabha enjoys the same powers as are available in the case of an Ordinary Bill.
• Even a deadlock can be a possibilitywhich could be resolved by a joint sitting.

 (4) Constitutional Amendment Bill

• It is a bill to amend one or more provisions of the Constitution.
• Unlike money bill and financial bill it does not require prior recommendationof the President.
• It can be introduced in either of the Houses and would require special majorityfor passage in each House.
• There can be a deadlockbut for resolution there cannot be a joint sitting.
• If a constitutional amendment bill deals with the distribution of powers between Centre and States, it would require ratification bynot less than half of the States.
• Through the 24th Constitutional Amendment act 1971, it was ensured that the presidentshall give his assent to our Constitutional Amendment Bill duly passed by the Houses.

 Types of Majority

There are 4 main types of Majority. The last one being Special Majority that has 3 sub-types.

The most important Majorities will be Simple Majority and Special Majority of the 2nd kind. We will use current strength of the Lok Sabha = 545 in the examples to explain.

1. Absolute – More than 50% of the Total Strength of the House. Meaning

1/2 x 545 = 273 or more

This majority is never used anywhere but has a huge significance. If a political party has an Absolute Majority, it means it gets to form the govt., there is stability in the house.  

2. Simple – Also called functional majority. It means Majority of more than 50% of members present and voting.

Lets assume the members present and voting is 300 (out of 545). We have 

1/2 X 300 = 150 or more

Usage

• When not stated what type of Majority in the Constitution, this majority is assumed.
• Passage of Ordinary, Money and Financial Bills.
• Passage of No-Confidence Motion, Confidence Motion, Vote of Thanks to the President, Censure Motion, Adjournment Motion, Calling Attention Motion.
• Election of the Speaker, Dy. Speaker, Dy. Chairman of RS.
• Passage of approval to President’s Rule and Financial Emergency.
• Approval by LS for discontinuance of Emergency.

3. Effective– Means Majority of the Effective Strength of the House where Effective Strength is defined as Total Strength – No. of Vacancies. Vacancies arise due to 3 reasons – Death, Disqualification, Resignation. Some sources mention Absenteeism as a vacancy but that is incorrect.

Lets assume Number of Vacancies are 6. We have

1/2 X (545-6) = 270 or more

Usage

• Removal of the VP. Initiated by the RS, requires Effective Majority in the RS, thereafter Simple Majority in the LS.
• Removal of the Speaker, Dy. Speaker and Dy. Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

4. Special– This majority has 3 sub-types that require some attention.

1st kind: Not less than 2/3 of the Members present and voting.

Usage (only in 2 conditions)

• Passage of Resolution under Art. 249 and Art. 312. 

 2nd kind : Fulfills the following criteria:

1. i) Not less than 2/3 of the Members present and voting.
2. ii) Majority of the Total Strength of the House.

Eg. Out of 545, 450 Members are present and 300 vote in favor. Both the above conditions are satisfied – 300 is more than 2/3 of 450 and 300 is more than 1/2 of 545.

To make it simpler to remember, it is

Special Majority of First kind + Absolute Majority.

Usage

• Passage of Constitutional Amendment Bills under Art. 368.
• Approval by both Houses for the continuance of Emergency.
• Removal of Judges of SC, High Court, CAG, CEC.
• Approval for the creation of State Legislative Council of a State under Art. 169.

3rd kind :  This is used only once – during the impeachment of the President of India. Is mentioned in Art. 61 of the Constitution.

2/3rd Majority of the Total Strength of the House.

2/3 X 545 = 364 or more

---

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:- mistakes 25 and above
2. Orange zone category:- mistakes 15 to 25
3. Green zone category:- mistakes less than 15.

A. RED ZONE CATEGORY: You may continue to attempt only 100% sure options until you have clarity in topic 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. Watch daily videos of Streak posted by Sukanya mam or me on Civilsdaily YouTube channel and revise the topics covered in those videos.

