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  • How CivilsDaily IAS made an Evidence-Based content selection, which resulted in 85 % alignment of the actual mains paper with the Samachar Manthan course? Presenting GS 2020 Mains II Paper Analysis.

    Current Affairs is the heart and soul of the UPSC exam. UPSC ties dynamic Current Affairs topics with static knowledge to test aspirants at all three stages of the exam. A thorough grasp of CA is, therefore, extremely crucial to your success. That is why we, at Civils Daily, have consolidated all the important aspects of CA in Samachar Manthan so that you don’t have to browse through thousands of study materials to be on top of your game. Samachar Manthan is the essence of all you need, in one place. Right here!

    In GS Paper 2, 17 out of 20 Questions were asked in UPSC 2020. And the entire GS paper 2 was covered in Samachar Manthan that makes for an 85% Success rate. Let’s take a look at the below mentioned GS Paper 2 paper of 2020, question by question. 

    For any clarification and queries please CONTACT us at hello@civilsdaily.com OR +91 8929987787

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    UPSC Mains Question

    Q.) “Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have a profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss

    SM weekly Test Question

    Q) Right to Information Act is considered one of the milestones in Indian democracy. In the context of real representation that RTI provided to the public authorities, examine how far the recent amendments may breach the actual contention of the RTI Act?

    UPSC Mains Question

    Q.) Which steps are required for the constitutionalization of a commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons. (Answer in 250 words)

    SM weekly Test Question

    Q) Seeing the Patriarchal nature of society the Indian Parliament came up with the legislation in the form of the National Commission for Women to work for the betterment of the female section of the society. In such a context, critically analyse the effectiveness of NCW at present. Also, suggest measures to make it work effectively.

    UPSC Mains Questions

    Q.) How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer (Answer in 150 words)

    SM weekly Test Question

    Q) Explain the difference between Competitive vs Cooperative federalism. In the Indian context, what have been the hindrances in achieving competitive federalism. What should be the solution? 

    UPSC Mains Question

    Q.) Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless Stepney tyre’ to the most useful supporting organ in the past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible. (Answer in 250 words)

    SM weekly Test Question

    Q) How far do you agree with the view that Rajya Sabha has done nothing exceptional in the last 70 years except stalling work and therefore it should be abolished? (10 Marks)

    UPSC Mains question

    Q.) Indian constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts. (Answer in 250 words)

    SM weekly Test Question

    Q) The Centre has got more powers to raise the resources and states were given more responsibilities. Examine how this dichotomy came under serious scrutiny in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. (10 marks)

    UPSC Mains Question

    Q.) Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of a large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (Answer in 250 words)

    SM weekly Test Question

    Q) How far do you agree that the recent judgements pronounced by the supreme court of India border on Judicial overreach. Elaborate with Examples

    UPSC Mains Questions

    Q.) The strength & sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funs’ to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)

    SM weekly Test Question

    Q) “Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure”. Critically analyze. (10 marks)

    UPSC Mains Question

    Q.) “Once a speaker, Always a speaker’! Do you think the practise should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? (Answer in 150 words)

    SM weekly Test Question

    Q) Discuss the controversies surrounding the office of the speaker in India. Suggest measures to make the office of speaker impartial and independent. Should it be modelled on the lines of the office of a British speaker? (15)

    UPSC Mains question

    Q.) The judicial systems in India and the UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices. (Answer in 150 words)

    SM weekly Test Question

    Q) Topic Was discussed in the third week of December in our Samachar Manthan lecture

    Issues related to Judicial appointment

    UPSC Mains Question

    Q.) “Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of Self-Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (Answer in 250 words)

    SM weekly Test Question

    Q) In the context of SHGs in India, explain how they can provide benefits amidst the ongoing pandemic. Also, suggest measures to make them more effective and empowered. (10 marks)

    UPSC Mains Question

    Q.) “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. This context suggests reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.

