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  • [pib] HUID System in Jewellery Industry

    Hallmarking scheme is turning out to be a grand success with more than 1 crore pieces of Jewellery hallmarked in a quick time” with more than 90000 Jewelers registered in a same time period.

    What is Hallmark Gold?

    1. The process of certifying the purity and fineness of gold is called hallmarking.
    2. Bureau of Indian Standards, the National Standards Body of India, is responsible for hallmarking gold as well as silver jewellery under the BIS Act.
    3. If you see the BIS hallmark on the gold jewellery/gold coin, it means it conforms to a set of standards laid by the BIS. Hallmarking gives consumers assurance regarding the purity of the gold they bought.
    4. That is, if you are buying hallmarked 18K gold jewellery, it will actually mean that 18/24 parts are gold and the rest is alloy.
    5. At present, only 30% of Indian Gold Jewellery is hallmarked.

    Here are the four components one must look at the time of buying gold (they are mentioned in the laser engraving of a hallmark seal):

    1. BIS Hallmark: Indicates that its purity is verified in one of its licensed laboratories
    2. Purity in carat and fineness (corresponding to given caratage KT)
    • 22K916 (91.6% Purity)
    • 18K750 (75% Purity)
    • 14K585 (58.5% Purity)

    What is HUID?

    • HUID is a unique code that will be given to every piece of jewellery at the time of hallmarking.
    • It will be helpful in identifying the jeweller or the Assaying and Hallmarking Centres (AHCs) which had hallmarked the jewellery.
    • It will be a six-digit alphanumeric code, with which every piece of jewellery will be tagged.
    • At the hallmarking centre, the jewellery is stamped with the unique number manually.

    What are the new hallmarking rules?

    • The government has made it mandatory for jewellers to hallmark gold jewellery, but with some relaxation.
    • Jewellers with an annual turnover of up to Rs 40 lakh will be exempted from mandatory hallmarking.
    • Similarly, jewellery for international exhibitions and government-approved business-to-business domestic exhibitions will also be exempted.
    • It will also allow hallmarking of additional carats — 20, 23, and 24.

    Issues with HUID

    • Jewellers say the HUID process has increased the time required to get the hallmarking on jewels and this has created huge backlogs at AHCs.
    • Since the process is being done manually, there are also chances of a mismatch of the code, he adds.
    • The inventory pile-up at the centres is also raising concerns about the security of the jewellery.
    • Several industry stakeholders point out the limited number of AHCs, which will not be enough to hallmark the large number of pieces that are sold in India every year.

    Answer this PYQ from CSP 2017

    Q.Consider the following statements:

    1. The Standard Mark of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for automotive tyres and tubes.
    2. AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

    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

     

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”3yrxgg00qw” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • Interview Guidance || Our Program Can Boost Your Interview Score by 10-20% and Rank by 100 Positions || Do Not Miss This Opportunity

    Interview Guidance || Our Program Can Boost Your Interview Score by 10-20% and Rank by 100 Positions || Do Not Miss This Opportunity

    Dear aspirants,

    You have done all the hard work and are now in the last stretch of your UPSC marathon. This is the time to use smart techniques to score more in your Interviews. We have compiled a list of real interview transcripts and we know how you can score even higher in your interviews.

    You can take a look at the interview transcripts by clicking on the links provided below:

    Transcript 1
    transcript 2
    transcript 3
    Transcript 4

    Receive the most important insights from these interviews, and some crucial techniques from our mentors before you go for the interview. Even the last-minute guidance can boost your score by 10-20% and improve your ranking by up to 100 positions.

    Do not miss this opportunity! Get every help you can to grab that rank you always wanted!

    Dates for Mock Interviews:

    Online: 28/08/2021

    Offline 29/08/2021

    To schedule your mock interview, please call 8882914756 or you can register at the link provided below:

    Register here to schedule your mock interview

  • Colourful molecules of turmeric

    Researchers have come forward with some interesting findings on Turmeric.

