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  • UPSC Prelims Strategy Demystified|| Register and get ART of Tikdam Handbook curated by AIR 20

    UPSC Prelims Strategy Demystified|| Register and get ART of Tikdam Handbook curated by AIR 20

    Click on the link provided to experience our Mentorship through a free mentorship call and as added bonus you can also get FREE ‘Art of Tikdam’ Handbook by Dr Vipin Garg (UPSC Rank 20) on your registered email.

    CLICK HERE FOR PRELIMS MENTORSHIP AND TIKDAM HANDBOOK

    Prelims can be scary.

    The preliminary Stage is the first step to your LBSNAA dream. More than 5 lakh candidates appear for prelims every year. But only 10,000 to 13,000 students make it for Mains. This stage is known for its BRUTAL ELIMINATION.

    Many toppers have struggled with prelims !! Even the level of questions in prelims have been raised by UPSC – It is becoming more tricky, less factual, and more conceptual.

    WHAT IS THE BEST STRATEGY FOR PRELIMS?

    Never forget your basics.

    • Revision: Your static syllabus should be revised at least 2-3 times before you sit for your prelims paper. Make no mistake of thinking that only current affairs can help you sail through the examination. The static portion has its own importance, don’t ignore it.
    • Attempt UPSC previous year paper: It is a crime if you go for prelims paper without attempting the last 10 years UPSC prelims papers, Period
    • Attempt Mock Tests: More mocks means more practice, more revisions, and fewer mistakes on the D – Day.

    If you are secure with these basic steps then what’s next?

    WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO TO SECURE PRELIMS?

    Mentorship: Mentorship can help you prepare more efficiently for prelims. Both 2021 and 2022 students can benefit from Mentorship.

    For 2021students, the prelims is within 3.5 months. You still have 1 month, where you can plan and strategize for prelims. Our mentors can gauge your level of preparation, help you with your doubts and suggest the last-minute MUST preparatory tools for prelims.

    For 2022 students, it is important that you start on the right path. Get in contact with our mentorship program to take benefits of customized schedule, on-call doubt resolutions, and weekly calls for performance evaluation.

    Click on the link provided to experience our Mentorship through a free mentorship call and as added bonus you can also get FREE ‘Art of Tikdam’ Handbook on your registered email.

    CLICK HERE FOR PRELIMS MENTORSHIP AND TIKDAM HANDBOOK

    Tikdam: UPSC is an intelligent test taker. It not only wants to test your comprehension (of syllabus) but also your ability to perform under pressure (& lack of information). How would you solve a “factual” question which gives an illusion of the necessity of “rote-learning”? By ensuring that your core fundamentals are strong and then using the Art of Tikdams to go for the best approximation among the answer choices!

    We have been hammering on the importance of logical thinking and the art of Tikdam along with sound preparation as essential ingredients to clear prelims examination for quite some time now.

    Make no mistake, this is a GOLDMINE of practical wisdom.

    Click on the link provided to experience our Mentorship through a free mentorship call and as added bonus you can also get FREE ‘Art of Tikdam’ Handbook on your registered email.

    CLICK HERE FOR PRELIMS MENTORSHIP AND TIKDAM HANDBOOK

    Art of Tikdam Handbook – Description

    This is an advanced level compilation on choicest IAS Prelims questions, penned down by Vipin Garg, AIR 20 (CSE 2015).

    These 20 pages contain elaborate expositions on the application of what we at Civilsdaily refer to as TIKDAMS.

    With 19 questions & unique explanations using the 3 types of Tikdam approaches, we present to you this unprecedented piece of literature in the history of IAS Prelims Approach Methodology.

  • UPSC Interviews 2020: Schedule your Mock + DAF questionnaire | 27th June onwards

    UPSC Interviews 2020: Schedule your Mock + DAF questionnaire | 27th June onwards

    Schedule your mock interview + DAF questionnaire

    Mock Interviews at Civilsdaily form a crucial part of UPSC interview preparation. The quality and diversity of the panel help prepare an aspirant for the actual interview at UPSC. 