    SM weekly Test Question

    Q) Despite being the pivot of Indian democracy, the civil services have performed rather poorly when it comes to administering the routine. Discuss.(10)

    UPSC Mains Question

    Q.) National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (Answer in 250 words)

    SM weekly Test Question

    Q) “The New Education Policy is an old wine in a new glass”. Do you agree with this view? Examine. (15 marks)

    UPSC Mains Question

    Q.) The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of the government”. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)

    SM weekly Test Question

    Q) Digitising India could accelerate its progress towards development but certain factors must be addressed before India could reap the benefits of digitising. Examine such factors and suggest ways to deal with the issues in digitising the country. (10)

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    UPSC Mains Question

    Q.) “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyze the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (Answer in 250 words)

    SM weekly Test Question

    Q) Multidimensional Poverty Index is a measure to assess acute poverty in multiple dimensions. In this respect, state how poverty is leading to loss in Human development and thus making the population as liability than asset. (15 marks)

    UPSC Mains question

    Q.) To enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)

    SM weekly Test Question

    Q) Discuss how marriage age and women’s health are linked with each other?

    UPSC Mains questions

    Q.) ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)’ is the transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times – Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)

    SM weekly Test Question

    Q) A revival and re-invigoration of the Quad is called for to maintain peace and tranquillity in the Indo-pacific region. Examine. (10)

    UPSC Mains Question

    Q.) Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Answer in 150 words)

    SM weekly Test Question

    Q) The global institutional architecture of the 1940s cannot help humanity face the challenges of the 2020s. Discuss. (10)

    UPSC Mains Question

    Q.) What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (Answer in 250 words)

    SM weekly Test Question

    Q) India is witnessing increased variety in her bilateral/multilateral defence partnerships. Despite this, Russia remains an important ally. Analyse. (15 marks)

    UPSC Mains Question

    Q.) ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (Answer in 150 words)

    Extensively discussed and covered as Burning Issue and SM weekly Video Classes. 

    [Burning Issue] Indian Diaspora and the recent engagement

    For any clarification and queries please CONTACT us at hello@civilsdaily.com OR +91 8929987787

  • Streak Daily Initiative: Question Hour – Day 3

    Questions for the Day:

    Try these Mains Questions :

    Q: Distinguish between ‘Department-related parliamentary standing committees’ and ‘ Parliamentary forums’. (10)
    Q: Discuss the role played by State Legislative Councils. How are they different from the Rajya Sabha? Also, examine their usefulness for Indian states. (15)

    Try these Prelims Questions :

    Q1. Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament?

    a) The Committee on Public Accounts

    (b) The Committee on Estimates

    (c) The Committee on Public Undertakings

    (d) The Committee on Petitions

    Q2. Consider the options about Public accounts committee (PAC) and Estimates committee(EC)

    1. Both are standing Committees  

    2.  PAC has more members than EC

    3. PAC has members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, while EC has only members from Lok Sabha

    4. While  PAC examines the report of CAG, EC examines the estimates of the budget.  

    Which of the above statements are true:

    1. 1, 2 and 3
    2. 2, 3 and 4
    3. 1, 3 and 4
    4. All of them

    Q3. The Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India:

    1. Can be considered by the joint session of both Houses of Parliament 

    2. Includes examination of income and expenditure of all public sector undertaking  

    3. Is placed before the Lok Sabha with the comments of the Estimates Committee 

    4. Constitutes the basis for scrutiny by the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament 

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below : 

    (a) 1 and 2 

    (b) 1 and 3 

    (c) 2 and 4 

    (d) Only 4 

    Q4. Consider the following statements about Department Standing Committees:

    1. They are 24 in number

    2. There are 16 such committees in Rajya Sabha and 8 in Lok Sabha

    3. Number of members in each is 30

    4. They examine demands for grants and can propose cut-motions

    Which of the above statements are true:

    A. 1,2 and 3

    B. 2, 3 and 4

    C. 1 and 3 only

    D. All of them

    Q5. Consider the following statements about Joint Parliamentary Committee(JPC)

    1. It is a standing committee of parliament

    2. It enquires matters of public interest

    3. JPC enquired about Bofors scam

    Which of the above statements are true?

