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  • Realising the potential of India-Russia ties

    Context

    The Russian president is on visit to India. Visits by Russian presidents to India always invoke a sense of nostalgia. The Moscow-Delhi relationship dates back to the Cold War era and it has been strong ever since.

    Factors limiting the possibilities for bilateral partnership

    • The conflict between Russia and the West: One factor is the continuing conflict between the Kremlin and the West.
    • Absence of trade between India and Russia: The other is the absence of a thriving commercial relationship between India and Russia.
    • India-US relations: India’s relations with Washington has never been as intense as it is today.
    • Russia-China relations: Moscow’s embrace of Beijing is tighter than ever.
    • The US-China rivalry: That the US and China are now at each other’s throats makes the great power dynamic a lot more complicated for India and Russia.

    Importance of trade ties

    • Need for robust business ties: That Delhi and Moscow have problems with the best friend of the other would have been more manageable if business ties between India and Russia were solid.
    • Where India and Russia have greater freedom is in the economic domain, but their failure to boost the commercial relationship has been stark.
    • India-Russia annual trade in goods is stuck at about $10 billion.
    • Slow progress on enhancing trade and investment ties: During the last 20 summits with Putin, the two sides have repeatedly affirmed the importance of enhancing trade and investment ties; but progress has been hard to come by.
    • How to fix the problem? The problem clearly can’t be fixed at the level of governments.
    • The Russian business elites gravitate to Europe and China. The Indian corporations are focused on America and China.

    Russia-US ties and its implications for India

    • Implications for India? The structural constraints posed by the great power dynamic and vastly different appreciation of the regional security environment could be reduced if matters improve between Washington and Moscow.
    • In Washington, the Biden administration recognises the importance of ending this permanent crisis in US-Russian relations.
    • Winning a strategic competition with China: The Biden administration, which is focused on winning the intensifying strategic competition with China, values a stable relationship with Russia.
    •  Nothing pleases Moscow more than the image of being Washington’s equal on the global stage.
    • Relief for India: A less conflictual relationship between Washington and Moscow will be a huge relief for India; but Delhi can’t nudge them closer to each other.

    Why the partnership with India matters to Russia

    • Dangers of excessive reliance on China: Persistent conflict with the US, Europe, and Japan have moved Moscow ever closer to Beijing.
    • But Moscow knows the dangers of relying solely on a neighbour which has risen to greatness — the Chinese economy at nearly $15 trillion today is nearly 10 times larger than that of Russia.
    • Sustaining the traditional partnership with India: While resetting Russia’s relations with the West is hard, sustaining the traditional partnership with Delhi is of some political value to Moscow.
    • Longstanding defence ties: Russia is pleased that the S-400 missile sale has gone through despite strong US opposition.
    • For it signals Delhi’s commitment not to let Washington roll back India’s longstanding defence ties with Russia.
    • Russia knows India’s strategic cooperation with the US has acquired an unstoppable momentum; and Delhi knows it has no veto over the Sino-Russian strategic partnership.
    • Moscow and Delhi are learning to live with this uncomfortable unreality and stabilising their political ties within that context.

    Consider the question “While both India and Russia have drifted apart from the depth of past partnerships, there is a need for stabilising their political ties within the changed context.Comment.”

    Context

    Delhi and Moscow have no reason to be satisfied with the poor state of their commercial ties. The success of Monday’s summit lies not in squeezing more out of bilateral defence ties, but in laying a clear path for expansive economic cooperation, and generating a better understanding of each other’s imperatives on Afghanistan and the Indo-Pacific.

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  • Meeting Link Inside, Register & Join||What are the 5 Ways to Remain Consistent in your UPSC Preparation?|| Brainstorm with IPS Officer Shubham Nagargoje|| Free Q&A Webinar, Open for All, Limited Slots

    Meeting Link Inside, Register & Join||What are the 5 Ways to Remain Consistent in your UPSC Preparation?|| Brainstorm with IPS Officer Shubham Nagargoje|| Free Q&A Webinar, Open for All, Limited Slots

    Team is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

    Ask me Anything Session with Shubham Nagargoje (IPS, AIR 453) CSE 2020
    Date & Time: Dec 6, 2021 @07:00 PM (start logging in by 06:45 PM) India

    Join Zoom Meeting
    https://zoom.us/j/99069125449pwd=MExEMm1Fb1lXRk91V2cyT3RTYXVXUT09

    Meeting ID: 990 6912 5449
    Passcode: 331985

    Success isn’t always because of greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.” – Dwayne Johnson.