    Aspirants have benefited greatly from the mock interview and the feedback they get from the panel members after their mock interview. At the same time, we work with the aspirants to improve upon the areas highlighted by the panel.

    Upcoming Mock interview and session

    This week’s mock interview dates have been fixed.

    • Mock interview this week- 27th June onwards(Book your slot)   
    • Time: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.  
    • Mode: Online and Offline
    SCHEDULE YOUR MOCK INTERVIEW + DAF QUESTIONNAIRE

    Interview slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. 

    Panelists for Mock Interviews: 

    1. Shri Shankar Aggarwal, IAS (retd.)
    2. Dr. Noor Mohammad, IAS (retd.)
    3. Dr. P.K. Agrawal, IAS (Retd.)
    4. Shri T. N. Thakur, IAAS (retd.)
    5. Shri V. P. Singh, IRPS
    6. Mrs.Aditi Gupta, Corporate Leadership Specialist
    7. Prof. U.M. Amin, Jamia Milia University
    8. Mr. Himanshu Arora, Economist, JNU, PMEAC 
    9. Mr. Kunal Aggarwal, IRS
    10. Mr. Debraj Das, IPS

    Tentative: Shri Harsh V. Pant (Observer Research Foundation), Shri SN Tripathi, IAS (Director IIPA), Shri Yogesh Narain (Retd. Defence Secretary), Shri Dipankar Gupta (Indian Sociologist), and others.   

    SCHEDULE YOUR MOCK INTERVIEW + DAF QUESTIONNAIRE

    Aspirants will also get a personalized DAF-based questionnaire based on extensive research and linkages with the issues of national and international importance.

    DAF questionnaire

    Detailed Application Form (DAF) is one of the most important documents that you might have filled for UPSC interviews. A major part of the interview will revolve around the information and details provided in the DAF. It is more than your CV.

    Your ability to defend your DAF before the panel is going to decide your success. Anticipating and preparing for the questions based on your DAF is an essential part of the interview preparation.

    DAF-based-questionnaire-Sample 1Download
    DAF-based-questionnaire-Sample 2Download

    As a part of Transcend: Interview Guidance Program for UPSC interviews we provide you a personalized and elaborate DAF-based questionnaire.

    Fill the form below for DAF questionnaire.

    SCHEDULE YOUR MOCK INTERVIEW + DAF QUESTIONNAIRE

    Important interview topics

    Most important Interview Topics 2020Download
    • Report of 15th Finance Commission
      • Do you agree with the new criteria defined under Terms of Reference by FC?
      • What are the major challenges being faced by several states?
    • Monetisation of deficit
      • What do you understand by Monetisation of Deficit?
      • Is it a Feasible solution for an economy like India?
    • Better Relations: Onus on Pakistan
      • What responsibility does India have on this?
      • Does the Onus lie on India’s side also to extend the hands of friendship? 
    • Delhi: LG’s role redefined
      • What is the major area of tussles?
      • Do you think such steps might lead to erosion of federation and a spot on elected parties having full-fledged legislature? 
    • Reservation: reviewing 50% cap
      • Is this still needed?
      • What can be the other alternatives?
    • Regulating Social Media Influencers
      • Why such regulation needed, despite Media being considered as the 4th Pillar of democracy?
      • Spread of Fake News is because of Unaware citizenry? What’s your view on this?
      • What are the other causes?
    • Need for Agricultural reforms
      • Is the Farmer Protest right?
      • What is the cause for such unrest? 
      • Why is there such a trust deficit?
    • Nota and option of Re-Election
      • Is the option of NOTA effective in Indian Democracy?
      • What can be done then to reduce the money and muscle power? 
    • Climate Change and India
      • Why such urgency now? Immediate reasons?
      • What is India’s position in terms of mitigating CC impact? 
      • Why the burden on developing countries? 