    A. 1 and 2

    B. 2 and 3

    C. 1 and 3

    D. all of them

    Q 6. Consider the following statements about parliamentary forums:

    1. The first Parliamentary Forum on Water Conservation and Management was constituted in the year 2005 

    2. The speaker of Lok Sabha is the ex-officio President of all the Forums

    3. Each forum consists of not more than 31 members

    4. Provides an informal platform for members to interact with ministers

    Which of the above statements are correct?

    A. 1,2 and 3

    B. 2, 3 and 4

    C. 1,3 and 4

    D. all of them

    Q 7. If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then

    (a) the Assembly of the State is automatically dissolved.

    (b) the powers of the Legislature of that State shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament.

    (c) Article 19 is suspended in that State.

    (d) the President can make laws relating to that State.

    Q 8. Consider the following statements

    1. An amendment to the Constitution of India can be initiated by an introduction of a bill in the Lok Sabha only.

    2. If such an amendment seeks to make changes in the federal character of the Constitution, the amendment also requires to be ratified by the legislature of all the States of India.

    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

    Q 9. The functions of which of the following bodies in India are limited to advisory nature only?

    (a) Legislative Council 

    (b) Rajya Sabha 

    (c) Lok Sabha 

    (d) Legislative Assembly

    Q 10. Which of the following statements is incorrect about Legislative Council?

    (a) 1/3rd of its members are elected by local bodies 

    (b) President has the final power to decide about its composition 

    (c) It is not subject to dissolution 

    (d) Minimum strength of Legislative Council cannot be less than 40

    Sukanya madam’s video would be out at 7:00 PM and Santosh sir would provide the video at 9:00 PM.

    Watch this space for more updates exclusively for you.

  • Unlocking recovery

    Context

    Many developed countries are poised for strong growth. This will compel their respective central banks to begin normalizing the extremely loose monetary policies. This will require a reorientation of India’s stimulus strategy.

    Global growth momentum

    • On the global front, the growth momentum has been strong, particularly in the US and China, although recent data suggest this has peaked or is even stalling.
    • Post the perceived hawkishness of the last US Federal Reserve policy meeting, the traded interest rate of the benchmark US 10-year treasury bond fell to below 1.3 percent.
    • The falling rate reflects disquiet about the durability of the recovery once the fiscal stimulus starts waning.
    • China recently announced a 0.5 percent cut in the required reserves ratio for banks.
    • Europe’s recovery had begun to inch up, but members of the European Central Bank have begun to push back on market expectations of early tapering.
    • However, some smaller global central banks have started normalizing their respective Quantitative Easing programs.

    Growth momentum in India

    • The encouraging aspect of the recovery is the resilience of many mid-and large-turnover companies in the face of the debilitating public health crisis
    • In India, there are signs that the recovery momentum began to strengthen from mid-June, and of demand accelerating, despite capacity utilization in many industries below thresholds needed for the next round of private investments.
    • In line with the market consensus, we think that 2021-22 growth is likely to be in the 9-10 percent range.
    • Tax collections, another indicator of activity, even if a bit skewed, support this view.
    • A revival of retail consumer demand is critical for sustaining the recovery. Reports from industry associations suggest a somewhat mixed picture.
    • Demand emanating from rural geographies is important for sustaining recovery.
    • Demand for work under MGNREGA suggests continuing stress.
    • Monsoons will be a big contributor.
    • The sowing of Kharif crops stalled in late June but is predicted to pick up again in mid-July.
    • Renewed government intervention is required.

    Factors deciding the trajectory of recovery

    • Inflation: Rising inflation could force a monetary policy normalization faster than presently anticipated.
    • Global recovery: Effects global central banks’ policy tightening will only add to the difficulty of balancing a policy-induced increase in interest rates, moderating financial markets volatility, and maintaining growth incentives.
    • Access to credit: Access to credit remains a crucial input in the recovery matrix, particularly for small and micro-enterprises.
    • The Union government’s Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) has reportedly been very effective in stabilizing the solvency (and cash flows) of micro and small businesses.

