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How to Tackle Static Questions based on Current Affairs in Prelims 2022? || Free Live Webinar by Prelims Topper & UPSC Mentor Santosh Sir who Scored 145+ six times|| Limited Slots, Register Now
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Many experts would like to say that the weightage of Current affairs in prelims has declined since 2018. The truth is far from true. Current Affairs has been revived and is now included in questions from static syllabus topics. This approach has given rise to questions with more analytical dimensions that are thought oriented.

You might be reading a question and trying to remember it from a book, when it’s actually from the newspaper! Certain Current affairs questions of the 2021 Prelims have surprised us as well. Let’s try to understand this better with an example:

Consider the following statements regarding Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’.
1. The Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ or the Circum-Pacific Belt, is an area along the Pacific Ocean that is characterised by active volcanoes.
2. About 90 per cent of the world’s earthquakes occur here.
3. It traces from New Zealand clockwise in an almost circular arc and extends upto western coast of North America.
This question is from the topic, ‘World Geography’. Also it was in the news this week.

Free Open to All Webinar to Tackle Current Affairs Questions From Static Topics

REGISTER HERE TO ATTEND FREE LIVE WEBINAR BY SANTOSH SIR

Here’s an exercise for all UPSC 2022 aspirants. Take a look at your syllabus, select a topic. Do you know atleast ten current affairs news related to this topic from the last one year?

If not, then it’s never too late. You still have 4.5 months left. So take the first big step by registering for this free live webinar by Prelims veteran Santosh sir.

Santosh sir has cleared prelims 6/6 times and scored 145+ in all of them. In his Smash Prelims 2020 program, 15 out of 25 students cleared the exam to write Mains 2021.

Key Takeaways of Free Live Webinar by Santosh Sir —

1. How to tackle static questions based on current affairs with accuracy? Elimination Techniques for Prelims that can be used.
2. Learn 360 degree approach to current affairs. How can you read daily compilation, PIB, newspapers, Yojana and Kurushetra all in 1.5 hours?
3. Keywords approach to reading newspapers. How to make shorthand notes based on this?
4. Learn to interlink Static and Current affairs topics. Should reading for current affairs and a chapter in the static book happen at the same time?
5. How to handle the surprise questions from current affairs? The surprise questions from 2021 prelims exams.
6. Current affairs trend analysis. What are the topics where most of the current affairs questions come from?

Webinar Details

Current affairs is not merely about knowing, but it has become a game of linking and interlinking. Don’t miss the chance to get value addition inputs to score better in the examination! This webinar is absolutely free. All aspirants are welcome to attend.

Date – 24 January 2022 (Monday)

Time – 7:00 P.M.

Limited slots are available. Please register immediately.

register here to attend the free live webinar by santosh sir
January 22, 2022
Why India needs a single agency to guard its borders
Context

Recent developments warrant a comprehensive review of border management to ensure the all-weather security of our borders.