B. ORANGE ZONE CATEGORY: This category aspirants need to bring mistakes below by 15. Complete short keyword notes for all subjects by 5th September. Avoid guess work and learn and practice the question solving techniques such as FCE (Factual Conceptual and Elimination) approach. Watch daily videos posted on YouTube by Sukanya and me for prelims. We have covered questions on most probable topics on economy, polity, and science & tech discussion. Revise those topics if need be.

C. GREEN ZONE CATEGORY: Complete all your keyword notes by September 1st. Move on to the full test only after you have completed all keywords for static and current affairs. Continue to interlink them, do 360 exercises. and bring mistakes to below 10.

WAY FORWARD FOR ALL FOR PRELIMS-2021 in the next 50 days:

1. There are no mistakes such as silly mistakes you make because either you are not reading properly or don’t remember them. Also, it happens when you are under confident or overconfident.

2. Only intelligent elimination should be opted and that also can only work if you have clarity of topics and learn things holistically.

3. 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. Do it now before September 1st and then continue revisions. Keep making a mental map of everything you study and do it actively – not passively. Keep pen and paper always ready while reading anything and note down important keywords.

4. Do not take new sources for revision. Do not fall into the trap of grabbing and learning from new materials for the same topic.

5. No need to go for a bulky compilation for Current Affairs just before exam or right now. Focus on the monthly magazine of CD or any other which you have already been referring to but “ONLY ONE SOURCE.” 

The weightage of CA in prelims has declined to less than 20%; and if you continue to waste your valuable time on bulky round the year compilations, then it is not a good cost-benefit analysis. Focus on the concept part of any CA topic and link with it. 

6. Try to learn from the tests as much as while solving paper and FCE approach while analysing the paper. This exercise will continue up until your last test.

7. There is no need to panic even if you score less in tests. My advice would be to go back to your sources, revise it again, and try to memorise whatever you are not able to remember easily. Then, again come back and give the test and analyse the paper and note down what you do not know.

8. Enhance your knowledge and understand and learn topics by revising previous-year papers multiple times.

9. Confidence is a function of knowledge, revision, and testing. If you have not done all these three, you will never feel confident. Hence, please make it your utmost priority. Some of my students who are part of ongoing super-25 have improved their confidence and more assured towards success in prelims

10. Prelims is something which you can only qualify with proper well-planned process – no element of luck here. All you have to do is follow the process discussed above.

This has worked for me to score up to 145 twice and always 120 plus in all 6 attempts. So, I am confident that it will work for you too. 

Only barrier between your success and your failure is YOU. If required, change yourself and keep working on your strengths and weaknesses.

Please reach out to me if you face any issue or if you need any kind of support.

Thank you all.

Santosh Gupta

Prelims Coordinator, Civilsdaily

Course Coordinator for Super-25 program for Prelims-2021

To know more about UPSC Prelims 2021 Super-25 and prepare under my complete mentorship, click the link: https://www.civilsdaily.com/course/upsc-prelims-2021-super-25/

For remaining days of Prelims-2021, you may join 60-day plan under my overall guidance: https://www.civilsdaily.com/course/60-days-intensive-plan-for-focused-revision-2021/

A quick bit about Santosh Gupta Sir:

Santosh Gupta sir has scored up to 145 twice in UPSC prelims and always 120 plus in all 6 attempts. He wrote all 6 mains and appeared for Interviews 3 times. He has qualified UPSC EPFO and BPSC 56-59th also. He has been teaching and mentoring UPSC aspirants for the last 5 years with tremendous interest in environment and ecology and Polity. 

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

Context

The Union Cabinet earlier this month has approved the continuation of over 1000 Fast Track Special Courts to ensure faster delivery of justice to victims of sexual offenses, as a centrally sponsored scheme for another two years.

What is the announcement?

