Category: Ranker Webinars

Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1        Salient features of world’s physical geography.

GS-2        Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential

GS-3        Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

GS-4       Case Studies

Question 1)

Q.1 Highlighting the importance of ice sheets, discuss the likely impact of their melting on the planet with special focus on India. (15 Marks)

Question 2)

Q.2 What are the factors affecting the police as an institution in India? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Question 3)

Q. 3 Why data protection law is necessary in India? Examine the factors that need to be considered in such law? (10 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 The proliferation of social media platforms have empowered the citizens and enabled them to freely share their views, including criticism of the government and its functionaries. However, it has also given rise to serious concerns such as spread of fake news, hate speech, revenge porn etc., which have grown manifold in recent years. Moreover, there are growing issues related to lack of transparency, accountability and rights of users of such social media platforms. In this context, what should be the underlying principles to regulate the social media platforms? Also, suggest a framework to address the associated issues and concerns and make such platforms a safe place for its diverse users. (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: 

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Context

• Ease of justice is as important as ease of doing business and ease of living.
• PM Modi emphasised this on while addressing the first All India District Legal Services Authorities.
• He implored the judiciary to speed up the release of undertrials who remain in jail due to want of legal aid.

What do you mean by Ease of Justice?

• By large, Ease of Justice means judicial accessibility.
• Access to justice is a basic principle of the rule of law.
• One of the major obstacles in accessing justice is the cost of legal advice and representation.

Why did PM say this?

• With better access to justice:

1. People can have their voice heard
2. Exercise their rights
3. Challenge discrimination or
4. Hold decision-makers accountable

What else did the PM say?

• Reiterating that this is the time of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Kaal’, the Prime Minister said it is a period of duty and that we have to work on the areas that have remained neglected so far.
• PM raised the issue of sensitivity towards undertrial prisoners, who as per the last Prison Statistics comprise about 76% of the total prison inmates in the country.

What are the inherent challenges to the Indian judicial system?

1. Lack of infrastructure of courts
2. High vacancy of judges in the district judiciary
3. Pendency of Cases
4. Ineffective planning in the functioning of the courts
5. Delay in the delivery of judgments
6. Lack of transparency in appointments and transfers.
7. Corruption
8. Undertrials serving Jail
9. Outdated laws ex. Section 124A IPC

What led to the underperformance of the Indian Judiciary?

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

1. Population explosion
2. Litigation explosion
3. Hasty and imperfect drafting of legislation
4. Plurality and accumulation of appeals (Multiple appeals for the same issue)
5. Inadequacy of judge strength
6. Failure to provide adequate forums of appeal against quasi-judicial orders
7. Lack of priority for disposal of old cases (due to the improper constitution of benches)
8. Procedural delays and frequent adjournments

Mechanisms for ensuring Judicial Accessibility in India

(1) Constitutional Provisions

• Article 21: Judicial Accessibility was interpreted by the Supreme Court in 1991 that an accused who cannot afford legal assistance is entitled to have free legal aid at the cost of the State.
• Article 39A: It deals with the provisions of equal justice and free legal aid.

(2) Legal provisions

• Section 304 of CrPC: It provides for legal aid at the expense of the state in certain cases, under the supervision of District Judge who is the ex-officio chairperson of District Legal Aid Committee.
• NALSA: The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was established so that even the weakest of the weak could get the right to justice.
• DLSA: The district legal services authorities (DLSAs) are like building blocks of our legal aid system.

(3) Digital intervention

• Virtual courts:  Under the e-courts mission, virtual courts are being started in the country.
• Videoconferencing: Infrastructure is also being expanded in the courts for the convenience of the people.
• AI-based justice dispensation: The Supreme Court’s AI Committee a few months back has launched its Artificial Intelligence portal SUPACE (Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Courts Efficiency).

Path breaking initiative by the Judiciary

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

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

Way forward

• Creating NJIC: It will bring a revolutionary change in the judicial functioning provided the proposed body is given financial and executive powers to operate independently of the Union and the State governments.
• Appointment reforms: There are many experts who advocate the need to appoint more judges with unquestionable transparency in such appointments.
• Creating All Indian Judiciary Services: It would be a landmark move to create a pan-India Service that would result in a wide pool of qualified and committed judges entering the system.
• Technology infusion: The ethical and responsible use of AI and ML for the advancement of efficiency-enhancing can be increasingly embedded in legal and judicial processes. Ex. SUPACE.
• Legal education: This should be in alignment with the evolving dynamics of the law must be propagated in trial and constitutional courts. This will improve the competence of the judicial system.
• Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR): ADR mechanisms should be promoted for out-of-court settlements. Primary courts of appeal should be set up.
• Dispensation in local languages: For making the entire judicial system more understandable to the common man, one way the use of the local languages in courts.