    Way forward

    • Expansion of subvention scheme: The expansion of subvention (ECLGS) is probably the most effective template to incentivize credit flows, leveraging on the government’s balance sheet to take on the first loss risks.
    • At the same time, capex proposals of the Centre and states should gradually draw in private sector capex.
    • Policy intervention to create a level field: Corporate health has improved, with lower debt on balance sheets.
    • Adoption of technology is widespread; this will boost productivity and competitiveness.
    • But these factors reinforce trends in consolidation and market power.
    • It will require policy interventions to create a more level playing field for smaller companies, which is crucial for job creation.

    Conclusion

    Policy support will thus need to adapt from the “revive” to the “thrive” phase, to place India on a sustained 7 percent-plus growth path.

  • Theatre Command under Chief of Defence Staff is not a good idea

    Context

    The government is reportedly planning to re-organise the military into a theatre command under the chief of defence staff (CDS) in which the assets of the Air Force will be split into four and distributed among four operational theatres.

    Background of the creation of CDS

    • In 2012, the Naresh Chandra Committee suggested the creation of a CDS, which would take on overall functions of the chairman, chiefs of committee as well as the responsibilities pertaining to centralised planning, induction, training, intelligence and logistics. 
    • Operations, according to the committee’s suggestion, would continue to be managed by the respective chiefs of staff.
    • However, sometime in 2016-17, this idea was modified to organise the operational assets of the three services into four theatre commands, all of which are now proposed to be brought under the CDS.

    Issues with creating theatre command by dividing Air Force

    • Professional leadership is critical in support elements: The Air Chief’s professional leadership of the Air Force is crucial to orchestrate a variety of support elements like aerial tankers, AWACS (Airborne Warning And Control Systems), AEW, Heliborne support and UAVs in an “offensive operation”.
    • Lack of in-dept understanding: A land theatre command, if given power over the air elements, may not have the confidence to launch such a mission because of the lack of in-depth understanding of the organisational complexity and the risks involved.
    • Dilution of assets may harm effectiveness: Dilution of the combat assets of the Air Force, a 30-squadron force consisting of five or six types of aircraft, might severely affect mission-effectiveness.
    • Role of CDS: It is extremely doubtful if the CDS can cope with the enhanced responsibilities that include operations, albeit through the theatre commanders.
    • That would leave only training, maintenance, and support under the chiefs of staff — a gross under-utilisation of the operational leadership built over 40 years.
    • Resource limitations: Forming a separate air defence command for the air defence of the entire nation seems an impractical idea considering our resource limitations.
    • Current arrangement functioned effortlessly: The current arrangement of a decentralised air defence organisation managed by Air Force geographical commands has functioned faultlessly.
    •  Flexibility: The existing structures afford better flexibility.
    • There will be significant expenditure to construct the operational infrastructure of the theatre commands.
    • Timing: We are trying to effect changes at a time the military is deployed actively.
    • The Chinese have dug in hard, and we do not yet know their strategy.
    • To divide the Air Force into four units at this moment is inadvisable.

    Way forward

    • White paper: There is no white paper on the advantages of the theatre commands or one listing the merits of the CDS donning the mantle of the operational head of the entire military operation.
    • So, a white paper on these aspects could clear the air over the utilities of such moves.
    • Joint planning is a must, but operations are best undertaken by individual services who know what other services are doing and when.

    Conclusion

    Splitting the asset of the Air Force would result in dilution of its power and is not advisable at the current juncture.

