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Question of the day: Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in India can become suitable agents for public service delivery. Discuss. (15 marks- 250 words) 

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We call this daily answer writing as Daily Answer Wars. Apart from this we also do Daily Check-ins making your daily Timetable and in Night owl discussions, we discuss important terms in news. 

The essence of CD War Zone

With Daily Answer Wars and Night Owl Discussions our aim is to ensure that you write and discuss themes/topics/terms that have a very high probability of appearing in the exam. 

Writing is a whole different ball game. When you sit down to write, it’s an entirely different process. It’s about streamlining your thinking, and your ideas. You might be thorough with a concept but you might fail to pen it down. That’s worse than not having ideas at all. Moreover, when we all sit together and write an answer, we get access to various unexplored dimensions. By doing a Peer Review, you can add those dimensions to your War Notes. These War Notes will come handy when you would be revising your Mains notes. 

When you discuss, you will almost always discover new concepts in the process. There is no substitute for this kind of discovery. Talking with others is a good way to develop a deeper understanding and ensure you retain better. Retention is everything. When you share with your fellow Aspirants regarding Academic and Non-Academic issues of the UPSC Exam, you get the best solutions to those problems. 

So many aspirants just keep looking for content and hoard all kinds of PDFs. At Civilsdaily we don’t believe such PDFs are helpful at all. You need to be on a path of discovery and be actively involved. If you are a serious aspirant, you can’t afford to just consume information. That is why our emphasis is on the Notes(read War Notes) that you yourself prepare in this process. We Believe every Answer has the potential to become a Model Answer, rather than giving you a Model Answer, we help you make your Answers a Model answer. 

Join the Civilsdaily Telegram Group to become a part of an extremely Positive and Vibrant UPSC Community.

Here is how we start the day 

Daily Check-in 

Daily Answer Wars 

Daily Answer Wars Result 

Night owl discussions

Join the telegram group here:

Context

• The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Centre Govt on a plea by two gay couples seeking recognition of same-sex marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
• The petition drew on earlier landmark rulings including one declaring privacy a fundamental right and another that decriminalized gay sex in 2018.
• Centre has to now file its response on this matter before the Supreme Court in four weeks.

What is Same-Sex Marriage?

• Same-sex marriage is marriage between partners of the same sex and/or gender identity.
• For example, a marriage between two men or two women.
• In the west, it is considered a civil partnership as a legally registered relationship which offers same sex couples rights similar to those of married couples of the opposite sex.

Judicial basis for same-sex marriage: Decriminalization of IPC section 377

Ans. Navtej Singh Johar & Ors. V. Union of India (2018)

• In this landmark verdict, the Supreme Court today scrapped the controversial Section 377– a 158-year-old colonial law on consensual gay sex.
• Section 377, which is part of an IPC 1861, banned “carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal” — which was interpreted to refer to homosexual sex.
• The Supreme Court reversed its own decision and said Sectuion 377 is irrational and arbitrary.
• The judgment was delivered by a Bench of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices Rohinton Nariman, AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Indu Malhotra.

Centre’s earlier stance

• Directly opposed: In 2021 central Government had opposed same sex marriage in Delhi High Court citing it against the provisions of the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
• Considers biological gender: It stated that a marriage in India can be recognised only if it’s between a biological man and biological woman capable of producing progeny.
• Societal morality clause: In its argument then Central govt had also said that considerations of “societal morality” are relevant in considering the validity of a law.
• Claiming responsibility: It argued that, it is for the Legislature to enforce such societal morality and public acceptance based upon Indian ethos.

Reasons behind centre’s opposition

• Legal revamp required: The registration of marriage of same-sex persons also results in a violation of existing personal as well as codified law provisions — such as ‘degrees of prohibited relationship’; ‘conditions of marriage’; ‘ceremonial and ritual requirements’ under the personal laws governing the individuals”.
• Definition of spouse: In a same-sex marriage, it is neither possible nor feasible to term one as ‘husband’ and the other as ‘wife’ in the context of the legislative scheme of various personal laws.
• Against cultural norms:  The social order in our Country is religion based which views procreation as an obligation for the execution of various religious ceremonies.
• Property and other civil rights: Property rights post marriage is a much contested issues in India. Same sex marriage will not create any immunity for the law but increase complex interpretations.