What makes India’s border management difficult?
- India shares land borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar, which stretch approximately 15,106 km.
- In addition, we have an approximately 3,323 km-long LoC with Pakistan, which further extends to the rechristened 110 km stretch of “Actual Ground Position Line” (AGPL) dividing the Siachen glacier region.
- Further east, we have the 3,488 km LAC with China.
- We share maritime boundaries with Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar and Indonesia; we have a 7,683 km coastline and an approximately 2 million sq km exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
- This makes India’s task more complex than most other countries.
Multiple agencies securing borders
- Complexity is accentuated by the fact that along with the army, we have multiple other security agencies — the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and the Paramilitary Forces (PMF) — sharing the responsibility.
- While the army is deployed along the LoC and AGPL, the Border Security Force (BSF) looks after the international border with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
- Guarding the LAC has been assigned to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Assam Rifles.
- The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is responsible for guarding the borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
- The Assam Rifles looks after our border with Myanmar.
- In a nutshell, in addition to the army, we have four agencies guarding borders with six neighbours.
- Conversely, maritime borders are guarded by a single agency — the Coast Guard.
Need for review of the border management
- There is a lack of a coherent policy on training, planning and the conduct of guarding operations among various outfits.
- Overall coordination is also affected.
- Our adversary on the western border has often escalated violations by resorting to the prolonged use of military resources.
- Chinese provocations along the LAC are military operations.
- Clearly, the peace-time scenario is now by and large militarised.
Way forward
- Single security agency: In this scenario, India needs a single security agency adequately equipped, suitably armed and trained in advanced military drills and sub-unit tactics to guard our borders.
- Manpower from Army: Further, to augment the battle efficiency, a fixed percentage of manpower, including the officer cadre, should be drawn on deputation from the army.
- Paramilitary force under Ministry of Defence: To ensure the desired training and operational standards, this single security agency should be designated as a paramilitary force under the Ministry of Defence and operate under the army.
- Mergers: The ITBP and the SSB should be fully merged into the new outfit; the BSF and CRPF still have important internal security duties and can be partially merged.
- The reorganised Assam Rifles too should retain its role of conducting counter-insurgency operations and act as a reserve for the army for conventional operations.
- Most countries have raised specialised and dedicated armed bodies for border security.
- Iran has the Border Guard Command, Italy has the Border Police Service, Russia has created a Border Guard Service, whereas in the US, it is under Homeland Security.
- Most of these countries, based on threat perception and for better combat cohesion, have placed these organisations under the command of the armed forces.
Conclusion

India should adopt a single agency with adequate resources and training to deal with the evolving challenges.

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January 22, 2022
How to fix the anti-defection loophole
Context

It is time that we took a fresh look at the Tenth Schedule to our Constitution.

Shortcomings of the anti-defection law
- Partisan nature of Speaker: Paragraph 3 of the Tenth Schedule was omitted by the Constitution (91st Amendment) Act, 2003, which came into effect on January 1, 2004.
- Paragraph 3, as it existed prior to the amendment, protected defectors as long as one-third of the members of a political party formed a separate group.
- In the context of small assemblies, one-third of the members could easily be cobbled together.
- Often, the speaker of the assembly was seen to be collaborating with the political party in power to protect the defectors under the one-third rule.
- Such partisan conduct of the speakers is at the heart of a non-functional Tenth Schedule.
- The seeming political bias of the speakers acting as tribunals is apparent from how disqualification petitions are dealt with.
- We have seen this happen in Manipur, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and other jurisdictions.
- Allowing two-third members to merge with another party: After the omission of paragraph 3, paragraph 4 allowed for the protection of defecting members provided two-thirds of the members of the legislative party merged with another political party.
- This provision has invariably been misused.
- Constitutional flaw in provisions of paragraph 4: Third, there is a constitutional flaw in the manner in which the provisions of paragraph 4 have been enacted.
- Paragraph 4(1) stipulates that a member of the house will not be disqualified from his membership where his original political party merges with another political party and he claims that he and other members have become members of the other political party or a new political party is being formed by such merger.
- However, paragraph 4(2) provides that such a merger would be deemed to have taken place only if not less than two-thirds of the members of the legislative party agreed to such a merger.
- This allows for clandestine corruption where two-thirds of the members of the legislative party are bought over, by means fair or foul, to either topple governments or to strengthen a razor-thin majority of the party in power.
- This makes the entire provision unworkable and unconstitutional.
- Prolonging the proceedings: We have witnessed situations where, even though the provisions of paragraph 4 are not ex-facie attracted, the speaker of the assembly makes sure that the proceedings are interminably prolonged so that the term of the assembly comes to an end before the proceedings under the Tenth Schedule against those ex-facie defectors have been concluded.
Need for urgent attention to Article 164(1B)
- This allows for the toppling of governments by inducements of various kinds.
- The motivation is that a fresh election allows the disqualified member to be re-elected.
- He then becomes a member of the assembly once again, as its term is not over and can also be appointed a minister.
- Under Article 164(1B), such a defection has no real consequences.
Way forward
- 1] Ensure impartiality of Speaker: Speakers, when elected must resign from the party to which they belong.
- At the end of their term, there should be a cooling-off period before they can become members of any political party.
- 2] Omit Paragraph 4 through Amendment: Paragraph 4 of the Tenth Schedule should be omitted by moving a constitutional amendment.
- 3] Make disqualification for 5 years: All those disqualified under paragraph 2 of the Tenth Schedule should neither be entitled to contest elections nor hold public office for five years from the date of their disqualification.
- Article 164(1B) should be omitted by moving a constitutional amendment.
- Set time limit to decide petition for disqualification: All petitions for disqualification of members under paragraph 2 of the Tenth Schedule should be decided, by adopting a summary procedure, within a period of three months.
Consider the question “Has anti-defection law succeeded in curbing the defections and ensuring the stability of the elected governments? Give reasons in support of your argument.”