• The decision offers continuation of 389 exclusive POCSO courts to expedite trials and provide immediate relief to minor girls who are victims of sexual crimes.
• The continuation of the scheme involves a total outlay of more than Rs 1,572 crore. Rs 971 crore is provided by the Centre from the Nirbhaya Fund, the remaining amount is expected to be provided by states.
• This decision is being hailed as a major step towards de-clogging the justice system.

Fast Track Special Courts: A backgrounder

• Incidents of rape of minor girls below the age of twelve years and women below the age of sixteen years have shaken the conscience of the entire nation.
• To bring more stringent provisions and expeditious trial and disposal of such cases, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018 was enacted which made provision of stringent punishment, including death penalty, for perpetrators of rape, it said.
• This led to the establishment of the fast-track special courts.

Sexual Crime in India

• Sexual Abuse/ Molestation/ Rape: Rape is one of the most common crimes in India.According to the National Crime Records Bureau, one woman is raped every 20 minutes in India.
• Marital Crimes: In India, marital rape is not a criminal offense.  India is one of fifty countries that have not yet outlawed marital rape.
• Forced Marriage: Girls are vulnerable to being forced into marriage at young ages, suffering from a double vulnerability: both for being a child and for being female.  
• Trafficking and forced prostitution: Human trafficking, especially of girls and women, often leads to forced prostitution and sexual slavery.
• Online abuse: Women are regularly subject to online rape threats, online harassment, cyber-stalking, blackmail, trolling, slut-shaming and more.
• Harassment at the workplace: Sexual harassment at workplace, mostly comprising of indecent remarks, unwanted touches, demands for sex, and the dissemination of pornography.

Why do we need to tackle such crimes in a speedy manner?

• When we talk about violence, it is easy to focus on the physical effects.
• The injuries on the body can be life-changing and can even result in death. It is important however to consider the impact of this incident can have on victim’s mental health.
• Depression, anxiety and low self-esteem are typical repercussions of a violent experience. These psychological effects can be incredibly destructive.
• Many victims report feeling suicidal tendency. The psychological effect may completely change the personality of the victim.
• Hence it is important to extend the psychological support to the victim. Speedy Justice serves this purpose.

Various laws for the protection of women

Various special laws relating to women include:

• Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
• Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
• Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
• Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
• Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006

The Government has also taken a number of initiatives for the safety of women and girls, which are given below:

• Nirbhaya Fund for projects for the safety and security of women
• One-Stop Centre Scheme to provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence, both in private and public spaces under one roof
• Online analytic tool for police called “Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences” to monitor and track time-bound investigation in sexual assault cases in accordance with Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2018.
• National Database on Sexual Offenders (NDSO) to facilitate investigation and tracking of sexual offenders across the country by law enforcement agencies.

Need for fast-track courts

• Clearance rate: They have a better clearance rate as compared to the regular courts and hold speedy trials.
• Speedy Trial: Besides providing quick justice to the hapless victims, it strengthens the deterrence framework for sexual offenders.
• Deterrence framework: Besides providing quick justice to the victims, it strengthens the deterrence framework for sexual offenders.

Expected outcomes from these courts

• Women safety: Further the commitment of the nation to champion the cause of safety and security of women and girl child.
• Reduction of pendency of cases: Fastracking of these cases will declog the judicial system of the burden of case pendency
• Special consideration: Reduce the number of pending cases of Rape & POCSO Act.
• Speedy access to justice: Provide speedy access to justice to the victims of sexual crimes and act as a deterrent for sexual offenders.

What else can be done?

• Increasing number of fast track courts is an urgent need.
• Special investigation units comprising predominantly women police officers should be created.
• In these special courts, women judges should be there so that the victim feels comfortable in narrating the details of the sexual assault perpetrated on her.
• Gender sensitization programs will help the officers to have the required considerate approach for rape victims.
• Another very important aspect is to provide counseling for the family members of the victim. So that the family can positively help the victim to come out of trauma.
• There should be a state sponsored victim compensation fund particularly for heinous offences including rape.

