According to CAG report, 518 out of 697 lakes (74%) in Jammu and Kashmir have either disappeared or shrunk, causing ecosystem degradation and climate risks.
Key Findings
Total lakes assessed: 697
Lakes disappeared: 315 (45%)
Lakes shrunk: 203 (29%)
Total affected lakes: 518 (74%)
63 lakes lost ≥50% water area
Other Observations
150 lakes (22%) increased in area
29 lakes (4%) remained unchanged
Major Causes
Encroachment and construction
Land use change
Aquatic vegetation growth
Lack of conservation plans
Anthropogenic pressure
Flood Risk
Shrinking lakes contributed to 2014 Kashmir floods
Lakes act as natural flood buffers
Governance Gaps
No conservation plans for 255 lakes
No detailed survey of 697 lakes
Poor coordination among departments
Lakes with Conservation Programmes
Only 6 lakes have management plans: Dal Lake, Wular Lake, Hokersar, Manasbal Lake, Surinsar Lake, and Mansar Lake.
[2023] Consider the following statements: 1 Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake. 2 Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake. 3 Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None
They either start too early without direction… or delay it until it’s too late.
The result?
Effort is there. But marks don’t reflect it.
Join me as I break down the stage wise approach to answer writing, so you know exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to improve.
Rohin Kumar, AIR 39, UPSC CSE 25
What I’ll cover in this session:
1. The Different Stages of Answer Writing
• Beginner stage: understanding structure and basics • Intermediate stage: improving content and clarity • Advanced stage: writing for marks and impact
Answer writing is a process, not a one time activity.
2. When to Start and What to Write
• When should you begin answer writing? • What kind of questions to practice at each stage • How to avoid random, directionless writing
Timing and direction matter as much as effort.
3. What Actually Improves Your Answers
• Content vs structure vs presentation • How to make answers more effective and evaluable • Common mistakes aspirants repeat
Improvement comes from targeted corrections.
4. Building Consistency Without Burnout
• How to build answer writing stamina gradually • Managing answer writing alongside preparation • Avoiding overwhelm and fatigue
Consistency beats intensity in the long run.
5. From Writing Answers to Scoring Marks
• How to shift from practice mode to exam mode • Writing within time limits with clarity • Developing a scoring mindset
The goal is not writing more.
The goal is scoring better.
Who should attend:
1. Beginners starting answer writing for UPSC 2027
2. Aspirants confused about when and how to start
3. Candidates looking to improve answer quality and scores
It will be a 45 minute session, post which we will open up the floor for all kinds of queries which a beginner must have. No questions are taboo and Arvind sir is known to be patiently solving all your doubts.
Join us for a Zoom session on 07th April at 7 PM. This session is a must attend for you If you are attempting UPSC for the first time or have attempted earlier and now preparing for 2027, then it is going to be a valuable session for you too.
See you in the session”
Register for the session for a complete in-depth UPSC Prep
(Don’t wait—the next webinar/session won’t be until End April’ 26)
These masterclasses are packed with value. They are conducted in private with a closed community. We rarely open these webinars for everyone for free. This time we are keeping it for 300 seats only.
PYQ Relevance[UPSC 2018] With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy.Linkage: The article directly addresses the expansion of nuclear energy to 100 GW by 2047, highlighting its role in energy security and net-zero goals. It also reflects the “facts vs fears” dimension through issues like high costs, liability concerns, and safety challenges alongside baseload advantages.
Mentor’s Comment
India’s nuclear power sector is at a decisive inflection point. The announcement of scaling nuclear capacity from 8,180 MW to 100 GW by 2047, along with the proposed SHANTI Act (2025), signals a structural shift from a state-controlled model to a mixed public-private framework. This marks a departure from decades of institutional rigidity and reflects the urgency of achieving energy security and net-zero commitments amid rising electricity demand.
Why is nuclear energy critical for India’s energy transition?
Sectoral Demand: Steel, cement, data centres show interest in nuclear energy
Economies of Scale: Modular construction reduces time from first pour to commissioning to ~40 months
Conclusion
India’s nuclear expansion marks a shift from state monopoly to a mixed ecosystem driven by reforms, private participation, and technological innovation. Achieving 100 GW by 2047 depends on aligning regulatory clarity, financial viability, and public trust while integrating nuclear energy into a broader low-carbon strategy.
The present Prime Minister of India completed 8,931 days in elected office, surpassing the long-standing tenure of Pawan Kumar Chamling (The longest serving Chief Minister in India from the state of Sikkim). This milestone is not merely personal or political, it exposes a constitutional asymmetry: while India has developed an informal convention limiting presidential tenure, no constitutional restriction exists on the Prime Minister’s tenure. This becomes a major issue because, unlike earlier eras marked by leadership turnover, India is witnessing prolonged executive dominance under a single leader, raising concerns about institutional balance.