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Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1      Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present – significant events, personalities, issues.

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

GS-3       Indian Economy

GS-4       Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.

Question 1)

Q.1 India of the 18th century failed to make progress economically, culturally and socially at a pace, which would have saved the country from collapse. Comment. (15 Marks)

Question 2)

Q.2 As India and Switzerland get ready to commemorate the 75th anniversary of their friendship next year, there can be no better tribute to our friendship and partnership than by working together for lasting peace through bilateral and multilateral engagements. Comment. (10 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 Over the last decade, banks have increasingly shifted away from providing credit to industry, favouring instead lending to consumers. What are the factors responsible for this shift? What are its implications for the economy? (10 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 With the help of relevant examples, bring out the difference between the following: (i) Vice and Virtue (ii) Horizontal and Vertical Accountability (iii) Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct (iv) Persuasion and Manipulation (v) Belief and Faith. (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: 

Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1        Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

GS-2      Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.

GS-3       Indian Economy

GS-4        Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics – in private and public relationships.

Question 1)

Q.1 The Chalukyan architecture uniquely epitomises the grandeur and hybrid characteristic style of temple building. Elaborate. (10 Marks)

Question 2)

Q.2 The media’s immense power to shape narratives regarding public conceptions of justice makes it a close associate of the justice system, bringing with it a responsibility to uphold the basic principles of our justice system. In context of this, examine the challenges posed by the media trial and suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 Is India an outlier when it comes to tax-GDP ratio? Give reasons in support of your argument. (10 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 Moral quality of an action should be judged by its consequences on human happiness. 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: 

Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1        History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on the society.

GS-2       India and its neighbourhood- relations.

GS-3       Indian Economy

GS-4        Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics – in private and public relationships.

Question 1)

Q.1 Bring out the factors, which led to decolonisation after the Second World War. Also, discuss the role played by India in this regard. (15 Marks)

Question 2)

Q.2 There is no question that the bilateral relationship dominated by endless contentions at the turn of the millennium has transformed into a very productive partnership. For both Delhi and Dhaka, the reinvention of the bilateral relationship has been one of the most significant successes of their recent foreign policies. Comment. (10 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 What are the implications of increased share of indirect taxes in gross tax revenue in India? (10 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 The opportunities and threats created by emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) require leaders across business, government and civil society to understand the importance of values and ethics in technological development. Elucidate. (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: 

Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1       Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

GS-2       India and its neighbourhood- relations.

GS-3      Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

GS-4        Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct

Question 1)

Q.1 Why was there a need to include separate provisions for tribals in the North-East in the Indian Constitution? Discuss with reference to the differences between the tribals of Central and North-East India. (15 Marks)

Question 2)

Q.2 What lessons India can learn from the recent Taiwan-China standoff? (10 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 What is the Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) initiative? How does it seek to utilise the positive impact that individual and community behaviours can have on climate action? (10 Marks)

Question 4)  

Q.4 Explain the importance of probity in governance. What measures have been undertaken for ensuring probity in governance in India? (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: 

UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

Context

• Last month, two BSF personnel who were part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, were killed during a protest in an eastern town near the border with Uganda.
• This tragic incident has brought renewed focus on the role of peacekeepers and the urgent need to ensure their safety and security.

What is United Nations Peacekeeping?

• UN Peacekeeping helps countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace.
• UN peacekeepers are often referred to as Blue Berets or Blue Helmets because of their light blue berets or helmets) can include soldiers, police officers, and civilian personnel.

UN Peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles:

1. Consent of the parties
2. Impartiality
3. Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate

UNPKF in operation

• Since 1948, UN Peacekeepers have undertaken 71 Field Missions.
• There are approximately 81,820 personnel serving on 13 peace operations led by UNDPO, in four continents currently.
• This represents a nine-fold increase since 1999.
• A total of 119 countries have contributed military and police personnel to UN peacekeeping.
• Currently, 72,930 of those serving are troops and military observers, and about 8,890 are police personnel.

What are the responsibilities of UNPKF?

