As a part of revision for Prelims 2018, Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts
Key words related to History : Khalisa
Dynasty/era : Mughal period
Meaning : Land revenue directly for imperial treasury
Key words related to History : Khums
Dynasty/era : Medieval India
Meaning : Tax on plunder
Spectrum Modern India
• It is the gist and sum of all that is important to be covered to master Modern History for Govt exams
• It is made to aid preparation and does so
Modern India (Bipin Chandra) Old NCERT
• It is an easy read and topics are broken down very logically for easy assimilation.
• There is little extraneous detail & trivia otherwise found in the New NCERTs.
• This saves time and keeps preparation relevant to the exam
| Day 1 | Setting up of the British Rule (1700-1857) | • Modern India (Bipin Chandra) Old NCERT – chapters 1-4 |
Focus Area:
• Carefully read and contextualize british struggle against the other Europeans, and Indian states like Mughals, Marathas, Sikhs and Mysore, etc
• Pay special attention to Important Viceroys/Governor-Generals and their contributions to
• Setting up of british rule eg campaigns/treaties
• Social reformation • Administration
• Type of Administration followed during The Mughal’s rule. Eg Mansabdari System, Jagirdhari – its significance and impact.
• The British rule. Example: Subsidiary alliance, Permanent Settlement, Mahalwari system etc. – its significance and impact.
During the time of which Mughal Emperor did the Engilsh East India Company establish its first factory in India ?
A. Akbar
B. Jahangir
C. Shahjahan
D. Aurangzeb
Answer – B
Tikdam – East India Company, (British, 1600-1874) has established its first factory at Machilipatnam on the Coromandel coast of the Bay of Bengal in 1611 during the reign of Jehangir (1605-1628), and its gradually acquired unequaled trade privileges from the Mughal emperors.
| Day 2 | Early Colonial Rule & the revolt of 1857 | • Modern India (Bipin Chandra) Old NCERT – chapters 1-4 |
Focus Area:
• Pay special attention to Important Viceroys/Governor-Generals and their contributions to setting up of british rule • Make note of Important Reports, Acts, Committees setup during the British period and their effects especially drastic changes (eg Regulation Act, 1773; Charter Acts, etc) • Make note of Important storm centres, leaders and motivations for revolts and their impact and legacy
Day 3: Revision
| Day 4 | Moderate Phase and Early Congress (1885-1905) | • Modern India (Bipin Chandra) Old NCERT – Chapters 12
• Spectrum’s Modern India – Chapter 3 |
Focus Area:
• Pay special attention to the changes brought in by the British and their reasons and impact
• Note the Indian leaders and their contributions
• Methods, achievements and criticism of the Moderates
Consider the following statements: The most effective contribution made by Dadabhai Naoroji to the cause of Indian National Movement was
1. Exposed the economic exploitation of India by the British.
2. Interpreted the ancient Indian texts and restored the self-confidence of Indians.
3. Stressed the need for eradication of all the social evils before anything else.
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
Answer – A
| Day 5+6 | Socio-Religious Reform Movements | • Modern India (Bipin Chandra) Old NCERT – Chapters 7 (revise if needed), 13
• Spectrum’s Modern India – Chapter 2 |
Focus Area:
The various reform movements should be concentrated with regards
• The Ideological base – rationalism, humanism and universalism
• the objective and emphasis of these movements
• their importance in building a sense of nationalism among Indians – impact in the wider freedom struggle
• Impact on Education & Status of Women & Caste system
• the progressive/regressive trends
• Note the Indian reformers, their field of contribution, the organisations they were attached with and their specific impact
• Any British/Europeans attached with them
In collaboration with David Hare and Alexander Duff, who of the following established Hindu College at Calcutta?
A. Henry Louis Vivian Derozio
B. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
C. Keshab Chandra Sen
D. Raja Rammohan Roy
Answer – D
Tikdam- With the creation of the Supreme Court in Calcutta in 1774 many Hindus of Bengal became eager to learn the English language. In 1817, in collaboration with Scottish watchmaker, David Hare and Alexander Duff, Raja Rammohan Roy set up the Hindu College at Calcutta. The College formally opened on Monday, January 20, 1817 with twenty ‘scholars’. The control of the institution was vested in a body of two Governors and four Directors. In 1830, Raja Rammohan helped Alexander Duff in establishing the General Assembly’s Institution, by providing him the venue vacated by Brahma Sabha and getting the first batch of students
| Day 7+8 | Pre-Gandhian Congress and National Movement-1905-1918 | • Modern India (Bipin Chandra) Old NCERT – Chapter 14
• Spectrum’s Modern India – Chapter 4 |
Focus Area:
• Pay special attention to the various events like Bengal Partition, Arrival of Gandhi and his Satyagrahas
• Famous Personalities involved and their contribution {literature, organization of movements and their role in India’s Freedom Struggle}
• Analyze the methods, achievements and criticism of the Extremists and Militant nationalists
Who among the following gave a systematic critique of the moderate politics of the Indian National Congress in a series of articles entitled new Lamps for Old?
A. Aurobindo Ghosh
B. R.C.Dutt
C. Syed Ahmad khan
D. Viraraghavachari
Answer – A
Tikdam – In 1893, Shri Aurobindo started writing political articles under the general title ‘New Lamps For Old’, at the instance of his Cambridge friend, K. G. Deshpandey, who edited the English section of an Anglo-Marathi paper known as the ‘Indu Prakash’. These articles constituted a direct, invasive and eloquent attack on the Indian National Congress, whose policies Shir Aurobindo regarded as a process of futile petition and protest. Shri Aurobindo gave a stirring call to his countrymen to organize all the forces in the nation for revolutionary action as the sole effective policy for the attainment of our independence
Day 9 + 10 : Cumulative Revision
| Day 11+12+13 | Era of Mass movements and Gandhi – National Movement-1919-1939 | • Modern India (Bipin Chandra) Old NCERT – Chapter 15
• Spectrum’s Modern India – Chapter 5 |
Focus Area:
• Analyze the Various movements/ agitations (like Civil Disobedience Movement, Home Rule Movement, etc. )
• The aim and the immediate spark of the movements as well as the consequences
• The societal sections who participated in them (eg Peasants, labour etc)
• Famous Personalities involved and their contribution {literature, organization of movements and their role in India’s Freedom Struggle}
• Note down the ‘chronology’ of the major Movements and Missions sent by the British to gain support of the Indians and extend their rule.
With reference to Congress Socialist Party, consider the following statements :
(1) It advocated the boycott of British goods and evasion of taxes.
(2) It wanted to establish the dictatorship of proletariat.
(3) It advocated separate electorate for minorities and oppressed classses. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 1, 2 and 3
d) None
Answer – D
Tikdam- The CSP advocated decentralized socialism in which co-operatives, trade unions, independent farmers, and local authorities would hold a substantial share of the economic power. As secularists, they hoped to transcend communal divisions through class solidarity. Some, such as Narendra Deva or Basawon Singh (Sinha), advocated a democratic socialism distinct from both Marxism and reformist social democracy.Tikdam: 2nd is wrong as communists want that not socialists Separate electorate were demanded by muslim league and later ambedkar not CSP
| Day 14+15 | Towards Freedom and Partition – The Final years – 1939-1947 | • Modern India (Bipin Chandra) Old NCERT – Chapter 15
• Spectrum’s Modern India – Chapter 6 |
Focus Area:
• Analyze the Various movements/ agitations (like Quit India Movement, Ratings Revolt etc. )
• The aim and the immediate spark of the movements as well as the consequences • The societal sections who participated in them (eg Peasants, labour etc)
• Famous Personalities involved and their contribution {literature, organization of movements and their role in India’s Freedom Struggle}
• Note down the ‘chronology’ of the major Movements and Missions sent by the British to gain support of the Indians and extend their rule.
With reference to the Cabinet Mission, which of the following statements is/are correct?
(1) It recommended a federal government
(2) It enlarged the powers of the Indian courts.
(3) It provided for more Indians in the ICS. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) None
Answer – A
Tikdam – The cabinet mission plan of 1946 proposed that there shall be a Union of India which was to be empowered to deal with the defense, foreign affairs and communications. • The Union Government and its legislature were to have limited powers, dealing with Finance, Foreign Affairs and Communications. The union would have powers necessary to raise the finances to manage the subjects. • All subjects other than the Union Subjects and all the residuary powers would be vested in the provinces. • Thus, the Cabinet Mission plan proposed a weak Centre with Provincial autonomy – essentially proposing a federal structure of government. Tikdam: More indians in ICS, more power to Indian courts were thing of 19th century or at the very least pre Gandhian. in 1946, we would be talking of indepndence and form of government.
Day 16+17 : Cumulative Revision
| Day 18+19 | Miscellaneous Topics – I – Development of various sectors under British
• Development of Indian Press • Development of Education • Miscellaneous aspects of British Rule and Constitutional Development | • Spectrum’s Modern India – Chapter 9, 10, 11 |
Focus Area:
• Carefully contextualize the motivation for British actions
• Focus on the impact of various policy steps, committees, Acts, etc
• Take note of the progressive and the regressive acts/steps
• The role of these interventions to aid/hurt India’s freedom struggle
By a regulation in 1873, the District Collector was deprived of his judicial powers and made the collecting agent only. What was the reason for such regulation?
a) Lord Cornwallis felt that the District Collector’s efficiency of revenue collection would enormously increase without the burden of other work.
b) Lord Cornwallis felt that Judicial power should compulsorily be in the hands of Europeans while Indians can be given the job of revenue collection in the districts.
c) Lord Cornwallis was alarmed at the extent of power concentrated in the District Collector and felt that such absolute power was undesirable in one person.
d) The judicial work demanded a deep knowledge of India and a good training in law and Lord Cornwallis felt that District Collector should be only a revenue collector.
Answer – C
| Day 20+21 | Miscellaneous Topics – II – Evolution of Political-Economy under British
• Economic Impact of British Rule in India • The Indian States • The Evolution of Nationalist Foreign Policy | •Modern India (Bipin Chandra) Old NCERT – Chapters 10, 11 • Spectrum’s Modern India – Chapter 8, 12, 16 |
Focus Area:
• Carefully contextualize the motivation for British actions
• Focus on the impact of various policy steps and the Viceroy/Governor General associated with it
• The role of these interventions to aid/hurt India’s freedom struggle and India’s future
Consider the following:
1. Assessment of land revenue on the basis of nature of the soil and the quality of crops.
2. Use of mobile cannons in warfare.
3. Cultivation of tobacco and red chillies. Which of the above was/were introduced into India by the English?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2
c) 2 and 3
d) None
Answer – D
| Day 22+23 | Miscellaneous Topics – III – Agitations of various sections
• Tribal uprisings • Peasant Movements—1857-1947 • The Movement of the Working Class | • Spectrum’s Modern India – Chapter 13, 14, 15 |
Focus Area:
• Analyze the Various movements/ agitations
• The aim and the immediate spark of the movements as well as the consequences
• Leaders of the agitation and their contribution
• Role of Press, Literature and leadership of political mainstream
The demand for the Tebhaga Peasant Movement in Bengal was for
a) the reduction of the share of the landlords from one-half of the crop to one-third
b) the grant of ownership of land to peasants as they were the actual cultivators of the land
c) the uprooting of Zamindari system and the end of serfdom
d) writing off all peasant debts
Answer – A
Tikdam- The Tebhaga movement was a militant campaign initiated in Bengal by the Kisan Sabha (peasants front of Communist Party of India) in 1946. At that time share-cropping peasants (essentially, tenants) had to give half of their harvest to the owners of the land. The demand of the Tebhaga (sharing by thirds) movement was to reduce the share given to landlords to one third
Day 24+25 : Cumulative Revision
Day 26 : Test
This time table is an indicative roadmap for sincere students and students of our Prime TS for IAS 2019 (erstwhile CD’s Flagship TS) follows this timetable + timely testing very closely – Click here to join
Read all Titbits here
1. Polity is not about memorization.
2. Try to relate the setup at the Centre and the state and especially note their differences
3. Issues/terms frequently in news like Office of Profit, Uniform Civil Code etc should be made note of.
4. The various committees and their recommendations are very important eg the Sarkaria and Punchii Commissions, the 2nd ARC, etc
5. Concentrate on the sections which have been made bold. These are UPSC’s favourite areas. This is simply because these are also important lynchpins of our polity. Know this – what is important for India’s polity is important for UPSC’s question setting
1. Lakshmikanth – Indian Polity – 5th Edition [Click here to download relevant NCERTs and reference books]
2. CD’s Polity – Back to Basics
3. Dr V’s Tidbits
These are made keeping the Civil Services Exam in mind and therefore are tailor-made for your needs. Do Supplement with Current Affairs from CD’s news cards and stories.
To be read once and made notes from
4. NCERT 9th – Democratic Politics,
5. NCERT 10th – Democratic Politics,
6. NCERT 11th – Indian Constitution at Work
This is important to develop a basic understanding of Indian Polity.
To be skimmed through once and made notes from
7. 2nd ARC Report
The govt’s official observations and recommendations can be quoted in your Mains answers to increase their heft
| Day 1 | Rapid Basics buildup – Democracy | • NCERT 9th – Democratic Politics – Chapter 1 – 4 |
| Day 2 | Rapid Basics buildup – Democracy | • NCERT 9th – Democratic Politics – Chapter 5- 7 |
| Day 3 | Rapid Basics buildup – Democracy | • NCERT 10th – Democratic Politics – Chapter 1 – 4 |
| Day 4 | Rapid Basics buildup – Democracy | • NCERT 10th – Democratic Politics – Chapter 5 – 8 |
| Day 5 | Rapid Basics buildup – Indian Constitution | • NCERT 11th – Indian Constitution at Work – Chapter 1 – 4 |
| Day 6 | Rapid Basics buildup – Indian Constitution | • NCERT 11th – Indian Constitution at Work – Chapter 5 – 8 |
Focus Area:
• Focus on developing a conceptual understanding of India as a democratic and constitutional polity and a parliamentary form of govt
• What are its characteristics, why were they so chosen, what are their advantages and limitations
Day 7: Revision Time
| Day 8 + 9 + 10 + 11 | Indian Constitution & its features | • Lakshmikanth Chapters 1 – 4, 10, 11, 16 • NCERT 11th – Indian Constitution at Work – Chapter 9, 10 |
Focus Area:
Give importance to
• Historical background – Give importance to Acts – post-1857, when British Crown assumed sovereignty over India from the East India Company.
• Trace how an act/charter helped create a basic framework for the governance during the British rule. eg Indian-Councils Act, 1909 introduced direct elections for the first time
• Making of the Constitution – Context in which the Constituent Assembly was framed. eg role of Cripps Mission
• Composition and role of the Constituent Assembly and its criticism
• Salient Features of the Constitution
• Schedules and Sources from where it has been borrowed
• Philosophy of the Constitution – The Preamble -its importance and utility; Understand the objective of the Preamble along with the keywords like Sovereignty, Socialist, Secular, Justice etc.
Emergency Provisions
• Different kinds of Emergency – their procedure and time duration for approval and revocation
• Changes brought about by 42nd and 44th Amendment Act w.r.t Emergency
• Impact on the distribution of legislative, Executive and Financial Powers & on Fundamental rights (Article 358 and Article 359) when Emergency is in force
Criticism/misuse of emergency powers by the Central Government
Amendment of the Constitution
• Procedure for amendment & provisions of the Constitution which can be amended based on Simple and Special majority.
• Amenability of Fundamenta Rights
• ‘Basic Structure’ of the constitution
• Important Constitutional Amendments Acts – 42nd, 44th, 61st 72nd, 73rd
• Criticism
1. The distribution of powers between the Centre and the States in the Indian Constitution is based on the scheme provided in the
(a) Morley-Minto Reforms, 1909
(b) Montagu-Chelmsford Act, 1919
(c) Government of India Act, 1935
(d) Indian Independence Act, 1947
Answer – C
Tikdam – Straight-forward. you know it or you don’t
2. To uphold and protect the Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India is a provision made in the
a) Preamble of the Constitution
b) Directive Principles of State Policy
c) Fundamental Rights
d) Fundamental Duties
Answer – D
The idea behind the incorporation of fundamental duties was to remind the citizens of the country that they have certain obligations towards the country and society. The fundamental duties were added to the constitution on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee. There were ten fundamental duties at the time of incorporation but the eleventh was inserted by the 86th Amendment in 2002. To uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India is one of them.
Tikdam: it’s clearly not a right or directive. it’s duty so fundamental duty
3. The idea of ‘Welfare State’ in the Indian Constitution is enshrined in its
a) Preamble
b) Directive Principles of State Policy
c) Fundamental Rights
d) Seventh Schedule
Answer – B
In a welfare State, the functions of the State are not only the defence of the country or administration of justice or maintaining law and order but it extends to regulating and controlling the activities of the people in almost every sphere—educational, commercial, social, economic, political and even marital.
DPSP thus promotes the idea of a welfare state as it guides the state in making policies for the socio-economic well being of the people of India. Preamble, option A, will NOT be the answer because it simply lists the socio-economic objectives of Indian society. It does not tell us who will design or execute policies based on the objectives.Tikdam: DPSP – the welfare state, social and economic democracy.
Day 11 + 12: Cumulative Revision
| Day 13 | Union and its territory & Citizenship | • Lakshmikanth – Chapter 5 & 6 |
Focus Area:
Union and its Territory
• Article 1, Article 2, Article 3 and Article 4 – Difference between them
• Understand the difference between ‘Union of India’ & ‘Territory of India’
• Parliament’s power to reorganize State.
• Different Commissions set-up for Reorganization of States – DHAR commission and JVP commission, Fazal Ali commission
Citizenship
• Constitutional Rights and Privileges of Citizens of India
• Acquisition and termination of citizenship
• Difference between a PIO, NRI, OCI
• Recent policies and schemes related to voting rights, refugee status and for PIOs, NRIs or OCI eg Visa on Arrival
| Day 14 | Fundamental Rights | • Lakshmikanth – Chapter 7 |
Focus Area:
Pay Attention to
• Need for FRs
• Their significance, implications and applications than just remembering all the articles. Understand the reason and target groups for the different FRs
• FRs available to only Indian citizens and those also to foreigners
• Difference between Fundamental rights and Rights secured by other provisions of the Constitution
• Different types of Writs (Article 32) and its scope
• The present position of Right to Property
Exceptional cases with regard to FR’s – Armed forces and when Martial Law is enforced
In India, if a religious sect/community is given “the status of a national minority, what special advantages it is entitled to?
1. It can establish and administer exclusive educational institutions.
2. The President of India automatically nominates a representative of the community to LokSabha.
3. It can derive benefits from the Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme.
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
Answer – C
President only nominates Anglo Indians and people of excellence in various fields. Eliminate 2 and get the answer.
| Day 15 | Directive Principles and Fundamental Duties | • Lakshmikanth – Chapter 8, 9 |
Focus Area:
DP’s
• Why have DPSPs
• Classification of DPSP- Socialistic, Gandhian, Liberal-Intellectual principles
• Justiciability & enforceability in court
• Comparison with Fundamental Rights,
• Conflicts between them – history of cases from Dorairajan case to Minerva Mills case (1980) and the present situation
• Significance of 42nd and 44th Amendment Act w.r.t DPSP
FD’s
• Committee recommendations like Swaran Singh, Verma Committee
• Enforcement of FD’s – is it justiciable or non-justiciable
• Significance and Criticism of FD’s
Consider the following statements regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy:
(1) The Principles spell out the socio-economic democracy in the country
(2) The provisions contained in these Principles are not enforceable by any court.
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
Answer – C
Socio-economic democracy is spelt out because it provides for the idea of a welfare state. For e.g. consider Article 39 (b) and (c) which provide for minimizing inequalities in income and wealth, and ensuring that the wealth is not concentrated in the hands of few. While another article provides for the health of children, rights of working women etc.
DPSP is not enforceable by courts. Only Fundamental rights can be enforced by the courts.Tikdam: Statement 2 any court is red flag but think of course they can’t be enforced in the court of law meaning in any court
So don’t mark a statement wrong just by seeing any.
Day 16 + 17: Revision Time
| Day 18 | Parliamentary and Federal system | • Lakshmikanth – Chapter 12, 13 |
| Day 19 | Centre-state and Inter-state relations | • Lakshmikanth – Chapter 14, 15 |
Focus Area:
Federal System
• Comparison between Unitary and Federal features; advantages and disadvantages
• Distribution of legislative, Executive and Financial Powers between the Union and the States – the 3 lists and residuary powers
• Principles behind distribution of Tax revenues
• Circumstances when Parliament can legislate on the State list subjects
• Finance – Role of Finance Commission (Statutory grants) and Planning Commission (Discretionary grants)
• Issues with the above two institutions – FC and PC
• Borrowing powers of the Union and the States from Market and Abroad
• Powers of Executive – giving directions to States
• All-India Services, UPSC
• Extra-Constitutional devices like Planning Commission/NITI, National Development Council, National integration Council etc.
Inter-State Relations
Measures to ensure coordination between States
• Full Faith and Credit clause
• Inter-state River water dispute (A-262)
• Inter-state council (A-263)- composition, functions
• Zonal council – composition, functions
• Freedom of Inter-State trade and Commerce
• Freedom of Movement and residence throughout the country (Article 19(1)(d) and (e))
There is a Parliamentary System of Government in India because of the
a) Lok Sabha is elected directly by the people
b) Parliament can amend the Constitution
c) Rajya Sabha cannot be dissolved
d) Council of Ministers is responsible to the Lok Sabha
Answer – D
Option A points to a democratic system. It does not necessarily mean a Parliamentary Democratic system. For e.g. in USA the Congress is also elected, but it is a Presidential Democracy.
Option D is correct because “Collective responsibility” of the council of ministers to the Lok Sabha (Article 75) lies at the heart of a Parliamentary democracy.
Tikdam: Parliamentary stystem meaning executive part of legislature and accountable to it as opposed to presidential where Executive is not part of legislature
The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the
a) Lok Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
b) Lok Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its total membership
c) Rajya Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
d) Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting
Answer – D
If Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a majority of not less than two-thirds of members present and voting saying that it is necessary or expedient in the national interest that Parliament should make a law on a matter enumerated in the State List, Parliament becomes empowered to make a law on the subject specified in the resolution, for the whole or any part of the territory of India. Such a resolution remains in force for a maximum period of one year but this period can be extended by one year at a time by passing a similar resolution further.
Tikdam: 1 of the 2 special powers of RS. Artice 249, other is art 312
Day 20 + 21 + 22: Revision Time
| Day 23 + 24 | President, VP and Governor | • Lakshmikanth – Chapter 17, 18, 30 |
| Day 25 + 26 | PM/CM, Council of Ministers and cabinet | • Lakshmikanth – Chapter 19, 20, 21, 31, 32 |
Focus Area:
Develop an understanding of
The differences between Prime Ministerial and Presidential form of Govt, their merits and de-merits.
President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Central Council of Ministers
• Election procedure/Mode of Appointment
• Powers and Functions eg Veto power, Ordinance making power, etc
• Resignation/Removal/Impeachment
• Relationship between President and Prime-Minister w.r.t. their roles and responsibilities
Central Council of Ministers (COM)
• Understand the concept of collective responsibility, kitchen cabinet, etc
• Difference between COM’s and Cabinet Ministers
• Importance of 91st Amendment Act with regard to composition of COM
• Cabinet ministers, Cabinet Committees – their role and responsibilities
State Executive
• The ‘differences’ between institutions like Governor, CM & CoM w.r.t the Centre Govt
• The controversial nature in the ‘Appointment of Governor’
• Constitutional position of Governor
• The Governor’s powers, Executive, Judicial & Discretionary (Note the differences with the President’s functions)
Which one of the following statements is correct?
a) In India, the same person cannot be appointed as Governor for two or more States at the same time
b) The Judges of the High Court of the States in India are appointed by the Governor of the State just as the Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President
c) No procedure has been laid down in the Constitution of India for the removal of a Governor from his/her post
d) In the case of a Union Territory having a legislative setup, the Chief Minister is appointed by the Lt. Governer on the basis of majority support
Answer – D
Statement 1 – Same person can be appointed as Governor of two or more states at the same time.Statement 2 – Judges of HC are also appointed by President. Statement 4 – In case of UTs, CM is appointed by President.
Tikdam: judges are appointed and removed by president. CM of UT is appointed by president
Consider the following statements :
(1) The Executive Power of the Union of India is vested in the Prime Minister.
(2) The Prime Minister is the ex officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board.
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
Answer – D
Executive power of the Union of India is vested in the President of India.
Cabinet Secretary is the ex-officio head of the Civil Services Board, the Cabinet Secretariat, the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and head of all civil services under the rules of business of the Government of India.Tikdam: Vested in presdident,PM has real power. Civil services board – cabinet secretary
| Day 27 + 28 | Legislatures and Legislation | • Lakshmikanth – Chapter 22 – 25, 33 |
Focus Area:
This is the most important part in Polity from the exam’s perspective. The entire chapters are important!
Focus:
• Working of the legislatures
• Role and functions
• Sessions, Motions, Parliamentary procedure – Summoning, Prorogation, Joint sitting
• Devices of Parliamentary proceedings like Question Hour, Zero Hour, Adjournment Motion etc.
• Similarities and Differences between Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, their composition, election, powers and functions; Special powers of Rajya Sabha
• Qualifications and Disqualification’s of members; Anti defection law
• Parliamentary Privileges
• Legislative enactment – Different stages in passing of a Bill. Conditions that cause the bill to lapse
• Different types of bills – Ordinary Bill, Money Bill, Finance Bill –its importance
Budget-
• Enactment of Budget, its significance
• Charged Expenditure
• Funds like Consolidated Fund, Contingency Fund, Public Accounts Fund – who authorizes them, what they contain
• Role of important institutions in the Parliament like Speaker and Chairman of Rajya Sabha – their election, removal/resignation, functions
• Role of Leader of opposition (LoP)
• Importance of Parliamentary Committees –Estimates Committee, Business Advisory Committee, Committee on Government Assurance – their composition, functions, and a general idea about the less significant committees like Rules Committee etc.
Do a comparative study with state legislatures. Identify the similarities and differences at the central and state level. Eg 2nd house at state level is powerless
• States which have Bi-cameral legislatures (Example: BIMAKUJ only these six states have Bi-cameral legislatures)
• Creation and abolition of the Upper House- Article 169
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. A Bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its prorogation.
2. A Bill pending in the Rajya Sabha, which was not been passed by the Lok Sabha, shall not
lapse on dIssolution of the Lok Sabha.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer – B
The position with respect to lapsing of bills is as follows:
A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses (whether originating in the Lok Sabha or transmitted to it by the Rajya Sabha).
A bill passed by the Lok Sabha but pending in the Rajya Sabha lapses.
A bill not passed by the two Houses due to disagreement and if the president has notified the holding of a joint sitting before the dissolution of Lok Sabha, does not lapse.
A bill pending in the Rajya Sabha but not passed by the Lok Sabha does not lapse.
A bill passed by both Houses but pending assent of the president does not lapse.
A bill passed by both Houses but returned by the president for reconsideration of Houses does not lapse.Tikdam: Bills lapse only on dissolution so 1st is wrong
2nd is correct as new LS can discuss the bill after it has been passed by RS.
Only a bill which is introduced and pending in RS does not lapse or joint sitting or reconsideration bill
Judicial setup•
| Day 29 + 30 | Lakshmikasetupshapter 25, 30, 31 • Lakshmikanth 5th edition – chapters on Judicial review, activism & PIL |
Focus Area:
• Supreme Court– Appointment of judges, Procedure for removal of judges
• Constitutional provisions to safeguard the Independence of Supreme Court
• Jurisdictions and Powers of Supreme Court – Writ jurisdiction, Appellate jurisdiction, Original jurisdiction, Special leave petition, Advising jurisdiction
• Power of judicial review
• High Court– Differences between High Court and Supreme Court with regard to their powers, jurisdiction; Removal of a HC judge
• Subordinate Courts – Understand the Organization of the Subordinate Courts
The power to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court of India is vested in
a) The President of India
b) The Parliament
c) The Chief Justice of India
d) The Law Commission
Answer – b
A memory based question. Even if you can’t remember distinctly you can use the following reasoning.
The Law commission’s recommendations in any case are never binding – hence can have no role to change no. of judges. Similarly the CJI has been asking for expeditious appointments. Therefore he can’t increase posts either. That leaves us with A or B. But atleast you increased your chances to 50-50
| Day 31 | Special provisions for some states | • Lakshmikanth – Chapter 36, 37 |
| Day 32 | Union Territories and Special Areas | • Lakshmikanth – Chapter 40, 41 |
Focus Area:
• What are the provisions especially for J&K
• Need for special provisions
• Problems caused due to such provisions
• Focus on the need for their existence.
• The differences between states (in case of UTs) and areas (in case of Scheduled Areas)
The provisions in Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule in the Constitution of India are made in order to
a) protect the interests of Scheduled Tribes
b) determine the boundaries between States
c) determine the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats
d) protect the interests of all border States
Answer – A
“Option C is incorrect because it excludes the fifth and sixth schedule areas from the application of the Panchayati Raj system. This is to ensure that the local tribal practices, customs, religious laws, social and political institutions are not tampered with.
Instead, the act known as PESA, 1996 extends the panchayati raj system to the tribal areas.Tikdam: easy – for schedule areas and schedule tribes”
Day 33 + 34 + 35 + 36: Revision Time
| Day 37 | Local Govt | • Lakshmikanth – Chapter 38 & 39 | Pay attention to • Steps taken by the govt for decentralisation & people participation, • Evolution & recommendations of committees • Important Acts related to Panchayat Raj system like 73rd & 74th Amendment Acts, PESA, Forest Rights Act etc. • their provisions – compulsory and voluntary and need • Types of urban government • Metropolitan planning committee (MPC) and District Planning Committees • Problems faced by Panchayat Raj institutions and Urban Local Govts |
| Day 38 + 39 | Constitutional bodies | • Lakshmikanth – Chapter 42 – 51 | • Focus on Composition, Powers and functions, Removal of the Constitutional bodies |
| Day 40 | Non-constitutional bodies | • Lakshmikanth – Chapters 52 – 59 | • Focus on Composition, Functions, Working of the Non-Constitutional bodies |
| Day 41 | Other Constitutional Dimensions | • Lakshmikanth – Chapter 60 – 66 | Focus on Official Language and Tribunals • Establishment of the Tribunal, appointment of the Chairman • Tribunals under Article 323A and Tribunals under Article 323B • Functions and Powers of Administrative Tribunals – CAT and SAT |
| Day 42 | Political Dynamics | • Lakshmikanth – Chapter 67 – 75 | • Focus on elections, its machinery • Anti-defection law – need, merits and demerits • Pressure groups • Foreign Policy – broad contours and imperatives |
Focus Area:
Pay attention to
• Steps taken by the govt for decentralisation & people participation,
• Evolution & recommendations of committees
• Important Acts related to Panchayat Raj system like 73rd & 74th Amendment Acts, PESA, Forest Rights Act etc.
• their provisions – compulsory and voluntary and need
• Types of urban government
• Metropolitan planning committee (MPC) and District Planning Committees
• Problems faced by Panchayat Raj institutions and Urban Local Govts
• Focus on Composition, Powers and functions, Removal of the Constitutional bodies
• Focus on Composition, Functions, Working of the Non-Constitutional bodies
Focus on Official Language and Tribunals
• Establishment of the Tribunal, appointment of the Chairman
• Tribunals under Article 323A and Tribunals under Article 323B
• Functions and Powers of Administrative Tribunals – CAT and SAT
• Focus on elections, its machinery
• Anti defection law – need, merits and demerits
• Pressure groups
• Foreign Policy – broad contours and imperatives
Consider the following statements:
1. The minimum age prescribed for any person to be a member of Panchayat is 25 years.
2. A Panchayat reconstituted after premature dessolution continues only for the remainder period.
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
Answer – B
The minimum age for contesting elections to panchayats is 21 years.
In case of dissolution of Panchayats before expiry of its term, it is mandatory to hold elections
within 6 months of its dissolution.
Every Panchayat shall continue for full term of 5 years. However, a Panchayat reconstituted after premature dissolution shall continue for only the reminder of the period. If the period is less than 6 months then it is not mandatory to held the elections.Tikdam: Easy. 21 years for local bodies, 25 for LS, 30 for RS
With reference to the Delimitation Commission, consider the following statements :
1. The orders of the Delimitation Commission cannot be challenged in a Court of Law.
2. When the orders of the Delimitation Commission are laid before the LokSabha or State Legislative Assembly, they cannot effect any modifications in the orders.
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
Answer – C
Which of the following bodies does not/do not find mention in the Constitution?
1. National Development Council
2. Planning Commission
3. Zonal Councils
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer – D
Day 43 + 44 + 45: Revision Time
| Day 46 | NCRWC & ARC | • Lakshmikanth – Chapter 76 – NCRCW |
| Day 47 | • 2nd ARC Reports – 4th | |
| Day 48 | • 2nd ARC Reports – 5th | |
| Day 49 | • 2nd ARC Reports – 7th | |
| Day 50 | • 2nd ARC Reports – 9th | |
| Day 51 | • 2nd ARC Reports – 12th |
| Day 52 + 53 + 54 | Revision of Reports – NCRCW + 2nd ARC |
| Day 55 – 60 | Cumulative Revision |
| Day 61 | Test |
This time table is an indicative roadmap for sincere students and students of our Prime TS for IAS 2019 (erstwhile CD’s Flagship TS) follows this timetable + timely testing very closely – Click here to join
Read all Titbits here
As a part of revision for Prelims 2018, Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts
Name : Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS)
Details : designed to search for exoplanets using the transit method
Agency : NASA
Name : Next generation of ICESat-2 and GRACE satellites to observe Earth’s ice sheets, sea level, and underground water reserves.