What does the Constitution say about the Prime Minister’s appointment, tenure, and removal?
Appointment (Article 75): Ensures selection of Prime Minister by the President based on majority support in the Lok Sabha; establishes parliamentary legitimacy of executive authority
Council of Ministers: Facilitates collective responsibility to the Lok Sabha; requires Prime Minister to lead a team accountable to elected representatives
Tenure (“Pleasure of the President”): Operates in practice as continuation based on Lok Sabha majority; ensures flexibility instead of fixed tenure limits
No Fixed Term: Enables indefinite continuation in office subject to electoral and parliamentary support; distinguishes Indian system from presidential models
Removal Mechanism: Ensures accountability through loss of majority in Lok Sabha; operationalized via no-confidence motion or defeat in key legislative votes
Resignation Convention: Requires Prime Minister to resign if majority is lost; maintains constitutional morality and democratic norms
Dissolution Power (Indirect): Allows Prime Minister to advise President to dissolve Lok Sabha; facilitates fresh mandate from electorate
Judicial Position: Establishes that courts do not interfere in political confidence of House; preserves separation of powers and parliamentary supremacy.
Why does India lack a formal term limit for the Prime Minister?
Constitutional Design: Ensures executive continuity through parliamentary confidence rather than fixed tenure limits
Assembly Rationale: Distinguished between “daily accountability” (via Parliament) and “periodic accountability” (via elections)
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s View: Rejected term limits; emphasized no-confidence motion as a corrective mechanism
Institutional Mechanism: Allows removal of PM through legislative majority rather than time-bound exit
How has the Tenth Schedule altered executive accountability?
The 10th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, known as the Anti-Defection Law, was added by the 52nd Amendment Act of 1985 to curb political defections and ensure government stability. It outlines provisions for disqualifying members of Parliament or State Legislatures who defect to another party or disobey party whips
Anti-Defection Law: Enforces party discipline; restricts independent voting by legislators
Reduced Legislative Oversight: Weakens no-confidence motions as effective accountability tools
Shift in Loyalty: Transfers allegiance from electorate to party leadership
Outcome: Converts parliamentary system into leadership-centric structure
What does comparative global evidence suggest about term limits?
United States: 22nd Amendment limits President to two terms
Brazil and Colombia: Constitutional term limits for executive offices
Scholarly Findings (Elkins, Ginsburg, Huq): Leaders often extend tenure through constitutional manipulation
Inference: Term limits are not foolproof; require strong institutional backing
What structural factors enable prolonged executive dominance in India?
Electoral Advantage: Incumbency benefits from visibility and resource access
Institutional Influence: Control over regulatory bodies, Election Commission, and policy narrative
Weak Checks: Parliament weakened by anti-defection; judiciary and media face indirect pressures
Information Control: Ability to shape public discourse and electoral outcomes
Why is the ‘presidential irony’ significant in India?
Constitutional Convention: Informal restriction on Presidential tenure (max two terms)
Nature of Office: President is ceremonial; PM holds real executive power
Irony: Greater restriction on nominal executive; none on real executive authority
Implication: Reflects imbalance in constitutional evolution and political practice
What reforms can address the issue of executive overreach?
Tenth Schedule Reform: Exempts no-confidence motions from disqualification provisions
Term Limit Proposal: Introduces cap on consecutive PM or CM terms
Return Provision: Allows re-entry after a cooling-off period
Federal Extension: Applies similar limits at state level
System Strengthening: Restores Parliament’s centrality in accountability
Conclusion
India’s constitutional framework relies on parliamentary accountability rather than term limits. However, structural changes have weakened this mechanism. Reforming accountability tools is essential to maintain democratic balance.
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2021] To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India?
Linkage: The PYQ highlights weakening of parliamentary accountability due to anti-defection law and executive dominance, directly linking to absence of term limits for Prime Minister. It connects to debate on concentration of executive power and effectiveness of constitutional checks in India’s parliamentary system.
The ongoing Iran-linked geopolitical tensions have revived fears of stagflation, a rare but severe macroeconomic condition combining high inflation with low growth. The escalation of the Iran-related conflict has triggered energy supply disruptions and price shocks, reminiscent of the 1970s oil crisis, one of the rare historical episodes of stagflation. Unlike recent crises (2008 financial crisis or 2022 Russia-Ukraine war), the current situation combines both price shock and physical supply constraints, making it more severe.
What explains the concept of stagflation in economic theory?
Stagflation Definition:
Stagflation refers to a macroeconomic condition characterized by simultaneous high inflation, low or negative growth, and high unemployment, typically triggered by negative supply shocks, especially in energy markets.
Combines inflation + stagnation, contradicting traditional Phillips Curve trade-off.