     

    • Time to implement Uniform Civil Code
      • Do you think UCC is now the need of the hour?
      • Any challenges in its implementation? Why?
      • What is the Constitutional mandate on this?
    • India-UK bilateral ties
      • Does Brexit change the equations between India and EU?
      • What major impact can India have after the whole Brexit scenario?
    • France: Liberty and fight against terror
      • Debate on secularism and its type?
      • Is India a perfect example for positive secularism? 
    • Atma Nirbhar Bharat 3.0
      • Is this Atmanirbharta possible in India?
      • Then why 1991 LPG reforms were brought at the first instance?
      • Where are we lacking exactly?
    • Education Sector reforms
      • Will NEP fill all the existing gaps in the Education sector?
      • Is RTE successful in India?
      • Providing education in Mother Tongue- do you find some relevance in it? 
      • Then why so much focus on english medium?
    • Empowering women
      • What is the most im[ortant factor for making women really empowered?
      • Will it improve the status of the female population in the country? 
      • What are the main hindrances in empowering this section of society?
    • Monetise and Modernise Mantra for PSUs
      • Privatisation or not? Why?
      • Why not improve the existing structure rather than going for privatisation?
    • Strengthening our start-up ecosystem
      • Is India ready for a startup ecosystem?
      • Then why do they get merged with MNCs after a few years and why not they themselves striving to become a MNC?
    • Raising marriageable age for women
      • Why such notions in India?
      • Will it improve the position of women in families?
      • Do you agree with marrying a woman older than you?
    • Emerging Technologies- Global Challenges
      • Why is it creating so much of fuss?
      • A day without INTERNET and COMPUTERS/SMART DEVICES?
    • India’s Humanitarian Diplomacy
      • Why so much focus on soft diplomacy?
      • Has it provided any advantage to India in International arena?
    • Quad Summit: India’s gain
      • What gains will it bring?
      • Can it be seen as a counter attack on China?
    • India’s engagement with Africa
      • What are the stakes for India in Africa?
      • How can India take a stronghold against China there?
    • Biden Presidency and India-US ties
      • How will it be different from Trump’s Presidency?
      • Any relief for India?
      • What can be the major challenges? 
    • Afghan Peace Talks and India
      • India’s stand on Taliban?
      • Should India change its stand?
    • Relations with Nepal in Covid Era
      • We can choose our friends but not our neighbours- its relevance in nepal’s context?
    • India’s leadership in Post-Covid world
      • What are the major areas where India should focus first?
      • Can we be able to beat China on any front ?
    • India’s Vaccine Diplomacy
      • What is the idea behind this?
      • Is it not Fiscal Imprudence?
    • Challenges for India as a global power
      • Major areas of conflicts?
      • How can  India emerge to be a winner on these fronts ?
    • India and G7 summit
      • Do you think the invitation has some relevance for India?
    • RCEP: Challenges and way forward
      • What could have been the scenario if India would have joined it?
      • Is it a mature step from India’s perspective?
    • Cyber security and India’s preparedness 
      • Is India prepared on this front?
      • What are the ethical challenges involved?
      • Need for Responsible technology? How?
    • LAC pullback: nothing conceded
      • Where does India stand now after this whole stand-off scenario?
      • Will it bring some respite in the near future?
      • Why do the issues remain unresolved?
      • Can it be considered as a historical mistake?
    • Contempt of Court
      • Difference between Civil and Criminal Contempt.
      • Should it be removed?

    SCHEDULE YOUR MOCK INTERVIEW + DAF QUESTIONNAIRE

  • Why counting of poor matters?

    Counting the number of the poor

    • If the state of the Indian economy is to be repaired, we need to meticulously count the number of the poor and to prioritise them.
    • The World Bank $2-a-day poverty line might be inadequate but it would be a start and higher than the last line proposed by the C. Rangarajan committee.
    • A survey in 2013 had said India stood at 99 among 131 countries, and with a median income of $616 per annum, it was the lowest among BRICS and fell in the lower-middle-income country bracket.
    • Since 2013 three important data points have made it clear that the state of India’s poor needs to be acknowledged if India is to be lifted.
    • The first being, the fall in the monthly per capita consumption expenditure of 2017-18 for the first time since 1972-73.
    • Second is the fall of India in the Global Hunger Index to ‘serious hunger’ category.
    • Third,  health census data or the recently concluded National Family Health Survey or NFHS-5, which had worrying markers of increased malnutrition, infant mortality and maternal health.
    • A fourth statistic, Bangladesh bettering India’s average income statistics, must also be a reason for Indians to introspect.

