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  • Q.1 Recently, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has declared that La Nina has re-developed. In this context, explain what do you understand by El Nino and La Nina. What are their impacts on India’s climate? (15 Marks)

    Mentor’s Comments-

    • Introduce by talking about the development of consecutive La Nina (Double Dip La Nina).
    • In the body explain, the phenomena of El Nino and La Nina.
    • Make use of diagrams.
    • Also, list down some of the impacts on India’s climate.
    • Conclude appropriately.

  • [pib] Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar

    The Prime Minister has recalled the rich contributions of Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar on Thevar Jayanthi.

    Who was M. Thevar (1908-1963)?

    • Muthuramalingam was a politician and a patriarch of Thevar community in the state of Tamil Nadu.
    • He was elected three times to the national Parliamentary Constituency.

    His legacy:

    (a) Association with INC

    • Thevar attended the 52nd annual session of the Indian National Congress, held in Tripuri in March 1939.
    • At this meeting the presidency of Subhas Chandra Bose was challenged by Pattabhi Sitaramayya. Sitaramayya had the active support of Gandhi.
    • Bose was elected president again over Gandhi’s preferred candidate Pattabhi Sitaramayya.
    • Thevar strongly supported Bose in the intra-Congress dispute and joined the Forward Bloc.

    (b) Opposition to the Criminal Tribes Act (CTA)

    • The CTA had been enacted in 1920 by the government of the Madras Presidency and was subsequently implemented in a piecemeal fashion.
    • CTA criminalized entire communities by designating them as habitual criminals.
    • Adult males of the groups were forced to report weekly to local police, and had restrictions on their movement imposed.
    • Thevar mobilised resistance to it, touring villages in the affected areas and leading protest rallies for the rights of the individuals registered under it.

    (c) Temple entry movement

    • The Temple Entry Authorisation and Indemnity Act was passed by the government of C. Rajagopalachari in 1939.
    • This removed restrictions prohibiting Dalits from entering Hindu temples.
    • Thevar supported this reform and on 8 July 1939 he helped the activist A. Vaidyanatha Iyer take Dalits to Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.

     

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  • SMASH ETHICS || Target 110+ in Mains GS Paper 4 || Batches for 2021 and 2022

    SMASH ETHICS || Target 110+ in Mains GS Paper 4 || Batches for 2021 and 2022

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN SMASH ETHICS
    CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE SCHEDULE FOR 2021 BATCH
    CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE SCHEDULE FOR 2022 BATCH
    fill the form for a free call with our mentor to clarify your doubts about smash ethics 2022
    FILL THE FORM FOR A FREE CALL WITH OUR MENTOR TO CLARIFY YOUR DOUBTS ABOUT SMASH ETHICS 2022

    Paper 4 aka Ethics is the most dynamic General studies paper out of the lot. There is no “ONE WAY approach” in ethics. In our experience of working with 1000+ students, ethics is a gamechanger for the UPSC examination. As compared to other paper, it has less syllabus and require less time to master but can be very rewarding.

    The TRICK is to learn the static portion, link them to current affairs and bring it in writing. So, ethics needs hold over ART OF ANSWER WRITING as well as STATIC MATERIAL.

    The Smash ethics program will focus on both the needs of answer writing and static coverage of the syllabus.

    REMEMBER: General studies paper 4 is the only paper where you can score 110+ marks easily. Considering the fact that the syllabus is least out of all the other General studies papers. The amount of time this paper requires is also relatively less. Thus, this paper can play a major role in boosting your score in the final mark sheet.

    TRENDS IN ETHICS PAPER

    • Shift towards more conceptual questions than direct static questions

    Consider the first questions of 2 years:

    What do you understand by ‘values’ and ‘ethics’? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent? (PYQ 2013)

    Discuss the role of ethics and values in enhancing the following three major components of Comprehensive National Power viz. human capital, soft power, and social harmony. (PYQ 2020)

    The difficulty level of paper has more or less increased. This requires more practice and smart work.

    • More current affairs focused

    The number of questions linked to current affairs is increasing. So, here you have to be careful to link the theory with current affairs.

    “Education is not an injunction, it is an effective and pervasive tool for all-round development of an individual and social transformation”. Examine the New Education Policy, 2020 (NEP, 2020) in light of the above statement. (PYQ 2020)

    There is a view that the Official Secrets Act is an obstacle to the implementation of the Right to Information Act. Do you agree with the view? Discuss. (PYQ 2019)

    • Complex case studies

    Parmal is a small but underdeveloped district. It has rocky terrain that is not suitable for agriculture, though some subsistence agriculture is being done on small plots of land. The area receives adequate rainfall and has an irrigation canal flowing through it. Amria, its administrative center, is a medium-sized town. It houses a large district hospital, an Industrial Training Institute, and some privately owned skill training centers. It has all the facilities of a district headquarters. A trunk railway line passes approximately 50 kilometers from Amria. Its poor connectivity is a major reason for the absence of any major industry therein. The state government offers a 10 years tax holiday as an incentive to the new industries.

    In 2010 Anil, an industrialist decided to take benefits to set up Amria Plastic Works (APW) in Noora village, about 20 km from Amria. While the factory was being built, Anil hired the required key labor and got them trained at the skill training centers at Amria. This act of his made the key personnel very loyal to APW.

    APW started production in 2011 with the labor drawn fully from Noora village. The villagers were very happy to get employment near their homes and were motivated by the key personnel to meet the production targets with high quality. APW started making large profits, a sizeable portion of which was used to improve the quality of life in Noora. By 2016, Noora could boast of a greener village and a renovated village temple. Anil liaised with the local MLA to increase the frequency of the bus services to Amria. The government also opened a primary health care center and primary school at Noora in buildings constructed by APW. APW used its CSR funds to set up women’s self-help groups, subsidize primary education to the village children and procure an ambulance for use by its employees and the needy.

    In 2019, there was a minor fire in APW It was quickly extinguished as fire safety protocols were in place in the factory. Investigations revealed that the factory had been using electricity in excess of its authorized capacity. This was soon rectified. The next year, due to a nationwide lockdown, the requirement of production fell for four months. Anil decided that all employees would be paid regularly. He employed them to plant trees and improve the village habitat. APW had developed a reputation for high-quality production and a motivated workforce.

    Critically analyze the story of APW and state the ethical issues involved. Do you consider APW as a role model for the development of backward areas? Give reasons. (PYQ 2020)

    Not only the length but also, complexity levels of the case studies has also increased.

    • Lengthier paper

    Gone are the days when solving Ethics papers within the time limits without practicing mocks seemed achievable. Today, with lengthy case studies and tricky Section A questions, this paper demands more answer writing practice.

    Here’s what the program includes:

    VIDEO LECTURES

    Structured video lectures of Paper 4 for a concrete understanding of the syllabus. Our novel methodology accompanied by an in-depth explanation ensures comprehensive coverage of every topic in the syllabus. Added to this, we have made sure to add that extra element of fun.

    Here’s a snapshot of the lecture for you:

    FILL THE FORM FOR A FREE CALL WITH OUR MENTOR TO CLARIFY YOUR DOUBTS ABOUT SMASH ETHICS 2022

    8 FLT TESTS

    FLT tests will help to bring together the ideas and concepts to the art of answer writing. Practice full-length tests to evaluate your levels. With every test and discussion on strategies to follow, one can improve with every test.

    Questions framed are from the most important UPSC relevant themes and papers are based on the latest pattern of UPSC. Get model answers covering all the aspects of a question and providing enriching points to the student.

    MENTORSHIP SUPPORT ON ZOOM CALL

    A schedule is created where dedicated days are kept to discuss your doubts regarding each test and lecture. Weekly zoom calls can help boost ideas and discussion on various techniques, also among peers so that one can get a lot of exposure on various answer writing techniques and points to write in the answer.

    Also, the best answer copy of the week can be taken for discussion so that you can get an idea of how to write better.

    CIVILSDAILY’S HANDHOLDING

    You’ll be given membership to an exclusive group on Civilsdaily’s Habitat. The group will be headed by Sukanya ma’am herself. From doubt resolution and discussion will be done by Sukanya ma’am only. Here you can directly connect with ma’am.