    IPS Officer Shubham Nagargoje lived by this saying during his entire UPSC and RBI Grade B preparation of three years. Hence, failing to clear the UPSC Prelims twice didn’t deter him. He finally got appointment letters both as an RBI Grade B officer and an IPS officer. His joy knew no bounds and the very first thing he did upon hearing the news was hug his roommate and cry tears of joy. Shubham’s inclination in civil service motivated him to reject the former for the latter.

    Free Open for All, Q&A Webinar with Shubham Nagargoje IPS

    As UPSC-CSE aspirants, most of us would have faced the issue of consistency — we achieve our targets for the first month, but soon afterward our preparation (best known to us) fizzles out. Before we know, we would have gone months together without studying due to which we would give the upcoming UPSC exams a miss. This invariably delays the prospects of selection by a year or more.

    But what exactly is consistency? It appears to be a very common word just like ‘sorry’ and ‘thank you’ that everyone throws around. How does it feel to follow consistent life like other UPSC toppers? Consistency in UPSC parlance involves two aspects — being regular and being steadfast. It’s the willpower to read the current affairs in the morning, read the prelims portions in the afternoon, study for your Optional subject in the evening and round it off with a Mains subject at night. It’s the ability to not skip prelims and mains test series on the weekends. And it’s about making time to revise your notes once a week. Even if you miss one of these aspects, you are not true to your preparation.

    Does this sound difficult? Then attend the Ask Me Anything Session with Shubham Nagargoje to understand the five ways you can keep yourself consistent aka motivated for the upcoming UPSC CSE 2021 Mains and UPSC CSE 2022 Prelims exam.

    It’s absolutely free for anyone to attend but due to a fixed duration of 1 hour, we are only having limited slots. So kindly register for the webinar by filling this form right now.

    Register here for the free q&A webinar by IPS officer shubham nagargoje now

    Key Takeaways of the Free Q&A Webinar with Shubham Nagargoje IPS

    1. Consistency according to Shubham. What did it mean to him?

    2. Day 01 v/s Day 365. How regular studies made him more intellectual, mentally strong and increased his confidence in mastering the topics?

    3. Mistakes aspirants make in the name of consistency. For example, why studying one book for the entire day is a bad idea?

    4. The right approach to Dynamic Prelims. What are the changes Shubham made in his 3rd attempt which helped him clear Prelims?

    5. Acing group studies for UPSC. How did Shubham successfully prepare with his four friends because of which all of them cleared Prelims and Mains?

    6. The time-management technique which helped Shubham stay focused. What were the distractions in Shubham’s preparation and how did he conquer them?

    7. What to write in DAF and what not to. How did Shubham research on his DAF because of which he was able to give a convincing interview?

    8. Navigating through study breaks. How long should a study break be and how to get back to study mode?

    9. Ideal hobbies for UPSC Aspirants. What are the hobbies you should cultivate now that can be a refreshing break for you?

    10. Other Government Exams. What are the other government exams you can study along with UPSC which has a similar syllabus but lesser competition?

    Webinar Details

    If you want to improve your preparation for UPSC, then do attend this webinar by IPS officer Shubham. Registration is free but limited due to the number of questions we can accommodate in the one-hour session. So fill the form below and confirm your attendance ASAP!

    Date: 6 December 2021 (Monday)

    Time: 7 P.M

  • Registration Closing in 1 Hour ||Free Q&A Webinar with Shubham Nagargoje IPS, Open for All, Limited Slots|| What are the 5 Ways to Remain Consistent in your UPSC Preparation?

    Registration Closing in 1 Hour ||Free Q&A Webinar with Shubham Nagargoje IPS, Open for All, Limited Slots|| What are the 5 Ways to Remain Consistent in your UPSC Preparation?

    Success isn’t always because of greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come.” – Dwayne Johnson.

    IPS Officer Shubham Nagargoje lived by this saying during his entire UPSC and RBI Grade B preparation of three years. Hence, failing to clear the UPSC Prelims twice didn’t deter him. He finally got appointment letters both as an RBI Grade B officer and an IPS officer. His joy knew no bounds and the very first thing he did upon hearing the news was hug his roommate and cry tears of joy. Shubham’s inclination in civil service motivated him to reject the former for the latter.

    Free Open for All, Q&A Webinar with Shubham Nagargoje IPS

    As UPSC-CSE aspirants, most of us would have faced the issue of consistency — we achieve our targets for the first month, but soon afterward our preparation (best known to us) fizzles out. Before we know, we would have gone months together without studying due to which we would give the upcoming UPSC exams a miss. This invariably delays the prospects of selection by a year or more.