Conclusion

If our polity wants to get rid of open corruption, it needs to take urgent steps to plug existing loopholes that have made the Tenth Schedule unworkable.

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Back2Basics: Article 164(1B)
- A member of the Legislative Assembly of a State or either House of the Legislature of a State having Legislative Council belonging to any political party who is disqualified for being a member of that House under paragraph 2 of the Tenth Schedule shall also be disqualified to be appointed as a Minister under clause (1) for duration of the period commencing from the date of his disqualification till the date on which the term of his office as such member would expire or where he contests any election to the Legislative Assembly of a State or either House of the Legislature of a State having Legislative Council, as the case may be, before the expiry of such period, till the date on which he is declared elected, whichever is earlier.
January 22, 2022
Amar Jawan Jyoti and its Relocation
The iconic Amar Jawan Jyoti (AJJ) at India Gate was extinguished as a part of its merger with the flame at the National War Memorial (NWM). This has sparked a political controversy.

What is the Amar Jawan Jyoti?
- The eternal flame at the AJJ underneath India Gate in central Delhi was an iconic symbol of the nation’s tributes to the soldiers who have died for the country in various wars and conflicts since Independence.
- Established in 1972, it was to mark India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 War, which resulted in the creation of Bangladesh.
- The then PM Indira Gandhi had inaugurated it on Republic Day 1972, after India defeated Pakistan in December 1971.
Description of the bust
- The key elements of the Amar Jawan Jyoti included a black marble plinth, a cenotaph, which acted as a tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- The plinth had an inverted L1A1 self-loading rifle with a bayonet, on top of which was a soldier’s war helmet.
How the eternal flame was kept burning?
- For 50 years the eternal flame had been burning underneath India Gate, without being extinguished.
- But on Friday, the flame was finally put off, as it was merged with another eternal flame at the National War Memorial.
- Since 1972, when it was inaugurated, it used to be kept alive with the help of cylinders of liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG.
- One cylinder could keep one burner alive for a day and a half.
- In 2006 that was changed. Though a project that cost around Rs 6 lakh the fuel for the flames was changed from LPG to piped natural gas, or PNG.
- It is through this piped gas that the flame marking the tribute to Indian soldiers had been kept alive eternally.
Why was it placed at India Gate?
- The India Gate, All India War Memorial, as it was known earlier, was built by the British in 1931.
- It was erected as a memorial to around 90,000 Indian soldiers of the British Indian Army, who had died in several wars and campaigns till then.
- Names of more than 13,000 dead soldiers are mentioned on the memorial commemorating them.
- As it was a memorial for the Indian soldiers killed in wars, the Amar Jawan Jyoti was established underneath it by the government in 1972.
Reasons for its relocation
- The correct perspective is that the flame will not be extinguished, but just moved to be merged with the one at the National War Memorial.
- The flame which paid homage to the soldiers killed in the 1971 War, does not even mention their name, and the India Gate is a “symbol of our colonial past”.
- The names of all Indian martyrs from all the wars, including 1971 and wars before and after it are housed at the National War Memorial.
- Hence it is a true tribute to have the flame paying tribute to martyrs there.
- Further, it can also be seen as part of the government’s redevelopment of the entire Central Vista, of which India Gate, the AJJ and the National War Memorial are parts of.
What else is planned with the extinguish?
- The canopy next to the India Gate will get a statue of the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
- The new statue will be 28 feet high.
- Till the statue is completed, a hologram statue of Bose will be placed under the canopy, which he will unveil on January 23.
- The canopy used to have a statue of Kind George V, which was removed in 1968.
Why Netaji?
- January 23 this year marks his 125th birth anniversary.
- From this year onwards, Republic Day celebrations will start on January 23, as opposed to the usual practice of starting it on January 24, to mark the birth anniversary of Bose.
- It will end on January 30, the day Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated.
- The government had earlier announced that Bose’s birth anniversary would be celebrated as Parakram Divas.
What is the National War Memorial and when was it made?
- The National War Memorial, which is around 400 meters from India Gate was inaugurated in February 2019, in an area of around 40 acres.
- It was built to commemorate all the soldiers who have laid down their lives in the various battles, wars, operations and conflicts of Independent India.
- There are many independent memorials for such soldiers, but no memorial existed commemorating them all at the national level.
- Discussions to build such a memorial had been ongoing since 1961, but it did not come up.
Its architecture
- The architecture of the memorial is based on four concentric circles.
- Largest is the Raksha Chakra or the Circle of Protection which is marked by a row of trees, each of which represent soldiers, who protect the country.
- The Tyag Chakra, the Circle of Sacrifice, has circular concentric walls of honour based on the Chakravyuh.
- The walls have independent granite tablets for each of the soldiers who have died for the country since Independence.
- As of today, there are 26,466 names of such soldiers on these granite tablets etched in golden letters.
- A tablet is added every time a soldier is killed in the line of duty.
- The final is the Amar Chakra, the Circle of Immortality, which has an obelisk, and the Eternal Flame.
- Busts of the 21 soldiers who have been conferred with the highest gallantry award of the country, Param Vir Chakra, are also installed at the memorial.
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January 22, 2022
Declaration on Forests and Land Use
At COP-26 in Glasgow, countries got together to sign the Declaration on Forests and Land Use (or the Deforestation Declaration). However, India was among the few countries that did not sign the declaration.