    Habitat is where everything comes together learning, doubt clearing, mentor’s support, and a focused community. You’re going to learn and discuss it like never before.

    Program inclusion

    • Comprehensive Video Lectures covering Paper 4
    • 8 FLT tests with dedicated days for test discussion
    • Mentorship support over weekly zoom calls by Sukanya ma’am
    • Membership of Ethics group (exclusive) on Civilsdaily’s Habitat
    • Doubt resolution session on lecture on Habitat
    CLICK HERE TO JOIN SMASH ETHICS
    CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE SCHEDULE FOR 2021 BATCH
    CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE SCHEDULE FOR 2022 BATCH
    Click here for a free call to clarify doubts regarding smash ethics

    *Note: The test in the module will be uploaded as per the 2021 schedule…2022 students can follow their respective schedules or flexible ones*

    About the mentor:

    Sukanya Rana Ethics Civilsdaily IAS 2021 upsc 2021

    Sukanya Rana:

    Sukanya ma’am has firsthand experience of 4 mains and 2 interviews of UPSC. She has also appeared in the State PCS interview. Before she has worked as an officer in a public sector bank and now as a Mentor at Civilsdaily, she aims to guide future aspirants in finding success.

    Sukanya Ma’am has scored consistently 100+ marks in ethics and in 2019 her marks were 140 in GS 4. In 2020, under her mentorship, many smash mains students were able to secure 110+ marks.

  • [Yojana Archive] Women in India’s Toy Industry

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    Spanning thousands of years, toy manufacturing in India is as old as civilization itself. Some of the earliest evidence of terracotta toys being found in Harappa (c. 2500 BCE)- a key site of the Indus Valley Civilisation.

    It is remarkable to note that the history of toy manufacturing in India is inextricably linked to the larger story of India’s past.

    Toy Industry in India

    • Presently, the Indian toy industry is only 0.5% of the global industry size indicating a large potential growth opportunity.
    • The domestic toy demand forecasted to grow at 10-15% against the global average of 5%.
    • The report ‘State of play: India’s toy story- Unboxing fun and beyond’ said India could also target a 2% share of global exports by 2025.
    • There is high growth potential for India in exports of plastic toys and board games in the US, EU and Middle East among other markets.

    Toy Industries & Women Empowerment

    • Employment in the toy manufacturing sector offers its female majority workforce avenues for socio-economic empowerment, financial security, and skill development.
    • It also offers opportunities for women to act as agents of change by preserving local toy forms, intrinsic to their regions.
    • Toy manufacturing also creates possibilities for men and women artisans to work together, thereby promoting equal task division and partnerships.
    • For instance, in Tamil Nadu the manufacturing processes of ‘Vilachary‘ clay toys are divided between men and women.

    Toy Industries and Women

    • According to a report by the National Productivity Council, India’s toy industry employs 3 million workers, of which 70 per cent are women.

    Challenges

    • Unorganized and fragmented: It continues to be significantly fragmented, with 90 per cent of the market being unorganised.
    • Small scale: 75 per cent of domestic manufacturing originates in micro-industries, while 22 per cent comes from MSMEs. Less than 3 per cent of the domestic toy manufacturing processes come from large units.
    • Less competitive: The retail value of the Indian toy market is INR 16, 000 crores of which close to three-fourths are Chinese imports.

    Govt Initiatives

    • Toycathon: In January 2021, it launched ‘Toycathon’, a hackathon to develop toys and games based on Indian culture and ethos.
    • Atmanirbhar Bharat: To promote the indigenous toy manufacturing industry, this multi-Ministerial effort sought to create an ‘Aatmanirbhar’ eco-system for local manufactures by exploring their untapped potential.
    • Formal recognition in years: Toy manufacturing clusters across the country have come to be formally recognised and supported by the govt.
    • Cluster based production: State govts. are in the process of allocating spaces for toy parks. For instance, Koppal District in Karnataka has recently been recognised as the country’s first toy manufacturing cluster.

    Conclusion

    • As India looks to build its ‘toyoconomy — women workers will continue to play a significant role in fulfilling domestic demand, reducing imports and raising India’s share of toy manufacturing in the global marketplace.

  • US research highlights Indian farming practices

    A paper has recently published in the US has found that Integrated farming with intercropping increases food production while reducing environmental footprint.

    What is the finding?

    This work found that:

    1. Relay planting enhances yield
    2. Within-field rotation or strip rotation allowing strips for planting other plants (such as grass, fruits) besides the major crop was more fruitful
    3. Soil munching that is, available means such as crop straw, in addition to the major crop such as wheat or rice, and
    4. No-till or reduced tillage, which increases the annual crop yield up by 15.6% to 49.9%, and decreasing the environmental footprint by 17.3%, compared with traditional monoculture cropping

    Various terms mentioned

    [A] Relay planting

    • Relay planting means the planting of different crops in the same plot, one right after another, in the same season.
    • Examples of such relay cropping would be planting rice (or wheat), cauliflower, onion, and summer gourd (or potato onion, lady’s fingers and maize), in the same season.
    • Benefits: It is less risk since you do not have to depend on one crop alone. It also means better distribution of labour, insects spread less, and any legumes actually add nitrogen to the soil.

    [B] Strip cropping

    • Strip cropping has been used in the U.S. (where the fields are larger than those in India), where they grow wheat, along with corn and soybean, in the same farm in an alternative manner.
    • However, this needs large lands. The land is divided into strips, and strips of grass are left to grow between the crops.
    • Benefits: Planting of trees to create shelters has helped in stabilising the desert in Western India.

    [C] Soil mulching and no-till

    • Soil mulching requires keeping all bare soil covered with straw, leaves, and the like, even when the land is in use.
    • Benefits: Erosion is curtailed, moisture retained, and beneficial organisms, such as earthworms, kept in place. The same set of benefits are also offered by not tilling the soil.

    Significance of the findings

    • This research has led to the conclusion that small farm holders can grow more food and have reduced environmental footprint.
    • Current statistics reveal that our country has a significant population of small farmers, many owning less than 2 hectares of land.
    • About 70% of its rural households still depend primarily on agriculture for their livelihood, with 82% of farmers being small and marginal.

     

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

  • Meeting Link Inside, Register & Join|| Topper Talk with Shahansha IPS (AIR 142) || 7 Attempts, Work & Family – His Inspirational Story

    Meeting Link Inside, Register & Join|| Topper Talk with Shahansha IPS (AIR 142) || 7 Attempts, Work & Family – His Inspirational Story

    Team is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
    Interact Live with UPSC Topper Shahansha IPS, AIR 142

    Date & Time: Oct 31, 2021 @02:45 PM India
    Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/93335157353?pwd=RXlqYnZ6ckpieXZnUGY0eitITlJ5Zz09

    Meeting ID: 933 3515 7353

    Passcode: 302171

    register here to interact with shahansha ks, air 142, ips upsc 202o

    “When the results were out and I knew I finally made it, I sat down and cherished all the 8 years of preparation. For me, they are the best years of my life, regardless I cleared the exam or not. The civil services exam is worth your time, efforts and sacrifices even if there is a 1% chance of clearing it!”

    So many aspirants in Shahansha’s position would have given up by now. They will not wait until all the attempts got exhausted. They would have already decided UPSC is not for them. But Shahansha is among the 1% who wanted to show up sincerely for every attempt given to him. And that’s why he cleared an exam where the probability of failure is 99%.

    UPSC or Job? Better still, UPSC and Job!

    Shahansha had a demanding job as an Indian Railway Protection Force Officer, he was a son and a husband as well. Yet, he wouldn’t have had it any other way. “If I was preparing for this exam with no job, with no family and friends to support me, then I don’t think I would have been successful.”, he says. According to him, stability in life is essential to deal with the psychological and emotional stress of the exam.

    Don’t miss the chance to interact with him, get answers to all your questions and discover solutions to the issues bothering you! This webinar is free for all aspirants to attend.

    Why Attend this Webinar?

