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  • Nikaalo Prelims Spotlight || Judgements and Important Provisions/Articles/Schedules of the Indian Constitution

    Dear Aspirants,

    This Spotlight is a part of our Mission Nikaalo Prelims-2023.

    You can check the broad timetable of Nikaalo Prelims here

    Session Details

    YouTube LIVE with Parth sir – 1 PM  – Prelims Spotlight Session

    Evening 04 PM  – Daily Mini Tests

    Telegram LIVE with Sukanya ma’am – 06 PM  – Current Affairs Session

    Join our Official telegram channel for Study material and Daily Sessions Here

    6th Mar 2023

    Important Judgements of Indian constitution 

    Case

    Relevance

    A.K. Gopalan Case (1950)

    SC contented that there was no violation of Fundamental Rights enshrined in Articles 13, 19, 21 and 22 under the provisions of the Preventive Detention Act, if the detention was as per the procedure established by law. Here, the SC took a narrow view of Article 21.

    Shankari Prasad Case (1951)

    This case dealt with the amendability of Fundamental Rights (the First Amendment’s validity was challenged). The SC contended that the Parliament’s power to amend under Article 368 also includes the power to amend the Fundamental Rights guaranteed in Part III of the Constitution.

    Berubari Union case (1960)

    This case was regarding the Parliament’s power to transfer the territory of Berubai to Pakistan. The Supreme Court examined Article 3 in detail. 9th Amendment Act was passed to enforce the agreement.

    Golaknath case (1967)

    SC contented that Fundamental Rights are not amenable to the Parliamentary restriction as stated in Article 13. Also stated that Article 368 gives the procedure to amend the Constitution but does not confer on Parliament the power to amend the Constitution.

    Kesavananda Bharati case (1973)

    This judgement defined the basic structure of the Constitution. The SC held that although no part of the Constitution, including Fundamental Rights, was beyond the Parliament’s amending power, the “basic structure of the Constitution could not be abrogated even by a constitutional amendment.” 

    Maneka Gandhi case (1978)

    The SC held that right to go abroad is included in the Right to Personal Liberty. The SC also ruled that the mere existence of an enabling law was not enough to restrain personal liberty. 

    Indra Sawhney and Union of India (1992)

    SC examined the scope and extent of Article 16(4), and upheld the constitutional validity of 27% reservation for the OBCs with certain conditions (like creamy layer exclusion, no reservation in promotion, total reserved quota should not exceed 50%, etc.)

    Minerva Mills case (1980)

    The judgement struck down 2 changes made to the Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act 1976, declaring them to be violative of the basic structure. 

    Shah Bano Begum case (1985)

    Milestone case for Muslim women’s fight for rights. The SC upheld the right to alimony for a Muslim woman and said that the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 is applicable to all citizens irrespective of their religion. 

    S. R. Bommai case (1994)

    In this judgement, the SC tried to curb the blatant misuse of Article 356 (regarding the imposition of President’s Rule on states).

    Vishaka and State of Rajasthan (1997)

    This case dealt with sexual harassment at the workplace. 

    Lily Thomas v Union of India (2000)

    Here, the SC held that the second marriage of a Hindu man without divorcing the first wife, even if the man had converted to Islam, is void unless the first marriage had been dissolved according to the Hindu Marriage Act.

    I.R Coelho and State of Tamil Nadu 2007

    This judgement held that if a law is included in the 9th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, it can still be examined and confronted in court.

    Aruna Shanbaug Case (2011)

    The SC ruled that individuals had a right to die with dignity, allowing passive euthanasia with guidelines. 

    NOTA judgement (2013)

    This judgement introduced the NOTA (None-Of-The-Above) option for Indian voters.

    Triple Talaq Judgement (2016)

    The SC outlawed the backward practice of instant ‘triple talaq’, which permitted Muslim men to unilaterally end their marriages by uttering the word “talaq” three times without making any provision for maintenance or alimony. 

    Right To Privacy (2017)

    The SC declared the right to privacy as a Fundamental Right protected under the Indian Constitution. 
     
     
     

    Important Provisions/Articles/Schedules of the Indian Constitution

    Parts of the Indian Constitution

    Subject Covered

    Articles in Indian Constitution
    Part I Union and its Territories Article 1-4
    Part II Citizenship Article 5-11
    Part III Fundamental Rights Article 12-35
    Part IV Directive Principles Article 36-51
    Part IV A Fundamental Duties Article 51A
    Part V The Union Article 52-151
    Part VI The States Article 152-237
    Part VII Note: 7th Amendment Act, 1956 repealed Part 7 –
    Part VIII The Union Territories Article 239-242
    Part IX The Panchayats Article 243-243O
    Part IX A The Municipalities Article 243P-243ZG
    Part IX B Co-operative Societies Article 243ZH-243ZT
    Part X Scheduled and Tribal Areas Article 244-244A
    Part XI Relation between Union & States Article 245-263
    Part XII Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits Article 264-300A
    Part XIII Trade, Commerce and Intercourse within the territory of India Article 301-307
    Part XIV Services under the Union and States Article 308-323
    Part XIV A Tribunals Article 323A-323B
    Part XV Elections Article 324-329A
    Part XVI Special Provisions relating to certain classes Article 330-342
    Part XVII Official Languages Article 343-351
    Part XVIII Emergency Provisions Article 352-360
    Part XIX Miscellaneous Article 361-367
    Part XX Amendment of the Constitution Article 368
    Part XXI Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions Article 369-392
    Part XXII Short title, Commencement, and Authoritative Text in
    Hindi and Repeals    		 Article 393-39

    Part 1: Article 1 – Article 4

    • Article 1 –Name of the union and its territories
    • Article 2 –Acceptance and creation of the new state
    • Article 3 – New state creation, as well as changes to the names, boundaries, and territories of existing states

    Part 2: Article 5 – Article 11

    • Article 5 –Citizenship at the time the Constitution first came into effect
    • Article 6 –An individual’s citizenship rights after coming to India from Pakistan
    • Article 10 –Maintenance of citizenship rights
    • Article 11 –The right to citizenship will be governed by law by Parliament.

    Part 3: Article 12 – Article 35

    • Article 12 –The state’s definition
    • Article 13 –Laws that violate or interfere with fundamental rights

    The Indian Constitution originally outlined seven fundamental rights, but only six remain. The 44th Amendment Act of 1978 repealed the Right to Property under Article 31. Part XII of the Constitution was amended to create the legal right under Article 300-A.

    • Right to Equality: Article 14 to Article 18
    • Right to Freedom: Article 19 to Article 22
    • Right to Exploitation: Article 23 to Article 24
    • Right to Freedom of Religion: Article 25 to Article 28
    • Cultural and Educational Rights: Article 29 to Article 30
    • Right to Constitutional Remedies: Article 32

    Part 4: Directive Principal of States Policy: Article 36 – 51

    • Article 36 – Definition
    • Article 37 – Application of DPSP
    • Article 39A – Free legal representation and equal justice
    • Article 40 – Forming a village panchayat
    • Article 41 – Right to employment, education, and, in some circumstances, public support
    • Article 43 – Living Wages, etc. for Workers
    • Article 43A – Participation of workers in the management of industries
    • Article 44 – Uniform civil code ( applicable in Goa only)
    • Article 45 – Provision for free and compulsory education for children
    • Article 46 – Promotion of educational and economic interest of scheduled castes, ST, and OBC
    • Article 47 – Duty of the state to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health
    • Article 48 – Deals with agriculture and animal husbandry
    • Article 49 – Protection of monuments, places and objects of natural importance
    • Article 50 – Separation of judiciary from the executive
    • Article 51 – Promotion of international peace and security

    Part 5: Union: Article 52 – 151

    • Article 52 –The President of India
    • Article 53 –Executive Power of the union
    • Article 54 –Election of President
    • Article 61 –Procedure for Impeachment of the President
    • Article 63 –The Vice Presidents of India
    • Article 64 –The Vice-President to be ex-officio chairman the council of States
    • Article 66 –Election of Vice-president
    • Article 72 –Pardoning powers of President
    • Article 74 –Council of ministers to aid and advise President
    • Article 76 –Attorney General of India
    • Article 79 –Constitution of Parliament
    • Article 80 –Composition of Rajya Sabha
    • Article 81 –Composition of Lok Sabha
    • Article 83 –Duration of Houses of Parliament
    • Article 93 –The speakers and Deputy speakers of the house of the people
    • Article 105 –Powers, Privileges, etc. of the House of Parliament
    • Article 109 –Special procedure in respects of money bills
    • Article 110 –Definition of “Money Bills”
    • Article 112 –Annual Financial Budget
    • Article 114 –Appropriation Bills
    • Article 123 –Powers of the President to promulgate Ordinances during recess of parliament
    • Article 124 – Establishment of Supreme Court
    • Article 125 – Salaries of Judges
    • Article 126 –Appointment of acting Chief justice
    • Article 127 –Appointment of ad-hoc judges
    • Article 128 –Attendance of retired judge at sitting of the Supreme Court
    • Article 129 –Supreme Court to be a court of Record
    • Article 130 –Seat of the Supreme Court
    • Article 136 –Special leaves for an appeal to the Supreme Court
    • Article 137 –Review of judgment or orders by the Supreme Court
    • Article 141 –Decision of the Supreme Court binding on all the courts
    • Article 148 –Comptroller and Auditor-General of India
    • Article 149 –Duties and Powers of CAG

    Part 6: States: Article 152 – 237

    • Article 153 –Governors of State
    • Article 154 – Executive Powers of Governor
    • Article 161 –Pardoning powers of the Governor
    • Article 165 –Advocate-General of the State
    • Article 213 –Power of Governor to promulgate ordinances
    • Article 214 – High Courts for states
    • Article 215 –High Courts to be a court of record
    • Article 226 –Power of High Courts to issue certain writs
    • Article 233 –Appointment of District judges
    • Article 235 –Control over Subordinate Courts
    Part Detail
    Part 7 Repealed: Article 238
    Part 8 Union Territories: Article 239 – 242
    Part 9 Panchayats: Article 243 – 243O 

    • Article 243A – Gram Sabha
    • Article 243B – Constitution of Panchayats
    Part 9A Municipalities: Article 243P – 243ZG
    Part 9B Co-operative Societies: Article 243ZH – 243ZT
    Part 10 Scheduled and Tribal Areas: Article 244
    Part 11 Center- State Relations: Article 245 – 263

    Part 12: Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits: Article 264 – 300A

    • Article 266 – Consolidated Fund and Public Accounts Fund
    • Article 267 –Contingency Fund of India
    • Article 280 –Finance Commission
    • Article 300-A –Right to property

    Part 13: Trade, Commerce and Intercourse within the territories of India: Article 301 – 307

    • Article 301 – Freedom to trade, commerce, and intercourse.
    • Article 302 –Power of Parliament to impose restrictions on trade, commerce, and intercourse.