What is this Deforestation Declaration?
- It was signed by 142 countries, which represented over 90 percent of forests across the world.
- The declaration commits to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030 while delivering sustainable development and promoting an inclusive rural transformation.
- The signatories committed $19 billion in private and public funds to this end.
Why did India abstain from joining?
- India had concerns about the linkage the declaration makes between deforestation, infrastructure development and trade.
- Any commitment to the environment and climate change should not involve any reference to trade, cited India.
- Analysts in India have linked the decision to a proposed amendment to the Forest Conservation Act 1980 that would ease the clearances presently required for acquiring forest land for new infrastructure projects.
India abstained from many things
- A look at India’s positions on some other recent critical pledges and decisions related to climate change reveals a clear pattern of objections or absence.
- At CoP26, India was not part of the dialogue on Forests, Agriculture and Commodity Trade (FACT).
- FACT, which is supported by 28 countries seeks to encourage “sustainable development and trade of agricultural commodities while protecting and managing sustainably forests and other critical ecosystems”.
- India also voted against a recent draft resolution to allow for discussions related to climate change and its impact on international peace and security to be taken up at the UNSC.
Why should India join this declaration?
- Broadly speaking, all of India’s objections are based on procedural issues at multilateral fora.
- Although justifiable on paper, these objections seem blind to the diverse ways in which climate change is linked to global trade, deforestation, agriculture, and international peace, among other issues.
- For context, consider India’s palm oil trade. India is the largest importer of crude palm oil in the world.
- Palm oil cultivation, covering roughly 16 million acres of land in Indonesia and Malaysia, has been the biggest driver of deforestation in the two countries.
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January 22, 2022
MEETING LINK INSIDE, REGISTER & JOIN|| How to Finish UPSC-CSE Syllabus before 2023 if you are a Working Professional, College Student or Homemaker?|| Free Live Webinar by Civilsdaily Mentor Ranadheer Ravula|| Unlock the Truths & Bust the Myths of UPSC-CSE 2023 Preparation

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Before starting your UPSC preparation, you might have heard many things about it from your friends, relatives and even from the internet. But, have you ever thought your research on how to study for the world’s toughest exam could be steeped in myths?