    Increase in number of poor in India

    •  In 2019, the global Multidimensional Poverty Index reported that India lifted 271 million citizens out of poverty between 2006 and 2016. 
    • Since then, the International Monetary Fund, Hunger Watch, SWAN and several other surveys show a decided slide.
    • In March, the Pew Research Center with the World Bank data estimated that ‘the number of poor in India, on the basis of an income of $2 per day or less in purchasing power parity, has more than doubled to 134 million from 60 million in just a year due to the pandemic-induced recession’.
    • In 2020, India contributed 57.3% of the growth of the global poor.
    • This has thrown a spanner in the so far uninterrupted battle against poverty since the 1970s.
    • Urgent solutions are needed within, and the starting point of that would be only when we know how many are poor.

    Debate on the poverty line

    • In 2011, the Suresh Tendulkar Committee report at a ‘line’ of ₹816 per capita per month for rural India and ₹1,000 per capita per month for urban India, calculated the poor at 25.7% of the population.
    • The anger over the 2011 conclusions, led to the setting up of the C. Rangarajan Committee.
    • In 2014, C. Rangarajan Committee estimated that the number of poor were 29.6%, based on persons spending below ₹47 a day in cities and ₹32 in villages.
    • The National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganised Sector in 2004, had concluded that 836 million Indians still remained marginalised.
    • The Commission’s conclusion was ignored — that 77% of India was marginalised — emphasising that it was a problem of a much bigger magnitude, than the figure of 25.7% conveyed.

    Why counting the poor matters?

    1) Helps in forming public opinion

    • Knowing the numbers and making them public makes it possible to get public opinion to support massive and urgent cash transfers.
    • The world outside India has moved onto propose high fiscal support, as economic rationale and not charity.
    •  In India too, a dramatic reorientation would get support only once numbers are honestly laid out.

    2) It helps in evaluating success of policies

    •  Recording the data helps to evaluate all policies on the basis of whether they meet the needs of the majority.
    • Is a policy such as bank write-offs of loans amounting to ₹1.53-lakh crore last year, which helped corporates overwhelmingly, beneficial to the vast majority?
    • This would be possible to transparently evaluate only when the numbers of the poor are known and established.

    3) Helps in addressing the concerns of real majority

    • If government data were to honestly account for the exact numbers of the poor, it may be more realistic to expect the public debate to be conducted on the concerns of the real majority.
    • Such data would also help in creating a climate that demands accountability from public representatives.

    4) To gauge the rising inequality

    • India has clocked a massive rise in the market capitalisation and the fortunes of the richest Indian corporates, even as millions of Indians have experienced a massive tumble into poverty.
    • To say that the stock market and the Indian economy are ‘not related’ is ingenuous.
    • Indians must have the right to question whether there is a connection and if the massive rise in riches is not coincidental, but at the back of the misery of millions of the poor.
    • If billionaire lists are evaluated in detail and reported upon, the country cannot shy away from counting its poor.

    Conclusion

    The massive slide into poverty in India that is clear in domestic and international surveys and anecdotal evidence must meet with an institutional response.

  • Top 3 Mistakes That Every UPSC Aspirant Should AVOID Now!

    Top 3 Mistakes That Every UPSC Aspirant Should AVOID Now!

    Any serious UPSC aspirant will tell you that this is one of the most difficult exams in the world. The syllabus is vast, the questions are unpredictable, and the pressure is difficult to bear. Studying for this exam can become overwhelming. And due to the extreme stress of succeeding in this exam, aspirants end up making mistakes that are easily avoidable. 

    We know that it is only human to make mistakes but as a UPSC aspirant, can you really afford to?

    ATTEND FREE HABITAT SESSIONS HERE- CA, ANSWER WRITING, GS, OPTIONALS AND MORE

    We spoke to hundreds of candidates who have cracked this exam and are successful civil servants now, and they all revealed that the key to their success was avoiding these 3 extremely common mistakes:

    1. Trying To Study Everything – This is a mistake most aspirants make. They try to study everything possible and end up feeling overwhelmed, tired, and confused. Smart aspirants learn from experienced mentors and their peers about what to study and what to avoid. 