    Part 14: Services Under Center and State: Article 308 – 323

    • Article 312 –All- India-Service.
    • Article 315 –Public service commission’s for the union and for the states
    • Article 320 –Functions of Public Service Commission.

    Part 14A: Tribunals: Article 323A – 323B

    • Article 323A –Administrative Tribunals

    Part 15: Elections: Article 324 – 329

    • Article 324 –Superintendence, direction and control of Elections to be vested in an Election Commission.
    • Article 325 –No person to be ineligible for inclusion in or to claim to be included in a special, electoral roll on grounds of religion, race, caste, or sex.
    • Article 326 –Elections to the house of the people and to the legislative assemblies of states to be on the basis of adult suffrage.

    Part 16: Special Provisions to SC, ST, OBC, Minorities etc: Article 330 – 342

    • Article 338 –National Commission for the SC, & ST.
    • Article 340 –Appointment of a commission to investigate the conditions of backward classes.

    Part 17: Official Language: Article 343 – 351

    • Article 343 –Official languages of the Union.
    • Article 345 –Official languages or languages of states.
    • Article 348 –Languages to be used in the Supreme Court and in the High Courts.
    • Article 351 –Directive for development of the Hindi languages.

    Part 18: Emergency: Article 352 – 360

    • Article 352 –Proclamation of emergency (National Emergency).
    • Article 356 –State Emergency (President’s Rule)
    • Article 360 –Financial Emergency

    Part 19: Miscellaneous: Article 361 – 367

    • Article 361-Protection of President and Governors

    Part 20: Amendment of Constitution: Article 368

    • Article 368 –Powers of Parliaments to amend the constitution

    Part 21:  Special, Transitional and Temporary Provisions: Article 369 – 392

    • Article 370 –Special provision of J&K.
    • Article 371A –Special provision with respect to the State of Nagaland
    • Article 371-J –Special Status for Hyderabad-Karnataka region

    Part 22: Short Text, Commencement, Authoritative Text in Hindi and Repeals: Article 392 – 395

    • Article 393 – Short title – This Constitution may be called the Constitution of India.

    Important Schedules of the Indian Constitution 

    Schedules

    Articles of Indian Constitution
    First Schedule Article 1 and Article 4
    Second Schedule Articles: 59, 65, 75, 97, 125, 148, 158, 164, 186, 221
    Third Schedule Articles: 75, 84, 99, 124,146, 173, 188, 219
    Fourth Schedule Article 4 and Article 80
    Fifth Schedule Article 244
    Sixth Schedule Article 244 and Article 275
    Seventh Schedule Article 246
    Eighth Schedule Article 344 and Article 351
    Ninth Schedule Article 31-B
    Tenth Schedule Article 102 and Article 191
    Eleventh Schedule Article 243-G
    Twelfth Schedule Article 243-W

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  • [Sansad TV] Perspective: Urban Planning

    [Sansad TV] Perspective: Urban Planning

    Context

    • Prime Minister has said that well-planned cities are going to be the need of the hour in the fast-paced environment of India in the 21st century. 
    • He emphasized that the development of new cities and the modernization of services in the existing ones are the two main aspects of urban development.

    What do you mean by Urban Planning?

    • Urban planning is the process of designing and managing the physical and social development of cities, towns, and other urban areas.
    • It involves a range of activities, including land use planning, transportation planning, environmental planning, and community development.
    • Urban planners work to create livable and sustainable communities by balancing the needs of different stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and government agencies.
    Urban planning in India: A quick recap

    The first Municipal Corporation was set up in the former Presidency Town of Madras in 1688.
    It was followed by similar corporations in the then Bombay and Calcutta in 1726.
    Lord Mayo’s resolution of 1870 laid out a roadmap for these bodies in India.
    The ‘Magna Carta’ of local self-government is considered to be Lord Ripon’s resolution of 1882. In 1907, a royal commission, chaired by Hobhouse, was established to focus on decentralization.
    The Government of India Act of 1919 assigned the subject of local self-government to an Indian minister.
    The Cantonments Act was passed by the central legislature in 1924.
    Local self-government was declared a provincial subject under the Government of India Act of 1935.

    Features of Urban Planning

    • Land use planning: This involves the allocation of land for various uses, such as residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational.
    • Transportation planning: Planning for efficient and sustainable transportation systems, including roads, public transit, bike lanes, and pedestrian walkways.
    • Housing planning: Ensuring the availability of adequate and affordable housing for all residents.
    • Economic planning: Supporting economic development and growth by creating jobs, attracting investment, and providing business opportunities.
    • Infrastructure planning: Developing and maintaining infrastructure, such as water supply, sanitation, and waste management systems.
    • Community engagement: Involving the community in the planning process to ensure that their needs and priorities are reflected in the final plan.
    • Zoning: Regulating the use of land and the placement of buildings to ensure compatibility with neighboring uses and adequate provision of open space.
    • Urban design: Creating an attractive and functional built environment through thoughtful design of public spaces, buildings, and streetscapes.
    • Environmental planning: Incorporating environmental considerations, such as the preservation of natural resources, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable practices.

    Urban Planning Mechanism in India

    India’s local governance system underwent a transformation in 1992 with constitutional reforms through the 73rd and 74th Amendments.

    • 12th schedule: Urban planning, regulation of land use, and planning for economic and social development are the first three subjects listed in the 12th schedule.
    • 74th Amendment: It empowers elected municipalities with the task of preparing and implementing plans and schemes for economic development and social justice, along with subjects listed under the 12th Schedule.
    • Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC): The 74th Amendment mandates the creation of a MPC for metropolitan cities with over 1 million population, with at least two-thirds of its members to be elected local representatives, to prepare a development plan for the metropolitan area incorporating local bodies’ plans.
    • Creation of master plans: These agencies prepare “master plans” that regulate land use and development across the city every 10-20 years, such as the Delhi Development Authority or the Bangalore Development Authority.
    • District Development Authorities: State government-controlled DAs are primarily responsible for urban planning in most of India’s major cities, instead of municipal government or MPC.

    Why is it a daunting task in India?

    • Rapid urbanization: India has been witnessing rapid urbanization, with a significant population shift from rural areas to cities. This has led to unplanned and haphazard urbanization, resulting in inadequate infrastructure, lack of affordable housing, and overcrowding in cities.
    • Cost of urban planning: The cost of urban planning can be substantial, especially if the plan involves the construction of new infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, public transport systems, and housing. The cost can also vary depending on the level of development, infrastructure, and services required in the city.
    • Poor infrastructure: Many Indian cities lack proper infrastructure such as roads, public transport, water supply, and sewage systems. This leads to traffic congestion, pollution, and health hazards.
    • Lack of open spaces: Many urban areas in India lack open spaces such as parks, playgrounds, and public spaces. This can impact the physical and mental well-being of residents, especially children and the elderly.
    • Inadequate housing: The demand for affordable housing in Indian cities far exceeds the supply. This has led to the proliferation of slums and informal settlements, where living conditions are often substandard.
    • Corruption: Corruption in urban planning is a significant issue in India. It leads to the allocation of resources based on political and personal considerations rather than objective criteria, resulting in inefficient use of resources and poor urban planning outcomes.
    • Lack of citizen participation: Citizens’ participation in urban planning is minimal in India. Most planning decisions are made by bureaucrats and politicians, with little input from citizens. This can lead to decisions that do not reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.

    Major challenges plaguing Urban Centres

    • Lack of Efficient Transport: Overcrowded roads, pollution, and increased travelling time due to the dependency on private vehicles in cities, which also contributes to climate change.
    • Slums and Squatter Settlements: High cost of living in cities leads to the growth of slums as safe havens for migrants, with 35.2% of the total urban population living in slums in India, and Dharavi in Mumbai being the largest slum in Asia.
    • Degradation of Environmental Quality: Congestion of people in limited spaces results in reduced air quality, contaminated water, destruction of forests and agricultural land for construction, and wastes being channelized to rivers, leading to garbage mountains outside cities.
    • Sewerage Problems: Inefficient sewage facilities due to unplanned and haphazard growth of cities, with almost 78% of the sewage generated in India remaining untreated and disposed of in rivers, lakes, or sea.
    • Urban Heat Island: Dense concentrations of pavement, buildings, and other surfaces in urban areas lead to increased energy costs, air pollution, and heat-related illness and mortality.
    • Urban Flooding: Encroachment on lakes, wetlands, and rivers due to new developments in low-lying areas, ineffective natural drainage systems, and lack of solid waste management leading to flooding and waterlogging.
    • Ineffective Functioning of ULBs: Imbalance between the powers, responsibilities, and funds assigned to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) outlined by the Constitution, resulting in their ineffective functioning due to the lack of time-bound audits and revenue dependence on the Centre and State.