Conclusion

• Breaking the cycle of abuse will require concerted collaboration and action between governmental and non-governmental actors including educators, health-care authorities, legislators, the judiciary and the mass media.
• Education of both men and women will lead to change in attitudes and perceptions.
• It is not easy to eradicate deep seated cultural value or alter traditions that perpetuates discrimination.
• It is mammoth task. We are just doing bits and pieces. A way ahead is obscure but in our sphere with concrete and pronounced steps.

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

Maintaining consistency is one of the biggest issues faced by IAS Aspirants. Streak’s initiative is to help Aspirants in their day-to-day preparation. You can follow the monthly, weekly, and daily timetables and continue this streak until you find yourself on the final list.

Please register for Streak free initiative through this link:- https://www.civilsdaily.com/course/streak-daily-initiative/

You will get following study material:-

1. Questions (PDF).
2. RSTV/Yojana monthly notes (PDF).
3. Burning issue (PDF).
4. Subject specific (PDF).
5. Mentor’s phone call for support & encouragement.

_______________________________________________

I. UPSC Daily Study Plan For 2021 and 2022 || STREAK

Targets of the Day:

A. For 2022 Aspirants:

(a) Full Time Aspirants:- Sectors of Economy: Secondary and Tertiary Sector

(b) For Working Aspirants:- Planning in India

B. For 2021 Aspirants: Attempt one Full Length Test and do the analysis

II. UPSC PRELIMS-2021 || Current Affairs based Most Probable Questions for Prelims 2021

Q1) Which of the following missions are not among the 9 national missions implemented by the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC)?

1. Artificial Intelligence
2. National Solar Mission
3. National Biodiversity Mission
4. Natural Language Translation
5. National Mission for a Green India

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

A. 1 and 3 only

B. 2 and 5 only

C. 1, 2 and 3 only

D. None of the above

Q2) Which of the following statements are correct with respect to NISAR Mission

1. It uses a dual-frequency L and S-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for earth observation.
2. It can produce extremely high resolution images day and night in any weather.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Q3) Consider the following statements with respect to Aluminium Air Batteries.

1. It is lower in cost and has more energy dense than Lithium-ion batteries.
2. The special feature is that it can be recharged very fast and can retain the power for longer than any other batteries.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are incorrect?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Q4) Which of the following pairs are matched correctly with respect to India’s Joint Space missions?

1. Space Mission –  Partnering Nation
2. TRISHNA –  CNES, France
3. NISAR –  NASA, USA
4. LUPEX Mission –  JAXA, Japan
5. Megha-Tropiques –  CNES, France

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

A. 1 & 4 only

B. 2 only

C. 3 & 4 only

D. All of the above

Q5) With respect to INS Karanj, consider the following statements:

1. It is the third of six Scorpene-class submarines being built under Project-75 by Mazagon Dock Limited, Goa.
2. It is a nuclear powered submarine to be commissioned into the Indian Navy in collaboration with France.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

III. UPSC PRELIMS-2021 || Most Probable Questions for UPSC Prelims 2021

Q1) Select the correct statement/s in reference to Near-Earth Objects (NEOs). 

1. These objects are composed mostly of water ice with embedded dust particles. 
2. NEOs do not orbit the Sun and do not have a fixed trajectory path.

Which of the above statements is/are true?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. 1 and 2 

D. None of them

Q2) Select the correct statement/s in context to M-dwarf star. 

1. They are the most numerous type of star in the universe. 
2. They are the smallest type of hydrogen-burning star. 
3. These have masses greater than that of the Sun.

Which of the above statements are true?

A. 1 and 2

B. 2 and 3

C. 1 and 3

D. All of them

Q3) In which of the following projects is India a participant? 

1. Large Hadron Collider (LHC) 
2. Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) 
3. Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) 
4. International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)

Which of the above statements are true?

A. 1 & 2 only

B. 2, 3 & 4

C. 1, 2 & 4

D. All of them

Q4) Consider the following statements in context to the neutrinos.

1. These are particles with no electrical charge. 
2. They are highly interactive with matter. 
3. They are abundantly found in the universe. 

Select the correct code using the codes given below.

A. 1 & 2

B. 2 & 3

C. 1 & 3

D. All of them

Q5. With reference to gravitational waves, which of the following statements is/are correct? 

1. All Gravitational waves produced  through merger of black holes only
2. Gravitational waves travel at the speed of light
3. Gravitational waves were detected by LIGO only in 2015. 

Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

A. 3 only 

B. 1 & 2 only 

C. 2 & 3 only 

D. 1, 2 & 3

 

 

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

24st Aug 2021

First Amendment Act, 1951

• Empowered the state to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and economically backward classes.
• Provided for the saving of laws providing for the acquisition of estates, etc.
• Added Ninth Schedule to protect the land reforms and other laws included in it from the judicial review. After Article 31, Articles 31A and 31B were inserted.

The Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956

• The Seventh Amendment brought about the most comprehensive changes so far in the Constitution. This amendment was designed to implement the State Reorganisation Act.
• The Second and Seventh schedules were substantially amended for the purpose of the States Reorganization Act.

Constitutional (10th Amendment) Act, 1961

• The Tenth Amendment integrates the areas of Free Dadra and Nagar Haveli with the Union of India and provides for their administration under the regulation of making powers of the President.

Constitutional (13th Amendment) Act,1963

• Gave the status of a state to Nagaland and made special provisions for it.

The Constitution (24th Amendment) Act, 1971

• It amended Article 13 and 368 with a view to removing all possible doubts regarding the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution and procedure thereof.
• It gets over the Golak Nath ruling and asserts the power of Parliament, denied to in the Golak Nath, to amend Fundamental Rights.

The Constitution (Twenty-fifth) Amendment Act, 1971

• The 25th amendment of the Constitution in 1971 added a new clause, Article 31C to the Constitution. Up to 1971, the position was that Fundamental Rights prevailed over the Directive Principles of State Policy and that a law enacted to implement a Directive Principle could not be valid if it conflicted with a Fundamental Right.
• Article 31C sought to change this relationship to some extent by conferring primacy on Articles 39(b) and 39(c) over Articles 14, 19 and 31.

Twenty-Sixth Amendment Act, 1971

• Abolished the privy purses and privileges of the former rulers of princely states.

The Constitution (Thirty-fourth Amendment) Act, 1974

• By this amendment twenty State Acts concerning land ceiling and land tenure reforms were added to the Ninth Schedule to the Constitution.

The Constitution (Thirty-eight Amendment) Act, 1975 

• Made the declaration of emergency by the President non-justiciable.
• Made the promulgation of ordinances by the President, governors and administrators of Union territories non-justiciable.
• Empowered the President to declare different proclamations of national emergency on different grounds simultaneously