    “You are your own best friend and enemy”, says Shahansha as he believes negativity feeds on more negativity.

    More than IQ, one requires EQ (Emotional Intelligence) to clear this exam. UPSC is looking for just above-average marks in all the subjects. But, it requires officers who don’t have excuses or run away from solving people’s issues. The more mentally adept you are, the more happy UPSC will be to select you. So, work on controlling your emotional impulses early on.

    Shahansha will teach how to inculcate patience, perseverance and study through the stress. For anyone struggling in this area, this webinar is going to be useful.

    REGISTER HERE TO INTERACT WITH SHAHANSHA KS, AIR 142, IPS UPSC 202O

    What will you Learn from this Webinar?

    1. Despite qualifying for IAS why did Shahansha choose IPS?

    2. Why is it important to unwind when you’re feeling low? Importance of hobbies and friends.

    3. The brighter side of his failures. How did Shahansha improve with every attempt?

    4. Shahansha’s Prelims and Mains Strategy. How did he divide his time into before-work and after-work slots?

    5. Six years of wrong optional versus one year of right optional — How did it make the difference for him in Mains?

    6. General Do’s and Don’ts while preparing. What are the mistakes of his previous attempts he avoided?

    All aspirants are encouraged to participate in the Q&A Session by Shahansha. Learn from your doubts, learn from others’ doubts and learn from Shahansha’s answers.

    REGISTER HERE TO INTERACT WITH SHAHANSHA KS, AIR 142, IPS UPSC 202O

    Webinar Details

    This Ask me Anything session is free for all aspirants to attend but is perfect for anyone looking for a refreshing break from their grueling studies. Only limited slots are available, so register ASAP.

    Date: 31 October, 2021

    Time: 3 P.M.

    About Shahansha

    Son of a shopkeeper father and school teacher mother, Shahansha was a professional athlete, trained by the Sports Authority of India (SAI). He cleared prelims in all his seven attempts and even reached the interview round thrice. He gave multiple government exams and worked as the Assistant Commander in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Indian Railway Protection Officer.

    REGISTER HERE TO INTERACT WITH SHAHANSHA KS, AIR 142, IPS UPSC 202O

  • Register & Join the Live Webinar at 3 PM today || Interact with UPSC Topper Shahansha IPS (AIR 142) || His Inspirational Story || How to make a comeback despite back to back setbacks?||

    Register & Join the Live Webinar at 3 PM today || Interact with UPSC Topper Shahansha IPS (AIR 142) || His Inspirational Story || How to make a comeback despite back to back setbacks?||

    register here to interact with shahansha ks, air 142, ips upsc 202o

    “When the results were out and I knew I finally made it, I sat down and cherished all the 8 years of preparation. For me, they are the best years of my life, regardless I cleared the exam or not. The civil services exam is worth your time, efforts and sacrifices even if there is a 1% chance of clearing it!”

    So many aspirants in Shahansha’s position would have given up by now. They will not wait until all the attempts got exhausted. They would have already decided UPSC is not for them. But Shahansha is among the 1% who wanted to show up sincerely for every attempt given to him. And that’s why he cleared an exam where the probability of failure is 99%.

    UPSC or Job? Better still, UPSC and Job!

    Shahansha had a demanding job as an Indian Railway Protection Force Officer, he was a son and a husband as well. Yet, he wouldn’t have had it any other way. “If I was preparing for this exam with no job, with no family and friends to support me, then I don’t think I would have been successful.”, he says. According to him, stability in life is essential to deal with the psychological and emotional stress of the exam.

    Don’t miss the chance to interact with him, get answers to all your questions and discover solutions to the issues bothering you! This webinar is free for all aspirants to attend.

    Why Attend this Webinar?

    “You are your own best friend and enemy”, says Shahansha as he believes negativity feeds on more negativity.

    More than IQ, one requires EQ (Emotional Intelligence) to clear this exam. UPSC is looking for just above-average marks in all the subjects. But, it requires officers who don’t have excuses or run away from solving people’s issues. The more mentally adept you are, the more happy UPSC will be to select you. So, work on controlling your emotional impulses early on.

    Shahansha will teach how to inculcate patience, perseverance and study through the stress. For anyone struggling in this area, this webinar is going to be useful.

    REGISTER HERE TO INTERACT WITH SHAHANSHA KS, AIR 142, IPS UPSC 202O

    What will you Learn from this Webinar?

    1. Despite qualifying for IAS why did Shahansha choose IPS?

    2. Why is it important to unwind when you’re feeling low? Importance of hobbies and friends.

    3. The brighter side of his failures. How did Shahansha improve with every attempt?

    4. Shahansha’s Prelims and Mains Strategy. How did he divide his time into before-work and after-work slots?

    5. Six years of wrong optional versus one year of right optional — How did it make the difference for him in Mains?

    6. General Do’s and Don’ts while preparing. What are the mistakes of his previous attempts he avoided?

    All aspirants are encouraged to participate in the Q&A Session by Shahansha. Learn from your doubts, learn from others’ doubts and learn from Shahansha’s answers.

    REGISTER HERE TO INTERACT WITH SHAHANSHA KS, AIR 142, IPS UPSC 202O

    Webinar Details

    This Ask me Anything session is free for all aspirants to attend but is perfect for anyone looking for a refreshing break from their grueling studies. Only limited slots are available, so register ASAP.

    Date: 31 October, 2021

    Time: 3 P.M.

    About Shahansha

    Son of a shopkeeper father and school teacher mother, Shahansha was a professional athlete, trained by the Sports Authority of India (SAI). He cleared prelims in all his seven attempts and even reached the interview round thrice. He gave multiple government exams and worked as the Assistant Commander in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Indian Railway Protection Officer.

    REGISTER HERE TO INTERACT WITH SHAHANSHA KS, AIR 142, IPS UPSC 202O

  • Talk to the Topper || Few Seats Left || Interact Live with UPSC Topper Shahansha IPS (AIR 142) || 7 Attempts, Work & Family – His Inspirational Story|| How to make a comeback despite back to back setbacks?|| Register for Free, Limited Slots Available

    Talk to the Topper || Few Seats Left || Interact Live with UPSC Topper Shahansha IPS (AIR 142) || 7 Attempts, Work & Family – His Inspirational Story|| How to make a comeback despite back to back setbacks?|| Register for Free, Limited Slots Available

    register here to interact with shahansha ks, air 142, ips upsc 202o

    “When the results were out and I knew I finally made it, I sat down and cherished all the 8 years of preparation. For me, they are the best years of my life, regardless I cleared the exam or not. The civil services exam is worth your time, efforts and sacrifices even if there is a 1% chance of clearing it!”

    So many aspirants in Shahansha’s position would have given up by now. They will not wait until all the attempts got exhausted. They would have already decided UPSC is not for them. But Shahansha is among the 1% who wanted to show up sincerely for every attempt given to him. And that’s why he cleared an exam where the probability of failure is 99%.

    UPSC or Job? Better still, UPSC and Job!

    Shahansha had a demanding job as an Indian Railway Protection Force Officer, he was a son and a husband as well. Yet, he wouldn’t have had it any other way. “If I was preparing for this exam with no job, with no family and friends to support me, then I don’t think I would have been successful.”, he says. According to him, stability in life is essential to deal with the psychological and emotional stress of the exam.

    Don’t miss the chance to interact with him, get answers to all your questions and discover solutions to the issues bothering you! This webinar is free for all aspirants to attend.

    Why Attend this Webinar?

    “You are your own best friend and enemy”, says Shahansha as he believes negativity feeds on more negativity.

    More than IQ, one requires EQ (Emotional Intelligence) to clear this exam. UPSC is looking for just above-average marks in all the subjects. But, it requires officers who don’t have excuses or run away from solving people’s issues. The more mentally adept you are, the more happy UPSC will be to select you. So, work on controlling your emotional impulses early on.

    Shahansha will teach how to inculcate patience, perseverance and study through the stress. For anyone struggling in this area, this webinar is going to be useful.

    REGISTER HERE TO INTERACT WITH SHAHANSHA KS, AIR 142, IPS UPSC 202O

    What will you Learn from this Webinar?

    1. Despite qualifying for IAS why did Shahansha choose IPS?

    2. Why is it important to unwind when you’re feeling low? Importance of hobbies and friends.

    3. The brighter side of his failures. How did Shahansha improve with every attempt?

    4. Shahansha’s Prelims and Mains Strategy. How did he divide his time into before-work and after-work slots?

    5. Six years of wrong optional versus one year of right optional — How did it make the difference for him in Mains?

    6. General Do’s and Don’ts while preparing. What are the mistakes of his previous attempts he avoided?

    All aspirants are encouraged to participate in the Q&A Session by Shahansha. Learn from your doubts, learn from others’ doubts and learn from Shahansha’s answers.

    REGISTER HERE TO INTERACT WITH SHAHANSHA KS, AIR 142, IPS UPSC 202O

    Webinar Details

    This Ask me Anything session is free for all aspirants to attend but is perfect for anyone looking for a refreshing break from their grueling studies. Only limited slots are available, so register ASAP.

    Date: 31 October, 2021

    Time: 3 P.M.

    About Shahansha

    Son of a shopkeeper father and school teacher mother, Shahansha was a professional athlete, trained by the Sports Authority of India (SAI). He cleared prelims in all his seven attempts and even reached the interview round thrice. He gave multiple government exams and worked as the Assistant Commander in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Indian Railway Protection Officer.

    REGISTER HERE TO INTERACT WITH SHAHANSHA KS, AIR 142, IPS UPSC 202O

  • In India, the steady subversion of equality

    Context

    The sharp turns away from democracy seen recently in the country must jolt citizens into stopping the descent.

    Equality in democracy

    • The central edifice of a democracy, or what makes it a revolutionary idea, is equality, or that it accords an equal status to all its people.
    • The promise of the far-sighted Indian Constitution was of equal rights to all.
    • If any benefit was accorded to smaller groups, religious or linguistic minorities or Dalits, it was in order to achieve substantive equality.

    Faith as a differentiator

    • The basis of citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2019, allowing for non-Muslims from three countries to fast-track their citizenship, was the most serious push to introduce religion into citizenship.
    • Impact on marital choice: In terms of marital choices, laws in the country in States where the national ruling party holds sway have drawn harsh attention on inter-faith couples.
    • The Gujarat law criminalising inter-faith marriages has been called out by the Gujarat High Court.
    • But the ordinance introduced in Uttar Pradesh (Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance, 2020) is now a law.
    • Food has been criminalised: Stringent laws on cattle end up penalising those who have a certain diet, namely beef. The mood in the country created and abetted by people close to the powers that be, has led to lynchings.
    • State governments and the Union government have mostly ignored the Supreme Court’s directions in 2018 to set up fast track courts, advice to take steps to stop hate messages on social media, or compensation to victims, or bringing in an anti-mob lynching law.
    • Circumscribe where on can reside: The Gujarat Prohibition of Transfer of Immovable Property and Provision for Protection of Tenants from Eviction from Premises in Disturbed Areas Act, popularly known as the Disturbed Areas Act, circumscribes where one can reside.
    • The act was brought in an atmosphere where there was communal rioting and forced displacement, to ostensibly protect communities from distress sales, the twist accorded to it over the years firmly makes the forced separation of communities. evident.

    Hostile environment

    • Scholars like Thomas Blom Hansen and Paul Brass have unhesitatingly pointed to the role of violence that has historically been acceptable in Indian society and politics.
    • Scholars like Christophe Jaffrelot have pointed out that there will not be a seamless transition to an “ethnic democracy”.
    • The Indian nation is one formed on the promise of shared and participatory kinship, which recognised Indian nationalism as being distinct from the faith you practised at home.
    • Prioritising any one identity will have disastrous consequences and history provides enough evidence of this.

    Conclusion

    The mobs read together with actions of the Union government and that of State governments mark a sharp turn away from the democracy India claims it is. That must jolt us into recognising the distance we have already travelled down the wrong path. That may be the first step to try to wrest the descent into the darkness of an apartheid state.

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  • Interact Live with UPSC Topper Shahansha IPS (AIR 142) || 7 Attempts, Work & Family – His Inspirational Story|| How to make a comeback despite back to back setbacks?|| Register for Free, Limited Slots Available

    Interact Live with UPSC Topper Shahansha IPS (AIR 142) || 7 Attempts, Work & Family – His Inspirational Story|| How to make a comeback despite back to back setbacks?|| Register for Free, Limited Slots Available

    register here to interact with shahansha ks, air 142, ips upsc 202o

    “When the results were out and I knew I finally made it, I sat down and cherished all the 8 years of preparation. For me, they are the best years of my life, regardless I cleared the exam or not. The civil services exam is worth your time, efforts and sacrifices even if there is a 1% chance of clearing it!”

    So many aspirants in Shahansha’s position would have given up by now. They will not wait until all the attempts got exhausted. They would have already decided UPSC is not for them. But Shahansha is among the 1% who wanted to show up sincerely for every attempt given to him. And that’s why he cleared an exam where the probability of failure is 99%.

    UPSC or Job? Better still, UPSC and Job!

    Shahansha had a demanding job as an Indian Railway Protection Force Officer, he was a son and a husband as well. Yet, he wouldn’t have had it any other way. “If I was preparing for this exam with no job, with no family and friends to support me, then I don’t think I would have been successful.”, he says. According to him, stability in life is essential to deal with the psychological and emotional stress of the exam.

    Don’t miss the chance to interact with him, get answers to all your questions and discover solutions to the issues bothering you! This webinar is free for all aspirants to attend.

    Why Attend this Webinar?

    “You are your own best friend and enemy”, says Shahansha as he believes negativity feeds on more negativity.

    More than IQ, one requires EQ (Emotional Intelligence) to clear this exam. UPSC is looking for just above-average marks in all the subjects. But, it requires officers who don’t have excuses or run away from solving people’s issues. The more mentally adept you are, the more happy UPSC will be to select you. So, work on controlling your emotional impulses early on.

    Shahansha will teach how to inculcate patience, perseverance and study through the stress. For anyone struggling in this area, this webinar is going to be useful.

    REGISTER HERE TO INTERACT WITH SHAHANSHA KS, AIR 142, IPS UPSC 202O

    What will you Learn from this Webinar?

    1. Despite qualifying for IAS why did Shahansha choose IPS?

    2. Why is it important to unwind when you’re feeling low? Importance of hobbies and friends.

    3. The brighter side of his failures. How did Shahansha improve with every attempt?

    4. Shahansha’s Prelims and Mains Strategy. How did he divide his time into before-work and after-work slots?

    5. Six years of wrong optional versus one year of right optional — How did it make the difference for him in Mains?

    6. General Do’s and Don’ts while preparing. What are the mistakes of his previous attempts he avoided?

    All aspirants are encouraged to participate in the Q&A Session by Shahansha. Learn from your doubts, learn from others’ doubts and learn from Shahansha’s answers.

    REGISTER HERE TO INTERACT WITH SHAHANSHA KS, AIR 142, IPS UPSC 202O

    Webinar Details

    This Ask me Anything session is free for all aspirants to attend but is perfect for anyone looking for a refreshing break from their grueling studies. Only limited slots are available, so register ASAP.

    Date: 31 October, 2021

    Time: 3 P.M.

    About Shahansha

    Son of a shopkeeper father and school teacher mother, Shahansha was a professional athlete, trained by the Sports Authority of India (SAI). He cleared prelims in all his seven attempts and even reached the interview round thrice. He gave multiple government exams and worked as the Assistant Commander in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Indian Railway Protection Officer.

    REGISTER HERE TO INTERACT WITH SHAHANSHA KS, AIR 142, IPS UPSC 202O

  • How to create a truly digital public

    Context

    Despite the push for the adoption of digital technologies, large segments of Indians still can’t access or haven’t learned to trust digital artefacts.

    Issue of exclusion

    • Recognising the power of technology to drive inclusion at a massive scale, the state is doubling down on technology to reach more citizens and serve them better.
    • However, often the paradigm of technology for such services is built around the “elite” citizen, who is comfortable with technology.
    • Often, this imagined citizen is male, urban, upper class.
    • Large segments of Indians still can’t access or haven’t learned to trust digital artefacts.
    • Many among marginalised groups struggle to access digital civic platforms, and instead rely on trusted human intermediaries.

    Suggestions to make digital space truly public

    1) Design with the citizen

    • Encouraging human-centric design, and mandating user-assessments prior to roll out of GovTech platforms should be a key priority.
    • This is a shift from the default “build first and then disseminate” approach.
    • For example, formative research and human-centric design was informative in the creation of the first UPI payments app, BHIM.
    • BHIM’s simple interface and onboarding, use of relatable iconography and multi-language capabilities played an important role in early adoption of UPI among non “digital natives”.
    • Similarly, as the “Human Account” project demonstrated, it is possible to start with users in designing pro-poor fintech products, like the “Postman Savings” product which India Post Payments Bank designed for the rural poor.

    2) Harness trusted human interface to serve those who are not comfortable with technology

    •  Local intermediaries, such as formal and informal community leaders and civil society organisations, can play a key role in bridging the digital divide.
    • Working with existing networks (for example ASHAs) or carefully setting them up (such as the Andhra Pradesh Ward Secretariat programme), where pre-existing trust, community knowledge, and embeddedness can play a significant role, should be prioritised.

    3) Institutionalise an anchor entity that brings together innovators, policy makers and researchers

    • Such an entity will help to push the frontier on citizen-centricity in GovTech.
    • Such a platform — like the Citizen Lab in Denmark — can play a role in generating formative research.
    • Embedding this research in practice by partnering with the government as well as market innovators, and working with civil society organisations to enhance access to GovTech.

    Conclusion

    As India makes rapid strides in its digitalisation journey, it is timely to invoke Gandhiji’s talisman and ensure that GovTech can serve its highest and greatest purpose, that is, serving those who are last in line.

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  • Last 10 Seats Remaining || GET READY FOR SPRINT || MAINS MANTHAN 2021 || 40 out of 50 students got interview call in 2020 Mains || Register Now

    Last 10 Seats Remaining || GET READY FOR SPRINT || MAINS MANTHAN 2021 || 40 out of 50 students got interview call in 2020 Mains || Register Now

    CLICK HERE TO TALK TO OUR MENTORS FOR MAINS GUIDANCE
    CLICK HERE TO JOIN MAINS GUIDANCE PLUS
    CLICK HERE TO JOIN MAINS SUPER 50
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    Civil Services Examination result 2020 was released on 24th September 2021. Civilsdaily is proud to announce its toppers. In 2020, we took 50 Students for Mains exclusive one-to-one mentorship program and 80% got interview calls with 50% making it to the final list.

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD TOPPER COPIES

    Even Toppers of Civil services examination 2020 were impressed by the quality of questions from the Mains Test and Mentorship provided:

    A personal note by Karishma Nair, AIR 14 (2020)
    Quora Review by Pranav Vijayvergiya, AIR 65 (2020)
    A talk with Vaibhav Rawat, AIR 25 (2020)
    A talk by P Srija, AIR 20(2020)
    Pooja Gupta AIR 42(2020)
    Ponmani N AIR 148(2020)

    This year Mains Test Series will be more Quality driven and as per the pattern of the UPSC examination. The level of Questions will be Medium to Hard level. Also, we have made sure to bring more variety in program options so, that you can choose them as per your level of preparation and comfort.

    Civilsdaily is proud to announce the start of its Mains program for the UPSC examination 2021. Last year, our mains test series was able to match the themes of 90% of questions from the UPSC examination.

    UPSC Mains 2020 GS Paper 1: Question wise analysis

    Here is the proof of how our Mains Test questions matches UPSC examination:

    UPSC Mains 2020 GS Paper 2: Analysis and approach | 100% questions from Civilsdaily’s tests| Talk to us! Fill Samanvaya
    UPSC Mains 2020 GS Paper 3: Analysis and approach | Discuss with us! Fill Samanvaya
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    Why Civilsdaily Mains program?

    1. Question Formulation

    It happens under a team of experienced Civilsdaily faculty. Questions framed are from the most important UPSC relevant themes and papers are based on the latest pattern of UPSC.

    2. One-to-One Discussion on checked copy

    We believe in personalized individual attention. This is the biggest reason why you should join our TS. A one-to-one discussion with your Mentor will not only highlight your weaknesses but will also help in tracking your improvements over the subsequent tests.

    3. Answer Checking

    Our evaluation focuses on multiple dimensions and parameters like structure, flow, presentation, contextuality, relevance to question, analytical excellence, and cross-domain inter-linkages than simply on superficial, memory-based lapses.

    4. Model Answers

    More than just simply providing information, our model answers cover all the aspects of a question and provide enriching points to the student.

    CD Innovation – Color Coding – Red marking represents essential points to be written in answers. Green marking represents innovative points that can get you extra marks.

    MAINS MANTHAN 2021

    Here is the list of Mains programs available:

    Mains Guidance Plus

    Mains Guidance Plus is a wholesome package for UPSC Aspirants. The aim behind this program is not just to provide students with Model tests, but to cover multiple needs of students. From Mentorship to current affairs, the program has all the necessary elements needed for mains 2021.

    PROGRAM INCLUSION:

    Sectional Tests: 8 sectional tests to cover your static portions in detail. The scope will spread over your core subjects like History, economics, and polity, etc.

    Full-length tests: 12 FLTs to help you practice for the final Mains examination. These FLTs are patterned on UPSC Examination and have medium to high-quality questions. They will surely boost your preparation and test your analytical skills.

    One on One Mentorship: After every test, a call with a mentor will be arranged and you can clear your doubts on the paper. This is important as with your mentor you can discuss your weakness and strategize for the next paper.

    Quality Enrichment Program Notes: QEP is an intensive and holistic program for IAS Mains 2021 GS papers. We aim to cover up to 250 most relevant issues with a 360-degree view, covering all dimensions of each and every topic. Not only you’ll learn and analyze these issues but will also understand how to utilize them via Daily Answer Writing and Mains Test Series.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN MAINS GUIDANCE PLUS
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    Mains Super 50

    Mains Super 50 is a program apt for those aspirants whose focus lies on clearing Mains 2021. Those Students who have been practicing some answer writing and want to directly start with FLTs should opt for this. This program also has complete mentorship support.

    PROGRAM INCLUSION:

    Full-length tests: 12 FLTs to help you practice for the final Mains examination. These FLTs are patterned on UPSC Examination and have medium to high-quality questions. They will surely boost your preparation and test your analytical skills.

    One on One Mentorship: After every test, a call with a mentor will be arranged and you can clear your doubts on the paper. This is important as with your mentor you can discuss your weakness and strategize for the next paper.

    Weekly Zoom Call with Sukanya Ma’am: These calls will focus on paper discussion and students can as well raise their queries.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN MAINS SUPER 50
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    Mains Guidance Mini

    Mentorship is a forte of Civilsdaily and once you experience it, you will believe it. Mains Guidance Mini is a program focused on mentorship-based improvement. You can appear in any Test series, we will provide you the mentorship on that paper.

    PROGRAM INCLUSION:

    10 Test Discussion: You can discuss 10 FLTs in which you have appeared recently. These tests can be from any institute. Just mail to us and we will provide you the guidance.

    One on One Mentorship: After submitting a test, a call with a mentor will be arranged and you can clear your doubts on the paper. This is important as with your mentor you can discuss your weakness and strategize for the next paper.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN MAINS GUIDANCE MINI
    CLICK HERE FOR FLT SCHEDULE

    TOPPER COPIES 2020

    Download and read how their answers improved after guidance from our mentors.

    Karishma-Nair(AIR-14)Download
    P Srija (AIR-20)Download
    Vaibhav Rawat (AIR-25)Download
    Pooja-Gupta (AIR-42)Download
    Pranav-Vijay (AIR -65)Download
    Lakshay-Kumar-(AIR -132)Download
    Ponmani-Nehru(AIR-148)Download

    Kunal Aggarwal Civilsdaily IAS UPSC Mains

    Other than these programs, you can check out our test series for Mains 2022 as well.

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/course/mains-essential-program-2022/

    ALL THE BEST FOR MAINS 2021!! LET THE FINAL PREPARATION BEGIN!!

  • How ONDC seeks to democratize digital commerce?

    The department for the promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT) in the ministry of commerce and industry is building an open network for digital commerce (ONDC), designed to curb digital monopolies and standardize the onboarding of retailers on e-commerce sites.

    What does the ONDC aim to achieve?

    • The Unified Payment Interface (UPI) has disrupted the digital payments domain. ONDC seeks to achieve something similar for e-commerce.
    • It aims to “democratize” digital commerce, moving it away from platform-centric models like Amazon and Flipkart to an open network.
    • ONDC may enable more sellers to be digitally visible. The transactions will be executed through an open network.
    • The system may empower merchants and consumers.
    • It will eventually touch every business, from retail goods and food to mobility.

    How would ONDC work?

    • The ONDC is still work in progress and the details are not public.
    • But what we know so far is the network may make it easier for a small retailer to be discovered.

    A boon for retailers

    • Once a retailer lists its products or services using the ONDC’s open protocol, the business can be discovered by consumers on e-commerce platforms that follow the same protocol.
    • A consumer searching for the product can see the location of the seller and opt to buy from the neighbourhood shop that can deliver faster compared to an e-commerce company.
    • This may promote hyperlocal delivery of goods such as groceries, directly from sellers to consumers.

    What are the next steps?

    • A private sector-led non-profit unit will be set up to fast-track its roll-out.
    • It is expected to provide a startup mindset enabled by a management with a futuristic vision, deep understanding of commerce and comfort with cutting edge technology.
    • A non-profit company structure removes any incentive for profit maxi-mization,
    • It would keep focus on ethical and responsible behaviour while providing for trust, rigorous norms of governance, accountability and transparency.

     

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  • Karnataka Gambling Law: Ambit and the High Court Challenge

    Last month, the Karnataka legislature passed a legislation to amend the Karnataka Police Act, 1963, making all forms of gambling, including online, a cognisable and non-bailable offence.

    Gambling Law

    • The Karnataka Police (Amendment) Act, 2021 was notified and came into force.
    • It is aimed for broadening the scope of gambling beyond what has been defined by law.
    • It was passed despite similar laws introduced in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Telangana having faced legal challenges.

    What forms of gambling does the new law cover?

    • The amended law covers all forms of wagering or betting “in connection with any game of chance” with the exception of horse racing and lotteries.
    • It also puts betting on the skills of others in the category of gambling.
    • It provides an exception only to any pure game of skill and not to “wagering by persons taking part in such game of skill”.

    Penalties prescribed

    • It enhances maximum punishment for owners of gambling centres from one year to three years of imprisonment and fines from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
    • The minimum punishment proposed is six months instead of the current one month and the fine is Rs 10,000 instead of Rs 500.

    Implications of the law

    • Since the new law came into effect, several online gaming firms have geo-locked their apps and sites in Karnataka to prevent attracting police action if customers access the sites.

    Legal issues raised by the amended laws

    One of the primary grounds on which the new gaming laws in these states has been challenged is:

    • Games of skill: This been clubbed along with games of chance in the definition of gaming, if the games of skill are played for prizes or bets.
    • Violation of FR: Gaming companies have argued — successfully that competitive games of skill are business activities protected under Article 19 (1) (g) of the Constitution.
    • Other examples: Rummy and horse racing have been classified by the courts as games of skill that do not come under the purview of gaming laws.
    • Competence of the state: It has been argued that states do not have “legislative competence” to prohibit games of skill and that only games of chance can be regulated for gambling and betting.

    Why has Karnataka amended the law?

    • Ban on online gambling: The statement of objects and reasons justify that the new law is needed to make gambling a cognisable and non-bailable offence (gambling in public streets remains cognisable and bailable).
    • More power to Police: Other reasons cited is that police cannot raid gambling dens without a formal written order from a magistrate, since gambling is a non-cognisable and bailable offence.
    • Public demands for ban: Recent public interest litigations seeking a ban on online gaming and betting, too, have been a trigger for the amendments.
    • Illicit use of cyber-space: The new law has also been introduced to include the use of cyberspace as defined in the IT Act 2000 to curb the menace of gaming through internet.

    Will these amendments stand the test of law?

    • As mentioned, a similar law in Tamil Nadu was struck down by the Madras High Court as being ultra vires after it was challenged by online gaming firms.
    • The court ruled that- Games and sporting activities in the physical form cannot be equated with games conducted in virtual mode or in cyberspace.
    • However, when it comes to card games or board games such as chess or Scrabble, there is no distinction between the skill involved in the physical form of the activity or in the virtual form.
    • The HC said both rummy and poker are games of skill.

     

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  • Farmer suicide

    The number of agricultural labourers who died by suicide in 2020 was 18% higher than the previous year, according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report.

    Farmers suicide in 2020

    • In 2020, 5,098 of these agricultural labourers died by suicide, an 18% rise from the 4,324 who died last year.
    • Overall, 10,677 people engaged in the farm sector died by suicide in 2020, slightly higher than the 10,281 who died in 2019.
    • They made up 7% of all suicides in the country.
    • Most of these deaths were among those whose primary work and main source of income comes from labour activities in agriculture or horticulture.
    • However, among farmers who cultivate their own land, with or without the help of other workers, the number of suicides dropped 3.7% from 5,129 to 4,940.
    • Among tenant farmers who cultivate leased land, there was a 23% drop in suicides from 828 to 639.

    State-wise data

    • The worst among States continues to be Maharashtra, with 4,006 suicides in the farm sector, including a 15% increase in farm worker suicides.
    • Other States with a poor record include Karnataka (2016), Andhra Pradesh (889) and Madhya Pradesh (735).
    • Tamil Nadu also bucked the national trend; although the total number of farm suicides in the State was slightly higher.

    Why more suicides despite a boom?

    • The farm sector was one of the few bright spots in the Indian economy since a year.
    • It recorded growth on the back of a healthy monsoon and the continuation of agricultural activities during a lockdown that crippled other sectors.
    • Hence, suicides among landowning farmers dropped slightly during the pandemic year.
    • Landless agricultural labourers who did not benefit from income support schemes such as PM Kisan may have faced higher levels of distress during the pandemic.

    General causes of farmers suicides in India

    Suicide victims are motivated by more than one cause however the primer reason is the inability to repay loans.

    • Debt trap: Major causes reportedly are bankruptcy/indebtedness, problems in the families, crop failure, illness and alcohol/substance abuse.
    • Lack of credit: Low access to credit, irrigation and technology worsens their ability to make a comfortable living.
    • Responsibility burden: In other words, debt to stress and family responsibilities as reasons were significantly higher than fertilizers and crop failure.
    • Disguised unemployment: This remains high. Fragmentation of land holdings has left far too many farmers with farms that are too small to be remunerative.
    • Mental health: One of the major causes behind suicidal intent is depression. Farmers are often subjected to fear of boycott due to societal pressures.

     

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    Back2Basics: National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)

    • The NCRB is an Indian government agency responsible for collecting and analysing crime data as defined by the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special and Local Laws (SLL).
    • It is headquartered in New Delhi and is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
    • It was set-up in 1986 to function as a repository of information on crime and criminals so as to assist the investigators in linking crime to the perpetrators.
    • It was set up based on the recommendation of the Task force, 1985 and National Police Commission, 197.
    • It merged the Directorate of Coordination and Police Computer (DCPC), Inter State Criminals Data Branch of CBI and Central Finger Print Bureau of CBI.

    Also read:

    [Burning Issue] Farmers’ suicide in India

     

  • Nationwide Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) drive launched

    Union Health Minister has launched a nationwide expansion of Pneumococcal 13-valent Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).

    Why such drive?