There are many myths associated with UPSC preparation which beginners assume to be the truth and this ultimately, costs them an attempt. To avoid this, we suggest that you attend one of Civilsdaily’s weekly mentor-led free webinars that can help gain clarity while navigating the UPSC maze. Additionally, we also keep a Q&A session for everyone to clear their doubts. All you have to do is, fill in the form below and confirm your presence.

register here for ranadheer sir’s upsc 2023 orientation

What are the Myths assumed to be Truths by Most UPSC Aspirants?

Aspirants think preparing for UPSC means reading everything under the sun, memorizing facts and having unlimited knowledge on undefined topics. However, the truth is far from true. UPSC, just like any other exam has a defined syllabus and questions would only be asked on those topics. Yes, the syllabus is vast compared to other exams but it certainly is well defined.

Yet another UPSC myth which needs to be busted is — the more books you read, the more you can score. The formula of qualifying for this exam lies in reading, practicing and revising frequently. UPSC also doesn’t always check your factual knowledge. If you know about inflation properly, but don’t know how the recent policies by the government to reduce inflation then that is concerning.

Many aspirants think that one has to write long, lengthy and complicated answers in Mains to score better marks. However, by doing so they end up scoring lesser as this is not what the examiner is looking for. If you have a clear idea of the focus areas in Prelims, Mains & Interview, it will be easier for you to ace this exam.

register here for ranadheer sir’s 2023 upsc orientation

Key-Takeaways of the Free Live Webinar by Ranadheer Sir

Our Civilsdaily mentor, Ranadheer Ravula will be taking the examples of his topper students and highlight how they had prepared for the exam keeping these things in mind –

1. How should the syllabus be approached to complete it within the time limit?
2. Is there a demarcation between Prelims and Mains studies? How to manage time between both?
3. How to determine the primary focus areas of the Prelims, Mains, and Personality tests?
4. How to apply bookish as well as classroom knowledge to the exam?’
5. How to diminish your fear of Mains Answer Writing?
6. Why should you not allow yourself to go more than 7 days without revising?
7. How should Current Affairs be efficiently used for both Prelims and Mains exams?

Webinar Details

Don’t miss the chance to get value addition inputs to score better in the examination! This webinar is absolutely free. All aspirants are welcome to attend.

Date – 21 January 2022 (Friday)

Time – 7:00 P.M.

Limited slots are available. Please register immediately.

register here for ranadheer sir’s upsc 2023 orientation

January 21, 2022
Webinar Today @ 7PM, Registration Closing in 1 Hr|| How to Finish UPSC-CSE Syllabus before 2023 if you are a Working Professional, College Student or Homemaker?|| Free Live Webinar by Civilsdaily Mentor Ranadheer Ravula|| Unlock the Truths & Bust the Myths of UPSC-CSE 2023 Preparation

Before starting your UPSC preparation, you might have heard many things about it from your friends, relatives and even from the internet. But, have you ever thought your research on how to study for the world’s toughest exam could be steeped in myths?

There are many myths associated with UPSC preparation which beginners assume to be the truth and this ultimately, costs them an attempt. To avoid this, we suggest that you attend one of Civilsdaily’s weekly mentor-led free webinars that can help gain clarity while navigating the UPSC maze. Additionally, we also keep a Q&A session for everyone to clear their doubts. All you have to do is, fill in the form below and confirm your presence.

register here for ranadheer sir’s upsc 2023 orientation

What are the Myths assumed to be Truths by Most UPSC Aspirants?

Aspirants think preparing for UPSC means reading everything under the sun, memorizing facts and having unlimited knowledge on undefined topics. However, the truth is far from true. UPSC, just like any other exam has a defined syllabus and questions would only be asked on those topics. Yes, the syllabus is vast compared to other exams but it certainly is well defined.

Yet another UPSC myth which needs to be busted is — the more books you read, the more you can score. The formula of qualifying for this exam lies in reading, practicing and revising frequently. UPSC also doesn’t always check your factual knowledge. If you know about inflation properly, but don’t know how the recent policies by the government to reduce inflation then that is concerning.