    But what exactly is consistency? It appears to be a very common word just like ‘sorry’ and ‘thank you’ that everyone throws around. How does it feel to follow consistent life like other UPSC toppers? Consistency in UPSC parlance involves two aspects — being regular and being steadfast. It’s the willpower to read the current affairs in the morning, read the prelims portions in the afternoon, study for your Optional subject in the evening and round it off with a Mains subject at night. It’s the ability to not skip prelims and mains test series on the weekends. And it’s about making time to revise your notes once a week. Even if you miss one of these aspects, you are not true to your preparation.

    Does this sound difficult? Then attend the Ask Me Anything Session with Shubham Nagargoje to understand the five ways you can keep yourself consistent aka motivated for the upcoming UPSC CSE 2021 Mains and UPSC CSE 2022 Prelims exam.

    It’s absolutely free for anyone to attend but due to a fixed duration of 1 hour, we are only having limited slots. So kindly register for the webinar by filling this form right now.

    Register here for the free q&A webinar by IPS officer shubham nagargoje now

    Key Takeaways of the Free Q&A Webinar with Shubham Nagargoje IPS

    1. Consistency according to Shubham. What did it mean to him?

    2. Day 01 v/s Day 365. How regular studies made him more intellectual, mentally strong and increased his confidence in mastering the topics?

    3. Mistakes aspirants make in the name of consistency. For example, why studying one book for the entire day is a bad idea?

    4. The right approach to Dynamic Prelims. What are the changes Shubham made in his 3rd attempt which helped him clear Prelims?

    5. Acing group studies for UPSC. How did Shubham successfully prepare with his four friends because of which all of them cleared Prelims and Mains?

    6. The time-management technique which helped Shubham stay focused. What were the distractions in Shubham’s preparation and how did he conquer them?

    7. What to write in DAF and what not to. How did Shubham research on his DAF because of which he was able to give a convincing interview?

    8. Navigating through study breaks. How long should a study break be and how to get back to study mode?

    9. Ideal hobbies for UPSC Aspirants. What are the hobbies you should cultivate now that can be a refreshing break for you?

    10. Other Government Exams. What are the other government exams you can study along with UPSC which has a similar syllabus but lesser competition?

    Webinar Details

    If you want to improve your preparation for UPSC, then do attend this webinar by IPS officer Shubham. Registration is free but limited due to the number of questions we can accommodate in the one-hour session. So fill the form below and confirm your attendance ASAP!

    Date: 6 December 2021 (Monday)

    Time: 7 P.M

  • Arms Race towards Hypersonic Weapons

    China recently tested a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile while Russia announced that it had successfully test-launched a Tsirkon hypersonic cruise missile in early October.

    What are Hypersonic Weapons?

    • The speed of sound is Mach 1, and speeds upto Mach 5 are supersonic and speeds above Mach 5 are hypersonic.
    • They are manoeuvrable weapons that can fly at speeds in excess of Mach 5, five times the speed of sound.
    • A number of other countries – including Australia, India, France, Germany, and Japan—are developing hypersonic weapons technology.

    Features of HSWs

    • Trajectory: Ballistic Missiles are long-range missile that leaves the earth’s atmosphere before re-entry, pursuing a parabolic trajectory towards its target
    • Maneuverability: HSW travel within the atmosphere and can manoeuvre midway which combined with their high speeds make their detection and interception extremely difficult.
    • Stealth: Radars and air defences cannot intercept them till they are very close. They can penetrate most missile defences and further compress the timelines for response by a nation under attack.

    Types of Hypersonic Weapons

    There are two classes of hypersonic weapons:

    1. Hypersonic glide vehicles (HGV): They are launched from a rocket before gliding to a target.
    2. Hypersonic cruise missiles (HCM): They are powered by high-speed, air-breathing engines, or scramjets, after acquiring their target.

    Where does the US stand?

    • The US has active hypersonic development programs.
    • It is said to be lagging behind China and Russia because most US hypersonic weapons are not being designed for use with a nuclear warhead.
    • It is in process of developing prototypes to assist in the evaluation of potential weapon system concepts and mission sets.