    • Pneumonia was a leading cause of death among children under five, globally and in India.
    • Pneumonia caused by pneumococcus is the most common cause of severe pneumonia in children.
    • Around 16% of deaths in children occur due to pneumonia in India.
    • The nationwide roll-out of PCV will reduce child mortality by around 60%.

    Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)

    • The PCV is a mix of several bacteria of the pneumococci family, which are known to cause pneumonia—hence ‘conjugate’ is included in the name of the vaccine.
    • PCV prevents pneumococcal disease. It can protect both children and adults from pneumococcal disease.
    • Such conjugate vaccines are made using a combination of two different components.

    Pneumonia vs Pneumococcal pneumonia

    • Pneumonia is a lung disease.
    • Pneumococcal pneumonia, a kind of pneumonia, can infect the upper respiratory tract and can spread to the blood, lungs, middle ear, or nervous system.
    • Pneumococcal disease is a name for any infection caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumonia or pneumococcus.
    • Most people carry pneumococcus in their nose and throat, where the bacteria do not cause any symptoms.

    Take this yorker from CSP 2020:

    Q.What is the importance of using Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in India?

    1. These vaccines are effective against pneumonia as well as meningitis and sepsis.
    2. Dependence on antibiotics that are not effective against drug-resistant bacteria can be reduced.
    3. These vaccines have no side effects and cause no allergic reactions.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 2 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    Post your answers here.

     

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  • Mission Samudrayan: India’s First and Unique Manned Ocean

    Union Minister of Earth Sciences has launched India’s First Manned Ocean Mission Samudrayan at Chennai.

    Mission Samudrayan

    • The Samudrayan project has been undertaken by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).
    • It will be a part of the Rs 6,000 crore Deep Ocean Mission.
    • It is designed to carry 3 persons in 2.1meter diameter Titanium Alloy Personnel Sphere with an operational endurance of 12hrs and systems to support emergency endurance up to 96hrs.
    • It could work at a depth between 1000 and 5500 meters.

    Objectives

    • Samudrayan shall facilitate carrying out deep ocean exploration of the non-living resources such as polymetallic manganese nodules, gas hydrates, hydro-thermal sulphides and cobalt crusts.
    • The mission would carry out subsea activities such as high-resolution bathymetry, biodiversity assessment, geo-scientific observation, search activities, salvage operation and engineering support.

    Focus areas of the Project

    • Ocean climate change advisory services
    • Underwater vehicles
    • Underwater robotics-related technologies
    • Deep-sea mining: Exploitation of polymetallic nodules

    Components of the mission

    Some of the critical subsystems of the manned submersibles are:

    • Development of Titanium Alloy Personnel Sphere, Human support and safety system in enclosed space, low density buoyancy modules, Ballast and Trim System
    • Pressure compensated batteries and propulsion system, control and communication systems and Launching and Recovery System.

    Progress till date

    • The preliminary design of the manned submersible MATSYA 6000 is completed.
    • Sea trials of 500 metre rated shallow water version of the manned submersible are expected to take place in the last quarter of 2022 and the MATSYA 6000.
    • The deep-water manned submersible will be ready for trials by the second quarter of 2024.

    Why need such mission?

    • This manned submersible mission provides a feel of direct physical presence for researchers and has better intervention capability.
    • With the advancing subsea technologies, the recent Fendouzhe manned submersible developed by China in 2020 has touched ~11000m water depths.
    • With Samudrayan, India joins the elite club of nations such as USA, Russia, Japan, France and China to have such underwater vehicles for carrying out subsea activities.

    Back2Basics: India and International Seabed Authority (ISA)

    • The ISA, an autonomous international organization established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, allots the ‘area’ for deep-sea mining.
    • India was the first country to receive the status of a ‘Pioneer Investor’ in 1987 and was given an area of about 1.5 lakh sqkm in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) for nodule exploration.
    • In 2002, India signed a contract with the ISA, and after a complete resource analysis of the seabed, India surrendered 50%, and the country retained an area of 75,000 sqkm.
    • Further studies have helped narrow the mining area to 18,000 sqkm, the ‘First Generation Mine-site’.

     

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  • Interact Live with UPSC Topper Shahansha IPS (AIR 142) || 7 Attempts, Work & Family – His Inspirational Story|| How to make a comeback despite back to back setbacks?|| Register for Free, Limited Slots Available

    Interact Live with UPSC Topper Shahansha IPS (AIR 142) || 7 Attempts, Work & Family – His Inspirational Story|| How to make a comeback despite back to back setbacks?|| Register for Free, Limited Slots Available

    register here to interact with shahansha ks, air 142, ips upsc 202o

    “When the results were out and I knew I finally made it, I sat down and cherished all the 8 years of preparation. For me, they are the best years of my life, regardless I cleared the exam or not. The civil services exam is worth your time, efforts and sacrifices even if there is a 1% chance of clearing it!”

    So many aspirants in Shahansha’s position would have given up by now. They will not wait until all the attempts got exhausted. They would have already decided UPSC is not for them. But Shahansha is among the 1% who wanted to show up sincerely for every attempt given to him. And that’s why he cleared an exam where the probability of failure is 99%.

    UPSC or Job? Better still, UPSC and Job!

    Shahansha had a demanding job as an Indian Railway Protection Force Officer, he was a son and a husband as well. Yet, he wouldn’t have had it any other way. “If I was preparing for this exam with no job, with no family and friends to support me, then I don’t think I would have been successful.”, he says. According to him, stability in life is essential to deal with the psychological and emotional stress of the exam.

    Don’t miss the chance to interact with him, get answers to all your questions and discover solutions to the issues bothering you! This webinar is free for all aspirants to attend.

    Why Attend this Webinar?

    “You are your own best friend and enemy”, says Shahansha as he believes negativity feeds on more negativity.

    More than IQ, one requires EQ (Emotional Intelligence) to clear this exam. UPSC is looking for just above-average marks in all the subjects. But, it requires officers who don’t have excuses or run away from solving people’s issues. The more mentally adept you are, the more happy UPSC will be to select you. So, work on controlling your emotional impulses early on.

    Shahansha will teach how to inculcate patience, perseverance and study through the stress. For anyone struggling in this area, this webinar is going to be useful.

    REGISTER HERE TO INTERACT WITH SHAHANSHA KS, AIR 142, IPS UPSC 202O

    What will you Learn from this Webinar?

    1. Despite qualifying for IAS why did Shahansha choose IPS?

    2. Why is it important to unwind when you’re feeling low? Importance of hobbies and friends.

    3. The brighter side of his failures. How did Shahansha improve with every attempt?

    4. Shahansha’s Prelims and Mains Strategy. How did he divide his time into before-work and after-work slots?

    5. Six years of wrong optional versus one year of right optional — How did it make the difference for him in Mains?

    6. General Do’s and Don’ts while preparing. What are the mistakes of his previous attempts he avoided?

    All aspirants are encouraged to participate in the Q&A Session by Shahansha. Learn from your doubts, learn from others’ doubts and learn from Shahansha’s answers.

    REGISTER HERE TO INTERACT WITH SHAHANSHA KS, AIR 142, IPS UPSC 202O

    Webinar Details

    This Ask me Anything session is free for all aspirants to attend but is perfect for anyone looking for a refreshing break from their grueling studies. Only limited slots are available, so register ASAP.

    Date: 31 October, 2021

    Time: 3 P.M.

    About Shahansha

    Son of a shopkeeper father and school teacher mother, Shahansha was a professional athlete, trained by the Sports Authority of India (SAI). He cleared prelims in all his seven attempts and even reached the interview round thrice. He gave multiple government exams and worked as the Assistant Commander in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Indian Railway Protection Officer.

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  • [Burning Issue] Glasgow Climate Change Conference (COP 26)

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    United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC), also known as COP26 is scheduled to be held in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, between 31 October and 12 November 2021.

    Let us look at in detail the UNFCCC and the latest COP26.

    Climate change: A disaster in making

    • Anthropogenic climate change can be traced back to the industrial revolution.
    • The atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) greenhouse gas has increased to 415 parts per million (ppm) from 280 ppm since then.
    • A global momentum, therefore, was required to get all countries on board.