  • FREE UP PCS 2021 session by Parth sir – Focused Approach To Cracking UP PCS | Join LIVE (link inside)

    MCQs, Revision, MPQs, Doubt Clearing, Habitat sessions

    Join uppsc 2021 FREE session by parth sir @ 2pm (click)
    Enroll in uppsc 2021 chalu khata club by parth sir (click)

    Dear aspirants,

    This is your chance to smash UPPSC in one shot under the guidance of our senior mentor Parth Sir’s Chalu Khata Club. Cover the entire syllabus in 20 days with a laser-sharp focus on Current Affairs And the Most Probable Questions for this year.

    https://youtu.be/awJ-gOWhEMg

    Enroll now and you will get:

    1. Comprehensive theme-based coverage
    2. Previous Years’ Questions analysed
    3. Google Meet sessions with Parth sir
    4. Trend Analysis and expected questions for this year
    5. Exclusive access to Habitat Club
    6. Discussions and doubt-clearing sessions

    All of this and more in 20 Days!

    Don’t wait, you can crack this exam in one go and all you need is a focused approach. Get started with the right guidance and you will succeed!

    Join uppsc session by parth sir (click)

    Parth sir’s session starts at 2:00 pm

    What do you have to do?

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    3. Click On The Blue Box To Join The Discussion.
    4. Participate, Ask Questions, Engage, And Learn!

    Don’t Miss Out On The Questions That May Help You Succeed!

    Here is a list of topics and discussions you can join immediately:

    Revise Economics for IAS PrelimsRavi Ranjan11:00 am
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    Join the club of your choice here (for free)

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  • 28th July 2021| Daily Answer Writing Enhancement(AWE)

    Topics for Today’s questions:

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

    GS-2  Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the
    protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

     

    GS-3  Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

     

    GS-4  Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity;

    Questions:

    Question 1)

     

    Q.1) Jet streams play a significant role in influencing the weather conditions across the world. Discuss with special reference to the weather in India. (10 Marks)

     

    Question 2)

    Q.2) What are the improvements in the Emigration Bill 2021 over the Emigration Act 1983? Also, mention the issues with the Bill. (10 Marks)

    Question 3)

    Q.3) Boosting the growth of high-employment sectors is one strategy to adopt to solve the issues of workers and job creation in the wake of pandemics. However, this has its limitations. What are the limitations? Suggest the way forward. (10 Marks)

    Question 4)  

    Q.4) “No responsibility of the government is more fundamental than the responsibility of maintaining the higher standards of ethical behaviour”. In the light of above statement bring out the meaning of probity in governance? illustrate how it led to effective and efficient administration? ( 10 Marks)

    NOTE- Since it’s a two month program last date to write answers is July 30th. All the questions will be evaluated latest by August 5th.
    After that this program will end as we need to focus on Prelims. So write all the answers before 30th July.

    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 1st June is uploaded on 1st June 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, 1st June is uploaded on 3rd June, 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 @Swatantra so that the mentor is notified about your answer.

    *In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*. Swatantra Sir’s tag is available, tag him.

    For the philosophy of AWE and payment: 

    CLICK HERE To join Daily AWE

  • 28th July 2021 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    [WpProQuiz 713]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 713]

  • Dholavira gets into UNESCO World Heritage list

    The Harappan city of Dholavira, in present-day Gujarat, has been named the 40th Indian site on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

    Dholavira site

    • The IVC acropolis is located on a hillock near present-day Dholavira village in Kutch district, from which it gets its name.
    • It was discovered in 1968 by archaeologist Jagat Pati Joshi.
    • The site’s excavation between 1990 and 2005 under the supervision of archaeologist Ravindra Singh Bisht uncovered the ancient commercial city.

    Key features

    • It is one of the very few well preserved urban settlements in South Asia dating from the 3rd to mid-2nd millennium BCE.
    • It was located in the island of Khadir which was strategic to harness different mineral and raw material sources (copper, shell, agate-carnelian, steatite, lead, banded limestone, among others).
    • It facilitated internal as well as external trade to the Magan (modern Oman peninsula) and Mesopotamian regions.
    • One finds the origin of the Buddhist Stupas in memorials in Dholavira.