Many aspirants think that one has to write long, lengthy and complicated answers in Mains to score better marks. However, by doing so they end up scoring lesser as this is not what the examiner is looking for. If you have a clear idea of the focus areas in Prelims, Mains & Interview, it will be easier for you to ace this exam.

register here for ranadheer sir’s 2023 upsc orientation

Key-Takeaways of the Free Live Webinar by Ranadheer Sir

Our Civilsdaily mentor, Ranadheer Ravula will be taking the examples of his topper students and highlight how they had prepared for the exam keeping these things in mind –

1. How should the syllabus be approached to complete it within the time limit?
2. Is there a demarcation between Prelims and Mains studies? How to manage time between both?
3. How to determine the primary focus areas of the Prelims, Mains, and Personality tests?
4. How to apply bookish as well as classroom knowledge to the exam?’
5. How to diminish your fear of Mains Answer Writing?
6. Why should you not allow yourself to go more than 7 days without revising?
7. How should Current Affairs be efficiently used for both Prelims and Mains exams?

Webinar Details

Don’t miss the chance to get value addition inputs to score better in the examination! This webinar is absolutely free. All aspirants are welcome to attend.

Date – 21 January 2022 (Friday)

Time – 7:00 P.M.

Limited slots are available. Please register immediately.

register here for ranadheer sir’s upsc 2023 orientation

January 21, 2022
Webinar Today @ 7PM, Registration Closing in 3 Hrs|| How to Finish UPSC-CSE Syllabus before 2023 if you are a Working Professional, College Student or Homemaker?|| Free Live Webinar by Civilsdaily Mentor Ranadheer Ravula|| Unlock the Truths & Bust the Myths of UPSC-CSE 2023 Preparation

Before starting your UPSC preparation, you might have heard many things about it from your friends, relatives and even from the internet. But, have you ever thought your research on how to study for the world’s toughest exam could be steeped in myths?

There are many myths associated with UPSC preparation which beginners assume to be the truth and this ultimately, costs them an attempt. To avoid this, we suggest that you attend one of Civilsdaily’s weekly mentor-led free webinars that can help gain clarity while navigating the UPSC maze. Additionally, we also keep a Q&A session for everyone to clear their doubts. All you have to do is, fill in the form below and confirm your presence.

register here for ranadheer sir’s upsc 2023 orientation

What are the Myths assumed to be Truths by Most UPSC Aspirants?

Aspirants think preparing for UPSC means reading everything under the sun, memorizing facts and having unlimited knowledge on undefined topics. However, the truth is far from true. UPSC, just like any other exam has a defined syllabus and questions would only be asked on those topics. Yes, the syllabus is vast compared to other exams but it certainly is well defined.

Yet another UPSC myth which needs to be busted is — the more books you read, the more you can score. The formula of qualifying for this exam lies in reading, practicing and revising frequently. UPSC also doesn’t always check your factual knowledge. If you know about inflation properly, but don’t know how the recent policies by the government to reduce inflation then that is concerning.

Many aspirants think that one has to write long, lengthy and complicated answers in Mains to score better marks. However, by doing so they end up scoring lesser as this is not what the examiner is looking for. If you have a clear idea of the focus areas in Prelims, Mains & Interview, it will be easier for you to ace this exam.

register here for ranadheer sir’s 2023 upsc orientation

Key-Takeaways of the Free Live Webinar by Ranadheer Sir

Our Civilsdaily mentor, Ranadheer Ravula will be taking the examples of his topper students and highlight how they had prepared for the exam keeping these things in mind –

1. How should the syllabus be approached to complete it within the time limit?
2. Is there a demarcation between Prelims and Mains studies? How to manage time between both?
3. How to determine the primary focus areas of the Prelims, Mains, and Personality tests?
4. How to apply bookish as well as classroom knowledge to the exam?’
5. How to diminish your fear of Mains Answer Writing?
6. Why should you not allow yourself to go more than 7 days without revising?
7. How should Current Affairs be efficiently used for both Prelims and Mains exams?

Webinar Details

Don’t miss the chance to get value addition inputs to score better in the examination! This webinar is absolutely free. All aspirants are welcome to attend.

Date – 21 January 2022 (Friday)

Time – 7:00 P.M.