    Hypersonic program in India

    • HSTDV program: India is developing an indigenous, dual-capable hypersonic cruise missile as part of its Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) program.
    • Capacity: India operates approximately 12 hypersonic wind tunnels and is capable of testing speeds of up to Mach 13.
    • In-operation: The DRDO has successfully tested a Mach 6 scramjet in June 2019 and September 2020 using the demonstrated scramjet engine technology.

    DRDO has validated many associated crucial technologies such as:

    1. Aerodynamic configuration for hypersonic maneuvers
    2. Use of scramjet propulsion for ignition and sustained combustion at the hypersonic flow
    3. Thermo-structural characterization of high-temperature materials
    4. Separation mechanism at hypersonic velocities has been validated

    Conclusion

    • There are rising tensions between the US, China and Russia worsening the geopolitical situation worldwide.
    • The focus for hypersonic weapons is only set to accelerate more countries to invest significant resources in their design and development.

    Back2Basics:

     

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  • When can an individual get Statutory Bail?

    The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has approached the Supreme Court against a Bombay High Court order granting bail to an advocate and activist.

    What is the case?

    • In its bail order, the court has asked the NIA Court to decide the conditions for her release.
    • The activist was given ‘default bail’.
    • The case highlights the nuances involved in a court determining the circumstances in which statutory bail is granted or denied, even though it is generally considered “an indefeasible right”.

    What is default bail?

    • This is enshrined in Section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
    • Also known as statutory bail, this is a Right to Bail that accrues when the police fail to complete investigation within a specified period in respect of a person in judicial custody.
    • When it is not possible for the police to complete an investigation in 24 hours, the police produce the suspect in court and seek orders for either police or judicial custody.

    When is the Bail granted?

    • For most offences, the police have 60 days to complete the investigation and file a final report before the court.
    • However, where the offence attracts death sentence or life imprisonment, or a jail term of not less than 10 years, the period available is 90 days.
    • In other words, a magistrate cannot authorise a person’s judicial remand beyond the 60-or 90-day limit.
    • At the end of this period, if the investigation is not complete, the court shall release the person “if he is prepared to and does furnish bail”.

    How does the provision vary for special laws?

    The extension of time is not automatic but requires a judicial order.

    • Ordinary law (IPC/CrPC): The 60- or 90-day limit is only for ordinary penal law.
    • Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act: In NDPS Act, the period is 180 days. However, in cases involving substances in commercial quantity, the period may be extended up to one year.
    • Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act: In UAPA, the default limit is 90 days only. The court may grant an extension of another 90 days, if it is satisfied that the progress made in the investigation and giving reasons to keep the accused in further custody.

    What are the laid-down principles on this aspect?

    • A matter of Right: Default or statutory bail is an indefeasible right’, regardless of the nature of the crime liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.
    • Stipulated period calculation: The stipulated period within which the charge sheet has to be filed begins from the day the accused is remanded for the first time. It includes days undergone in both police and judicial custody, but not days spent in house-arrest.
    • Voluntary: There is no automatic bail.

    Try this similar PYQ from CSP 2021:

    Q. With reference to India, consider the following statements:

    1. When a prisoner makes a sufficient case, parole cannot be out denied to such prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right.
    2. State Governments have their own Prisoners Release on Parole Rules.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

    Post your answers here.

     

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  • How is Gold Hallmarking being implemented?

    The Government has made it mandatory for the introduction of a Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number in every piece of jewellery.

    What is HUID?

    • HUID is a six-digit alphanumeric code, or one that consists of numbers and letters. It is given to every piece of jewellery at the time of hallmarking and is unique for each piece.
    • It is being implemented by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in a phased manner.
    • Hallmarking & HUID are mandatory for 14-, 18- and 22-carat gold jewellery and artefacts.
    • Before buying any piece of gold jewellery, the buyer should check all these three symbols.

    Implementation of HUID

    • Symbols: The hallmark consists of three symbols which give some information about the jewellery piece. The first symbol is the BIS logo; the second indicates purity and fineness; and the third symbol is the HUID.
    • A&H centre: Jewellery is stamped with the unique number manually at the Assaying & Hallmarking centre.

    Why is it being introduced?

    • Authentication: HUID gives a distinct identity to each piece of jewellery enabling traceability.
    • Credibility: It is critical to the credibility of hallmarking and to help address complaints against adulteration.
    • Registration: In HUID-based hallmarking, registration of jewellers is an automatic process with no human interference.
    • Prevents malpractice: It also helps check malpractice by members of the trade.
    • Data privacy: It is a secure system and poses no risk to data privacy and security.
    • Financial tracking: HUID provides traceability and financial tracking of purchases.