    Remember: You do not need to study everything! 

    1. Studying Alone – When you study alone, you develop only one perspective on any topic. When you speak with your peers, discuss topics with other aspirants, and debate relevant topics, you develop a comprehensive understanding of the subject. This improves your retention abilities and your answers become rich with facts. 

    Remember: Learn from your peers, it improves your command on the subject.

    1. Being Inconsistent – Most candidates study intensely for a month and then start slacking. They get tired, confused, overwhelmed, and even bored sometimes. And once they start slacking, it becomes very difficult to concentrate again. Successful candidates, however, become a part of groups or clubs that keeps them focused. They don’t study in isolation but join a group that supports them intellectually and motivates them. That’s how they succeed!

    Remember: Become a part of a club that supports you, motivates you, and keeps you focused.

    These 3 mistakes are easily avoidable and as a serious candidate, you should be focused on finding mentors who can guide you well, finding groups with other serious candidates, and joining clubs that will help you stay on track.

    It’s easy to find all of these on Habitat, and once you find them, your preparation will transform overnight! We promise!

    Attend FREE Habitat sessions here- CA, Answer Writing, GS, Optionals and more

  • Why does China consistently beat India on soft power?

    The article compares India with China in terms of soft-power both countries exert based on the measures produced by Lowy Institute in Australia.

    What is soft power?

    • Joseph Nye, who gave us the notion of soft power, suggests that it consists of foreign policy, cultural and political influence.
    • Foreign policy influence comes from the legitimacy and morality of one’s dealings with other countries.
    • Cultural influence is based on others’ respect for one’s culture.
    • Political influence is how much others are inspired by one’s political values.
    • Soft power is difficult to measure.

    The Lowy Institute in Australia has produced various measures which correspond roughly to foreign policy influence, cultural influence and political influence.

    1) India’s foreign policy influence

    • In diplomatic influence, overall, India ranks sixth and China ranks first among 25 Asian powers.
    • On networks, India nearly matches China in the number of regional embassies it has but is considerably behind in the number of embassies worldwide (176 to 126).
    • Multilaterally, India matches China in terms of regional memberships, but, crucially, its contributions to the UN capital budget are completely dwarfed by Chinese contributions (11.7 per cent to 0.8 per cent of the total).
    • In surveys of foreign policy leadership, ambition, and effectiveness, China ranks first or fourth on four measures while India ranks between fourth and sixth in Asia.

    2) Cultural influence

    • Lowy’s overall measure of cultural influence ranks India in fourth place and China in second place in Asia.
    •  Cultural influence is then divided into three elements, of which “cultural projection” and “information flows” are the most important.
    • In cultural projection, India scores better on Google searches abroad of its newspapers and its television/radio broadcasts.
    • India also exports more of its “cultural services” defined as “services aimed at satisfying cultural interests or needs”.
    • China does better on several other indicators.
    • For instance, India has only nine brands in the list of the top 500 global brands whereas China lists 73.
    • On the number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, India has 37 while China has 53.
    • Respect for the Indian passport also lags.
    • Chinese citizens can travel visa-free to 74 countries while Indians can only do so to 60.
    • In terms of information flows, in 2016–17, India hosted a mere 24,000 Asian students in tertiary education institutions whereas China hosted 2,25,000.
    • On total tourist arrivals from all over the world, India received 17 million, while China received 63 million.

    3) Political influence

    • In 2017 the two were not ranked that far apart in political influence.
    • The governance effectiveness index shows India scoring in the top 43 per cent countries worldwide and ranked 12th and China scoring in the top 32 per cent and ranked 10th.
    • On “political stability and absence of violence/terrorism”, India ranked 21st, and China ranked 15th.

    Consider the question “What do you understand by the term soft-power? How would you assess India’s soft-power potential in terms of various parameters?”

    Conclusion

    Soft-power theorists suggest that the ability to persuade rests on the power of attraction. We in India may think we are more attractive than China. The numbers show otherwise.