    Turmeric

    • Turmeric has about 3% of the active component molecule called curcumin, a polyphenol diketone (and not a steroid).
    • Researchers point out that there is another molecule in turmeric called piperine, which is an alkaloid, responsible for the pungency of pepper that we use every day in our cooking, along with turmeric.
    • Piperine enhances curcumin absorption in the body. It gives turmeric its multivariate healing and protective power.

    Benefits of turmeric consumption

    • Turmeric has been known for over 4,000 years in the Indian subcontinent, West Asia, Burma, Indonesia and China, and is used as an essential part of our daily food – what the colonials called curry powder.
    • It has also been known as a medicine for ages, and to have anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
    • Herbal medicine experts have used turmeric to treat painful symptoms of arthritis, joint stiffness, and joint pain.
    • They have also claimed that turmeric helps cure acute kidney injuries. Some of these claims need to be checked using controlled trials.

    Against COVID-19

    • Most recently, an exciting study has recently been published by a group in Mumbai which shows that turmeric aids in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
    • The researchers did a trial of about 40 COVID-19 patients and found that turmeric could substantially reduce morbidity and mortality.

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • Slots Closing Fast || Only 4 Hrs left || Learn the secrets of scoring 125+ in Prelims 2021-22 by Sajal Sir || Free Session || Learn Over 10 different types of Question-solving Techniques

    Slots Closing Fast || Only 4 Hrs left || Learn the secrets of scoring 125+ in Prelims 2021-22 by Sajal Sir || Free Session || Learn Over 10 different types of Question-solving Techniques

    Dear aspirants,

    Even with a similar syllabus and similar study materials, most candidates fall in one of the following four categories when it comes to their Prelims score:

    1) Prelims score 0-40: They need to work on improving their knowledge and learn answering tricks
    2) Prelims score 50-70: They have decent knowledge and decent answering tricks.
    3) Prelims score 80-100: They have good knowledge but they need to develop answering tricks.
    4) Prelims score 120+: They have excellent knowledge and know all the answering tricks.

    Register here to know the answering techniques (click here)

    So, what to do?
    Clearing Prelims is all about Knowledge + Answering Tricks (Tikdams). And while you are studying hard to improve your knowledge, Sajal sir will help you improve your answering techniques, for absolutely FREE!

    Let’s look at a few examples. Sajal sir will explain how you can answer these questions with smart techniques, even if you DON’T know the answer.

    A) With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements :(UPSC 2016)

    1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.
    2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.
    3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    B) In India, under cyber insurances for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (UPSC 2020)

    1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer.

    2. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant willfully damages it, if proved so.

    3. Cost of hiring a specialized consultant to minimize the loss in case of cyber extortion.

    4. Cost of defense in the court of law if any third party files a suit.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2, and 4 only

    (b) 1,3 and 4 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    C) Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2015)

    1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land.
    2. Private owners of workshops paid an industries tax.

    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

    You can solve these questions with the help of techniques that Sajal sir will teach you in the webinar.

    Register for The free webinar and learn Smart Answering Techniques (Click here)

    This is your opportunity to learn the tricks that can help you score 120+ in your Prelims. Join Sajal sir for a free webinar and this is what you can learn:

    1. 10 Different types of elimination/intelligent guess techniques like (hard to verify facts, For this and NOT for this) through Solving Previous year UPSC questions.

    2. How to master the Elimination techniques, used by toppers.

    3. Ideal strategy for the Last 50 days for UPSC prelims 2021.

    4. How to prepare for 2022 Prelims.

    5. Which Topics to focus more upon while preparing for UPSC prelims (eg: Map should be given utmost importance while studying geography for prelims)

    6.Open Q&A with Sajal sir

    7.The art of Tikdam booklet by Dr V (Rank 20)

    We are inviting all the serious aspirants to grab this FREE opportunity to learn the tricks that toppers use to score more than everyone else. 