Limited slots are available. Please register immediately.

register here for ranadheer sir’s upsc 2023 orientation

January 21, 2022
21st January 2022| Daily Answer Writing Enhancement(AWE)
Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1 Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc, geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

GS-2 Role of civil services in a democracy.

GS-3 Indian Economy

GS-4 Case Studies

Question 1)

Q.1 Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment. (10 Marks)

Question 2)

Q.2 What are the proposed amendments to IAS Rule 1954? What are the concerns with the proposed changes? (10 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 What are the lessons the Indian economy can learn from the expansion of the mobile phone sector in India? What are the challenges in replicating its success? (10 Marks)

Question 4)

Q.4 You are Vice Principal of a degree college in one of the middle-class towns. Principal has recently retired and management is looking for his replacement. There are also feelers that the management may promote you as Principal. In the meantime, during annual examination the flying squad which came from the university caught two students red-handed involving in unfair means. A senior lecturer of the college was personally helping these students in this act. This senior lecturer also happens to be close to the management. One of the students was son of a local politician who was responsible in getting college affiliated to the present reputed university. The second student was son of a local businessman who has donated maximum funds for running of the college. You immediately informed the management regarding this unfortunate incident. The management told you to resolve the issue with flying squad at any cost. They further said that such incident will not only tarnish the image of the college but also the politician and businessman are very important personalities for the functioning of the college. You were also given hint that your further promotion to Principal depends on your capability in resolving this issue with flying squad. In the meantime, you were intimated by your administrative officer that certain members of the student union are protesting outside the college gate against the senior lecturer and the students involved in this incident and demanding strict action against defaulters. a) Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case. b) Critically examine the options available with you as Vice Principal. What option will you adopt and why? (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 October is uploaded on 11th October 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 October is uploaded on 13th October, 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*.

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January 21, 2022
Keeping the spirit of federalism alive
Context

Conscious recognition of the federal character of our polity is essential to protect our national character.

Federal spirit and ideas in Indian Constitution
- Conscious of the differential needs of the populations of different states, the drafters of the Constitution made provisions for an equitable share of powers and responsibilities among different levels of governments.
- The lists in the 7th Schedule of the Constitution — Union, state and concurrent — are an example of this division, wherein each level of government has its own sphere, enabling context-sensitive decision-making.
- Local self-government: Later, institutions for local self government were added through the 73rd and 74th amendments, which strengthened grass roots democracy.
- Division of responsibility: Article 246 and Article 243 G provide for this division of responsibilities.
- Finance Commission: Article 280 provided for the constitution of Finance Commission to define the financial relationship and terms between the Union and states.
- Inter-State Council: Article 263 provided for the establishment of an Inter-State Council for smooth transition of business between the Union and states and resolution of disputes.
- The inter-state tribunals, the National Development Council and other informal bodies have served as vehicles of consultations between the Union, states and UTs.
- Rajya Sabha: Apart from these institutions and the Rajya Sabha, the Constitution makers also left much scope for consultative and deliberative bodies so as to strengthen the spirit of cooperation and federalism.
Steps against the spirit of federalism
- The Planning Commission has been scrapped.
- The Inter-State Council has met only once in the last seven years while the National Development Council has not met at all.
- The tenure of the 15th Finance Commission was mired in controversy and many states expressed apprehensions about devolution.
- The GST has already taken away much of the autonomy available to states and has made the country’s indirect tax regime unitary in nature.
- Article 370 was removed without consulting the state legislature.
- Parliament legislated on “agriculture”, entry no. 14 in the state list, to enact the three contentious farm laws, overstepping its jurisdiction and imposing a law on the states.
- The New Education Policy has been flagged as encroaching on the federal nature of the polity.
- The BSF’s jurisdiction was extended in Assam, West Bengal and Punjab without any consultation with the concerned states.
- The constitutional office of governor has come under scrutiny several times for encroaching on the powers of state executive and legislature.
Conclusion

It should be underlined that Article 1 of our Constitution declares that “India that is Bharat is a union of states”, and that devolution of powers is necessary in such a setting.

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January 21, 2022

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