    Major schemes for urban planning and development

    The GOI has launched several schemes related to urban planning to address the issues faced by Indian cities. Some of the major schemes are:

    • Smart Cities Mission: Launched in 2015, this scheme aims to develop 100 smart cities across India by leveraging technology and infrastructure. The mission focuses on sustainable development, citizen participation, and the use of technology to improve urban services.
    • Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): Launched in 2015, this scheme aims to improve basic urban infrastructure such as water supply, sewage, and transportation in cities with a population of over 100,000. The scheme focuses on improving the quality of life of citizens.
    • Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: Launched in 2014, this scheme aims to achieve a clean India by promoting sanitation and hygiene. The scheme focuses on improving waste management, constructing toilets, and promoting behavioural change.
    • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Launched in 2015, this scheme aims to provide affordable housing to urban poor and homeless. The scheme provides financial assistance to construct houses and promotes the use of eco-friendly and sustainable building materials.
    • Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY): Launched in 2015, this scheme aims to preserve and revitalize the heritage cities in India. The scheme focuses on improving tourism infrastructure, promoting heritage tourism, and preserving cultural heritage.

    Way forward

    To move forward with urban planning in a sustainable and cost-effective manner, the following steps can be taken:

    • Adopt a participatory approach: Citizens’ participation is essential for effective urban planning. Cities should involve citizens, community groups, and stakeholders in the planning process, from the early stages to implementation and evaluation.
    • Prioritize sustainable development: Urban planning should prioritize sustainability, including reducing carbon emissions, improving public transportation, promoting renewable energy, and preserving natural resources.
    • Promote public-private partnerships: Public-private partnerships can provide resources and expertise to urban planning projects. They can also help to mobilize private investment in infrastructure and services.
    • Use technology to improve planning and implementation: Urban planners can use technology to improve the accuracy and speed of planning and implementation. For example, geographic information systems (GIS) can help with mapping, data analysis, and visualization.
    • Address corruption: Corruption in urban planning can lead to inefficient use of resources and poor outcomes. Cities should prioritize transparency and accountability in planning processes to reduce corruption.
    • Prioritize housing: Affordable housing is essential for the well-being of citizens. Cities should prioritize the provision of affordable housing, and this can be achieved through innovative financing models, such as social housing and rent control.
    • Emphasize the importance of green spaces: Green spaces such as parks, public spaces, and playgrounds are essential for the physical and mental well-being of citizens. Cities should prioritize the preservation and creation of green spaces.

    Conclusion

    • By adopting these steps, urban planning can be carried out in a sustainable, cost-effective, and citizen-centric manner.
    • This will help address the challenges faced by cities and create livable, vibrant, and sustainable urban environments for citizens.

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  • How to cover daily Newspapers in 45 mins for UPSC 2023 & 2024? LIVE with Diksha ma’am – Practical session on Current Affairs | Register & Get FREE Samachar Manthan module + Recorded Video

    How to cover daily Newspapers in 45 mins for UPSC 2023 & 2024? LIVE with Diksha ma’am – Practical session on Current Affairs | Register & Get FREE Samachar Manthan module + Recorded Video

    Register for recorded Practical session on Current Affairs for UPSC CSE to cover a daily Newspaper in 45 minutes | Get Samachar Manthan’s current week’s module for FREE
    ⭐Points You expect in this session

    CLICK & Register for FREE recorded session by Diksha Ma’am

    Attention UPSC aspirants! Are you tired of spending hours every day reading newspapers, whether The Hindu or The Indian Express, and still feeling unprepared, frustrated, unfulfilled, and irritated wrt to current affairs for the exam?

    Do you struggle with figuring out what’s important and what’s not in the newspaper?

    Are you unsure of how to make notes from the newspaper or how to link current affairs with UPSC’s static syllabus?

    Well, fret no more! We have an exciting solution for all your current affairs and daily newspaper woes.

    Concluded successfully FREE live practical session by Senior IAS mentor Diksha Sharma, where she will take you through her expert tips and tricks to finish reading the newspaper in just 45 minutes!

    That’s right, you heard it correctly. 45 minutes is all it will take for you to cover all the components and issues areas that normally UPSC aspirants students miss.

    In this session, Diksha Sharma will show you how to read the newspaper effectively for both prelims and mains exams, how to make notes that will be useful for revision, and how to interlink current affairs with UPSC’s static syllabus. You will also learn how to practice UPSC answer writing after daily newspaper reading and how to polish your recall of current affairs knowledge.

    So, say goodbye to feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with current affairs and join us for this exciting session. Diksha Sharma’s expert guidance will help you save time, reduce stress, and prepare more efficiently for the exam. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your current affairs preparation.

    Register now for free and take the first step towards success in UPSC!

    CLICK & Register for FREE recorded session by Diksha Ma’am

    Points that we will be discussing in the Practical Session on 5th March, (Sunday) at 7:30 PM

    1. What is the basic funda to cover the Newspaper daily in a maximum of 45 minutes? 
    2. How to maintain consistency in daily newspaper reading?
    3. How to take out case studies, anecdotes, examples, and facts for mains answers and essays?
    4. How to cover current affairs holistically for Prelims, Mains, and Interviews?
    5. How to supplement Newspapers with Magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra, etc, and make notes from them.
    6. How to focus on these:
      • Socio-economic issues like Women’s issues, Education or Health related issues, Issues or policies affecting vulnerable sections, etc.
      • Issues of national and international importance.
      • Political issues related to Indian Constitution, Legislative and Administrative processes.
      • Supreme Court or High Court verdicts.
      • Good analysis of current issues.
      • Parliamentary Debates.
      • Government policies and orders.
    7. How to pick important news topics for UPSC. How to Update all notes, etc after reading repeating News.

    Those who understand the exam syllabus and pattern well, have less anxiety but a beginner (due to less understanding of the syllabus and pattern) takes enough time to read and prepare.

    CLICK & Register for FREE recorded session by Diksha Ma’am

    What The Hindu mentioned about Civilsdaily Mentorship

    CLICK & Register for FREE recorded session by Diksha Ma’am

  • Nikaalo Prelims Spotlight || State and Local Government

    Dear Aspirants,

    This Spotlight is a part of our Mission Nikaalo Prelims-2023.

    You can check the broad timetable of Nikaalo Prelims here

    Session Details

    YouTube LIVE with Parth sir – 1 PM  – Prelims Spotlight Session

    Evening 04 PM  – Daily Mini Tests

    Telegram LIVE with Sukanya ma’am – 06 PM  – Current Affairs Session

    Join our Official telegram channel for Study material and Daily Sessions Here

    3rd Mar 2023

    State government 

     
    PART VI of the Constitution deals with the other half of Indian federalism, ie the States. Article from 152-237 deals with various provisions related to States. It covers the executive, legislature and judiciary wings of the states. 

    CHAPTER I.—GENERAL

    Article 152 : Definition

    CHAPTER II.—THE EXECUTIVE

    ARTICLE 153:  GOVERNORS OF STATES

    ARTICLE 154: EXECUTIVE POWER OF STATE

    ARTICLE 155: APPOINTMENT OF GOVERNOR

    ARTICLE 156: TERM OF OFFICE OF GOVERNOR

    ARTICLE 157: QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT AS GOVERNOR

    ARTICLE 158: CONDITIONS OF GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

    ARTICLE 159: OATH OR AFFIRMATION BY THE GOVERNOR

    ARTICLE 160: DISCHARGE OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE GOVERNOR IN CERTAIN CONTINGENCIES

    ARTICLE 161: POWER OF GOVERNOR TO GRANT PARDONS, ETC., AND TO SUSPEND, REMIT OR COMMUTE SENTENCES IN CERTAIN CASES

    ARTICLE 162: EXTENT OF EXECUTIVE POWER OF STATE

    Info-bits related to Governor of States

    • Powers of the Governor can be broadly classified into executive, legislative (including financial powers) and judicial powers.
    • Though the Governor has the power to pardon, he cannot pardon a death sentence.
    • There are also related articles like 163 -167, 174-176, 200-201, 213, 217, 233-234 which touch the sphere of influence of the Governor of a state.
    • When the governor reserves a bill for the consideration of the President, the assent of the Governor is no longer required (only President’s assent would be needed then).
    • The president is not bound to give his assent to a state bill reserved by the governor for the Consideration of the President and he can return the bill to the houses for reconsideration ‘n’ times.
    • Removal of Governors by Center.

     

    Article 163: Council of Ministers to aid and advise Governor

    (1) There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister at the head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his functions, except in so far as he is by or under this Constitution required to exercise his functions or any of them in his discretion.
    (2) If any question arises whether any matter is or is not a matter as respects which the Governor is by or under this Constitution required to act in his discretion, the decision of the Governor in his discretion shall be final, and the validity of anything done by the Governor shall not be called in question on the ground that he ought or ought not to have acted in his discretion.
    (3) The question whether any, and if so what, advice was tendered by Ministers to the Governor shall not be inquired into in any court.