    There are limited slots available so we request you to enroll now!

    Date: 22/8/2021

    Time: 7:00 P.M.

    Register for the Free webinar Now (Click Here)
  • Learn Over 10 different types of Question solving Techniques for Prelims.Join Sajal sir at 7 pm today||Learn the secret of scoring 125+ in Prelims 2021-22 || Free Session || Registration Closing soon ||

    Learn Over 10 different types of Question solving Techniques for Prelims.Join Sajal sir at 7 pm today||Learn the secret of scoring 125+ in Prelims 2021-22 || Free Session || Registration Closing soon ||

    Note: We will send you joining links over e-mail by 2 pm today

    Dear aspirants,

    Even with a similar syllabus and similar study materials, most candidates fall in one of the following four categories when it comes to their Prelims score:

    1) Prelims score 0-40: They need to work on improving their knowledge and learn answering tricks
    2) Prelims score 50-70: They have decent knowledge and decent answering tricks.
    3) Prelims score 80-100: They have good knowledge but they need to develop answering tricks.
    4) Prelims score 120+: They have excellent knowledge and know all the answering tricks.

    Register here to know the answering techniques (click here)

    So, what to do?
    Clearing Prelims is all about Knowledge + Answering Tricks (Tikdams). And while you are studying hard to improve your knowledge, Sajal sir will help you improve your answering techniques, for absolutely FREE!

    Let’s look at a few examples. Sajal sir will explain how you can answer these questions with smart techniques, even if you DON’T know the answer.

    A) With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements :(UPSC 2016)

    1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.
    2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.
    3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    B) In India, under cyber insurances for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (UPSC 2020)

    1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer.

    2. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant willfully damages it, if proved so.

    3. Cost of hiring a specialized consultant to minimize the loss in case of cyber extortion.

    4. Cost of defense in the court of law if any third party files a suit.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2, and 4 only

    (b) 1,3 and 4 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    C) Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2015)

    1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land.
    2. Private owners of workshops paid an industries tax.

    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

    You can solve these questions with the help of techniques that Sajal sir will teach you in the webinar.

    Register for The free webinar and learn Smart Answering Techniques (Click here)

    This is your opportunity to learn the tricks that can help you score 120+ in your Prelims. Join Sajal sir for a free webinar and this is what you can learn:

    1. 10 Different types of elimination/intelligent guess techniques like (hard to verify facts, For this and NOT for this) through Solving Previous year UPSC questions.

    2. How to master the Elimination techniques, used by toppers.

    3. Ideal strategy for the Last 50 days for UPSC prelims 2021.

    4. How to prepare for 2022 Prelims.

    5. Which Topics to focus more upon while preparing for UPSC prelims (eg: Map should be given utmost importance while studying geography for prelims)

    6.Open Q&A with Sajal sir

    7.The art of Tikdam booklet by Dr V (Rank 20)

    We are inviting all the serious aspirants to grab this FREE opportunity to learn the tricks that toppers use to score more than everyone else. 

    There are limited slots available so we request you to enroll now!

    Date: 22/8/2021

    Time: 7:00 P.M.

    Register for the Free webinar Now (Click Here)

  • Streak Daily Compilation of Questions & Videos: Aug 21, 2021

    Maintaining consistency is one of the biggest issues faced by IAS Aspirants. Streak’s initiative is to help Aspirants in their day-to-day preparation. You can follow the monthly, weekly, and daily timetables and continue this streak until you find yourself on the final list.

    Please register for Streak free initiative through this link:- https://www.civilsdaily.com/course/streak-daily-initiative/

    You will get following study material:-

    1. Questions (PDF).
    2. RSTV/Yojana monthly notes (PDF).
    3. Burning issue (PDF).
    4. Subject specific (PDF).
    5. Mentor’s phone call for support & encouragement.

    _______________________________________________

    I. UPSC Daily Study Plan For 2021 and 2022 || STREAK

    II. UPSC PRELIMS-2021: Economy Current Affairs Most Probable Questions

    Q1) Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct with respect to Arctic Amplification.

    1. The phenomenon highlights that over the past 30 years, the Arctic has warmed at roughly twice the rate as the entire globe.
    2. Iodic acid (HIO3) is one of the aerosol particles responsible for Arctic Amplification or Arctic Warming.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Q2) Consider the following statements with respective to Vikas Engine.

    1. It is a family of Solid-propellant rocket engines which will be used in Aditya-L1 Mission.
    2. It is used in both Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

    Which of the statement(s) given above is/are incorrect?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Q3) Consider the following statements with respect to Man Portable Antitank Guided Missile (MPATGM)

    1. It is a low weight man portable missile which follows fire and forgets principle.
    2. It has been developed indigenously by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).

    Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Q4) Which of the following is/are the disadvantage/s of 3D Priniting?

    1. More time
    2. Limited raw materials
    3. Cybersecurity concerns
    4. High cost
    5. Limited size

    (a) 1, 4 and 5 only

    (b) 2, 3 and 5 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 4 only

    (d) All the above

    Q5) Which of the following statement/s is/are correct with reference to “deep fakes”?

    1. It refers to the practice of setting up fictitious online profiles for luring another person into a fraudulent romantic relationship.
    2. Using AI algorithms a person’s words, head movements and expressions are transferred onto another person in a seamless fashion.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    III. UPSC PRELIMS-2021: Most Probable Questions for UPSC Prelims 2021

    Q1) Which of the following given below are the features of capitalist economy? 

    1. Public ownership of means of production 

    2. Production takes place for selling the output in the market 

    3. Sale and purchase of labor services at a price called wage rate 

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below

    (a) 1 and 2

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) None of them

    Q2)  Which of the following are the benefits of contract farming? 

    1. Availability of quality seeds for farmers 

    2. Assured procurement of the produce 

    3. Reduction in price related risks 

    4. New markets for farm products 

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1,3 and 4 only

    (d) All of them

    Q3) Which of the following given below carry out the Buffer stocking operations in India? 

    1. Food Corporation of India 

    2. National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) 

    3. Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) 

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below

    (a) 1 and 2

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) None of them

    Q4) Consider the following statements

    1. Angel investors are high net worth individuals who invest their personal income in business start-ups or small and medium scale companies. 

    2. Exemption from angel tax for companies has been increased to 200 crores as per new rules.

    Which of the following Statements are true?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 2 only

    (d) None of them

    Q5)  Which of the following are the features of the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020? 

    1. Issuance of shares and securities by cooperative banks 
    2. Supersession of Board of Directors 
    3.  Allowing the central bank to initiate a scheme for reconstruction or amalgamation
    4. Bringing all NBFCs under RBI regulation

     Select the correct answer using the codes given below 

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1,3 and 4 only

    (d) All of them

    IV. Daily Dose: Complete Snapshots of Everyday News

  • Indian bond trading is in need of better market making

    Context

    The Indian market for corporate debt needs buoyancy and this has been high on the agenda of our regulator

    Background

    • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stopped the automatic monetization of the fiscal deficit in 1997 and made the government borrow money from the market.
    • There are primary dealers or PDs, who pick up the Centre’s bond and provide buy and sell quotes in the secondary market for government bonds and thus help ensure sufficient liquidity.
    • The PDs came to be known as market makers and are paid a commission for playing that role.

    Liquidity challenge in the corporate bond market

    • Unlike the market for government bonds,  in the case of the country’s corporate bond market, the challenge is different.
    • It’s typically remunerative for a buyer to buy a security and hold on to it till its maturity.
    • Therefore, insurance companies, provident funds, and pension funds hold such long-term paper, as they can match the tenure of their assets with liabilities.
    • But this does not add liquidity to the market, and anyone buying a corporate bond today may not find someone to sell it to tomorrow as this market has little trading depth.
    •  Even in the G-Sec market, where we assume plenty of liquidity, it is a thinly-traded market, even though the perception is that it is very liquid.

    Why do we need market makers for the corporate bond market

    • To deal with the lack of depth and liquidity in the corporate debt market, the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (Sebi) idea of creating market makers holds immense significance.
    • The fundamental problem here is that a bond is different from a share.
    • A company’s share can be exchanged seamlessly because every share in the market is the same slice of ownership.
    • Lack of quotes for different bonds of different tenure: In the case of bonds, however, there are several issuances of a company.
    • A single financial institution or non-bank financial company could have as many as 10 issuances a year of varying maturities and interest rates, making each of them a unique instrument.
    • Company XYZ may have issued in October 2015 a bond with a face value of ₹100 that pays 6% interest and is due for redemption in 2030, which will be quoted on exchanges for trading (if it’s being traded).
    • But, in 2021, it is no longer a 15-year bond, but a 9-year paper.
    • Therefore, the security loses importance, as the market normally uses benchmarks like 5 or 10 or 15 years; and every bond drops in the pecking order once it crosses these thresholds.
    • Therefore, we need to have market makers who will offer quotes for all major securities and thereby ensure that critical bonds are still available for trading.

    Suggestions

    • Provide waivers: Playing market maker will involve a cost and hence there should be certain waivers provided to them on trading fees.
    • Preferential access: They can be given preferential access to new issuances, so as to build up an inventory.
    • Waiver of mark-to-market: The mark-to-market (MTM) rules could be waived for a specified period, as valuation differences can affect their profit and loss accounts.
    • Capital at lower cost: Capital can be made available at a lower cost to market makers, as they require funding for the same.
    • Fifth, trade among market makers can be awarded benefits in terms of fees or easier taxes on gains made.
    • Create bond index: We need to have tradable-bond indices that reflect the price movements of a basket of bonds that they track.
    • Made public, such indices will provide appropriate arbitrage opportunities for investors to come in, and this should generate liquidity in the market for these bonds.

    Consider the question “Why bond market in India lacks the depth as compared to equity markets. What are the factors responsible for this? Suggest the way forward.”

    Conclusion

    Market makers are a way out. While success cannot be guaranteed, the idea should be adopted nonetheless, as with credit default swaps. It’s a work-in-progress. Let’s speed it up.

    UPSC 2022 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

    Back2Basics: Automatic monetization of deficit

    • The monetization of deficit was in practice in India till 1997, whereby the central bank automatically monetized government deficit through the issuance of ad-hoc treasury bills.
    • Two agreements were signed between the government and RBI in 1994 and 1997 to completely phase out funding through ad-hoc treasury bills.
    • And later on, with the enactment of the FRBM Act, 2003, RBI was completely barred from subscribing to the primary issuances of the government from April 1, 2006.
  • Learn the secret of scoring 125+ in Prelims 2021-22 by Sajal Sir || Free Session || Registration Open ||Learn Over 10 different types of Question solving Techniques

    Learn the secret of scoring 125+ in Prelims 2021-22 by Sajal Sir || Free Session || Registration Open ||Learn Over 10 different types of Question solving Techniques

    Dear aspirants,

    Even with a similar syllabus and similar study materials, most candidates fall in one of the following four categories when it comes to their Prelims score:

    1) Prelims score 0-40: They need to work on improving their knowledge and learn answering tricks
    2) Prelims score 50-70: They have decent knowledge and decent answering tricks.
    3) Prelims score 80-100: They have good knowledge but they need to develop answering tricks.
    4) Prelims score 120+: They have excellent knowledge and know all the answering tricks.

    Register here to know the answering techniques (click here)

    So, what to do?
    Clearing Prelims is all about Knowledge + Answering Tricks (Tikdams). And while you are studying hard to improve your knowledge, Sajal sir will help you improve your answering techniques, for absolutely FREE!

    Let’s look at a few examples. Sajal sir will explain how you can answer these questions with smart techniques, even if you DON’T know the answer.

    A) With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements :(UPSC 2016)

    1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.
    2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.
    3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    B) In India, under cyber insurances for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (UPSC 2020)

    1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer.

    2. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant willfully damages it, if proved so.

    3. Cost of hiring a specialized consultant to minimize the loss in case of cyber extortion.

    4. Cost of defense in the court of law if any third party files a suit.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2, and 4 only

    (b) 1,3 and 4 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    C) Regarding the taxation system of Krishna Deva, the ruler of Vijayanagar, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2015)

    1. The tax rate on land was fixed depending on the quality of the land.
    2. Private owners of workshops paid an industries tax.

    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

    You can solve these questions with the help of techniques that Sajal sir will teach you in the webinar.

    Register for The free webinar and learn Smart Answering Techniques (Click here)

    This is your opportunity to learn the tricks that can help you score 120+ in your Prelims. Join Sajal sir for a free webinar and this is what you can learn:

    1. 10 Different types of elimination/intelligent guess techniques like (hard to verify facts, For this and NOT for this) through Solving Previous year UPSC questions.

    2. How to master the Elimination techniques, used by toppers.

    3. Ideal strategy for the Last 50 days for UPSC prelims 2021.

    4. How to prepare for 2022 Prelims.

    5. Which Topics to focus more upon while preparing for UPSC prelims (eg: Map should be given utmost importance while studying geography for prelims)

    6.Open Q&A with Sajal sir

    7.The art of Tikdam booklet by Dr V (Rank 20)

    We are inviting all the serious aspirants to grab this FREE opportunity to learn the tricks that toppers use to score more than everyone else. 

    There are limited slots available so we request you to enroll now!

    Date: 22/8/2021

    Time: 7:00 P.M.

    Register for the Free webinar Now (Click Here)

  • The fall of Kabul, the future of regional geopolitics

    Context

    The fall of Kabul in the wake of the American withdrawal from Afghanistan will prove to be a defining moment for the region and the future shape of its geopolitics.

    Implications of the US withdrawal for India

    1) Increase in threat from China

    • The manner in which the United States withdrew from Afghanist created the regional power vacuum in the Eurasian heartland.
    • An axis of regional powers such as China, Pakistan, Iran, Russia, and the Taliban, have already started filling this power vacuum.
    • Advantageous for China: The post-American power vacuum in the region will be primarily advantageous to China and its grand strategic plans for the region.
    • BRI expansion: Beijing will further strengthen its efforts to bring every country in the region, except India, on the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative bandwagon, thereby altering the geopolitical and geoeconomic foundations of the region
    • The much-feared Chinese encirclement of India will become ever more pronounced.
    • Even in trade, given the sorry state of the post-COVID-19 Indian economy, India needs trade with China more than the other way round.
    • Unless India can find ways of ensuring a rapprochement with China, it must expect Beijing to challenge India on occasion, and be prepared for it.

    2) Terror and extremism

    • The U.S. presence in Afghanistan, international pressure on the Taliban, and Financial Action Task Force worries in Pakistan had a relatively moderating effect on the region’s terror ecosystem.
    • There is little appetite for a regional approach to curbing terrorism from a Taliban-led Afghanistan.
    • This enables the Taliban to engage in a selective treatment towards terror outfits present there or they have relations with.
    • It is unlikely that the Taliban will proactively export terror to other countries unless of course for tactical purposes, for instance, Pakistan against India.
    • The real worry, however, is the inspiration that disgruntled elements in the region will draw from the Taliban’s victory against the world’s sole superpower.

    3) Impact on India’s regional interests and outreach to Central Asia

    • The return of the Taliban to Kabul has effectively laid India’s ‘mission Central Asia’ to rest.
    • India’s diplomatic and civilian presence as well as its civilian investments will now be at the mercy of the Taliban, and to some extent Pakistan.
    • Had India cultivated deeper relations with the Taliban, Indian interests would have been more secure in a post-American Afghanistan.

    4) Impact on India’s foreign policy choices

    • Shift to Indo-Pacific: Given the little physical access India has to its north-western landmass, its focus is bound to shift more to the Indo-Pacific even though a maritime grand strategy may not necessarily be an answer to its continental challenges.
    • Improving relations with neighbours: India might also seek to cultivate more friendly relations with its neighbours.
    • India has already indicated that it would not challenge the junta on the coup and its widespread human rights violations.
    • The last thing India needs now is an angry neighbour rushing to China.
    • Stability in relations with Pakistan: The developments in Afghanistan could nudge India to seek stability, if not peace, with Pakistan.
    • Both sides might refrain from indulging in competitive risk-taking unless something dramatic happens which is always a possibility between the two rivals.
    • That said, stability between India and Pakistan depends a great deal on how politics in Kashmir plays out, and whether India is able to pacify the aggrieved sections in the Valley.

    Consider the question “What would be the fallout of the Taliban’s return in Afghanistan for India? What steps India needs to take to mitigate the impact on its interests?”

    Conclusion

    The lesson for India in the wake of these developments is clear: It will have to fight its own battles. So it must make enemies wisely, choose friends carefully, rekindle flickering friendships, and make peace while it can.

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  • How are Rajya Sabha members punished for misconduct in the House?

    Context

    The Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is reportedly contemplating action against MPs who, he thinks, were involved in the fracas in the House.

    Provisions in House Rules of Rajya Sabha for punishing members

    1) For conduct inside the House

    • Ground for punishment: Rule 256 of the Rajya Sabha’s Rules of Procedure specifies the acts of misconduct: Disregarding the authority of the chair, abusing the rules of the council by persistently and willfully obstructing the business thereof.
    • However, the power to suspend a member is vested in the House, not in the chairman.
    • Under the rule, the maximum period of suspension is for the remainder of the session.
    •  By convention, a suspended member loses his right to get replies to his questions.
    • Thus, suspension from the service of the House is regarded as a serious punishment.
    • But, surprisingly, the rules do not spell out the disabilities of a suspended member.
    • These are imposed on them as per conventions or precedent.
    • Suspension for the remainder of the session makes sense only when they are suspended immediately after the misconduct has been noticed by the chair.
    • The rules of the House do not empower Parliament to inflict any punishment on its members other than suspension for creating disorder in the House.

    2) Misconduct outside the House

    • For the acts of misconduct by the MPs outside the House, which constitute a breach of privilege or contempt of the House, usually the privilege committee investigates the matter and recommends the course of action and the House acts on it.
    • A special committee is appointed usually when the misconduct is so serious that the House may consider expelling the member.
    • Special committee was appointed in 2005 to inquire into the issue of MPs accepting money for raising questions in Parliament.
    • So, special ad-hoc committees are appointed only to investigate serious misconduct by MPs outside the House.

    Issue in the present context

    • It appears that the Rajya Sabha secretariat has prepared a report on the incident in the Rajya Sabhi, which accuses some MPs of assaulting security personnel.
    • But special ad-hoc committees are appointed only to investigate serious misconduct by MPs outside the House.
    • No special committee is required to go into what happens before the eyes of the presiding officer inside the House.
    • As per the rules of the House, they need to be dealt with then and there.
    • The rules do not recognise any punishment other than suspension for a specific period and in this case, the Session is already over.
    • Article 20 of the Constitution prohibits a greater penalty than what the law provided at the time of committing the offence.

    Conclusion

    Punishing the MPs for their misconduct in the House is restricted by the provision in the House rules. These restrictions need to be looked into in the face of growing disruption by the members.

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