    A gem in the IVC acropolis

    • After Mohen-jo-Daro, Ganweriwala and Harappa in Pakistan and Rakhigarhi in Haryana of India, Dholavira is the fifth largest metropolis of IVC.
    • The site has a fortified citadel, a middle town and a lower town with walls made of sandstone or limestone instead of mud bricks in many other Harappan sites.
    • While unlike graves at other IVC sites, no mortal remains of humans have been discovered at Dholavira.

    Its architecture

    • The city demonstrates its multifaceted achievements in terms of urban planning, construction techniques, water management, social governance and development, art, manufacturing, trading, and belief system.
    • The property comprises two parts:
    1. A walled city: Consists of a fortified Castle with attached fortified Bailey and Ceremonial Ground, and a fortified Middle Town and a Lower Town
    2. A cemetery to the west of the city

    Trade and commercial activities

    • Remains of a copper smelter indicate of Harappans, who lived in Dholavira, knew metallurgy.
    • It is believed that traders of Dholavira used to source copper ore from present-day Rajasthan and Oman and UAE and export finished products.
    • It was also a hub of manufacturing jewellery made of shells and semi-precious stones, like agate and used to export timber.
    • Such beads peculiar to the Harappan workmanship have been found in the royal graves of Mesopotamia, indicating Dholavira used to trade with the Mesopotamians.

    Famous for water conservation

    • The expansive water management system designed to store every drop of water available shows the ingenuity of the people to survive against the rapid geo-climatic transformations.
    • Water diverted from seasonal streams, scanty precipitation and available ground was sourced, stored, in large stone-cut reservoirs which are extant along the eastern and southern fortification.
    • To further access water, few rock-cut wells, which date as one of the oldest examples, are evident in different parts of the city, the most impressive one being located in the citadel.
    • Such elaborate water conservation methods of Dholavira is unique and measures as one of the most efficient systems of the ancient world.

    Causes for its decline

    • Harappans, who were maritime people, lost a huge market, affecting the local mining, manufacturing, marketing and export businesses once Mesopotamia fell.
    • From 2000 BC, Dholavira entered a phase of severe aridity due to climate change and rivers like Saraswati drying up.
    • Because of a drought-like situation, people started migrating toward the Ganges valley or towards south Gujarat and further beyond in Maharashtra.
    • In those times the Great Rann of Kutch, which surrounds the Khadir island on which Dholavira is located, used to be navigable, but the sea receded gradually and the Rann became a mudflat.

    Other Harappan sites in Gujarat

    • Before Dholavira was excavated, Lothal, in Saragwala village on the bank of Sabarmati in Dholka taluka of Ahmedabad district, was the most prominent site of IVC in Gujarat.
    • It was excavated between 1955 and 1960 and was discovered to be an important port city of the ancient civilisation, with structures made of mud bricks.
    • From a graveyard in Lothal, 21 human skeletons were found. Foundries for making copperware were also discovered. Ornaments made of semi-precious stones, gold etc. were also found from the site.
    • Besides Lothal, Rangpur on the bank of Bhadar river in Surendranagar district was the first Harappan site in the state to be excavated.
    • Rojdi in Rajkot district, Prabhas near Veraval in Gir Somnath district, Lakhabaval in Jamnagar, and Deshalpar in Bhuj taluka of Kutch are among other Harappan sites in the state.

    Answer this PYQ in the comment box:

    Q.Which one of the following is not a Harappan site? (CSP 2019)

    (a) Chanhudaro

    (b) Kot Diji

    (c) Sohgaura

    (d) Desalpur

    Also read:

    Telangana’s Rudreswara Temple inscribed as a World Heritage Site

  • Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2021

    The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 will be introduced and is likely to be pushed for passage in the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.

    Need for this bill

    • Electricity distribution is at the cutting edge of the power sector.
    • Despite the last 25 years of power sector reforms, the electricity distribution companies are unable to pay the generation and transmission companies as well as banks / financial institutions due to poor financial health.
    • In this situation, patchwork may not turn around the power sector and a holistic approach is the need of the hour.
    • The provisions of the proposed amendment bill have to be seen in this context.