Issues with such marriages

The issue of homosexual conduct to this fore in recent legal and political debate for main reasons, which are as follows:

• Morality: This has brought with it a change in social attitudes, so that the stigma attached to the homosexuality has to a greater extent disappeared.
• Rising activism: Campaigns for lesbian and gay rights taken on an increasingly radical character, arguing for an end to all forms of discrimination against homosexuality.
• Religious sanctions: Same sex acts are punishable by death in Arab countries. No religion openly embraces same sex marriage. More or less, they are considered un-natural everywhere.
• Social stigma:  Apart from the harsh legal scenario, homosexuals face social stigma as well. Same sex marriages are still unimaginable as any instance of sexual relations between a couple of the same sex draws hatred and disgust.  
• Patriarchy: It must not be forgotten that the Indian society is patriarchal in nature and the fact that certain women and men have different choices, which is not sanctioned by the ‘order’, frightens them in a way.
• Burden of collectivity: Our society is very community oriented and individualism is not encouraged in the least, any expression of homosexuality is seen as an attempt to renounce tradition and promote individualism.

Arguments in favor

• Pursuit of happiness: Homosexuality is not an offence, it is just a way of pursuit of happiness, a way to achieve sexual happiness or desire.
• Right to privacy: The fundamental right to liberty (under Article-21) prohibits the state from interfering with the private personal activities of the individual.
• Arbitrariness: Infringement of, the right to equal protection before law requires the determination of whether there is a rational and objective basis to the classification introduced.
• Issues with definition: Section-377 assumes that natural sexual act is that which is performed for procreation. Hence, it thereby labels all forms of non-procreative sexual act as unnatural.
• Discrimination: Section-377 discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation which is forbidden under Article-15 of the Constitution. Article-15 prohibits discrimination on several grounds, which includes Sex.
• Human rights: The universal law of Human Rights states that social norms, tradition, custom or culture cannot be used to curb a person from asserting his fundamental and constitutional rights.
• Many countries recognizing: According to global think tank Council of Foreign Relations, same sex marriages are legal in at least 30 countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada and France.

Way forward

• Dissociating from religion: Such marriages are forbidden in almost every religion. Hence no single religion should be considered a hindrance in creating a legal sanction.
• Doing away with discrimination: The same-sex community needs an anti-discrimination law that empowers them to build productive lives and relationships irrespective of gender identity.   
• Letting the society evolve: The society has to imbibe the doctrine of progressive realization of rights and it cannot be forcibly convinced by law.
• Creating awareness: Certainly this is not an overnight phenomenon. We are society where practice of Sati and Nikah halala was considered a religious order.

Conclusion

• What should be the right approach to deal with same sex marriages, the issues are quite vast and complex.
• However, the desirability and feasibility of such an approach remain to be ascertained.

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CD war zone is an initiative started by Civils daily IAS, it is a community where we are collectively writing answers on a daily basis, apart from doing various other productive activities, like doing Daily Check-in, making timetables, discussing current affairs and likewise.

Why CD War zone? 

1) Primarily because of Daily Answer Writing, we call it Daily Answer wars. Here we give you one question daily early in the morning, after that Aspirants submit their Answers, Aspirants get to Peer review each other answers as well. In the evening our mentor comes with the feedback of the answer. 

Join the telegram group here : https://t.me/cdwarzone

Why are we writing only one answer?

(https://www.civilsdaily.com/cd-warzone-daily-answer-writing-for-upsc-mains/) 

2) Aspirants get to make  “War Notes”, these War notes will help you with UPSC Mains Preparation.

3) Aspirants become a part of a Close- knit community, who are disciplined and motivated enough to prepare for  UPSC CSE exam. 