Historical Origin: Coined by Iain Macleod during the 1970s oil crisis.
Empirical Evidence: US GDP growth fell to -0.5% (1974) and -0.2% (1975) with inflation at 11% and 9.1% respectively. (1973-74 Oil Shock triggered by the OPEC oil embargo following the Yom Kippur War (1973)).
UK Case: Inflation reached 24.2% (1975) with stagnant growth.
Key Insight: Demonstrates breakdown of conventional demand-management tools.
How do negative supply shocks trigger stagflation?
Supply Shock Mechanism: Refers to a leftward shift of the aggregate supply curve (AS) in macroeconomics, or the market supply curve (S) in microeconomics.
Aggregate Supply (AS): In economy-wide analysis, a negative shock (e.g., rise in crude oil prices) shifts Short-Run Aggregate Supply (SRAS) leftward, leading to higher general price level (inflation) and lower real GDP (output contraction)
Market Supply Curve (S): At the commodity level, higher input costs or disrupted production shift the supply curve (S₀ to S₁ leftward), raising equilibrium price (P₀ to P₁) and reducing quantity (Q₀ to Q₁).
Core Outcome: Simultaneous price rise + output fall, which forms the basis of stagflation.
About the Graph:
Initial Equilibrium: Intersection of D (demand) and S₀ (original supply) at (P₀, Q₀)
Negative Supply Shock: Supply curve shifts leftward (S₀ to S₁) due to higher input costs (e.g., oil)
New Equilibrium:
Price rises:(P₀ to P₁)
Quantity/output falls:(Q₀ to Q₁)
Macro Interpretation: In AS-AD framework, SRAS shifts left leading to inflation + lower GDP = stagflation
Energy Disruptions: Wars, pandemics, and shipping chokepoint closures (e.g., Strait of Hormuz) reduce supply.
Non-linear Effects: Small supply disruptions cause disproportionate economic impact.
Example: COVID disruptions showed difficulty in restoring production chains.
Why is the current Iran conflict more alarming than past crises?
Energy Availability Risk: Not just cost, but availability of oil and gas is uncertain.
Global Integration: Higher dependence on energy-intensive production and petrochemicals.
Supply Chain Sensitivity: Disruptions propagate across industries (plastics, fertilizers, transport).
Expert Assessment: Identified as more pernicious than 2022 or 2008 crises.
How has structural transformation increased vulnerability to energy shocks?
Agricultural Transition: Shift from organic inputs to urea and DAP fertilizers.
Household Energy Shift: Replacement of biomass fuels with LPG (near-universal coverage).
Industrial Dependence: Petrochemicals used in plastics, fibers, pipes, cables.
Economic Complexity: Modern economies have higher input-output interlinkages.
Result: Greater exposure to energy supply disruptions across sectors.
Why are traditional policy tools inadequate against stagflation?
Monetary Policy Limitation:
Interest Rate Hikes: Controls inflation but worsens growth and unemployment.
Money Tightening: Reduces demand but does not fix supply shortages.
Fiscal Policy Limitation: Expansionary Spending: Boosts demand but fuels inflation when supply is constrained.
Policy Trade-off: Cannot simultaneously address inflation and stagnation effectively.
Structural Nature: Stagflation is primarily a supply-side problem, unlike demand-driven recessions.
Can the world avoid a repeat of 1970s stagflation?
Duration Factor: Short-lived shocks may allow quick supply restoration (S₁ to S₀).
Geopolitical Resolution: Early end to Iran conflict reduces long-term impact.
Adaptive Capacity: Modern economies have better logistics and diversification, but vulnerabilities remain.
Risk Condition: Prolonged disruptions lead to high probability of stagflation.
Conclusion
The current Iran-linked crisis represents a classical negative supply shock with modern complexities, making stagflation a tangible risk. Unlike past crises, the combination of energy dependence, global integration, and supply rigidity amplifies its impact. Addressing it requires structural supply-side interventions, not merely demand management.
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2024] What are the causes of persistent high food inflation in India? Comment on the effectiveness of the monetary policy of the RBI to control this type of inflation.
Linkage: It highlights supply-side inflation (cost-push) similar to energy shocks causing stagflation. It demonstrates limitations of monetary policy in addressing supply disruptions, thne core issue in stagflation.
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has delayed stricter grid stability rules for wind and solar generators by one year, giving renewable energy companies more time to adapt.
About the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC)
Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, a key regulator of the power sector in India, is a statutory body functioning with quasi-judicial status under sec – 76 of the Electricity Act 2003.