    Key features of Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2021

    De-licensing: Electricity distribution is delicensed, at least in the letter, giving consumers a choice to choose a distribution company in their area.

    Universal service obligation: There is the provision of a universal service obligation fund, which shall be managed by a government company.  This fund shall be utilized to meet any deficits in cross-subsidy. In case of supply through pre-paid meters, security deposit will not be required.

    Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL): It is being strengthened by an increasing number of members. The domains from where the chairperson and members of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERC) will come have been described.

    Renewable Power Obligation: Keeping in view the national climate change goals, the responsibility of fixing renewable power obligations (RPO) is shifted from state commissions to the central government.

    Penalty: Penalty for contravention of the provisions of the Act has been increased up to Rs 1 crore. Non-fulfillment of RPO will attract stringent penalties as per the proposed amendments.

    Important issues not addressed

    • Recovery of dues: Discoms collect revenue from the consumers and feed the supply chain upstream. They are, however, unable to recover their costs, out of which nearly 75-80 percent are power purchase costs.
    • Tariff: A broad guideline to reduce tariffs could have been part of the proposed amendment bill. Recently, the Forum of Regulators came out with a report on cost elements of tariff and suggested measures to reduce the same.
    • AT&C losses: The Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses of 12 states were more than 25 percent and of six states between 15 and 25 percent, according to a report released by the distribution utility forum based on Uday dashboard in 2020.

    Some provisions may backfire

    • Power distribution is proposed to be delicensed. However, the eligibility criteria shall be prescribed by the central government and the conditions for registration by the SERC.
    • There is a provision for amendment and cancellation of registration as well. In case these provisions are implemented similar to a license, the purpose shall be defeated.
    • The newly registered companies are given the facility to use the power allocation as well as the network of existing discom, which may be dilapidated in many cases due to paucity of funds.
    • With such a network, the quality of supply to the electricity consumers will be seriously affected.
    • Financial penalty on discom may not fully compensate and satisfy the consumers in such cased.

    Some of the issues that may be considered for holistic power sector reforms:

    • The provision of coal and railway freight regulators
    • Linkage of AT&C losses as key performance indicator for release of central funds to states by any ministry
    • Provision of a risk management committee and corporate governance within discoms, irrespective of being listed company

    Way forward

    • Fourteen years after the last amendment to the Electricity Act, currently, the focus of the amendment is on competition and compliance.
    • Electricity regulatory commissions hold the key to take this forward.
    • The commissions should be built as strong institutions and their autonomy should be respected and maintained.
    • After providing a robust framework for fair competition, the government should minimize its frequent interventions in the sector.
    • The government interventions often distort the market and maybe resorted to only in case of market failure.

  • South China Sea Dispute

     

    Pentagon chief has said that Beijing’s expansive claims in the South China Sea have “no basis in international law”, taking aim at China’s growing assertiveness in the hotly contested waters.

    South China Sea Dispute

    • It is a dispute over territory and sovereignty over ocean areas, and the Paracels and the Spratlys – two island chains claimed in whole or in part by a number of countries.
    • China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Brunei all have competing claims.
    • Alongside the fully-fledged islands, there are dozens of rocky outcrops, atolls, sandbanks, and reefs, such as the Scarborough Shoal.
    • China claims by far the largest portion of territory – an area defined by the “nine-dash line” which stretches hundreds of miles south and east from its most southerly province of Hainan.
    • Beijing says its right to the area goes back centuries to when the Paracel and Spratly island chains were regarded as integral parts of the Chinese nation, and in 1947 it issued a map detailing its claims.
    • It showed the two island groups falling entirely within its territory. Those claims are mirrored by Taiwan.

    Spat over Chinese claims

    • China has backed its expansive claims with island-building and naval patrols.
    • The US says it does not take sides in territorial disputes but has sent military ships and planes near disputed islands, calling them “freedom of navigation” operations to ensure access to key shipping and air routes.
    • Both sides have accused each other of “militarizing” the South China Sea.
    • There are fears that the area is becoming a flashpoint, with potentially serious global consequences.

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