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Ask Me Anything || CSAT Prelims Strategy || by Ravi sir
Date & Time: Jan 10, 2022 @07:00 PM (login starts 06:45 PM onwards) India

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register here for free live csat orientation by ravi sir

Most of the aspirants don’t think about CSAT preparation until the fag end of UPSC Prelims only because it’s a qualifying paper. You have to get 33% of total marks i.e 66 marks to be clear Prelims. Failure to do so, will prevent you from writing Mains even if you have scored above 100+ marks in the GS Paper.

Since the last two years, the English Comprehension passages are getting lengthier and the Mathematical questions trickier. Let’s take a look at the 2012 CSAT Paper and compare it with the 2021 CSAT paper.

2014 CSAT Paper

Here the questions are asked chapter by chapter and are basic-to-moderate. Questions are direct and straightforward without much combination numerals.

2021 CSAT Paper

There is no particular order of questions asked. Immediately after LR questions, we have a question on time and distance. Also the questions are moderate-to-advanced. One cannot find out the answer in first glance itself. There is no one-size fits for all approach or a uniform formula by which you can crack the sequential questions.

Free Open to All CSAT Session by Civilsdaily Mentor Ravi Sir

REGISTER HERE FOR FREE LIVE CSAT ORIENTATION BY RAVI SIR

If you have to clear the paper, then you have to attempt atleast 50 questions out of 80. Out of these 50 questions, 27 need to be right. There is also negative marking of 1.5 marks for every wrong answer. Hence, for aspirants from a non-mathematics background the challenge lies in practising for CSAT without reducing time for GS Preparation.

Do you want to know how you can complete both the lengthy comprehension passages and tricky mathematical questions within the stipulated time? Then it’s time you attended Civilsdaily Mentor Ravi sir’s webinar on Sunday.

Ravi sir has cleared UPSC Prelims six times and attended the Interview round thrice. As a mentor, Ravi sir is a lifelong UPSC aspirant because he daily reads, checks and evaluates the right study materials for his students. On Monday, he will conduct a session on CSAT which is free for every aspirant to attend. All you have to do is register yourself for the session.

Key Takeaways in the CSAT Session Conducted by Ravi Sir

1. Topic-wise live demonstration on how to solve problems.
2. Examples of easy, moderate and advanced questions to solve.
3. Variety of questions under each topic.
4. Previous year question paper analysis from 2013 onwards. How to be ready for the new paper pattern.
5. Books one can refer for CSAT test series practice and to understand the concepts.
6. How to practice CSAT without compromising on GS paper studies.
7. Topic-wise weightage in Quantitative Aptitude.
8. Ravi sir will solve your doubts in a Q&A discussion towards the end of the session.

Webinar Details

If you want to know the secrets of finishing the CSAT paper in 2 hours, then this webinar is for you! We hope this webinar will help all 2022 aspirants implement the suggestions of Ravi sir

Date: 10 January 2022 (Monday)

Time: 7 P.M.

register here for free live csat orientation by ravi sir

January 10, 2022
10th January 2022| Daily Answer Writing Enhancement(AWE)
Topics for Today’s questions:

GS-1 Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India

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

GS-3 Indian Economy

GS-4 Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions

Question 1)

Q.1 Bring out the reasons behind growing mental health related issues in India. Also, suggest some steps which can be further taken by India in this regard. (10 Marks)

Question 2)

Q.2 The relationship between the Governor and Chief Minister has, even at the best of times, not been absolutely simple and tension free. What are the factors responsible for confrontation? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

Question 3)

Q.3 The Indian economy is expected to expand at 9.2 per cent in 2021-22 as per the first advance estimate (FAE). What does the GDP data tell us about the state of the economy that could influence budget priorities for FY 22-23? (10 Marks)

Question 4)

Q.4 Administration discretion can be a blessing if used correctly, however its misuse can prove to be a curse. Discuss with examples. (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 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*.

For the philosophy of AWE and payment:

CLICK HERE To join Daily AWE
January 10, 2022
Registrations Closing in 1 Hr, Free Live Session Today @ 7PM|| CSAT for Non-Maths Aspirants|| Shortcuts to Get Correct Answers in Quantitative Aptitude & Logical Reasioning|| By Civilsdaily Mentor Ravi Sir|| Limited Slots Available, Register Now

register here for free live csat orientation by ravi sir

Most of the aspirants don’t think about CSAT preparation until the fag end of UPSC Prelims only because it’s a qualifying paper. You have to get 33% of total marks i.e 66 marks to be clear Prelims. Failure to do so, will prevent you from writing Mains even if you have scored above 100+ marks in the GS Paper.

Since the last two years, the English Comprehension passages are getting lengthier and the Mathematical questions trickier. Let’s take a look at the 2012 CSAT Paper and compare it with the 2021 CSAT paper.

2014 CSAT Paper

Here the questions are asked chapter by chapter and are basic-to-moderate. Questions are direct and straightforward without much combination numerals.

2021 CSAT Paper

There is no particular order of questions asked. Immediately after LR questions, we have a question on time and distance. Also the questions are moderate-to-advanced. One cannot find out the answer in first glance itself. There is no one-size fits for all approach or a uniform formula by which you can crack the sequential questions.

Free Open to All CSAT Session by Civilsdaily Mentor Ravi Sir

REGISTER HERE FOR FREE LIVE CSAT ORIENTATION BY RAVI SIR

If you have to clear the paper, then you have to attempt atleast 50 questions out of 80. Out of these 50 questions, 27 need to be right. There is also negative marking of 1.5 marks for every wrong answer. Hence, for aspirants from a non-mathematics background the challenge lies in practising for CSAT without reducing time for GS Preparation.

Do you want to know how you can complete both the lengthy comprehension passages and tricky mathematical questions within the stipulated time? Then it’s time you attended Civilsdaily Mentor Ravi sir’s webinar on Sunday.

Ravi sir has cleared UPSC Prelims six times and attended the Interview round thrice. As a mentor, Ravi sir is a lifelong UPSC aspirant because he daily reads, checks and evaluates the right study materials for his students. On Monday, he will conduct a session on CSAT which is free for every aspirant to attend. All you have to do is register yourself for the session.

Key Takeaways in the CSAT Session Conducted by Ravi Sir

1. Topic-wise live demonstration on how to solve problems.
2. Examples of easy, moderate and advanced questions to solve.
3. Variety of questions under each topic.
4. Previous year question paper analysis from 2013 onwards. How to be ready for the new paper pattern.
5. Books one can refer for CSAT test series practice and to understand the concepts.
6. How to practice CSAT without compromising on GS paper studies.
7. Topic-wise weightage in Quantitative Aptitude.
8. Ravi sir will solve your doubts in a Q&A discussion towards the end of the session.

Webinar Details

If you want to know the secrets of finishing the CSAT paper in 2 hours, then this webinar is for you! We hope this webinar will help all 2022 aspirants implement the suggestions of Ravi sir

Date: 10 January 2022 (Monday)

Time: 7 P.M.

register here for free live csat orientation by ravi sir

January 10, 2022
Registrations Closing in 3 Hrs, Free Live Session Today @ 7PM|| CSAT for Non-Maths Aspirants|| Shortcuts to Get Correct Answers in Quantitative Aptitude & Logical Reasioning|| By Civilsdaily Mentor Ravi Sir|| Limited Slots Available, Register Now

register here for free live csat orientation by ravi sir

Most of the aspirants don’t think about CSAT preparation until the fag end of UPSC Prelims only because it’s a qualifying paper. You have to get 33% of total marks i.e 66 marks to be clear Prelims. Failure to do so, will prevent you from writing Mains even if you have scored above 100+ marks in the GS Paper.

Since the last two years, the English Comprehension passages are getting lengthier and the Mathematical questions trickier. Let’s take a look at the 2012 CSAT Paper and compare it with the 2021 CSAT paper.

2014 CSAT Paper

Here the questions are asked chapter by chapter and are basic-to-moderate. Questions are direct and straightforward without much combination numerals.

2021 CSAT Paper

There is no particular order of questions asked. Immediately after LR questions, we have a question on time and distance. Also the questions are moderate-to-advanced. One cannot find out the answer in first glance itself. There is no one-size fits for all approach or a uniform formula by which you can crack the sequential questions.

Free Open to All CSAT Session by Civilsdaily Mentor Ravi Sir

REGISTER HERE FOR FREE LIVE CSAT ORIENTATION BY RAVI SIR

If you have to clear the paper, then you have to attempt atleast 50 questions out of 80. Out of these 50 questions, 27 need to be right. There is also negative marking of 1.5 marks for every wrong answer. Hence, for aspirants from a non-mathematics background the challenge lies in practising for CSAT without reducing time for GS Preparation.

Do you want to know how you can complete both the lengthy comprehension passages and tricky mathematical questions within the stipulated time? Then it’s time you attended Civilsdaily Mentor Ravi sir’s webinar on Sunday.

Ravi sir has cleared UPSC Prelims six times and attended the Interview round thrice. As a mentor, Ravi sir is a lifelong UPSC aspirant because he daily reads, checks and evaluates the right study materials for his students. On Monday, he will conduct a session on CSAT which is free for every aspirant to attend. All you have to do is register yourself for the session.

Key Takeaways in the CSAT Session Conducted by Ravi Sir

1. Topic-wise live demonstration on how to solve problems.
2. Examples of easy, moderate and advanced questions to solve.
3. Variety of questions under each topic.
4. Previous year question paper analysis from 2013 onwards. How to be ready for the new paper pattern.
5. Books one can refer for CSAT test series practice and to understand the concepts.
6. How to practice CSAT without compromising on GS paper studies.
7. Topic-wise weightage in Quantitative Aptitude.
8. Ravi sir will solve your doubts in a Q&A discussion towards the end of the session.

Webinar Details

If you want to know the secrets of finishing the CSAT paper in 2 hours, then this webinar is for you! We hope this webinar will help all 2022 aspirants implement the suggestions of Ravi sir

Date: 10 January 2022 (Monday)

Time: 7 P.M.

register here for free live csat orientation by ravi sir

January 10, 2022
The Personal Data Protection Bill conundrum
Context

The Joint Committee report on the Bill has failed to provide robust draft legislation ensuring the privacy of citizens.

Background of the Personal Data Protection Bill
- The Puttaswamy judgment held that the right to privacy is a fundamental right.
- The Puttaswamy judgment and the Justice B.N. Srikrishna committee report led to the Personal Data Protection Bill of 2019.
- The Joint Committee report on the Bill has failed to provide a robust draft legislation ensuring the privacy of citizens.
Issues with the Joint Committee report on Personal Data Protection Bill
- Division into Government and private domains: The report has divided the digital world into two domains — government and private.
- This division is based on the presumption that the question of right to privacy emerges only where operations and activities of private entities are concerned.
- Exemption to government and government agencies: Clause 12 of the Bill provides exemptions for the government and government agencies and Clause 35 exempts government agencies from the entire Act itself.
- Clause 12, which says personal data can be processed without consent for the performance of any function of the state, is an umbrella clause that does not specify which ministries or departments will be covered.
- The issue with the defining harm: The Bill says, “harm includes any observation or surveillance that is not reasonably expected by the data principal”.
- This means if you install any software in your computer and the software violates the principle of privacy and data get leaked, the complaint of the data principal will not be legally tenable as the defence will be that ‘once you have installed the software, you should have reasonably expected this level of surveillance’.
- The government can use these provisions as a means of control and surveillance.
- The Committee has failed to provide formidable firewalls to protect the privacy of individuals and has also carved out a mechanism for government control over personal data.
- Against the Supreme Court judgement: The provisions are ultra vires of the judgment on privacy.
- Inclusion of non-personal data harms the economy: By including non-personal data within the ambit of the Bill, the Joint Committee has put a huge compliance burden on the economy.
- This will hit the MSME sector and small businesses harder as technical processes involving data-sharing are very expensive.
- The government-constituted panel headed by S. Gopalkrishnan also opposed the idea of including non-personal data in the Bill.
- Mandatory data localisation, it is estimated, will squeeze the economy by 0.7-1.7%.
- Hamper the smooth cross-border flow of data: This may also invite similar measures by other sovereign countries which will hamper smooth cross-border flow of data.
Concerns with the Data Protection Authority
- For compliance with the provisions of the Act, a data protection authority (DPA) has to be appointed.
- It is doubtful whether a single authority will be able to discharge so many functions in an efficient manner.
- Concern with appointment: Unlike the Justice Srikrishna committee report which provided for a judicial overlook in the appointments of the DPA, the Bill entrusts the executive with the appointments.
- Although the Joint Committee report expanded the committee, the power to appoint the panelists vests with the Central government.
- Lack of independence: Clause 86 says, “Authority should be bound by the directions of the Central Government under all cases and not just on questions of policy”.
- This weakens its independence and gives the government excessive control.
- Violation of federalism: There is internal data flow and the States are key stakeholders in the process.
- Even if the proposed central authority issues directions to allow processing of data on the grounds of ‘public order’, it is important to note that ‘public order’ is an entry in the State List.
Consider the question “What are the issues with the provision in the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019? Suggest the way forward.”

Conclusion

The report has raised more questions than it has solved. At the time of passage of the Bill, loopholes must be plugged so that India can have a robust data protection law.

UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here
January 10, 2022
Punishing Online Abusers of Women
Taking cognizance of multiple complaints that photographs of women had been posted on a mobile app (with a very informal slang name) for fake auctions, the police in Delhi and Mumbai have registered cases.

What is the controversy?
- Hundreds of women in India including journalists, social workers, and other prominent personalities found their images and derogatory content about them on a new app.
- The app was created on hosting platform Github, offered an online “auction” of women (esp from a particular community).
- This controversy is part of the routine harassment women faced on social media in an increasingly polarized communal environment.
Online Abuse of Women
- Online abuse includes a diversity of tactics and malicious behaviors ranging from:
1. Sharing embarrassing and cruel content about a person to impersonation
2. Stalking and electronic surveillance
3. Nonconsensual use of photography
4. Violent threats and hate speech
5. Defamation
6. Flaming- use of vitriolic and hostile messages including threats, insults
7. Trolling
- The online harassment of women, sometimes called Cybersexism or cybermisogyny, is specifically gendered abuse targeted at women and girls online.
- It incorporates sexism, racism and religious prejudice.
Recent controversy: A critical case of abuse
- The app is clearly an example of online trolling where the dignity and modesty of a woman is highly downgraded.
- This has not been the very first time. Earlier, no arrests were ever made showing Police inaction.
- The authorities were using the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) to obtain information about the creators of such apps from California-based GitHub.
Legal provisions against such Crimes

For making arrests, the police have invoked Sections 153A, 153B, 295A, 354D, 500 and 509 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 67 of the Information Technology Act.
- Section 153A pertains to the offence of promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony
- Section 153B relates to imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration
- Section 295A provides punishment for deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings
- Section 354D provides that any man who monitors the use by a woman of the internet, email or any other form of electronic communication with malintent, commits the offence of stalking.
- Section 500 defines the punishment for defamation
- Section 509 addresses the offence of word, gesture or act intended insulting the modesty of a woman
- Section 67 of the IT Act lays down the punishment for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form
Penalty for such crime
- The first conviction attracts imprisonment up to three years and fine up to ₹5 lakh and the second or subsequent conviction may lead to imprisonment up to five years and fine that may extend to ₹10 lakh.
What are the other provisions related to cybercrimes?
- Section 66E of the IT Act prescribes punishment for violation of privacy.
- Also, sections 354A (sexual harassment and punishment for sexual harassment) and 354C (voyeurism) of the IPC were introduced along with sections 354B and 354D in 2013.
- These may also be applied in conjunction with the relevant IT Act provisions, based on the nature of the offence.
What are the responsibilities of intermediaries like social media platforms?
- As of now, the intermediaries are not liable for any third-party data or communication link hosted or stored by them.
- They are required to retain the requisite data for duration as prescribed by the Government and supply the same to the authorities concerned, as and when sought.
- Any contravention attracts punishment as prescribed under the IT Act.
Additional steps been taken
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
- Its provision —“Due diligence by intermediaries and grievance redressal mechanism” —requires them to inform their users not to host, display, upload, modify, publish, transmit, store, update or share any illegal information.
- They include contents that are defamatory, obscene, pornographic, paedophilic, invasive of another’s privacy, insulting or harassing on the basis of gender, libellous, racially or ethnically objectionable, etc.
- The intermediaries, on the direction of the court or appropriate government agency, are prohibited from hosting, storing or publishing any information declared unlawful.
- Within 24 hours from the receipt of a complaint from, or on behalf of, an individual about any offensive content, they are required to take all reasonable and practicable measures to remove or disable access to it.
Way forward
- The government can take action beyond passing and enforcing platform regulations.
- It can promote digital education to recognize and report inappropriate online conduct and to communicate respectfully online.
- Social media companies have the primary responsibility to prevent the amplification of online abuse and disinformation.
Conclusion
- Gender-based harassment is marked by the intent of the harasser to denigrate the target on the basis of sex.
- But this proliferation of online harassment of women has now incorporated religious polarization.
- This is very harmful for the existing communal harmony of the nation in the long run.
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January 10, 2022
Conduct of States Assembly Elections
The Election Commission of India has announced dates for Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur.

Why conduct elections even during COVID outbreak?
- Article 172(1) of the Constitution sets a five-year term for each Assembly.
- Any postponement of Assembly elections may result in a situation that denies people of that State the right to elect an accountable government of their choice.
States Legislature : A detail background
- The State Legislative Assembly is a legislative body in the states and union territories of India.
- In the 28 states and 3 union territories with a unicameral state legislature, it is the sole legislative body and in 6 states it is the lower house of their bicameral state legislatures with the upper house being Legislative Council.
- 5 UTs are governed directly by the Union Government of India and have no legislative body.
Term of reference
- Each Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) is directly elected to serve 5 year terms by single-member constituencies.
- The Constitution of India states that a State Legislative Assembly must have no less than 60 and no more than 500 members.
- However an exception may be granted via an Act of Parliament as is the case in the states of Goa, Sikkim, Mizoram and the union territory of Puducherry which have fewer than 60 members.
- A State Legislative Assembly may be dissolved in a state of emergency, by the Governor on request of the Chief Minister, or if a motion of no confidence is passed against the ruling majority party or coalition.
State Executive
- State Executive consists of Governor and the Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister as its head.
- Executive power of the state is vested in Governor.
- He/She is appointed by the President for a term of five years and holds office during his pleasure.
- Only Indian citizens above 35 years of age are eligible for appointment to this office.
- The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor, who also appoints other ministers on the advice of the CM.
Powers and Functions

State legislature has exclusive powers over subjects enumerated in the State List and Concurrent Lists (List II of the Seventh Schedule) of the Constitution and concurrent powers over those enumerated in sub List III.

(1) Regarding Ordinary Laws
- Ordinary bills can be introduced in either of the two houses in case the State Legislature is bicameral, however, the Money Bill has to initially be introduced in the Vidhan Sabha.
- The State Legislature can formulate laws on the subject of State and Concurrent Lists.
- However, in case there is any contradiction between the Union and State law, the law decided by the Parliament shall prevail.
(2) Financial Powers
- Financial powers of legislature include authorization of all expenditure, taxation and borrowing by the state government.
- The Legislative Assembly alone has the power to originate money bills.
- The Legislative Council can only make recommendations in respect of changes it considers necessary within a period of fourteen days of the receipt of money bills, which can accept or reject these recommendations.
Role of Governor
- The Governor of a state may reserve any Bill for the consideration of the President.
- No Bills seeking to impose restrictions on inter-state trade can be introduced in a state legislature without the previous sanction of the President.
Try this PYQ:

Q. Which one of the following suggested that the Governor should be an eminent person from outside the State and should be a detached figure without intense political links or should not have taken part in politics in the recent past?

(a) First Administrative Reforms Commission (1966)

(b) Rajamannar Committee (1969)

(c) Sarkaria Commission (1983)

(d) National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2000)
January 10, 2022
What is Inner Line Permit System (ILPS)?
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court opposing the implementation of the Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) in Manipur.

What is Inner Line Permit?
- A concept drawn by colonial rulers, the Inner Line separated the tribal-populated hill areas in the Northeast from the plains.
- The concept originates from the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act (BEFR), 1873.
- To enter and stay for any period in these areas, Indian citizens from other areas need an Inner Line Permit (ILP).
- Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram are protected by the Inner Line, and lately, Manipur was added (in December last year).
Its’ Inception
- The policy of exclusion first came about as a response to the reckless expansion of British entrepreneurs into new lands which threatened British political relations with the hill tribes.
- The BEFR prohibits an outsider’s — “British subject or foreign citizen” — entry into the are beyond the Inner Line without a pass and his purchase of land there.
- On the other hand, the Inner Line also protects the commercial interests of the British from the tribal communities.
- After Independence, the Indian government replaced “British subjects” with “Citizen of India”.
- Today, the main aim of the ILP system is to prevent settlement of other Indian nationals in the States where the ILP regime is prevalent, in order to protect the indigenous/tribal population.
Why need ILP?
- Despite the fact that the ILP was originally created by the British to safeguard their commercial interests, it continues to be used in India.
- It aims to protect tribal cultures in northeastern India.
- There are different kinds of ILP’s, one for tourists and others for people who intend to stay for long-term periods, often for employment purposes.
- ILP’s valid for tourism purposes are granted as a matter of routine.
Issues with ILP
- It has been extensively used to restrict the entry of tribals.
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January 10, 2022
Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): As defined by Govt Panel
The government has accepted the report by a committee under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, which examined the income criteria for determining who are to be included among the EWS.

EWS Quota: A Backgrounder
- On July 29 last year, the Centre had issued a notification for implementing 10% reservation for EWS along with 27% for OBC within these courses.
- Following the petitions, the Supreme Court has stayed counseling for admission until the matter is decided.
- The NEET notification followed the same criteria for determining EWS as mentioned in a notification from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
Inception of EWS Quota
- EWS reservation was granted based on the recommendations of a commission headed by Major General (retd) S R Sinho.
- The Commission for Economically Backward Classes was constituted by the then UPA government in 2005, and submitted its report in July 2010.
- Based on this, the Cabinet in January 2019 decided to amend the Constitution (103rd Amendment) to provide reservation to EWS.
Prime basis: Income criteria
- The criteria include a Rs 8 lakh income ceiling for inclusion in EWS — which is the same as the criterion for deciding the “creamy layer” among the OBCs (those who are not in government).
- The notification said income shall include income from all sources i.e. salary, agriculture, business, profession, etc for the financial year prior to the year of application.
- Another criterion is that a person whose family owns or possesses 5 acres of agricultural land or more will be excluded from EWS.
Why was the new committee constituted?
- The committee aimed to revisit the criteria for determining the economically weaker sections in terms of the provisions of the explanation to Article 15 of the Constitution.
- It followed the Supreme Court’s observation that the income criterion for determining EWS was “arbitrary”.
- The Supreme Court is presently hearing a number of petitions, including a special leave petition filed by the Centre against a Madras HC order on EWS and OBC reservation in the all-India quota for NEET.
Key recommendations
- The report says that the “threshold of Rs 8 lakh of annual family income, in the current situation, seems reasonable for determining EWS”.
- The committee has recommended that EWS may, however, exclude, irrespective of income, a person whose family has 5 acres of agricultural land and above.
- The committee has removed the criteria that excluded some categories from EWS:
1. Owners of residential properties of 1,000 sq ft and above
2. Residential plots of 100 sq yards and above in notified municipalities
3. Residential plots of 200 sq yards and above in areas other than the notified municipalities
How does it address the questions raised by the Supreme Court?
- The Supreme Court has earlier questioned the basis of Rs 8 lakh criteria and termed it arbitrary without any substantiation.
- It asserted that this criteria is similar to that of Creamy Layer in OBCs.
What did the committee say on Income Criteria?
- The committee’s report now states the two sets of criteria are significantly different despite both using the Rs 8 lakh cut-off and that the criteria for the EWS.
- EWS criteria are much more stringent than those for the OBC creamy layer.
- The report justifies this income limit, stating that Rs 8 lakh cut off also has a link with the income tax exemption limit.
- It would, therefore, be logical to use the income tax exemption limit to determine the threshold for EWS.
Tap here to read more about:

[Sansad TV] Perspective: Defining EWS

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January 10, 2022
Draft Regional Plan 2041 for NCR
Many environment analysts and activists has offered objections to the Draft Regional Plan-2041 for National Capital Region (NCR).

Draft Regional Plan 2041
- The National Capital Region Planning Board had sought objections and suggestions to the Draft RP-2041 from public.
- Under the NCRPB plan, Delhi, two districts of Rajasthan, eight districts of Uttar Pradesh and 14 districts of Haryana are covered. In all, it covers an area of around 55,083 square kilometres.
- The plan paves the way for a future-ready and slum-free NCR comprising of facilities like air ambulance, high-speed connectivity by means of rail, road, Heli taxis, and inland waterways.
Key provisions
- This plan puts special impetus on 30-minute connectivity by means of super-fast trains within major cities of NCR.
- It also proposes to explore feasibility of 30-minute Mass Transit Rail System (MTRS) from boundaries of NCR to Delhi.
- The plan seeks to make NCR a smart connected region by improving connectivity using bullet trains, smart roads, and helitaxi services.
- It will evolve the region into an economically prosperous region comprising of citizen centric harmonious infrastructure.
- It laid emphasis on circular economy of water & air quality improvements, improving environment conservation.
Need for the plan
- There was a need to ease out traffic congestions and create more integrated, accessible, user-centric and affordable transportation system.
Various objections with the Plan
- The plan excludes the terms “Aravalli” and “forest areas” from the Natural Conservation Zone (NCZ).
- The Aravallis were an integral part of the NCZ in the current Regional Plan-2021.
- This has left Aravallis open to unlimited real estate construction.
- Similarly, the phrase “forest areas” has been deleted from the NCZ also. This will drastically reduce the forest cover that is eligible for NCZ zoning protection.
Why Aravallis matters?
- The Aravallis are home to over 400 species of native trees, shrubs and herbs, more than 200 native and migratory bird species, and wildlife that includes leopards, jackals, hyenas, mongoose and civet cats.
- They are crucial to groundwater recharge, which is significant given the water scarcity the region faces during harsh summer months.
- The thick forest cover helps to naturally purify air in a region plagued by high levels of vehicular and industrial pollution through the year.
Back2Basics: Aravali Range
- The Aravali is a mountain range in Northwestern India, running approximately 670 km in a southwest direction, starting near Delhi, passing through southern Haryana and Rajasthan, and ending in Gujarat.
- The highest peak is Guru Shikhar at 1,722 meters.
- The Aravalli Range, an eroded stub of ancient mountains, is the oldest range of fold mountains in India.
- The natural history of the Aravalli Range dates back to times when the Indian Plate was separated from the Eurasian Plate by an ocean.
- Three major rivers and their tributaries flow from the Aravalli, namely Banas and Sahibi rivers which are tributaries of Yamuna, as well as Luni River which flows into the Rann of Kutch.
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January 10, 2022

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