4) Active mentors of Civilsdaily who are there to solve your UPSC related queries. 

Here is how we start the day 

Daily Check-in 

Daily Answer Wars 

Daily Answer Wars Result 

Night owl discussions

Join the telegram group here : https://t.me/cdwarzone

Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1            The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.

GS-2          Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting  India’s interests.

GS-3          Indian Economy

GS-4         Case Studies

Question 1)

Q.1 Even though it introduced several features which later laid the foundation for the Indian Constitution, the Government of India Act 1935 had several shortcomings. Examine. (10 Marks)

Question 2)

Q.2 The ratification of the India-Australia trade deal by the parliament further underlines the positive relationship between both countries. Comment. (10 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 Examine the challenges faced by start-ups in India. What has been the government’s role in simplifying these challenges? (15 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 You are posted as the Commissioner of Police in a metropolitan city where a visiting foreign dignitary, with President-level security cover, is scheduled to visit for an official function. As a part of the security preparedness, it has been decided that no vehicular traffic will be allowed on the route which will be taken by the foreign dignitary to reach the venue of the function in the city. However, just 15 minutes before the scheduled arrival of the dignitary, you are informed that a critically-ill patient is stuck on the way to the hospital in a private car along with his family. In this situation, answer the following: (a) Discuss the issues involved in halting traffic for VIP movement. (b) List the options available to you in this situation with their merits and demerits. (c) What will be your course of action? Justify with proper reasoning. (20 Marks)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. For the philosophy of AWE and payment: 

Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1            The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.

GS-2          Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

GS-3          Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

GS-4           Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance.

Question 1)

Q.1 Examine the reasons behind rising communalism in the Indian National Movement. What were its consequences? (10 Marks)

Question 2)

Q.2 Highlight the concerns associated with the smooth functioning of the Election Commission of India. Suggest ways to make it more efficient. (10 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 The concentration of wealth at the top necessitates addressing scarcity of resources for the masses. In this context, assess the potential of Universal Basic Income (UBI) in furthering the goals of economic equity. (10 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so. Discuss. (10 Marks)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. For the philosophy of AWE and payment: 

Hey aspirants,
Just have a look at this UPSC question:

The ancient civilization in the Indian subcontinent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without breakdown to the present day. Comment.

Questions like these can’t be solved from your regular books and Magazines, UPSC sometimes expects you to know things that are beyond your regular sources. Things which are talked about more amongst common masses.  

To help you overcome his gap in your preparation and cover all bases CivilsDaily is bringing the Overlooked series.

What is Overlooked?

The overlooked series is an initiative by Civilsdaily IAS, which aims to do a discussion on themes and topics relevant for everyone but super relevant for UPSC Aspirants, which are not available in routine sources of Preparation.

In this series, Officers, Academicians, and other relevant people will share their insights on the above-mentioned themes and topics.

Why the overlooked?

1)  To know the unheard stories of themes and topics which are not only relevant for the UPSC exam but for generally aware citizens as well.

2)  To make teaching and learning simplified, a light-hearted but productive discussion can do wonders for your UPSC preparation.

3)  To make your Study breaks productive.

You can fill up this form to have a 1-1 discussion with a senior IAS mentor. (FREE)

Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1            The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.

GS-2          Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, Indian constitution

GS-3          Indian Economy

GS-4        Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance.

Question 1)

Q.1 In the context of Indian freedom struggle, a discernible trend was seen where large national level movements were usually succeeded with period of revolutionary activities. Comment. (10 Marks)

Question 2)

Q.2 Indiscriminate use of section 124-A of the IPC is like a saw in the hands of carpenter who cuts the entire forest instead of a tree. Has the Sedition law outlived its utility? Justify your answer. (10 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 India’s size and diversity offers enormous opportunities for the tourism sector. Highlighting the importance of tourism sector in India, mention some government efforts to give it a boost. (15 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 Education is useless, unless it can move one’s conscience into action. Analyze the role of education in building conscientious character. (10 Marks)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. For the philosophy of AWE and payment: