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  • UPSC Mains Syllabus

    The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) revised the pattern of the UPSC Main examination in 2015. It is still the same for UPSC 2022

    The written examination consists of 9 papers, in which, 2 are qualifying papers and 7 papers are counted for ranking. As per new UPSC Mains Syllabus, general studies papers consists of 1000 marks.

    The detailed syllabus for GS1 – 4 papers along with the reading material references/ blogs/ video content is given below.

    Before you start making notes, read this holy grail from UPSC’s mandate:

    The questions are likely to test the candidate’s basic understanding of all relevant issues, and ability to analyse, and take a view on conflicting socio‐ economic goals, objectives and demands. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct answers.

    free 1-1 mentorship | discuss upsc syllabus in detail with Senior mentor from Civilsdaily

    Note4students:

    1. You don’t have to master the topics, all you need is a general understanding and the ability to analyze
    2. Once you read up these basic building content blocks (or your coaching notes, and reference books) – ensure that you attempt the Target Mains & Prelims Daily initiative which goes on CD. Our mentors take due care to give you meaningful input on your sincere attempts

    General Studies 1 [250 Marks]

    Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society

    Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

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

    The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.

    Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

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

    Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

    Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems, and their remedies.

    Effects of globalization on Indian society

    Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

    Salient features of the world’s physical geography.

    Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India)

    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.

    General Studies 2 [250 Marks]

    Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations

    Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

    Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

    Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.

    Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries

    Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

    Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.

    Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

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

    Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies

    Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

    Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders

    Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections

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

    Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources, issues relating to poverty and hunger.

    Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.

    Role of civil services in a democracy.

    India and its neighbourhood- relations

    Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

    Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

    Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.

    General Studies 3 [250 Marks]

    Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

    Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.

    Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth and development, and employment.

    Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

    Government Budgeting.

    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

    Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.

    Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.

    Land reforms in India.

    Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

    Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

    Investment models.

    Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

    indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

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

    Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

    Disaster and disaster management.

    Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

    Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

    Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention

    Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism

    Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate

    General Studies 4 [250 Marks]

    Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

    This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered.

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

    Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

    Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behavior; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.

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

    Emotional intelligence concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.

    Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world.

    Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations, and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.

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

    Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, and challenges of corruption.

    Case Studies on the above issues.

    free 1-1 mentorship | discuss upsc syllabus in detail with Senior mentor from Civilsdaily

  • How lack of consistency can cost you an attempt in the UPSC IAS exam? | Mentorship will keep you consistent, read AIR 28 Mourya and AIR 267 Soham’s story

    How lack of consistency can cost you an attempt in the UPSC IAS exam? | Mentorship will keep you consistent, read AIR 28 Mourya and AIR 267 Soham’s story

    We talked to 8000+ aspirants in the last year and their answers will surprise you. Also, read about Mourya and Soham’s consistency that rewarded them.

    Just 5 more minutes..

    Inconsistency in UPSC preparation is like getting up at 5 am. A night before you set up your alarm. The motivation to get up is high at this point. But in the morning, when the alarm rings, we swipe it to the right with a thought “IN 5 MINUTES…FOR SURE!!”. This snooze cycle usually continues for some time till we realize it is 8 am. Already a bad start to the day! To add to it, you will spend the whole day repenting for not being able to get up early, instead of focusing on the time you have. The same goes for UPSC preparation. You set your targets but one slight glitch and your whole preparation go off track. Till the time you yourself realize this mismanagement, it is a bit too late. Anxiety builds up, and performance levels fall. You are not able to achieve even 10% OF YOUR TRUE POTENTIAL on the D-day.

    WE ASKED 8000+ STUDENTS ONE SIMPLE QUESTION

    “WHAT IS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE THAT YOU ARE FACING IN YOUR UPSC PREPARATION?”

    YOU WILL BE ASTOUNDED THAT ONE ANSWER WAS COMMON IN REPLIES – INCONSISTENCY.

    Many of the aspirants are Consistently Inconsistent. This means they go through these highs and lows in their preparation. They are able to study for days, week but they hit a sudden gap in preparation. Then, they find it very hard to come back. The good news is that we have the solution.

    (free) discuss your consistency issues and we will find a solution | Fill the form for 1-1 call

    Our philosophy behind MENTORSHIP is to get you out of this Snooze cycle. This ensures that you are the BEST VERSION of yourself in this journey. If you are under the impression that mentorship is weekly calls you attend, then you are mistaken, my friend. Trust us, your mentor will be your ‘FRIEND, PHILOSOPHER, AND GUIDE’.

    How Mentorship can fight inconsistency in preparation?

    TO EACH THEIR OWN

    Every aspirant is different. Their strengths and weaknesses are different. Their time availability is also different. Identifying this is important so you don’t end up making unrealistic targets and lose momentum.

    Your mentor will make sure you start slow but remain consistent to build your confidence. Making your schedule structured based on our experience of working with 2500+ students is our first priority. 

    When you see yourself grow, it becomes easier to motivate yourself to push boundaries. Tracking your progress can happen in many ways like mentorship calls or chat sessions or regular tests. The idea is to ensure that you don’t go off track in your preparation, and even if you do, we have your back.

    Get 1-1 mentorship now, register here

    Constant guidance is important to bring consistency to your UPSC preparation. Guidance is not about clearing your doubts or asking you to study when you don’t. It is also about the evolution of your preparation. This is where you and your mentor work as a team. A constant effort to PLAN AND BUILD UP YOUR ABILITY to learn in a faster and more efficient way.

    Receive personal guidance for upsc (register here)

    The biggest hurdle in achieving your highest level of consistency is the emotional part. Every now and then, you. surround yourself with negative thoughts, you feel scared and depressed. Instead of resolving these emotional issues, you avoid them as it seems like a waste of your precious time. You have to understand that ignoring emotional troubles does not solve them. What your doing is building an emotional time bomb that may burst a week before your mains or prelims! This is where your MENTOR AS A FRIEND comes in. All our mentors have been through this journey. We understand your fears and anxieties. So, TALK IT OUT.

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ashish.jpg

    Don’t let inconsistency keep you away from your dreams.

    Fill up the SAMANVAYA form given below. Let us know your problems and we will find a solution to them, just like our students say “TOGETHER WE CAN AND WE WILL”.

    Register here to get personalised guidance

    Mourya Bhardwaj and Soham Mandhare

    Click for Mourya’s epic on consistency and dedication.

    Both Mourya and Soham faced repeated failures in UPSC exams. While Mourya had a family and job going on was difficult. Soham faced anxiety attacks due to the hardships and struggle, his doctor advised quitting.

    But it was sheer dedication and determination that kept them consistent in the grind.

    Both of them were CivilsDaily’s mentorship students (under Sajal sir) and they vouch for the guidance and mentorship provided during this time to keep them on their toes, consistent, and always on track no matter what happens.

    What’s your excuse? Rural background, language barrier, anxiety attacks, repeated failures – Nothing could stop Soham Mandhare- CivilsDaily’s mentorship student & UPSC 2021 ranker| Download his answer copies, resources
    Consistency rewards. Mourya eventually went on to secure AIR 28 in UPSC 2021

    Fill up the Samanvaya and we will get on a call to deal with your preparation issues.

    Register here to get personalised guidance
  • UPSC Mains Bootcamp: 2 Rankers, 2 Senior Mentors, 4 Intensive sessions- Practical workshop on Answer Writing, Ethics, Essay + Exclusive Telegram group | Open to all (Register for FREE)

    UPSC Mains Bootcamp: 2 Rankers, 2 Senior Mentors, 4 Intensive sessions- Practical workshop on Answer Writing, Ethics, Essay + Exclusive Telegram group | Open to all (Register for FREE)

    With Mains season here let’s turn up the heat. Register for CivilsDaily’s Mega Bootcamp: 18-19th June 2022. Mains Answer Writing, Ethics, Essay, and more. Details below.
    (click) Book my slot for the main bootcamp | Register for FREE
    1. Improved Answer Writing and Mains Answer's structure 2. Strategy on tackling Ethics case studies 3. Invaluable tips on Philosophical Essays 4. Inputs by Rankers on your answers 5. Access to exclusive Community on Telegram

    Register for the Bootcamp and we will email you the link for the Telegram group and other Mains resources.