Key Decision
Stricter deviation norms postponed
Earlier implementation: April 2026
New implementation: April 2027
What Are Deviation Norms
Power generators must: Declare electricity supply in advance
If actual generation differs:
Grid stability disturbed
Operators impose deviation charges (penalties)
Why Renewable Energy Gets Relaxation
Wind and solar power:
Depend on weather
Hard to predict output
More variability
Hence: Relaxed deviation norms
Deviation Limits
Deviation band = Allowed variation between scheduled power and actual generation without penalty.
Solar & Hybrid Projects
Earlier: ±10%
Now: ±5%
Must generate closer to committed power
Example:
Scheduled 100 MW
Earlier allowed: 90 to 110 MW
Now allowed: 95 to 105 MW
Wind Projects
Earlier: ±15%
Now: ±10%
Example:
Scheduled 100 MW
Earlier: 85 to 115 MW
Now: 90 to 110 MW
[2018] With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements: 1 India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units. 2 The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Climate change, declining snowfall, and shrinking willow plantations are threatening Kashmir’s traditional cricket bat industry, which supports over 1.5 lakh livelihoods.
Kashmir Cricket Bat Industry:
Over 100 years old industry
Around 3 million cricket bats produced annually
About 150 bat manufacturing units in Sangam (South Kashmir)
1.5 lakh people dependent on the industry
Kashmir willow bats are supplied to: Domestic markets and International markets
Main Raw Material: Kashmir Willow
Scientific name: Salix alba (White Willow)
Grows near rivers and wetlands
Requires:
High moisture
Moderate temperature
Saturated soil
Around 80% of bat wood comes from riparian zones (riverbanks and wetlands).
[2023] Consider the following statements: 1 Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake. 2 Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake. 3 Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None
The Bengal Florican, a rare grassland bird, is facing severe population decline, with fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining worldwide due to shrinking floodplain grasslands.
About Bengal Florican
Scientific Name: Houbaropsis bengalensis
Type: Bustard species
Habitat:
Alluvial floodplain grasslands
Gangetic Brahmaputra plains
Grass species in habitat:
Imperata cylindrica
Saccharum spontaneum
Saccharum bengalense
Desmostachya bipinnata
Unique Behaviour
Male performs vertical jumps
Displays wing movements and vocal calls
Known as Lekking behaviour
Multiple males display together
Attract females
Local Names:
Assamese: Ulu mora
Bodo: Daotriling
Distribution
India
Major strongholds:
Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh)
Manas National Park (Assam)
Kaziranga National Park
Orang National Park
Dibru Saikhowa National Park
Majuli river islands
Arunachal Pradesh grasslands
Outside India
Nepal
Cambodia (Tonle Sap floodplain)
Why Bengal Florican is Important
Indicator species for grassland ecosystem
Flagship species for South Asian grasslands
Helps maintain ecological balance
[2020] With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? 1 It is spread over two districts. 2 There is no human habitation inside the Park. 3 It is one of the natural habitats of Great Indian Bustard. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Sādhana Saptah 2026 has been launched under Mission Karmayogi to strengthen future ready, citizen centric civil services in India.
What is Sādhana Saptah
Sādhana Saptah stands for:Strengthening Adaptive Development and Humane Aptitude for National Advancement
It is:
A capacity building initiative
For civil servants across India
Focused on citizen centric governance
Parent Initiative
Under Mission Karmayogi
Also called: National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB)
Key Objectives
Build future ready bureaucracy
Improve governance delivery
Promote citizen centric administration
Strengthen administrative capacity
[2020] In the context of India, which one of the following is the characteristic appropriate for bureaucracy? (a) An agency for widening the scope of parliamentary democracy (b) An agency for strengthening the structure of federalism (c) An agency for facilitating political stability and economic growth (d) An agency for the implementation of public policy
The Ministry of Minority Affairs organised a Universal Parsi Registration Drive, resulting in around 300 new registrations on the Jiyo Parsi portal.
About Jiyo Parsi Scheme
Launched: 2013–14
Type: Central Sector Scheme
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Minority Affairs
Objective: Arrest declining population of Parsi community
Why the Scheme Was Launched
Parsi population in India:
1941: ~1,14,000
2011 Census: ~57,000
Continuous decline due to:
Low fertility rates
Late marriages
Ageing population
Who are Parsis
Followers of Zoroastrianism
Migrated from Persia (Iran) to India
Mainly settled in: Mumbai and Gujarat
[2011] In India, if a religious sect/community is given “the status of a national minority”, what special advantages is it entitled to? 1 It can establish and administer exclusive educational institutions. 2 The President of India automatically nominates a representative of the community to Lok Sabha. 3 It can derive benefits from the Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
![🔴[UPSC Webinar for 2027] By Rohin Kumar, AIR 39, UPSC CSE 25 | Master the Stages of Answer Writing for UPSC 2027 | Join on 07th April at 7PM](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Rohin-Kumar-thumb.png)