    164: Other provisions as to Ministers

    (1) The Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor and the other Ministers shall be appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister, and the Ministers shall hold office during the pleasure of the Governor:
    (2) The Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly of the State.
    (3) Before a Minister enters upon his office, the Governor shall administer to him the oaths of office and of secrecy according to the forms set out for the purpose in the Third Schedule.
    (4) A Minister who for any period of six consecutive months is not a member of the Legislature of the State shall at the expiration of that period cease to be a Minister.
    (5) The salaries and allowances of Ministers shall be such as the Legislature of the State may from time to time by law determine and, until the Legislature of the State so determines, shall be as specified in the Second Schedule.

    Info-bits related to Council of Ministers in States

    1. President of India does not have existence without council of ministers, but Governor has (at the time of President’s rule).
    2. The minimum strength of council of ministers in a state as per Constitution is 12 and maximum is 15 percent of Legislative Assembly.
    3. Oaths for ministers : oaths of office and of secrecy.
    4. The Governor has discretionary powers and the validity of acts done using the discretionary powers cannot be questioned.

    State Legislature

    Article 168: Constitution of Legislatures in States.

    (1) For every State there shall be a Legislature which shall consist of the Governor, and—

    (a) in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir, two Houses;
    (b) in other States, one House.
    (2) Where there are two Houses of the Legislature of a State, one shall be known as the Legislative Council and the other as the Legislative Assembly, and where there is only one House, it shall be known as the Legislative Assembly.

    Article 169: Abolition or creation of Legislative Councils in States.

    (1) Notwithstanding anything in article 168, Parliament may by law provide for the abolition of the Legislative Council of a State having such a Council or for the creation of such a Council in a State having no such Council, if the Legislative Assembly of the State passes a resolution to that effect by a majority of the total membership of the Assembly and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of the Assembly present and voting.
    (2) No such law as aforesaid shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Constitution for the purposes of article 368.

    Article 170: Composition of the Legislative Assemblies.

    Article 171: Composition of the Legislative Councils.

    Article 172: Duration of State Legislatures.

    Article 173: Qualification for membership of the State Legislature.

    Article 174: Sessions of the State Legislature, prorogation and dissolution. 

    Article 175: Right of Governor to address and send messages to the House or Houses.

    Article 176: Special address by the Governor.

    Article 177: Rights of Ministers and Advocate-General as respects the Houses.

     

    Info- Bits related with State Legislature

    1. At present there are seven states which have bicameral legislature – Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir.
    2. The permissible strength of a Legislative Assembly (LA) is between 60 and 500.
    3. Total number of Members in the Legislative Council (LC) of a State shall not exceed one third of the total number of Members in the Legislative Assembly.
    4. Of the total number of Members of the Legislative Council, 1/3 of Members are elected by electorates consisting of the Members of Local Authorities, 1/12 are elected by electorates consisting of graduates residing in the State, 1/12 are elected by electorates consisting of persons engaged in teaching, 1/3 are elected by the Members of Legislative Assembly and the remaining are nominated by the Governor. 

    Local self-government


    Local self-government is a form of democratic decentralization where the participation of even the grass root level of the society is ensured in the process of administration.

    History of local administration

    Even though such minor forms of local governance were evident in India from British times, the framers of the constitutions, unsatisfied with the existing provisions, included Article 40 among the Directive Principles, whereby:

    “The state shall take steps to organize village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government.”

    Later, the conceptualisation of the system of local self-government in India took place through the formation and effort of four important committees from the year 1957 to 1986 which are:

    1. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957)

    2. Ashok Mehta Committee (1977-1978)

    3. G V K Rao Commitee (1985)

    4. L M Singhvi Committee (1986) 

     

    Panchayati Raj System under 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment acts, 1992

    The acts of 1992 added two new parts IX and IX-A  to the constitution. It also added two new schedules – 11 and 12 which contains the lists of functional items of Panchayats and Municipalities. It provides for a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj in every state – at the village, intermediate and district levels.

    • The 73rd Constitutional Amendment act provides for a Gram Sabha as the foundation of the Panchayati Raj system. It is essentially a village assembly consisting of all the registered voters in the area of the panchayat. The state has the power to determine what kind of powers it can exercise, and what functions it has to perform at the village level.
    • The 74th Constitutional Amendment act provides for three types of Municipalities:
      1.  Nagar Panchayat for a transitional area between a rural and urban area.
      2.  Municipal Council for a small urban area.
      3.  Municipal Corporation for a large urban area.

    Types of Urban Local Government

    There are eight types of urban local governments currently existing in India:

    1. Municipal Corporations.
    2. Municipality.
    3. Notified area committee.
    4. Town area committee.
    5. Cantonment board.
    6. Township.
    7. Port trust.
    8. Special purpose agency.

    Elections in the local government bodies

    • All seats of representatives of local bodies are filled by people chosen through direct elections.
    • The conduct of elections is vested in the hands of the State election commission.
    • The chairpersons at the intermediate and district levels shall be elected indirectly from among the elected representatives at the immediately lower level.
    • At the lowest level, the chairperson shall be elected in a mode defined by the state legislature.
    • Seats are reserved for SC and ST proportional to their population.
    • Out of these reserved seats, not less than one-third shall be further reserved for women.
    • There should be a blanket reservation of one-third seats for women in all the constituencies taken together too (which can include the already reserved seats for SC and ST).
    • The acts bar the interference of courts in any issue relating to the election to local bodies.

    Qualifications needed to be a member of the Panchayat or Municipality

    Any person who is qualified to be a member of the state legislature is eligible to be a member of the Panchayat or Municipality.

    “But he shall not be disqualified on the ground that he is less than 25 years of age if he has attained the age of 21 years”

    This means that unlike the state legislature, a person needs to attain only 21 years of age to be a member of panchayat/municipality.

    Duration of the Local Government bodies

    • The local governing bodies are elected for a term of five years.
    • Fresh elections should be conducted before the expiry of the five-year term.
    • If the panchayat/municipality is dissolved before the expiry of its term, elections shall be conducted within six months and the new panchayat/municipality will hold office for the remainder of the term if the term has more than six months duration.
    • And for another five years if the remaining term is less than six months.

    Powers invested with Local Government bodies

    The powers of local bodies are not exclusively defined. In general, the State governments can assign powers to Panchayats and Municipalities that may enable them to prepare plans for economic development and social justice. They may also be authorized to levy, collect, or appropriate taxes.

     

     
     
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  • UPSC 2024 Foundation March batch launched | IAS-IPS as Super Mentor – Three layers of mentorship | Get AIR 109, Areeba as your mentor | Starts on 5th March 2023 

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  • Nikaalo Prelims Spotlight || Central Government

    Dear Aspirants,

    This Spotlight is a part of our Mission Nikaalo Prelims-2023.

    You can check the broad timetable of Nikaalo Prelims here

    Session Details

    YouTube LIVE with Parth sir – 1 PM  – Prelims Spotlight Session

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    2nd Mar 2023

    Executive

    Titbits

    1. President, VP both elected indirectly by proportional representation by means of single transferable vote and voting is by secret ballot
    2. Electoral college of president contains elected MPs and elected MLAs (including that of UTs of Delhi and Puducherry) while that of VP includes all MPs (nominated MPs and nominated MLAs not included in presidential electoral college where as nominated MPs are included in Vice presidential but none of the MLAs )
    3. MLCs not included in electoral college of either president or VP
    4. Value of votes of all elected MPs = Value of votes of all elected MLAs
    5. Min age 35 years for both president and VP (LS, MLA = 25, RS, MLC = 30, local bodies =21)
    6. Oath to preserve, protect and defend the constitution to president by CJI while by president to VP
    7. Impeachment for violation of constitution by ⅔ absolute majority
    8. Vacancy in presidential office, VP and in his absence CJI
    9. President acts in accordance with aid and advice of CoM except where situational discretion is necessary (govt losing no confidence motion, no clear majority)
    10. President appoints judges of supreme court as well as high court
    Issue President Governor
    Head Head of the country, head of govt is PM Head of a state, head of govt is CM
    Executive power All executive action in his name Same
    Oath Preserve, protect and defend the constitution Same
    Appointment Indirect election Nominated by president; representative of union in states
    Removal Impeachment President can remove him any time/ pleasure principle
    Grounds of removal Violation of constitution No grounds mentioned
    Advice of council of minister Binding (42nd amendment), can return the advice once (44th amendment) binding save for exceptional circumstances (various supreme court judgements)
    Ordinance Art 123, when either house is not in session, not for CAB Art 213, same
    Ordinary bill Can be sent for reconsideration once to parliament, bound to give assent after that same
    Money bill Can’t send for reconsideration (after all president himself recommends the bill) same
    Constitution amendment bill Has to give his assent (24th amendment) No role
    if governor reserves the bill for president (article 200) Can assent/ withhold assent or send the bill for reconsideration (except money bill which can’t be resent) (article 201) No further role of governor
    If house sends the bill back in the same form Not bound to give assent <governor is bound to give assent after repassage> No role
    Clemency power Can pardon death sentence and court martial sentences Can’t pardon death sentence, no role in military matters

    Bills which must be reserved for President’s consideration

    1. bills derogating the powers of the High Court (art 200)
    2. imposition of taxes on water or electricity in certain cases (Article 288)
    3. during a Financial Emergency (art 360)