The Constitution (42nd Amendment) Act, 1976

• The Amendment was meant to enhance enormously the strength of the Government. The major Amendments made in the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act are: Preamble The characterization of India as ‘Sovereign Democratic Republic’ has been changed to ‘Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic’.
• The words ‘Unity of the nation’ have been changed to ‘Unity and integrity of the nation’.
• Parliament and State Legislatures: The life of the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies was extended from 5 to 6 years.
• Executive: It amended Article 74 to State explicitly that the President shall act in accordance with the advice of the Council of Ministers in the discharge of his functions.
• Judiciary: The 42nd Amendment Act inserted Article 32A in order to deny the Supreme Court the power to consider the Constitutional validity of the State law. Another new provision, Article 131A, gave the Supreme Court an exclusive jurisdiction to determine question relating to the Constitutional validity of a central laws. Article 144A and Article 128A, the creatures of the Constitutional Amendment Act made further innovation in the area of judicial review of the Constitutionality of legislation. Under Article 144A, the minimum number of judges of the Supreme Court to decide a question of  Constitutional validity of a Central or State law was fixed as at least seven and further, this required two-thirds majority of the judges sitting declare law as unconstitutional. While the power  of the High Court to enforce Fundamental Rights remained untouched, several restrictions were imposed on its power to issue writs ‘for any other purpose’.
• Federalism: The Act added Article 257A in the Constitution to enable the Centre to deploy any armed force of the Union, or any other force under its control for dealing with any grave situation of law and order in any State.
• Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles: A major change that was made by42nd Constitutional Amendment was to give primacy to all Directive Principles over the Fundamental Rights contained in Articles 14, 19 or 31.
• The 42nd Constitutional Amendment added a few more Directive Principles – free legal aid, participations of workers in the management of industries, protection for environment and protection of forests and wildlife of the country.
• Fundamental Duties: The 42nd Amendment Act inserted Article 51-A to create a new part called IV-A in the Constitution, which prescribed the Fundamental Duties to the citizens.
• Emergency: Prior to the 42nd Amendment Act, the President could declare an emergency under Article 352 throughout the country and not in a part of the country alone. The Act authorized the President to proclaim emergency in any part of the country.

The Constitution (44th Amendment) Act, 1978

• It reduced the life of Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies again to five years and thus restore the status quo ante.
• It cancelled 39th Amendment which had deprived the Supreme Court of its jurisdiction to decide disputes concerning election of the President and the Vice-President
• A new provision was added to Article 74(1) saying that the President could require the council of ministers to reconsider its advice to him, either generally or otherwise and the President should Act in accordance with the advice tendered after such re-consideration. Article 257A was Omitted
• It has been provided that an Emergency can be proclaimed only on the basis of written advice tendered to the President by the Cabinet.
• Right to Property has been taken out from the list of Fundamental Rights and has been declared a legal right.

The Constitution (Fifty-first Amendment) Act, 1984

• The Amendment effectuates some changes in Articles 330 and 332 with a view to provide for reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha for Scheduled Tribes in Meghalaya, Aruncahal Pradesh and Mizoram, as well as in the Legislative Assemblies of Nagaland and Meghalaya.

The Constitution (52nd Amendment) Act, 1985

• The amendment is designed to prevent the scourge of defection of Members of Parliament and State Legislatures from one political party to another.

 The Constitution (61st Amendment) Act, 1989

• The 61st Amendment reduces the voting age from 21 years to 18 years for the Lok Sabha and Assembly election.

The Constitution (Sixty-fifth Amendment) Act, 1990

• Article 338 of the Constitution has been amended for the Constitution of a National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes consisting of a chairperson, vice-chairperson and five other members who shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.

The Constitution (Sixty-ninth Amendment) Act, 1991

• The Amendment Act was to grant Statehood to Delhi as ‘National Capital Territory of Delhi’. It also provides a 70 member assembly and a 7 member Council of Ministers for Delhi.

 The Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992

• April 20,1993 as it got rectification by the State legislatures and was assented to by the President of India. After notification, the Panchayati Raj Institutions have now got Constitutional legitimacy.
• After part VIII of the Constitution, a separate part IX has been added to the Constitution with the addition in Article 243A and fresh Schedule called Eleventh Schedule enumerating the powers and functions of Panchayti Raj Institutions.
• The Act provides for Gram Sabha, a three-tier model of Panchayati Raj, reservation of seats for SCs and STs in proportion to their population and one-third reservation of seats for women.