    (click) Book my slot for the main bootcamp | Register for FREE
    UPSC Bootcamp Session 1: Developing Mains Answer's Structure like that of UPSC Toppers + Interaction with Topper Session 2: Interactive Answer Writing session Session 3: Master strategy for Ethics Case studies with Sukanya Rana and UPSC topper Session 4: Tackling Philosophical Essays for UPSC CSE

    We’ll be having at least 2 Topper’s sessions where they will discuss their strategies and share their resources with you.

    (click) Book my slot for the main bootcamp | Register for FREE

  • Lessons from the Ukraine crisis price shock

    Context

    The Russia-Ukraine conflict, now more than three months old, will cause major, long-term shifts in the global energy and commodity trade.

    Factors responsible for high prices

    • Ukraine war: Western sanctions on Russia and efforts of European nations to diversify their energy supplies are already causing market distortions and high prices.
    • Crude oil prices are at their highest level since 2014; the price of LNG is at its highest ever, fertiliser and food are up and markets for several other commodities such as nickel have been disrupted.
    • Expensive commodities are already causing distress in India’s neighbourhood, for example, in Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
    • Insufficient investment: Insufficient investment in oil and gas production in preceding years resulted in high prices, and shortages were being felt.
    • A number of European investors, such as Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, announced they would no longer invest in traditional fuels — oil, gas, coal.
    • Natural gas is used as a feedstock for fertiliser.
    • An energy shock is then inevitably followed by a food price shock.

    Future trends

    1] Strained EU-Russia relations will distort prices

    • In the immediate term, the EU is trying to source its raw materials — most critically oil and natural gas, but also fertiliser, agricultural goods and metals — from non-Russian sources.
    • This will cause distortions and price spikes for those commodities in the global market, as can already be seen in the natural gas market, up 300 per cent in the last year.

    2] Sanctions are unlikely to achieve the desired political outcome

    • The US and its allies are quick to impose sanctions — and these are rarely withdrawn, if ever.
    • Iran has been under US sanctions since 1979, and the same with Venezuela for over a decade.
    • In both cases, sanctions have failed to achieve the desired political outcome.
    • As Russia is much better placed than either of those two countries to weather sanctions, the restrictions are likely to remain for a long while.

    3] Emerging world unwilling to align with West on sanctions

    • The high price of energy and the resulting inflation shows why much of the emerging world is unwilling and unable to align with the West on the current sanctions.
    • Russia is 11 per cent of the global landmass and among the world’s top five producers and exporters of oil, gas, fertiliser and other critical commodities like nickel.
    • It is too big to be replaced as a supplier.
    • In emerging economies, it can fan public anger and political unrest, as was seen in Tunisia and other Arab countries from 2010 on.

    4] Larger emerging economies will disregard sanction

    • Larger emerging economies such as China, India and Brazil will disregard sanctions on their key economic interests, particularly food, fertilisers and energy.
    • Specifically for India, its dependence on these essentials is unlikely to reduce meaningfully over the next 15-20 years.

    Way forward for India

    • Collaborate with other economies: In the immediate future, the India should collaborate with other similar economies to ensure that Russia doesn’t get locked out of global commodity markets.
    • Work on insulating the supply chains: For the long term, it must work on insulating its supply chains from global political crises.

    Conclusion

    India needs to brace for the price shock emanating from the distortion caused by the shift in the energy policies of Europe. At the same time, India needs to collaborate with other similar economies to ensure that Russia doesn’t get locked out of global commodity markets.

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

  • Upholding the right to repair

    Context

    The U.S. state of New York recently passed the Fair Repair Act, which requires manufacturers to supply repair information, tools, and parts to independent repair shops and not just their own stores or partners.

    What is the right to repair?

    • It refers to proposed government legislation that would allow consumers the ability to repair and modify their own consumer products (e.g. electronic, automotive devices).
    • The idea behind “right to repair” is in the name: If you own something, you should be able to repair it yourself or take it to a technician of your choice.
    • People are pretty used to this concept when it comes to older cars and appliances, but right-to-repair advocates argue that modern tech, especially anything with a computer chip inside, is rarely repairable.

    Why is such right significant?

    • Lifespan enhancement: The goal of the movement is to increase the lifespan of products and to keep them from ending up in landfills.
    • Against planned obsolescence: The electronic manufacturers are encouraging such culture so that devices are designed specifically to last a limited amount of time and to be replaced.
    • Scarcity of natural resources: Obsolescence leads to immense pressure on the environment and wasted natural resources.
    • Mitigating climate change: Manufacturing an electronic device is a highly polluting process. It makes use of polluting sources of energy, such as fossil fuel.
    • Boost to repair economy: Right to repair advocates also argue that this will help boost business for small repair shops, which are an important part of local economies.