U.N. military personal can be tasked with:

• Protecting civilians and other U.N. personnel
• Monitoring disputed borders
• Observing peace processes in post-conflict areas
• Providing security in conflict zones
• Providing security during elections
• Assisting in-country military personnel with training and support
• Assisting ex-combatants in implementing the peace agreements

Why need UNPKF?

• Conflict resolution: Peacekeeping has proven to be one of the most effective tools available to the UN to assist host countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace.
• Burden sharing: Peacekeeping has unique strengths, including legitimacy, burden sharing, and an ability to deploy and sustain troops and police from around the globe, integrating them with civilian peacekeepers to advance multidimensional mandates.
• Democratization: UN peacekeepers provide security and the political and peacebuilding support to help countries make the difficult, early transition from conflict to peace.

India’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping

(I) Largest contributor of troops

• India has a long history of service in UN Peacekeeping, having contributed more personnel than any other country.
• To date, more than 2,53,000 Indians have served in 49 of the 71 UN Peacekeeping missions established around the world since 1948.
• Currently, there are around 5,500 troops and police from India who have been deployed to UN Peacekeeping missions, the fifth highest amongst troop-contributing countries.
• India has also provided and continues to provide, eminent Force Commanders for UN Missions.
• India is the fifth largest troop contributor (TCC) with 5,323 personnel deployed in 8 out of 13 active UN Peacekeeping Missions, of which 166 are police personnel.

(II) History of India’s contribution

• India’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping began with its participation in the UN operation in Korea in the 1950s.
• This is where India’s mediatory role in resolving the stalemate over prisoners of war in Korea led to the signing of the armistice that ended the Korean War.
• India chaired the five-member Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission, while the Indian Custodian Force supervised the process of interviews and repatriation that followed.
• The UN entrusted the Indian armed forces with subsequent peace missions in the Middle East, Cyprus, and the Congo (since 1971, Zaire).
• India also served as Chair of the three international commissions for supervision and control for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos established by the 1954 Geneva Accords on Indochina.

(III) Role of women in Indian Peacekeeping

• India has been sending women personnel on UN Peacekeeping Missions.
• In 2007, India became the first country to deploy an all-women contingent to a U.N. Peacekeeping mission.
• The Formed Police Unit in Liberia provided 24-hour guard duty and conducted night patrols in the capital Monrovia, and helped to build the capacity of the Liberian police.
• These women officers not only played a role in restoring security in the West African nation but also contributed to an increase in the number of women in Liberia’s security sector.

(IV) Medical care as part of India’s Missions

• In addition to their security role, the members of the Indian Formed Police Unit also organized medical camps for Liberians, many of whom have limited access to health care services.
• Medical care is among the many services Indian Peacekeepers provide to the communities in which they serve on behalf of the Organization.
• They also perform specialized tasks such as veterinary support and engineering services.

Issues with UNPKM

[A] Issues for India

1. Interference in Kashmir

• Despite its presence in several countries as part of the Peacekeeping missions, India has routinely expressed its displeasure at a similar mission headquartered in Srinagar and Islamabad.
• The UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) was established on January 24, 1949 to supervise the ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

2. Disregard for India-Pak Ceasefire

• UNMOGIP has remained in the region to observe hostilities between the neighbouring countries and report ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC).
• India has reiterated that the mission has “outlived its relevance” after the Shimla Agreement was signed by India and Pakistan in July 1972 and the establishment of the LoC.

[B] Global challenges

• Diverse security challenges: India is of the view that the international community must grasp the rapid changes that are underway in the nature and role of contemporary peacekeeping operations.
• Adequate resources: The Security Council’s mandates to UN Peacekeeping operations need to be rooted in ground realities, and co-related with the resources provided for the peacekeeping operation.
• Greater say to troop’s country: It is critical that troop and police contributing countries should be fully involved at all stages and in all aspects of mission planning.
• HR allocation: There should be greater financial and human resources for peace-building in post-conflict societies, where UNPKOs have been mandated.

Way forward

• Reform the UNSC itself: Reformed multilateralism – and its root the reform of the UNSC.
• Multi-partner collaboration: To make counterterrorism more effective by including actors outside of the UNSC.
• Selective modernization: The third priority is more effective peacekeeping—by modernization and greater inclusion of the UN Peace Keeping Force (UNPKF).
• Effective decision-making: The final priority was to make the UNSC’s decision-making more human-centric, through electoral accountability.

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