The Constitution (74th Amendment) Act, 1992

• The Act provides constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies. After part VIII of the Constitution, a separate part IXA has been added to the Constitution with the addition in Article 243A and a fresh schedule called Twelfth schedule enumerating the powers and functions of urban local bodies has been incorporated.
• The Act provides Municipal Panchayat, Municipal Council and Municipal Corporation, reservation of seats for SCs and STs in proportion to their population and one-third reservation of seats for women

The Constitution (76th Amendment) Act, 1994

• This Amendment Act raises the reservation quota of government jobs and seats for admission in the educational institutions in favor of socially and educationally backward classes to 69 per cent in Tamil Nadu.
• Further, the Amendment Act has been included in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution to exempt it from the purview of judicial scrutiny

The Constitution (Seventy-seventh Amendment) Act, 1995

• This Amendment has added a new clause (4-a) to Article 16 of the Constitution which empowers the State to make any provisions for reservation in promotions in Government jobs in favour of SCs and STs, if it is of opinion that they are inadequately represented in the services under the State.
• This has been done to nullify the effect of the Supreme Court Judgment in the Mandal Commission Case (Indra Sawhney vs. Union of India) in which the Court has held that reservation in promotions cannot be made.

The Constitution (80th Amendment) Act, 2000

• Based on the recommendations of the Tenth Finance Commission, an alternative scheme for sharing taxes between the Union and the State has been enacted by the Constitution (Eightieth Amendment) Act, 2000.
• Under the new scheme of devolution of revenue between Union and the States, 26 per cent out of gross proceeds of Union taxes and duties is to be assigned to the States in lieu of their existing share in the income-tax, excise duties special excise duties and grants in lieu of tax on railway passenger fares. 

The Constitution (85^th Amendment) Act, 2001

• This Act amended Article 16 (4A) of the Constitution to provide for consequential seniority in the case of promotion by virtue of rule of reservation for Government servants belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.

The Constitution (86^th Amendment) Act, 2002

• With a view to making right to free and compulsory education a fundamental right, the Act inserts a new Article, namely, Article 21A conferring on all children in the age group of 6 to 14 years the right to free and compulsory education.
• The Act amends in Part-III, Part –IV and Part-IV(A) of the Constitution.

The Constitution (89^th Amendment) Act, 2003

• The Act adds Article 338A and provides for the creation of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.

 The Constitution (90^th Amendment) Act, 2003

• The Act amends Article 332 and adds section (6) regarding representation in the Bodo Territorial Areas District in the State of Assam.

The Constitution (Ninety-one Amendment) Act,2003

• The Act makes provisions for limiting the size of the Council of Ministers at the Center and in the States and gives teeth to debar a defector from holding any remunerative political post for the remaining tenure of the legislature unless reelected.

The Constitution (Ninety- third Amendment) Act, 2005

• Providing reservation for the socially and educationally backward classes, besides the Schedules Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, in private unaided educational institutions.

The Constitution (97th Amendment) Act, 2012

• In Part IIIof the constitution, after the words “or unions” the words “Cooperative Societies” was added.
• In Part IVa new Article 43Bwas inserted, which says: The state shall endeavour to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control and professional management of the co-operative societies”.
• After Part IXAof the constitution, a Part IXBwas inserted to accommodate state vs centre roles.

The Constitution (99th Amendment) Act, 2014

• The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) was established by the Union government of India by amending the constitution of India through the 99^th Constitutional Amendment Act, 201

The Constitution (100th Amendment) Act, 2015

• Constitution (100th Amendment) Act 2015 ratified the land boundary agreement between India and Bangladesh.
• The act amended the 1st schedule of the constitution to exchange the disputed territories occupied by both the nations in accordance with the 1974 bilateral Land Boundary Agreement.
• India received 51 Bangladeshi enclaves (covering 7,110 acres) in the Indian mainland, while Bangladesh received 111 Indian enclaves (covering 17,160 acres) in the Bangladeshi mainland

The Constitution (101st Amendment) Act, 2017

• Introduced the Goods and Services Tax.

The Constitution (102nd Amendment) Act, 2018

• Constitutional status to National Commission for Backward Classes

The Constitution (103rd Amendment) Act, 2019

• A maximum of 10% Reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs) of citizens of classes other than the classes mentioned in clauses (4) and (5) of Article 15, i.e. Classes other than socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
• Inserted Clause [6] under Article 15 as well as Inserted Clause [6] under Article 16.

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