  • 23rd June 2021 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    [WpProQuiz 685]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 685]

  • UPSC Prelims Strategy Demystified|| Register and get ART of Tikdam Handbook curated by AIR 20

    UPSC Prelims Strategy Demystified|| Register and get ART of Tikdam Handbook curated by AIR 20

    Click on the link provided to experience our Mentorship through a free mentorship call and as added bonus you can also get FREE ‘Art of Tikdam’ Handbook by Dr Vipin Garg (UPSC Rank 20) on your registered email.

    CLICK HERE FOR PRELIMS MENTORSHIP AND TIKDAM HANDBOOK

    Prelims can be scary.

    The preliminary Stage is the first step to your LBSNAA dream. More than 5 lakh candidates appear for prelims every year. But only 10,000 to 13,000 students make it for Mains. This stage is known for its BRUTAL ELIMINATION.

    Many toppers have struggled with prelims !! Even the level of questions in prelims have been raised by UPSC – It is becoming more tricky, less factual, and more conceptual.

    WHAT IS THE BEST STRATEGY FOR PRELIMS?

    Never forget your basics.

    • Revision: Your static syllabus should be revised at least 2-3 times before you sit for your prelims paper. Make no mistake of thinking that only current affairs can help you sail through the examination. The static portion has its own importance, don’t ignore it.
    • Attempt UPSC previous year paper: It is a crime if you go for prelims paper without attempting the last 10 years UPSC prelims papers, Period
    • Attempt Mock Tests: More mocks means more practice, more revisions, and fewer mistakes on the D – Day.

    If you are secure with these basic steps then what’s next?

    WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO TO SECURE PRELIMS?

    Mentorship: Mentorship can help you prepare more efficiently for prelims. Both 2021 and 2022 students can benefit from Mentorship.

    For 2021students, the prelims is within 3.5 months. You still have 1 month, where you can plan and strategize for prelims. Our mentors can gauge your level of preparation, help you with your doubts and suggest the last-minute MUST preparatory tools for prelims.

    For 2022 students, it is important that you start on the right path. Get in contact with our mentorship program to take benefits of customized schedule, on-call doubt resolutions, and weekly calls for performance evaluation.

    Click on the link provided to experience our Mentorship through a free mentorship call and as added bonus you can also get FREE ‘Art of Tikdam’ Handbook on your registered email.

    CLICK HERE FOR PRELIMS MENTORSHIP AND TIKDAM HANDBOOK

    Tikdam: UPSC is an intelligent test taker. It not only wants to test your comprehension (of syllabus) but also your ability to perform under pressure (& lack of information). How would you solve a “factual” question which gives an illusion of the necessity of “rote-learning”? By ensuring that your core fundamentals are strong and then using the Art of Tikdams to go for the best approximation among the answer choices!

    We have been hammering on the importance of logical thinking and the art of Tikdam along with sound preparation as essential ingredients to clear prelims examination for quite some time now.

    Make no mistake, this is a GOLDMINE of practical wisdom.

    Click on the link provided to experience our Mentorship through a free mentorship call and as added bonus you can also get FREE ‘Art of Tikdam’ Handbook on your registered email.

    CLICK HERE FOR PRELIMS MENTORSHIP AND TIKDAM HANDBOOK

    Art of Tikdam Handbook – Description

    This is an advanced level compilation on choicest IAS Prelims questions, penned down by Vipin Garg, AIR 20 (CSE 2015).

    These 20 pages contain elaborate expositions on the application of what we at Civilsdaily refer to as TIKDAMS.

    With 19 questions & unique explanations using the 3 types of Tikdam approaches, we present to you this unprecedented piece of literature in the history of IAS Prelims Approach Methodology.