    Bills which may be reserved for President’s consideration and assent for specific purposes

    a). To secure immunity from operation of Articles 14 and 19. These are Bills for

    1. acquisition of estates, etc.  (Article 31A(I (b))
    2. giving effect to Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 31C)

    (b) A Bill relating to a subject enumerated in the Concurrent List, to ensure operation of its provisions despite their repugnancy to a Union law or an existing law, by securing President’s assent in terms of Article 254(2)

    (c) Legislation imposing restrictions on trade and commerce

     

    Titbits

      1. President (governor) appoints the leader of the majority party as PM (CM). Discretion in case of no clear majority.
      2. Ministers are appointed on the advice of PM or CM (no discretion)
    • CM of UTs is appointed by President not Lt. Governor
    1. Ministers hold office during pleasure of president (governor) and are collectively responsible to house of people
    2. Total strength of CoM including PM (CM) not to exceed 15% of membership of LS (91st CAA)
    3. Ministers can be appointed w/o being part of LS or RS but have to get elected w/i 6 months
    4. Ministers/ Attorney general who are not member of a house/ committee can attend the meetings but can’t vote
    5. The cabinet is a subset of CoM and includes only ministers of cabinet rank (article 352)

    Governor of state  v/s LG of Delhi

      Governor/ state LG/ Delhi
    Appointment of CM/ ministers By governor By president
    Ministers hold office till pleasure of Governor President
    Discretion Very limited Can refer any matter to president if not satisfied
    Who can make Laws on state list Only state legislature ordinarily Parliament as well as state legislature

    Civil services

    While ministers are political executives, civil servants are permanent executives as they don’t have to seek the mandate of people every five years.

    All India Services: Common to both centre and states

    1. Recruitment by the centre, serve under states
    2. 3 all India services – IAS, IPS and Indian forest services <created in 1968>
    3. Parliament can create a new IAS if RS passes a resolution by ⅔ majority
    4. Central govt makes service rules in consultation with state govt
    5. Work under the pleasure of the president with safeguards

    Legislature

    Parliament –

    Loksabha (house of people) + RajyaSabha (Council of states) + President

      LokSabha RajyaSabha
    Other names Lower house, house of people Upper house, council of states
    Total strength (state+UT+nominated) 530+13+2
    (Nomination
    Discontinued)    		 229 elected from states + 4 from UTs + 12 Nominated by president
    Maximum strength (state+UT+nominated) 530+20+2
    (Nomination
    Discontinued)    		 238 +12
    Mode of election Direct election – First past the post Indirect by MLAs – proportional representation by single transferable vote
    Life cycle 5 yr or until dissolved Continuing chamber (6 year of MP)
    Min age to contest polls 25 30
    Presiding officer Speaker Vice President (Ex officio
    Who can be nominated Anglo Indians
    Special knowledge in Literature, art, science,social service  
      LS RS
    Money Bill, certification and voting on it Introduced here, speaker certifies can vote and amend Can’t be introduced, can’t vote, can only send recommendation within 14 days
    Estimate committee members All 30 from LS No role
    Joint sitting presided by Speaker > deputy speaker Not by VP
    National emergency discontinuation Resolution by LS No role
    No confidence motion, censure motion adjournment motion Only in LS  
      RS LS
    Parliamentary law on state list Authorizes (Art 249)  
    Creation of new AIS Authorizes (Art 312)  
    Introduction of motion to remove VP Introduced here and passed by effective majority LS – simple majority required

    Presiding officers

    Speaker of previous LS vacates post before first meeting of new LS

    President appoint speaker Pro Tem – usually senior most member

    Presides over first meeting, oath to members, election of speaker

    Speaker is elected and pro tem cease to exist

    Speaker fixes the date for election of deputy speaker

    Nominates panel of =<10 chairpersons to preside in his/ deputy’s absence

     

    Election and removal (Speaker, deputy and vice CP) and salary

    Election -By the members of particular house by simple majority

    Removal – 14 days notice and effective majority of house

    Charged on CFI and thus non votable

    Titbits:

    1. President is part of parliament but not the presiding officer of any house
    2. VP is not the part of parliament yet presiding officer and ex officio chairperson of RS
    3. President can not chair joint sitting even in the absence of speaker and deputy speaker. Deputy CP chairs the sitting in such eventuality
    4. Being elector of same state is not a requirement to contest election of RS or LS (elector in any constituency in India)
    5. Bills introduced by ministers are public bills, those by other members (including members of ruling party) are private bills

    Unique provisions

    1. Question hour and not Zero hour is first hour of parliamentary proceeding.
    2. Indian innovation – Zero hour and Calling attention motion
    3. Not mentioned in rule of procedure – Zero hour (calling attention motion is in rules)
    4. Censure motion should state the reasons and can be initiated against individual minister as well; no such requirement for no confidence motion, only against CoM
    5. Adjournment motion is extraordinary device to draw attention to urgent matter of public importance
      Ordinary Bill Money bill CAB
    Government approval No Required (introduced by minister only) No
    Introduction Either house Only LS Either house
    Passage Simple majority Simple Special
    Amendments Simple majority RS only recommends changes within 14 days Special majority
    Deadlock President can call Joint session after 6 month LS doesn’t have to accept recommendations, bill is passed as such No joint sitting
    Returning by President Can return once for reconsideration or withhold assent Can’t return, either assent or reject Shall assent

    Titbits:

    1. Only 3 joint sittings so far – dowry bill, banking services bill and POTA bill
    2. Only 14 private member bills have been passed so far, last bill (supreme court enlargement of jurisdiction bill )was in 1968
    3. Right of transgender persons bill was passed by RS (1st private member bill to get the nod of upper house in 45 years)

    Budget (Annual Financial Statement, Article 112)

    1. Presentation of budget by FM
    2. General discussion – discuss as a whole
    3. Scrutiny by departmental committees – for 3 to 4 weeks
    4. Voting on demand for grants – voting only in LS and only on non charged expenditure (cut motions at this stage). On last day all remaining demands are put together and put to vote – guillotine
    5. Passing of appropriation bill – voted demands plus charged expenditure, no amendments can be moved here
    6. Passing of finance bill – financial proposals (taxes), amendments to reduce taxes can be moved
    Fund Consolidated fund Contingency Public accounts
    What comes All receipts and payments Money comes from CFI to meet unforeseen expenditure All public money except CFI (provident fund, remittances etc)
    Parliamentary approval Yes No. finance secretary on behalf of president Not required, executive operates

    Titbits:

    1. Charged expenditure can be discussed but not voted
    2. Salary and allowance of SC judges, UPSC members, CAG, President, VP, Speaker, deputy, vice CP etc are charged on CFI
    3. Salaries and Expenditure of election commission is not charged on CFI
    4. Salary of high court judges is charged on CF of states while their pension in charged on CFI

    State legislative assembly (Vidhansabha)

    Vidhan Sabha is equivalent to LS and Vidhan Parishad to RS

    Differences are mentioned below

    Vidhan Parishad (legislative council): 7 states, Andhra, Bihar, J&K, K’taka, Maharashtra, Telangana, UP

    Creation and Abolition of Vidhan Parishad: Vidhan Sabha passes resolution by special majority and Parliament agrees to that resolution by simple majority

    Titbits:

    1. Bill passed by Vidhan Sabha – Vidhan Parishad can amend w/i 3 months – Vidhan Sabha accepts or rejects amendments – Vidhan Parishad can hold the bill for 1 more month
    2. Bill passed by Vidhan Parishad – Vidhan Sabha rejects – bill is killed
    3. No provision for joint sitting in states
    4. Maximum strength of Vidhan Parishad ⅓ of Vidhan Sabha, min 40
    5. ⅚ indirectly elected, ⅙ nominated

    Governor can reserve all the bills for presidential assent

    Once he reserves the bill, his role is over and president can assent, hold back, reject or send the bill for reconsideration

    Situations where Parliament can pass bill on state subject

    Condition Duration
    National emergency 6 months after expiry of emergency
    President’s rule Indefinitely but legislature can repeal or modify
    International treaty/ agreement Indefinitely
    RS passes a resolution by ⅔ majority 1 year of resolution plus 6 months <resolution can be passed again>
    2 or more states pass the resolution <applicable only ti those states> Indefinitely

    Types of majority

    Eg. Total seats – 545

    Vacancies due to death and resignation – 10

    Absence – 20

    Total vote cast – 500 ( 15 present did not cast vote)

    Type Simple Effective Absolute ⅔ majority Special Absolute ⅔
    Definition 50% present and voting +1 50% of (total – vacancies) +1 50% of total + 1 ⅔ present and voting +1 Absolute and ⅔ simultaneously ⅔ of total +1
    Example (500/2) +1 (545-10)/2 +1 (545/2) +1 (⅔*500) +1   (⅔*545)
    Used Ordinary bill, money bill Removal of speaker, deputy speaker in LS, VP and vice Cp in RS No where Art 249, 312, 169 Art 368, removal of judges of supreme court, high court, CAG Impeachment of president

    Parliamentary committees

    Committee Estimates committee Public accounts committee Departmentally related standing committees (24)
    Membership 30 (LS) 22 (15+7) 21+10
    Appointment Elected every year by proportional representation Elected every year by proportional representation Nominated by Speaker and CP
    Chairperson Ruling party member Opposition member from 1967  
    Role Examine estimates included in budget and suggest economies in expenditure Examines audit report of CAG Demand for grants and bills

     

    Other Standing Committees in each House, divided in terms of their functions, are:

    • Committees to Inquire:
      • Committee on Petitions examines petitions on bills and on matters of general public interest and also entertains representations on matters concerning subjects in the Union List; and
      • Committee of Privileges examines any question of privilege referred to it by the House or Speaker/Chairman;
    • Committees to Scrutinise:
      • Committee on Government Assurances keeps track of all the assurances, promises, undertakings, etc., given by Ministers in the House and pursues them till they are implemented;
      • Committee on Subordinate Legislation scrutinises and reports to the House whether the power to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, bye-laws, etc., conferred by the Constitution or Statutes is being properly exercised by the delegated authorities; and
      • Committee on Papers Laid on the Table examines all papers laid on the table of the House by Ministers, other than statutory notifications and orders which come within the purview of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation, to see whether there has been compliance with the provisions of the Constitution, Act, rule or regulation under which the paper has been laid;
    • Committees relating to the day-today business of the House:
      • Business Advisory Committee recommends allocation of time for items of Government and other business to be brought before the Houses;
      • Committee on Private Members’ Bills and Resolutions of the Lok Sabha classifies and allocates time to Bills introduced by private members, recommends allocation of time for discussion on private members’ resolutions and examines Constitution amendment bills before their introduction by private members in the Lok Sabha. The Rajya Sabha does not have such a committee. It is the Business Advisory Committee of that House which recommends allocation of time for discussion on stage or stages of private members’ bills and resolutions;
      • Rules Committee considers matters of procedure and conduct of business in the House and recommends amendments or additions to the Rules; and
      • Committee on Absence of Members from the Sittings of the House of the Lok Sabha considers all applications from members for leave or absence from sittings of the House. There is no such Committee in the Rajya Sabha. Applications from members for leave or absence are considered by the House itself;
    • Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, on which members from both Houses serve, considers all matters relating to the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes which come within the purview of the Union Government and keeps a watch whether constitutional safeguards in respect of these classes are properly implemented;
    • Committees concerned with the provision of facilities to members:
      • General Purposes Committee considers and advises Speaker/Chairman on matters concerning affairs of the House, which do not appropriately fall within the purview of any other Parliamentary Committee; and
      • House Committee deals with residential accommodation and other amenities for members;
    • Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament, constituted under the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954, apart from framing rules for regulating payment of salary, allowances and pension to Members of Parliament, also frames rules in respect of amenities like medical, housing, telephone, postal, constituency and secretarial facility;
    • Joint Committee on Offices of Profit examines the composition and character of committees and other bodies appointed by the Central and State governments and Union Territories Administrations and recommends what offices ought to or ought not to disqualify a person from being chosen as a member of either House of Parliament;
    • The Library Committee consisting of members from both Houses, considers matters concerning the Library of Parliament;
    • On 29 April 1997, a Committee on Empowerment of Women with members from both the Houses was constituted with a view to securing, among other things, status, dignity and equality for women in all fields;
    • On 4 March 1997, the Ethics Committee of the Rajya Sabha was constituted. The Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha was constituted on 16 May 2000.

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    Judiciary

    Appointments:

    1. Parliament decide the number of judges of supreme court while president decide the numbers in high courts
    2. Both supreme court and high court judges are appointed as well as removed by president
    3. Salaries of high court judges is charged on CFS while pension is charged on CFI
    4. Appointment by collegium system (CJI plus 4 senior most supreme court judges) after 3rd judges case
    5. District judges are appointed by governor in consultation with high courts
    6. Both SC and HC judges need 10 year practice in high court but SC judge need 5 year judgeship in high court while HC judge needs 10 years of judgeship
    7. A distinguished jurist can be appointed as judges of supreme court but not high court
    8. Removal by special majority of parliament on grounds of proved misbehavior or incapacity
    9. SC judges can’t practice w/i india post retirement: high court judges can in supreme court or other high courts <but there is no bar on further appointments such as chairperson or members of NHRC etc>
    10. Constitution provided for 1 high court for each state but 7th amendment allowed parliament to establish common high courts

    Jurisdictions of courts

    Exclusive (original by default) Original <concurrent with high courts> Appellate Advisory
    Petition only in supreme court (directly by default) Directly in supreme court Appeals from high court President refers(art 143)
    Federal disputes, inter state matters, disputes regarding election of president, VP Writ under art 32 Appeals, SLP Not necessary to tender opinion except on pre constitutional matters

    Types of Writs

    Writ Habeas Corpus Mandamus Prohibition Certiorari Quo Warranto
    Meaning -To produce the body

     

    -Against arbitrary detention

    		 -We command

     

    -to perform Official duty

    		 -To forbid

     

    – from exceeding jurisdiction

    		 – to be certified

     

    -transfer a case or quash an order

    		 -by what authority

     

    -legality of claim to public office
    Issued against public as well as private authority Public official, court, tribunal Judicial, quasi Judicial Judicial, quasi Judicial and administrative authorities Substantive public office created by constitution or statute
    Can’t be issues against Lawful detention private Private, administrative, legislative Private, legislative Ministerial, private
    Who can file Aggrieved person Aggrieved person Aggrieved person Aggrieved person Any person

    Writ jurisdiction of Supreme court v/s High Court

    Court Supreme court High Court
    Article 32 226
    Scope Only for FRs FRs plus legal rights

    Powers of High Court and Supreme Court

    There are different types of jurisdictions and powers of the Supreme Court. Some of them are listed below :

    1. Original Jurisdiction

    Being a Federal court, the Supreme Court decides disputes between –

    • Two or more states
    • Centre and the state/states
    • Centre and states on one side and the other states on the other side

    In any of the above-mentioned disputes, the supreme court has the exclusive original jurisdiction.

    However, this jurisdiction does not apply to the following cases-

    • A dispute that arose out of any pre-Constitution treaty, agreement, covenant, engagement, and or any other similar instruments.
    • Any Inter-state water disputes.
    • Matters that are referred to the Finance Commission.
    • Recovery of the damages by a state against the Centre.
    • An ordinary dispute that is commercial between the Centre and the states.
    • A dispute that arose out of any treaty, agreement, etc., which specifically provides that the said jurisdiction does not extend to such a dispute.
    • An adjustment of certain expenses and pensions between the Centre and the states.

    2. Writ Jurisdiction

    The Supreme Court is granted the power to issue writs, like habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo-warranto, and certiorari for the enforcement of the fundamental rights of an aggrieved citizen.

    However, this jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is not exclusive as the High Courts are also granted the power to issue writs for the enforcement of the Fundamental Rights.

     

    3. Appellate Jurisdiction

    Several appeals can be made in the Supreme Court of India. These appeals can be broadly classified into four categories, that are, Constitutional Matters, Civil Matters, Criminal Matters, and Special Leaves.

    4. Advisory Jurisdiction

    Under Article 143, the President of India has the right to seek the advice of the Supreme court when any question of law or fact of public importance which has arisen or is likely to arise or if any dispute is arising out of any pre-constitution treaty, agreement, covenant, engagement, or other similar instruments.

    5. Court of record

    Herein, the Supreme Court of India has two powers, that are –

    • It is given the authority to punish for the contempt of court, either with simple imprisonment for a term up to six months or with fine up to 2,000 or both.
    • The judgments, proceedings, and acts of the Supreme Court are recorded for perpetual memory and testimony and they are recognized as legal precedents and legal references.

    Some of the Powers that are granted to the High Court are the following –

    1. Original Jurisdiction

    The high courts are empowered to issue writs to enforce fundamental rights, as and when needed. Adding to this, they have original jurisdiction in cases that are related to will, divorce, contempt of court, and admiralty. Furthermore, election petitions can also be heard in the High Court.

    2. Appellate Jurisdiction

    An appeal can be made to the High Court against a district court’s decision, in the civil cases. If the dispute involves a value that is higher than Rs. 5000/- or on a question of fact or law, then an appeal can be made from the subordinate court, directly.

    A person can move to the High Court if he has been awarded imprisonment of seven years and above under a criminal case. Appeals on constitutional matters can also be taken up in the High Court.

    3. Administrative Powers

    The high court is the controller of all the subordinate courts. It also has the right to ask for the details of the proceedings from the subordinate courts. The rules regarding the working of the subordinate courts are also issued by the High court.

    The High Court can also appoint its administration staff and determine their salaries and allowances, and conditions of service.

     

     

     

     

    4. Power of Judicial Review

    High Courts hold the power of judicial review. They have the right to declare any law or ordinance as unconstitutional if it is found to be against the Constitution of India.

    5. Power of Cancellation

    A High Court alone can choose to certify the cases that it feels are fit for an appeal before the Supreme Court of India.

    Qualification and Appointment

    The Qualification that is needed to be a Judge in the Supreme Court of India are that he/she –

    1. Should be a citizen of the country.
    2. Should have been the judge of one of the high courts of the country for at least 5 years.
    3. The president of the country shall consider him to be a distinguished jurist.
    4. Should have been an advocate in any one of the high courts of the country for a period of 10 years.

    It shall be noted that no minimum age of a Judge of the Supreme Court has been mentioned in the Indian Constitution.

    The Qualification that is needed to be a judge in the Judge in the high court of the country is that he/she should –

    1. Have held a judicial office in the Indian territory for 10 years, OR
    2. Have been an advocate of the high court(s) for a minimum period of ten years.