Details : Earth’s ice sheets, sea level, and underground water reserves
Agency : NASA
Link for the test: Click2Attempt (Let us know your score in comments)
We have started our Open SIP program in conjunction with our PAID program (Click2Know all details of the program)
We will be running this special FREE initiative on daily basis providing students with revision questions for static subjects as well as current affairs starting from June 2017
Test 45 as per schedule (Click2View) is Misc. Test 21
Liked the test? You can join our FLT program containing more such high-level questions. The module contains 11 FLTs (8 paper 1 TS + 3 CSAT)
Know all details about the program and join here: Click2Join
Want to do quick revision for Prelims? Join our SIP Comprehensive or SIP Mini modules giving you Static & Dynamic subjects coverage through video lectures
SIP Comprehensive- Samanvaya + Lectures + Notes + FLTs + CA Tests: Click2Join
As a part of revision for Prelims 2018, Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts
Name : INLCU L51
Defence Forces : Navy
Module Type : Warships
Brief Intro : 1.INLCU L51 was commissioned into the Indian Navy. LCU 51 IS First of the Eight ships of the LCU Mk IV Class. 2.It has been built by M/s Garden Reach Ship Builders & Engineers Ltd, Kolkata, it is the first of the eight ships of the LCU MK IV Class. Conceived and designed indigenously, the commissioning of the ship adds a feather to the glorious chapter in the nation’s ‘Make in India’ initiatives & indigenisation efforts in the field of warship design and construction. With a displacement of 900 tons the magnificent ship spans 62.8 m in length and 11 m in breadth.
Name : USHUS-II submarine sonar
Defence Forces : Navy
Module Type : Tech Misc.
Brief Intro : 1.Sonars are the eyes and ears of a submarine under water. DRDO has developed the State-of-the-Art submarine sonar suite, USHUS-II, a highly evolved compendium of multiple sensors. 2.The constituent sonars in the suite include passive sonar, active sonar, intercept sonar, obstacle avoidance sonar and underwater telephony.
Link for the test: Click2Attempt (Let us know your score in comments)
We have started our Open SIP program in conjunction with our PAID program (Click2Know all details of the program)
We will be running this special FREE initiative on daily basis providing students with revision questions for static subjects as well as current affairs starting from June 2017
Test 44 as per schedule (Click2View) is Misc. Test 20
Liked the test? You can join our FLT program containing more such high-level questions. The module contains 11 FLTs (8 paper 1 TS + 3 CSAT)
Know all details about the program and join here: Click2Join
Want to do quick revision for Prelims? Join our SIP Comprehensive or SIP Mini modules giving you Static & Dynamic subjects coverage through video lectures
SIP Comprehensive- Samanvaya + Lectures + Notes + FLTs + CA Tests: Click2Join
As a part of revision for Prelims 2018, Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts
Global Grouping name : International Court of Justice
Recently in News because : Justice Dalveer Bhandari was re-elected as a judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ),making him the third Indian to secure a prominent position in a United Nations (UN) body in recent months
Objective : Settle legal disputes submitted to it by states, duly authorized international branches, agencies, and the UN General Assembly
Members : The International Court of Justice is composed of 15 judges elected to nine-year terms of office by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council
Headquarters : The Hague, The Netherlands
Year Founded : Established in 1945
Global Grouping name : Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA)
Objective : Provide services of arbitral tribunal to resolve disputes between member states, international organizations, or private parties arising out of international agreements
Members : The PCA has 121 member states: 119 members of the United Nations, as well as Kosovo and Palestine
Headquarters : The Hague, The Netherlands
Year Founded : 1899
Link for the test: Click2Attempt (Let us know your score in comments)
We have started our Open SIP program in conjunction with our PAID program (Click2Know all details of the program)
We will be running this special FREE initiative on daily basis providing students with revision questions for static subjects as well as current affairs starting from June 2017
Test 43 as per schedule (Click2View) is Misc. Test 19
Liked the test? You can join our FLT program containing more such high-level questions. The module contains 11 FLTs (8 paper 1 TS + 3 CSAT)
Know all details about the program and join here: Click2Join
Want to do quick revision for Prelims? Join our SIP Comprehensive or SIP Mini modules giving you Static & Dynamic subjects coverage through video lectures
SIP Comprehensive- Samanvaya + Lectures + Notes + FLTs + CA Tests: Click2Join
As a part of revision for Prelims 2018, Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts
Name of the scheme : Swachh Swasth Sarvatra
Objectives : To achieve better health outcomes through improved sanitation and increased awareness and healthy lifestyles
Salient Features 1. ‘SwasthBaccheSwasth Bharat’ are pictoral books prepared by Central Health Education Bureau (CHEB) 2. Health messages shall be brought out that will educate the children and youth about healthy living habits and activities 3. The Ministry has distributed these books on healthy living across schools in India
Nodal Ministry : Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Name of the scheme : The Swachh Vidyalaya
Objectives : Initiative was a collaborative effort of all the Central Government which provided funding through Centrally sponsored schemes of Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, Swachh Bharat Kosh, and the States and Union Territories in partnership with 64 Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and 11 Private Corporate.
Nodal Ministry : Ministry of HRD