  • 23rd June 2021| Daily Answer Writing Enhancement(AWE)

    Topics for Today’s questions:

    GS-1  Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues,

    GS-2  Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government;

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

    GS-4  Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions;

    Questions:

    Question 1)

     

    Q.1) “Goals of Poverty eradication and national development can not be realized without active and empowered women” comment (15 marks)

     

    Question 2)

    Q.2) What is the objective of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) in its amended form? What are the issues with some of its provisions? Suggest the ways to deal with the issues. (10 Marks)

    Question 3)

    Q.3) In the aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic, the time is ripe for a new capitalism, which need not abandon the profit motive, but must place alongside it a commitment to sustainability, communities and giving back. In light of this, explain the approach that could be adopted by the corporates. (10 Marks)

    Question 4)  

    Q.4) “A business that makes nothing but money is a poor kind of Business” Henry Ford. In the light of above statement highlight the importance of ethical governance in private organisations. (10 Marks)

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

    6. If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 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

  • Compensation for Covid deaths

    The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict seeking compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the kin of those who have died of Covid-19 or related complications.  The Centre has stated that state governments cannot afford to pay this, and had argued in favor of a broader approach including health interventions.

    Provisions for Compensation

    • Last year, the Centre declared Covid-19 as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management Act.
    • Section 12(iii) of the Act says the National Authority shall recommend guidelines for the minimum standards of relief to be provided to persons affected by disaster.
    • It includes “ex gratia assistance on account of loss of life as also assistance on account of damage to houses and for restoration of means of livelihood”.
    • The Centre revises this amount from time to time.

    What is the latest amount?

    • On April 8, 2015, the Disaster Management Division of the Home Ministry wrote to all state governments and attached a revised list of “norms of assistance”.
    • Under “ex gratia payment to families of deceased persons”, it specified: Rs 4 lakh per deceased person including those involved in relief operations or associated in preparedness activities.
    • This is subjected to certification regarding cause of death from appropriate authority.

    So, what about compensation for Covid?

    • Last year the Home Ministry wrote to state governments that the central government has decided to treat it (Covid-19) as a notified disaster for the purpose of providing assistance under SDRF.
    • It attached a partially modified list of items and norms of assistance.
    • It did not specify payment of ex gratia to families of deceased.
    • Some states have decided to pay, but not for all deaths.

    How has the government responded to the petition?

    • The Centre has submitted that ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh is beyond the affordability of state governments.
    • It argued that if Rs 4 lakh is paid to the kin of each, it “may possibly” consume the entire amount of the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF).
    • This would leave states with insufficient funds for organizing a response to the pandemic, or to take care of other disasters.
    • The centre argued that the term ex gratia itself means the amount is not based on legal entitlement.

    Way ahead

    • A broader approach, which involves health interventions, social protection, and economic recovery for the affected communities would be a more prudent, responsible, and sustainable approach.

  • What is Recusal of Judges?

    In the last week, two Supreme Court judges have recused themselves from hearing cases relating to West Bengal.

    Can you list down some basic principles of judicial conduct?

    Independence, Impartiality, Integrity, Propriety, Competence and diligence and Equality are some of them as listed under the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct.

    What is the Recusal of Judges?

    • Recusal is the removal of oneself as a judge or policymaker in a particular matter, especially because of a conflict of interest.
    • Recusal usually takes place when a judge has a conflict of interest or has a prior association with the parties in the case.
    • For example, if the case pertains to a company in which the judge holds stakes, the apprehension would seem reasonable.
    • Similarly, if the judge has, in the past, appeared for one of the parties involved in a case, the call for recusal may seem right.
    • A recusal inevitably leads to delay. The case goes back to the Chief Justice, who has to constitute a fresh Bench.

    Rules on Recusals

    • There are no written rules on the recusal of judges from hearing cases listed before them in constitutional courts. It is left to the discretion of a judge.
    • The reasons for recusal are not disclosed in an order of the court. Some judges orally convey to the lawyers involved in the case their reasons for recusal, many do not. Some explain the reasons in their order.
    • The decision rests on the conscience of the judge. At times, parties involved raise apprehensions about a possible conflict of interest.

    Issues with recusal

    • Recusal is also regarded as the abdication of duty. Maintaining institutional civilities are distinct from the fiercely independent role of the judge as an adjudicator.
    • In his separate opinion in the NJAC judgment in 2015, Justice Kurian Joseph highlighted the need for judges to give reasons for recusal as a measure to build transparency.
    • It is the constitutional duty, as reflected in one’s oath, to be transparent and accountable, and hence, a judge is required to indicate reasons for his recusal from a particular case.

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