    Removal procedure

    1. A Supreme Court or a High Court Judge shall be removed from his post concerning an order passed by the President of the Country. However, this order of removal can only be issued after the Parliament presented and addressed him on the same matter.
    2. The address in the parliament shall need a majority of two-thirds of the members that are present and voting in the house.
    3. The two grounds on which a Supreme Court or a High Court judge shall be removed are proved misbehavior or incapacity.
    4. The procedure relating to the removal of a judge of the Supreme Court or the High Court is regulated by The Judges Enquiry Act (1968).
    5. It must also be noted that to date, no judge of the Supreme Court of India has been impeached by the Parliament and the President.

    Constitutional Provisions

    Articles 13, 32, 131-136, 143, 145, 226, 246, 251, 254, and 372 are the constitutional provisions that guarantee judicial review of legislation.

    1. Article 13 considers any law void which contravenes any of the provisions of the part of Fundamental Rights.
    2. Article 372 talks about the judicial review of the pre-constitution legislation.
    3. Both Articles 32 and 226 entrusts the roles of the protector of the constitution and guarantor of fundamental rights to the Supreme and the High Courts.
    4. Article 246 (3) makes sure that of the state legislature’s exclusive powers on matters that are about the State list.
    5. Article 245 of the Indian Constitution says that the powers of both Parliament and State legislatures are subject to the provisions of the constitution.
    6. All Articles from 131 to 136 entrusts the Indian court with the power to adjudicate the disputes between the individuals, between the individuals and the state, between the states and the union. However, the court may be required to interpret the provisions of the constitution and the interpretation that is given by the Supreme Court becomes the law that shall be honored by all courts of the land.
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  • [Sansad TV] Perspective: Rules of Parliamentary Conduct

    [Sansad TV] Perspective: Rules of Parliamentary Conduct

    Context

    • Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has asked the committee of Privileges to investigate an alleged breach of privilege by some MPs under rule 203 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.
    • The MPs are accused of shouting slogans and obstructing proceedings in the Upper House Rajya Sabha.
    • The committee will also investigate alleged breach of privilege arising from non-adherence to the Chair’s directions.

    In this article, we will discuss and understand various aspects of the rules of procedure and conduct in Parliament.

    Rules of Conduct

    • The Committee on Ethics of Rajya Sabha drafted the Code of Conduct for MPs, which was adopted by the House in 2005.
    • These rules are prescribed by the House for its members and adopted by the House.
    • These are self-governing rules of conduct.
    • The rule book also provides the Chairman/Speaker of the House with certain powers to ensure that there is an orderly conduct of business proceedings.

    Quick backgrounder

    • Codes of conduct for high constitutional functionaries and representatives of the people have been discussed for long.
    • A code for Union ministers was adopted in 1964, and state governments were advised to adopt it as well.

    Provisions for such rules

    • Article 118: The Indian Constitution empowers each House of Parliament to make rules governing its procedure and conduct of Business, Article 118 (1).
    • Article 105: It deals with “powers, privileges, immunity etc. of the Houses of Parliament and of the members and committees thereof. There is freedom of speech for the members of the parliament and they are exempted from any legal action for any statement made or act done in the course of their duties.
    • Handbook: There is a handbook for members of the parliament which has a number of rules regarding etiquette, conventions and conduct of members. There are dozens of such rules which are strict and meant to govern the dignified conduct of the members in the House.

    Key issue: Disruptions in Indian Parliament

    There have been continuous disruptions of parliament by members.

    • Some members are habitual of disrupting the functioning and jumping in the well for political gains and rivalry.
    • Disruptions, sloganeering and moving in the well decreases the productivity of the House.
    • Frequent disruptions lead to adjournment of the House.

    Why are disruptions so frequent?

    There are various reasons for disruptions in the Indian Parliament, including:

    • Political differences: Opposition parties often use disruptions as a tactic to voice their opposition to government policies or to press their demands. Similarly, ruling party MPs may also disrupt proceedings to counter opposition criticism.
    • Controversial issues: Discussions on certain issues, such as religion, caste, and regionalism, can lead to heated debates and disruptions in Parliament.
    • Personal or party agendas: MPs may resort to disruptions to further their personal or party agendas or to gain media attention.
    • Lack of decorum: Sometimes, MPs may engage in unruly behavior, including shouting, throwing papers, and obstructing the Chair, leading to disruptions in the House.
    • Parliamentary procedures: Disputes over parliamentary procedures and rules can also lead to disruptions and adjournments.

    Significance of Parliamentary discussions

    • Policymaking: Parliament is responsible for enacting laws and policies that affect the lives of citizens. Through discussions and debates, MPs can shape these policies to better meet the needs of their constituents.
    • Checks and balances: Parliament plays a crucial role in overseeing the functioning of the executive branch of government. Through discussions, MPs can hold the government accountable for its actions and decisions.
    • Representation of the larger population: Parliament provides a platform for MPs to represent the views and concerns of their constituents. By raising issues and concerns, MPs can ensure that the government addresses the needs of the people they represent.
    • Education of citizens: Parliamentary discussions can educate citizens on important issues, policies, and legislative processes. This can help citizens make informed decisions and participate in the democratic process.
    • Constructive criticism: Discussions and debates in Parliament can help resolve conflicts and differences of opinion among MPs. This can lead to better decision-making and policy outcomes.

    Reasons for such behaviour

    • Reduced number of sittings of legislatures
    • Poor quality of debates
    • Avoidance of accountability by the ruling govt.
    • Increasing number of legislatures with criminal records
    • High absenteeism of legislators
    • Inadequate representation of women
    • Lack of inner democracy in the functioning of the political parties

    Watchdog of Parliamentary dignity: Privileges Committee

    • It is a parliamentary committee present in both Houses of the parliament.
    • Its functions are semi-judicial in nature.
    • Its function is to examine every question involving breach of privilege of the House or of the members of any Committee thereof referred to it by the House.
    • Under rule 203, Chairman can refer any question of privilege to the Committee.

    Way forward

    Former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu introduced a 15-point reform charter for parliamentary reforms to enable effective functioning of parliamentary institutions. The charter includes-

    • Political Conscience: Call for a new political consciousness amongst legislators to review their roles and responsibilities.
    • Ensuring Quorum: Political parties must ensure attendance of at least 50% of their legislators throughout the proceedings of the Houses by adopting a roster system.
    • Liberalizing whip system: Review of Whip system which hinders the freedom of expression of the legislators. This will allow a reasonable degree of dissent without impacting the stability of the government.
    • Effective functioning of Department Related Standing Committees: Measures for effective functioning of these Committees like longer tenure (instead of the present one year), promoting specialization, etc were needed.
    • Legislative Impact Assessment: A detailed framework for pre and post Legislative Impact Assessment was needed. Every legislative proposal must incorporate a detailed account of social, economic, environmental and administrative impact for wider awareness and subsequent legal assessment.
    • Responsible government and opposition: Need for responsive governments positively acting on the concerns of the opposition and the need for responsible and constructive opposition while resorting to available parliamentary instruments.
    • More women legislators: Enacting for reservation of women in legislatures. It helps maintain decency and modesty of the House of parliament.
    • Rules and Regulations: Making rules that automatically take action against erring members in case of interruptions and disruptions. Need for timely and effective action against legislators for non-ethical conduct.
    • Transparency & Accountability: Regular publication of reports by the Secretariats of Legislatures on the attendance of Members and their participation in debates.
    • Decriminalization of Politics: Addressing the concern of a rising number of legislators with criminal records.
    • Increased number of sittings: A minimum number of sittings for both the Houses of Parliament and State Legislatures per year need to be appropriately prescribed.

    Conclusion

    • There must be strict adherence to the code of conduct for MPs so that disruptions of the proceedings don’t happen.
    • It is important to spend more time on deliberations and discussion rather than on disruptions to increase the productivity of the House.
    • Government and opposition must come to an understanding and move forward for the betterment of the nation. The government must be responsive and for that the opposition has to be responsible.
    • Certain reforms are needed to increase efficiency of the House and ensure that the members attend the house to contribute to the discussions instead of hijacking the functioning of the House with repeated disruptions.

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  • Nikaalo Prelims Spotlight || Fundamental Rights DPSPs, and Fundamental Duties

    Dear Aspirants,

    This Spotlight is a part of our Mission Nikaalo Prelims-2023.