    Why we need the right to repair?

    • Exorbitant repair price: Often, manufacturers reduce the durability of the product, compelling consumers to either repurchase the product or get it repaired at exorbitant prices affixed by the manufacturers.
    • Violation of rights: This tramples upon the right to obtain information about the quality of the product, the right to procure products at reasonable prices, and the right to seek redress against unscrupulous practices.
    • Implicit in Consumer Protection Act: The ‘right to repair’ can be said to be implicit in Section 2(9) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
    • Right to repair provides consumers with the right to repair and refurbish their purchased goods.
    • Providing livelihood to repair technicians: An entire repair class is, in effect, denied its right to conduct business as it does not have the tools, parts, guidelines and technical know-how to repair these high-tech products.
    • In addition to protecting their right to livelihood, it may also prove beneficial as tech companies are required to share their repair manuals with certified technicians.

    What are the concerns of the manufacturers?

    • IP rights, security and quality concers: While right to repair is a victory for consumer rights, privacy, security and quality concerns along with blatant intellectual property (IP) rights violations of the manufacturers cannot be sidelined.
    • Impact on quality and functioning: Manufacturers claim that the quality and functioning of the product might be adversely affected if they allow repairs by consumers and third parties.
    • The fear of manufacturers is so potent that they incorporate warranty clauses which lapse when the product is repaired by a third party.

    Way forward

    • Avoiding blanket waiver: While necessary clauses to maintain the quality of the product can be included, a blanket waiver should be avoided.
    • For instance, the quality assurance clause can be incorporated for use of company-recommended spare parts and certified repair shops.
    • Making available the repair manual: Making repair manuals available to certified business owners could go a long way in balancing the rights of consumers and manufacturers.
    • Sign non-disclosure agreement to protect IP rights: Manufacturers can sign a non-disclosure agreement to protect the IP with the certified repairers/businesses.
    • Alloting certification/license: Further, the lack of certification/licensing of repair workers is seen as a reflection of their lack of skills.
    • But a repair certification/licence can be allotted to those who pass certain criteria and skill tests.
    • Insert right to repair in Consumer protection Act: The ‘right to repair’ can be said to be implicit in Section 2(9) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
    • Its apparent disregard merits an explicit insertion of a ‘right to repair’ clause in the said provision.
    • This would make consumers more aware, provide tooth to an already implicit right, and aid in advancing repair-related liability on various stakeholders.
    • Reparability parameter: The product liability clause under Section 84 can be amended and expanded to impose product liability concerning various reparability parameters of the product.
    • France requires manufacturers to display a repairability index on their products which consists of five parameters.
    • Duration of product liability: The duration of imposing product liability may vary depending on the product and its longevity.
    • Here, we can rely on the EU’s guidelines on Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products and Energy Information Regulations, 2021, which mandate manufacturers to provide spare parts for up to 10 years to avoid premature obsolescence.

    Conclusion

    The New York legislation is a reminder that it is time to not only acknowledge the right to repair of consumers but also respond to the corresponding rights of the manufacturers.

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

  • Coal Shortages in India

    Context

    The recent power crisis due to the coal shortage in India underscores the need for measures to avoid a repeat of episodes in the future.

    Factors contributing to power crisis

    • Spike in power demand: With the sudden early onset of summer in 2022, power demand spiked, riding on the back of the post-Covid economic recovery.
    • Increase in price due to Ukraine crisis: The matter was further exacerbated by the Ukraine conflict, which led to a sharp increase in the price of imported coal.
    • Consequently, power stations designed on imported coal stopped importing because it was no longer economical for them to generate, given their contract price with the distribution companies.
    • Availability of railway rakes: It’s not that domestic coal was not available since enough stock had been built in the mines.
    • The issue was of availability of railway rakes for transportation.

    What were the measures taken by the government ?

    • 1] Import of coal to 10 per cent: First, all generators have been asked to import coal to the extent of 10 per cent (as against 4 per cent earlier) and that half of this should be physically available by the end of June.
    • CIL as aggregator: Coal India will function as the aggregator on behalf of the generators.
    • CIL functioning as the aggregator is a better idea and it may be able to import at a cheaper cost by accumulating demand as well as standardising the coal grade to be procured.
    • Moreover, it would be easier for regulators to calculate the revised energy charge since the price at which coal was imported would be well-documented.
    • 2] Section 11 of the Electricity Act 2003 (Act) invoked: Under this section, the government directed imported coal-based plants to run at full capacity with the assurance that their enhanced cost of operation would be compensated.
    • 3] Tolling: The government invoked the concept of tolling, which allowed states to transfer their allotted coal to private generators located near the mines instead of transporting it to far away state generators.
    • This move would ease the burden on the availability of railway rakes.
    • 4] Seeking the consent of beneficiaries for hike: the government issued policy directions to the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) overriding CERC’s regulations that made it mandatory to seek the consent of beneficiaries if the tariff went up by more than 30 per cent, if some alternate fuel is used.
    • 5]  Committee to rework the energy charge: A committee of officials was set up to rework the energy charge for imported coal-based generators.
    • 6] Additional working capital: The government is cognisant of the fact that there is a need for additional working capital and has advised REC/PFC as well as commercial banks to arrange for this.

    Issues with the measures

    • Use of Section 11: The government invoked Section 11 to give  direction to private generators to import coal at a higher cost.
    • Section 11(1) allows the government to give direction to a generation company to operate and maintain a generating station in extraordinary circumstances.
    • Section 11(2) of the Act mentions that the adverse financial impact on generating compacy due to directions referred to in sub-section (1) would be offset by the regulator.
    • Going by Section 11(2), the government should have left the job of working out the energy charge to the regulator instead of setting up a committee of officials to do so though, of course, the CERC was represented in the committee.
    • 2] No transparency: The committee has already worked out the revised energy costs for six of the plants but there is no transparency regarding the coal cost assumed, its calorific value, transportation cost, etc.
    • 3] Additional rakes: We have to bear in mind that the coal problem arose because of the non-availability of rakes.
    • With 38 MT of coal to be imported by October this year, and half of that by end of June, the need for rakes will not only go up but would be front-loaded.
    • We need the requisite number of rakes otherwise, we are back to where we began.

    Conclusion

    While the government is taking steps to increase coal imports and addressing the other issues, it must ensure that domestic production does not dip during monsoon season.

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

  • (Special) Anuradha Suneja, CivilsDaily’s mentorship student, landed an AIR 266 in UPSC 2021 | Know her secret, motivation, and strategy | Book your FREE session with her mentors

    (Special) Anuradha Suneja, CivilsDaily’s mentorship student, landed an AIR 266 in UPSC 2021 | Know her secret, motivation, and strategy | Book your FREE session with her mentors

    Anuradha Suneja secured an AIR 266 in UPSC 2021. She was a student of our Mentorship program.
    Register Now!

    Anuradha made us proud by securing AIR 266 in UPSC 2021 exam. It is yet another validation of CivilsDaily’s vision and approach to personalized mentorship.

    In her Mains 2021 attempt, she not only improved in her GS papers but the quality of her answers increased to such an extent that even after skipping (mistakenly) questions worth 50 marks she was able to score awesomely in Mains.

    She profusely thanked our mentorship, and student-centric approach for her success. It is a humbling and heartening moment for CivilsDaily and we wish her all the very best for her future.

    Schedule your FREE mentorship session with Anuradha’s mentors.
    Register Now!

    About Anuradha Suneja

    Anuradha hails from Haryana and is a Delhi University graduate. She also has a masters in Political Science. She was a topper through and through. Anuradha loves diary writing and playing badminton.

    Register for Anuradha’s mains answer copies and notes.

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    Anuradha was one of 200 rankers from CivilsDaily’s mentorship programs.

  • 14th June 2022| Daily Answer Writing Enhancement(AWE)

    Topics for Today’s questions:

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

    GS-2         Health and Education

    GS-3         Indian Economy

    GS-4       Attitude

    Question 1)

     

    Q.1 Hate speech is the root of many forms of violence that are being perpetrated and has become one of the biggest challenges to the rule of law and societal harmony. Examine. (15 Marks)

     

    Question 2)

    Q.2. Examine the key features of the CoWIN platform that enabled India to carry out the world’s largest vaccination drive. How the experience gained from it can be used for other immunisation programs.(10 Marks)

    Question 3)

    Q.3 Why a competitive telecom market is a prerequisite for achieving India’s digital dream and why a duopoly in the sector stands to threaten that dream? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

    Question 4)  

    Q.4 What is public morality? Is public morality at time antithetical to individual rights? Critically examine. (10 Marks)

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    1. For the philosophy of AWE and payment: 
    CLICK HERE To join Daily AWE

  • India is expanding its nuclear arsenal: SIPRI

    India had 160 nuclear warheads as on January 2022 and it appears to be expanding its nuclear arsenal, said the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a defense think tank.

    What is the news?

    • India’s nuclear stockpile increased from 156 in January 2021 to 160 in January 2022.

    Nukes in thy neighbour

    • Pakistan’s nuclear stockpile has remained at 165, SIPRI claimed.
    • China is in the middle of a substantial expansion of its nuclear weapon arsenal, which satellite images indicate includes the construction of over 300 new missile silos.
    • China had 350 nuclear warheads in January 2021 and 2022.

    Why do countries proliferate nuclear weapons?

    • Proliferation models centered on security concerns or dilemmas dominate nuclear literature.
    • Nuclear weapons provide an overwhelmingly destructive force that increases a state’s relative power in comparison to its neighbors.
    • It provides a powerful tool in an anarchic system where superpowers dominate other nation-states sovereignty.
    • Hence weaponizing helps establish a deterrence to prevent war.

    What is the Deterrence Theory?

    • Deterrence is widely defined as any use of threats (implicit or explicit) or limited force intended to dissuade an actor from taking an action (i.e. maintain the status quo).
    • The topic gained increased prominence as a military strategy during the Cold War with regard to the use of nuclear weapons.
    • It is related to but distinct from the concept of mutual assured destruction, which models the preventative nature of full-scale nuclear attack that would devastate both parties in a nuclear war.
    • The central problem of deterrence revolves around how to credibly threaten military action or nuclear punishment on the adversary despite its costs to the deterrer.

    Issues in Nuclear Disarmament

    • Notion of Nuclear ‘Haves’ and ‘Have-Nots’: The proponents of disarmaments are themselves nuclear armed countries thus creating a nuclear monopoly.
    • Concept of Peaceful Nuclear Explosion (PNE): conducted for non-military purposes such as mining.

    India’s commitment for de-nuclearization

    India has always batted for a universal commitment and an agreed global and non-discriminatory multilateral framework.

    • It has outlined a working paper on Nuclear Disarmament submitted to the UN General Assembly in 2006.
    • India participated in the Nuclear Security Summit process and has regularly participated in the International Conferences on Nuclear Security organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
    • India is also a member of the Nuclear Security Contact Group (but has signed off the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)).
    • India has expressed its readiness to support the commencement of negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT).
    • India couldn’t join the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) due to several concerns raised by India.
    • India has piloted an annual UNGA Resolution on “Measures to Prevent Terrorists from Acquiring Weapons of Mass Destruction” since 2002, which is adopted by consensus.

    Back2Basics: India’s Nuclear Doctrine

    • This was first articulated by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on May 27, 1998, days after India had undertaken a series of nuclear tests in Pokhran.
    • It outlined various principles:
    1. Building and maintaining a Credible Minimum Deterrence
    2. Posture of ‘No First Use’– nuclear weapons will only be used in retaliation against a nuclear attack on Indian Territory or on Indian forces anywhere
    3. Massive Nuclear retaliation to a first strike will be designed to inflict unacceptable damage
    4. Non-use against non-nuclear states
    5. In response to biological or chemical weapons, India will retain the option of retaliating with nuclear weapons

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  • New norms for Sentence Remission

    The Union Home Ministry issued a set of guidelines to the States and the Union Territories on the grant of special remission to prisoners to commemorate the 75th year of Independence.

    What is the news?

    • The decision comes as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
    • The special remission would be granted to a certain category of prisoners, and they would be released in three phases.

    What is Remission?