    Issues with HUID

    • Time-consuming: It is cumbersome to number each piece of jewellery
    • Intricate jewellery: HUID cannot be engraved in tiny pieces.
    • Unnecessary expense: Also it will increase cost for consumers.
    • Infrastructural issues: there needs to be ample AH Centres.

    What does this mean for the consumer?

    • Consumer protection: Given that gold plays a big role in the lives of Indians, mandating gold hallmarking is aimed at protecting consumer interests.
    • Assurance of quality: It provides ‘third-party assurance’ to consumers on the purity of gold jewellery.

    Conclusion

    • HUID concept is innovative, out-of-the-box thinking and more than makes up for stepping in late with mandatory hallmarking.
    • It is the sort of global leadership India has and needs to show in gold-related reforms.

     

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  • Dhawan-1: India’s first privately developed Cryogenic Rocket

    Skyroot Aerospace successfully tested Dhawan-1 last month. It became the country’s first privately developed fully cryogenic rocket engine.

    Dhawan-1

    • The indigenous engine was developed using 3D printing with a superalloy.
    • It runs on two high-performance rocket propellants — liquid natural gas (LNG) and liquid oxygen (LoX).
    • This was after successfully designing and developing the solid propulsion rocket engine, the first private firm in the country to do so.

    Other projects by Skyroot

    • Skyroot is working simultaneously on different stages of both solid propulsion and liquid propulsion engines.
    • It is named after eminent scientists, like Kalam (Abdul Kalam) series for the former and Dhawan (Satish Dhawan).
    • The launch vehicles are named after Vikram Sarabhai.

     

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  • Tribes in news: Konyak

    An angry mob allegedly vandalized an Assam Rifles camp and the office of the Konyak Union in Nagaland’s Mon district.

    Konyak Tribe

    • With a population of roughly 3 lakh, the area inhabited by the Konyaks extends into Arunachal Pradesh, with a sizeable population in Myanmar as well.
    • They are known to be one of the fiercest warrior tribes in Nagaland.
    • The Konyaks were the last to give up the practice of head-hunting – severing heads of enemies after attacking rival tribes – as late as the 1980s.

    Significance in Naga Peace Process

    • Mon is the only district in Nagaland where the separatist group has not been able to set up base camps, largely due to resistance from the Konyaks.
    • The Konyaks therefore, are imperative for a smooth resolution of the peace talks, as well as the post-talk peace process in the state.

    Also read:

    Naga Peace Accord

     

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  • [pib] Project RE-HAB

    Buoyed by the success of its innovative Project RE-HAB (Reducing Elephant-Human Attacks using Bees) in Karnataka, Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has now replicated the project in Assam.

    Project RE-HAB

    • Project RE-HAB is a sub-mission of KVIC’s National Honey Mission.
    • Under the project, “Bee-fences” are created by setting up bee boxes in the passageways of elephants to block their entrance to human territories.
    • The boxes are connected with a string so that when elephants attempt to pass through, a tug or pull causes the bees to swarm the elephant herds and dissuade them from progressing further.
    • It is a cost-effective way of reducing human-wild conflicts without causing any harm to the animals.

    How does it work?

    • It is scientifically recorded that elephants are annoyed by the honey bees.
    • Elephants also fear that the bee swarms can bite the sensitive inner side of the trunk and eyes.
    • The collective buzz of the bees is annoying to elephants that force them to return.

     

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  • 6th December 2021| Daily Answer Writing Enhancement(AWE)

    Topics for Today’s questions:

    GS-1    Role of women and women’s organization

    GS-2    Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

    GS-3    Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.

    GS-4    Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance

    Questions:

    Question 1)

     

    Q.1 It has been observed by some that emergence of a distinct “female vote bank” has made political parties and leaders take women related issues seriously. Critically examine in the context of electoral mobilisation in India in the recent times. (10 Marks)

     

    Question 2)

    Q.2 What are the parameters used in the National Institutional Ranking Framework? What are the issues with the ranking of State-run higher education institutions (HEIs) together with centrally funded institutions under the National Institutional Ranking Framework? (10 Marks)

    Question 3)

    Q.3 The purpose of the green revolution varied from the purpose of the white revolution. In the context of this, examine how the lessons from the white revolution can be applied as the government seeks to increase the income of the farmers. (10 Marks)

    Question 4)  

    Q.4 Of all the aspects of international politics nothing has aroused more controversy than foreign aid. Do you think international aid is a form of neo-colonialism or is it just solidarity with the poor? (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

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