    You can check the broad timetable of Nikaalo Prelims here

    Session Details

    YouTube LIVE with Parth sir – 1 PM  – Prelims Spotlight Session

    Evening 04 PM  – Daily Mini Tests

    Telegram LIVE with Sukanya ma’am – 06 PM  – Current Affairs Session

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    1st Mar 2023

    Fundamental Rights

    Fundamental rights Constitutional rights Legal rights
    Included in part 3 (magna carta of India) of constitution Not in part 3 Not in constitution
    Can directly move supreme court for enforcement under article 32 no no
    Parliament can abridge these rights only in very special circumstances Can be abridged by constitutional amendment By simple legal amendment
    6 Rights included in part 3 No taxation with authority (278),Right to property (Art 300A), freedom to trade (art 301) Right to employment under MGNREGA

    Amendability of Fundamental rights

    Article 13 Laws inconsistent with part 3 (FRs) null and void
    Shankari Prasad Case Amendment under article 368 not law, can be amended
    Golaknath case Law, can not be amended
    Kesavananda Bharati (24/04/73) Not law, can be amended but basic structure can’t be amended
    Minerva mills case Basic structure can’t be amended to implement DPSP

    Special cases

    Fundamental rights not available to foreigners Article 15, 16, 19, 29, 30
    Available against private citizens Article 17
    Suspended automatically during an emergency on grounds of war or external aggression Article 19
    Can’t be suspended even during emergency Article 20,21
    Against exploitation Article 23, 24
    Most fundamental of FRs/ Right to constitutional remedies Article 32

    Procedure Established by Law v/s Due Process

    Procedure Established Due Process
    British, Japanese American constitution
    Arbitrary Administrative actions Arbitrary administrative as well as legislative
    A. K. Gopalan case Maneka Gandhi
    Action according to procedure established by law Law must also be just fair and reasonable

    Titbits:

    1. FRs are not absolute. Parliament can impose reasonable restrictions.
    2. Right to property (art 31) has been deleted from part 3 by 44th amendment and is now a constitutional right under art 300A
    3. Article 31B put acts include under 9th schedule (added by 1st CAA) outside judicial review
    4. But Matters added to 9th schedule after 24th April 1973 (Kesavananda Bharati Case) are not immune to judicial review (I.R. Coelho case)

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    DPSPs

      DPSP FRs
    Taken from Ireland America
    Part of constitution Part 4 Part 3
    Legal validity Non-justiciable Justiciable
    Aim Social and Economic Democracy (welfare state) Political democracy

     

    (limit state power)
      Fundamental to governance of country (instrument of instructions under GOI act 1935)  

    Titbits:

    1. DPSPs can be classified into socialist, Gandhian and liberal – intellectual categories
    2. 42nd, 44th, 86th and 97th amendment added new DPSPs

    Fundamental duties: Learn by heart

    Titbits:

    1. Right and duties are correlative yet the original constitution didn’t have FDs
    2. Part 4A, article 51A of the constitution by 42nd amendment
    3. 11th duty added by 86th amendment in 2002 (education of kids)
    4. Taken from USSR constitution based on Swaran Singh Committee report
    5. Applicable only to citizens not to foreigners
    6. Non-justiciable.
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  • [Sansad TV] Perspective: Countering Doctored Narratives

    [Sansad TV] Perspective: Countering Doctored Narratives

    Context

    • An American billionaire’s recent comments on India have come under heavy criticism from all sections of India.
    • Much recently, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar had warned against doctored narratives becoming hurdles in India’s growth.

    Doctored Narratives: Motive behind the term

    • The term “Doctored Narratives” typically refers to narratives or stories that have been intentionally altered or manipulated in some way to mislead or deceive people.
    • This can involve-
      • Changing key details
      • Omitting important information
      • Fabricating events altogether
    • Influences are exerted by the powers that be through various means – subversion, funding the nefarious elements, planting certain theories through various literature, devising frameworks in academic setups somewhere and foisting those on unique problems in other countries.

    Characterizing such narratives

    • Mass provocation: Doctored narratives often include misleading information that is designed to distort or misrepresent the truth. This could involve taking statements out of context or selectively presenting only certain facts.
    • Fake news: They may contain outright false information that is designed to mislead the audience. This could involve fabricating events or presenting false statistics or data.
    • Emotional appeal: They may be designed to play on the emotions of the audience, using fear, anger, or other strong emotions to influence their opinions.
    • Conspiracy theories: Such narratives may promote conspiracy theories or alternative explanations for events that contradict widely accepted facts or evidence.
    • Political manipulation: They may appeal to people’s pre-existing beliefs or biases, reinforcing their existing opinions and making it difficult for them to consider alternative perspectives.

    In the age of social media, doctored narratives can spread quickly and easily, making it more important than ever to fact-check and verify the information we come across before accepting it as truth.

    Narratives against India

    Unfortunately, doctored narratives against India are not uncommon, and there have been several instances where misinformation or propaganda has been used to target India. Some examples include:

    • Misinformation surrounding the Kashmir conflict: The conflict over the disputed territory of Kashmir between India and Pakistan has been the subject of doctored narratives, with false information being spread on social media to misrepresent the situation and promote anti-India sentiment.
    • Alleged ‘murder’ of Democracy: Some doctored narratives have promoted conspiracy theories about India’s government, such as claiming that the government is involved in human rights abuses or that it is suppressing dissent. Ex. Accusing our PM of being anti-minority.
    • Misinformation about Indian religions: False information has also been spread about Indian religions, such as claiming that Hinduism is a violent religion or that Sikhism is a separatist movement or associating terrorism and radicalism to a particular religion.

    Why such narrative build up against India?

    • Western Diktat: There are powers that want the world order to remain as per their vision, their perception of reality, and their ideas of social and economic balances. Be it individual freedom or anything. The sees this through its prism.
    • Political meddling: India has been the target of interference by foreign powers seeking to influence its domestic politics and foreign policy. This interference may take the form of funding political campaigns or supporting certain groups or individuals.
    • Economic competition: India’s emergence as a major economic power has led to competition and rivalry with other countries. The narrative often portrays India as a threat to the global economy and accuses it of unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft.
    • Contention with India’s rise: The present-day Indian leadership has been successfully steering India through the rough waters of International diplomacy while enjoying friendships with competing world powers and still protecting India’s interests.
    • Destabilize internal peace and security: India has some treacherous neighborhoods like Pakistan and China who allegedly strive to ‘bleed’ India with ‘thousand cuts’. Ex. Khalistani separatism movement.
    • Notion of far-right nationalism: The rise of Hindu nationalism in India has been criticized by some as a threat to secularism and minority rights. The narrative often portrays India as a Hindu supremacist state that discriminates against Muslims and other minorities.

    Recent incidences

    One can quote various recent examples of how ‘doctored narratives’ took shape of mass protests that aimed at destabilising India from within-

    • BBC documentary on PM Modi
    • Hindenburg report on Adani Groups
    • Communal angle to recent crackdown of Assam Government against child marriages etc.

    Why is it an emerging threat?

    • Fast spread through social media: Those influenced by ‘doctored narratives’ spread through social media platforms, kept championing the cause of protesters without even paying any heed to logic.
    • Political opposition:  Framing charges against the PM is the easiest way. Many examples may still be visible in time to come, depending upon political convenience of the ‘ecosystem’ peddling ‘doctored narratives’.
    • Highly opinionated population: Doctored narratives may appeal to people’s pre-existing beliefs or biases, reinforcing their existing opinions and making it difficult for them to consider alternative perspectives.
    • Create a socio-political divide: Such narratives can promote division and conflict, inflaming tensions between different groups and creating a sense of “us vs. them.” This can contribute to social unrest and undermine the social fabric of communities.
    • Security threats: Such falsification pose security threats, particularly in the form of cyberattacks and other forms of online manipulation. These threats can undermine critical infrastructure, steal sensitive information, and compromise national security.

    Conclusion

    • Political leaders often have supporters and detractors, and opinions can vary widely depending on a range of factors, including political ideology, social and economic issues, personal beliefs, and cultural background.
    • It’s important to approach information with a critical eye and to seek out diverse perspectives before forming an opinion.
    • It’s also important to engage in respectful dialogue and to avoid spreading false information or promoting divisive narratives.
    • We should strive to create a culture of open and honest communication, based on accurate information and a commitment to progress and positive change.

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  • Understanding the pattern and connections in UPSC Syllabus- Step 1 to UPSC 2024 success | 1-1 Webinar with AIR 109, Areeba

    Understanding the pattern and connections in UPSC Syllabus- Step 1 to UPSC 2024 success | 1-1 Webinar with AIR 109, Areeba

    UPSC 2024 special | 4th March (Saturday) at 7:30 pm
    ⭐What you should expect in 1-1 Live with Areeba Ma’am?

    (Click) Register for FREE 1-1 LIVE with Areeba | UPSC Syllabus decoded

    Areeba, AIR 109 believes there are just two clues: UPSC Syllabus and UPSC PYQs that are out in the open for any aspirant to set the direction of their preparation.

    Most of you might have pasted a hard copy of the UPSC syllabus on your study tables and highlighted it, but never cared to read it. Almost none of you understood the linkages and patterns in the UPSC syllabus.

    UPSC is a very rational body and its syllabus defines the expanse of the landscape from which questions will be asked. One who has demystified the pattern conquers the UPSC exam.

    Success in UPSC Civil Services Examination = 50% Knowledge + 50% Strategy. Both knowledge and strategy are essential to clear this exam.

    IPS, Areeba Nooman will take a LIVE 1-1 session where she will help you decode the UPSC syllabus in its entirety.

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    Webinar Details

    Topic: UPSC 2024 Syllabus decoded: Finding Patterns and Linkages

    • Date: 4th March 2023 (Saturday)
    • Time: 7:30 P.M.
    • Mode: Online (Zoom Meeting Link will be sent through email)

    Key-Takeaways of Free 1-1 Live Session with Areeba

    1. Understanding the philosophy, pattern, and linkages in the UPSC syllabus. What to target for prelims 2024? For those who have started their UPSC preparation only this month onwards.

    2. What are conceptual subjects and what are factual subjects? How to prioritize Major conceptual subjects in the first 10 months? And how to finish minor factual subjects for Mains after finishing conceptual subjects?

    3. How to make a 10: 20 study plan to complete the syllabus in an easier way? How to focus more and more in the last 5 months before Prelims 2024?

    4. What are 60, 45, 25, and 15 rules to crack prelims in the very 1st attempt?

    5. Most appropriate sources as per UPSC syllabus

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    Post-webinar we will share important PDFs, timetable framework, and notes.

    Other than this a strategy package will be emailed to you.

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    4th March (Saturday) at 7:30 Pm | LIVE, ask me anything session on How to Cover UPSC 2024 Syllabus cover to cover from scratch? by UPSC Topper AIR-109, IPS, Areeba Noman

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