    • The suspension is the stay or postponement of the execution of the sentence.
    • In remission, the duration of the sentence is reduced, without changing the nature of the sentence.
    • In remission, the nature of the sentence is remained untouched, while the duration is reduced i.e. the rest of the sentence need not be undergone.
    • The effect of the remission is that the prisoner is given a certain date on which he shall be released and the eyes of the law he would be a free man.
    • However, in case of breach of any of the condition of remission, it will be cancelled and the offender has to serve the entire term for which he was originally sentenced.

    Constitutional provisions for Remission

    • ‘Prisons’ is a State subject under the State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
    • Indian laws provide pardoning power sourcing from statuary and constitutional authorities.
    • By virtue of Article 72 and 161 of the Constitution of India, the President and Governor can grant pardon, to suspend, remit or commute a sentences passed by the courts.

    What are the new norms?

    The prisoners who would qualify for premature release under the scheme are:

    • Women and transgender convicts of ages 50 and above
    • Male convicts of 60 and above who have completed 50% of their total sentence period without counting the period of general remission earned
    • Physically challenged or disabled convicts with 70% disability and more who have completed 50% of their total sentence period
    • Terminally ill convicts
    • Convicted prisoners who have completed two-thirds (66%) of their total sentence
    • Poor or indigent prisoners who have completed their sentence but are still in jail due to non-payment of fine imposed on them by waiving off the fine
    • Persons who committed an offence at a young age (18-21) and with no other criminal involvement or case against them and who have completed 50% of their sentence period would also be eligible for the remission

    Exceptions to these norms

    Following persons would not be eligible for the grant of special remission:

    • Persons convicted with death sentence or where death sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment or persons convicted for an offence for which punishment of death has been specified as one of the punishments
    • Persons convicted with sentence of life imprisonment
    • Convicts involved in terrorist activities or persons convicted under the Terrorist and Disruptive (Prevention) Act, 1985, Prevention of Terrorist Act, 2002, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, Explosives Act, 1908, National Security Act, 1982, Official Secrets Act, 1923, and Anti-Hijacking Act, 2016

    Back2Basics: Pardoning powers in India

    • Under the Constitution of India (Article 72), the President of India can grant a pardon or reduce the sentence of a convicted person, particularly in cases involving capital punishment.
    • A similar and parallel power vests in the governors of each state under Article 161.
    1. President
    1. Article 72 says that the president shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence.
    2. The pardoning powers of the Indian President are elucidated in Art 72 of the Indian Constitution. There are five different types of pardoning which are mandated by law.
    • Pardon: means completely absolving the person of the crime and letting him go free. The pardoned criminal will be like a normal citizen.
    • Commutation: means changing the type of punishment given to the guilty into a less harsh one, for example, a death penalty commuted to a life sentence.
    • Reprieve: means a delay allowed in the execution of a sentence, usually a death sentence, for a guilty person to allow him some time to apply for Presidential Pardon or some other legal remedy to prove his innocence or successful rehabilitation.
    • Respite: means reducing the quantum or degree of the punishment to a criminal in view of some special circumstances, like pregnancy, mental condition etc.
    • Remission: means changing the quantum of the punishment without changing its nature, for example reducing twenty-year rigorous imprisonment to ten years.

    Cases as specified by art. 72

    • in all cases where the punishment or sentence is by a court-martial;
    • in all cases where the punishment or sentence is for an offence against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the Union extends;
    • in all cases where the sentence is a sentence of death.
    1. Governor
    • Similarly, as per article 161: Governor of a State has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence against any law.
    • It must be relating to a matter to which the executive power of the state extends.
    • Please note that President can grant pardon to a person awarded death sentence. But a governor of a state does not enjoy this power.

    Nature of the Pardoning Power

    • The question is whether this power to grant pardon is absolute or this power of pardon shall be exercised by the President on the advice of Council of Ministers.
    • The pardoning power of the president is not absolute. It is governed by the advice of the Council of Ministers.
    • This has not been discussed by the constitution but is the practical truth.
    • Further, the constitution does not provide for any mechanism to question the legality of decisions of President or governors exercising mercy jurisdiction.
    • But the SC in Epuru Sudhakar case has given a small window for judicial review of the pardon powers of President and governors for the purpose of ruling out any arbitrariness.
    • The court has earlier held that court has retained the power of judicial review even on a matter which has been vested by the Constitution solely in the Executive.

     

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