    Realization of climate action: Birth of UNFCCC

    • The idea led to the formation of the United Nations Framework for Climate Change Convention (UNFCCC, also known as ‘The Convention’) in 1992, at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
    • The convention divided the countries on the basis of their differing commitments: Annex I and II consisted of industrialized and developed countries and Non-Annex I comprised developing countries.

    A timeline

    The Conference of Parties (CoP) is the supreme decision-making body at the convention and comprises states that are party to it.

    COP 1:

    • At CoP1 in Berlin 1995, the Convention highlighted the shortcomings of UNFCCC — the voluntary nature of the agreement.
    • It stressed how no substantive action was taken to address the cause against climate change, which in turn put forward the need for “legally binding” actions.

    COP 2:

    • The proposal of legally binding targets was further emphasised upon in COP2 in Geneva in 1996.

    COP 3:

    • In COP3 in Kyoto in 1997, the legally binding targets were approved of by different countries. They came to be known as the Kyoto Protocol.
    • It is considered to be one of the most important steps despite its late acceptance for it paved the way for further negotiations through legally binding targets for Annex I countries and establishment of carbon markets.
    • The mechanisms proposed by Kyoto Protocol to reduce emissions included Joint Implementation, Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) and Emissions Trading.

    COP 4 and COP 5:

    • In COP4 in 1998 and COP5 in 1999, the rulebook for implementing the Kyoto Protocol was on the process with the adoption of the Buenos Aires Plan of Action in COP4, along with continued negotiation efforts in COP5.

    COP 7:

    • In COP7 in Marrakesh in 2001, the guidelines for flexible mechanisms of joint implementation, CDM markets, emissions trading was agreed upon. It came to be known as the Marrakesh Accord.
    • It was particularly important because mitigation efforts had already started and special attention was given to developing countries.
    • It asked them to build their capacities and ensuring technology transfer through least developed countries (LDC) Fund, special climate change fund (SCCF) and adaptation fund.

    COP 8:

    • The COP8 in 2002, which was held in “New Delhi”, emphasised on adaptation measures and stressed that poverty alleviation and development were the utmost priority of developing countries.

    COP 10:

    • The future course of action was discussed in COP10 in Montreal in 2005 after Russia ratified the Protocol in 2004 at COP10 in Argentina.
    • A two-track approach was formed, which included the constructive implementation of UNFCCC as well as formation an ad-hoc committee for the Kyoto Protocol.

    COP 15:

    • Copenhagen COP 2009 was set by the ad-hoc working group on Kyoto protocol formed during Montreal COP 2005.
    • The group agreed to have a deal in 2009 regarding a legally binding climate regime from 2012-2020.
    • The discussions lost track when developed countries started advocating for burden-sharing with developing countries.

    COP 16:

    • The disappointment of Copenhagen was turned into an opportunity in Cancun 2010, where the Copenhagen Accord was accepted.
    • It looked forward to a second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol and established the Cancun Adaptation Framework.
    • For the first time, a temperature target of 2 degrees Celsius was included. The Green climate fund was formed and developed countries agreed to contribute.

    COP 17:

    • Following Cancun, Durban COP 2011 took place wherein the seed of the Paris Agreement was sown.
    • The seed started sprouting in Doha COP 2012, where countries decided to avoid the gap between Kyoto and next legal climate regime.
    • So, the second regime of Kyoto was decided from 2012-2020. The third pillar of loss and damage was incorporated for the first time.

    COP 20:

    • In COP in Lima in 2014, countries submitted their own climate ambitions in the form of intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs).

    COP 21: The Pathbreaker

    • In 2015, the Paris agreement was finally adopted and the INDCs were annexed to it.
    • It was agreed that the Paris agreement would start from 2021.
    • 2015 was known as a year of multilateral agreements because, in addition to the Paris agreement, sustainable development goals and Sendai Framework was also adopted.
    • 2015, therefore, came out to be a successful year.

    Being a very important conference with respect to climate change, let us look at the topic in short.

    • The key vision of Paris Agreement is to keep global temperatures “well below” 2.0C (3.6F) above pre-industrial times and “endeavour to limit” them even more, to 1.5C.
    • Paris Accord talks about limiting the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by human activity to the same levels that trees, soil and oceans can absorb naturally, beginning at some point between 2050 and 2100.
    • It also mentions the need to review each country’s contribution to cutting emissions every five years so they scale up to the challenge.
    • Rich countries should help poorer nations by providing “climate finance” to adapt to climate change and switch to renewable energy.
    • The Paris Agreement has a ‘bottom up’ structure in contrast to most international environmental law treaties which are ‘top down.
    • The agreement is binding in some elements like reporting requirements, while leaving other aspects of the deal such as the setting of emissions targets for any individual country as non-binding.

    Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)

    • The national pledges by countries to cut emissions are voluntary.
    • The Paris Agreement requires all Parties to put forward their best efforts through “nationally determined contributions” (NDCs) and to strengthen these efforts in the years ahead.
    • This includes requirements that all Parties report regularly on their emissions and on their implementation efforts.
    • In 2018, Parties will take stock of the collective efforts in relation to progress towards the goal set in the Paris Agreement.
    • There will also be a global stock take every 5 years to assess the collective progress towards achieving the purpose of the Agreement and to inform further individual actions by Parties.

    India’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC)

    • India’s INDC include a reduction in the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 per cent by 2030 from 2005 level.
    • India has also pledged to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
    • India will anchor a global solar alliance, INSPA (International Agency for Solar Policy & Application), of all countries located in between Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn.

    COP22 :

    • To move forward on writing the rule book of the Paris Agreement.
    • Launched the Marrakech Partnership for Climate Action.

    COP23:

    • Countries continued to negotiate the finer details of how the agreement will work from 2020 onwards.
    • First set of negotiations since the US, under the presidency of Donald Trump, announced its intention earlier this year to withdraw from the Paris deal.
    • It was the first COP to be hosted by a small-island developing state with Fiji taking up the presidency, even though it was being held in Bonn.

    COP 24:

    • It finalized a “rulebook” to operationalise the 2015 Paris Agreement.
    • The rulebook covers climate financing facilities and the actions to be taken as per Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).

    COP25, Madrid:

    • It was held in Madrid (Spain).
    • There were no concrete plans regarding the growing climatic urgency.

    Why COP26  is important?

    The agreement works on a five-year cycle of climate actions, which is part of the reason COP26 is so important to tackle climate change: it’s the first five-year meeting since Paris.

    The agreement required signatories to:

    • Announce ‘nationally determined contributions’ (NDCs) – i.e., the self-determined goals to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change (required update in 2020 and every 5-years after);
    • Provide a long-term strategy to decarbonise their economies by 2050; and 
    • For ‘developed’ countries to collectively scale up their climate finance under the UNFCCC to at least a collective USD $100 billion per year by 2020.

    COP26

    What are the COP26 goals?

    According to the UNFCCC, COP26 will work towards four goals:

    (1) Secure global net-zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach

    • Countries are being asked to come forward with ambitious 2030 emissions reductions targets that align with reaching net zero by the middle of the century.
    • For achieving these ambitious targets, countries will have to follow the following roadmap:
    • Accelerate the phase-out of coal
    • Curtail deforestation
    • Speed up the switch to electric vehicles
    • Encourage investment in renewables.

    (2) Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats

    • Countries will work together to ‘protect and restore ecosystems and build defences, warning systems and resilient infrastructure and agriculture to avoid loss of homes, livelihoods and even lives.’

    (3) Mobilise finance

    • To deliver on first two goals, developed countries must make good on their promise to mobilise at least $100bn in climate finance per year by 2020.

    (4) Work together to deliver

    • Another important task at the COP26 is to ‘finalise the Paris Rulebook’.
    • Leaders will work together to frame a list of detailed rules that will help fulfil the Paris Agreement.

    Why COP26  is important?

    The agreement works on a five-year cycle of climate actions, which is part of the reason COP26 is so important to tackle climate change: it’s the first five-year meeting since Paris.

    The agreement required signatories to:

    • Announce ‘nationally determined contributions’ (NDCs) – i.e., the self-determined goals to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change (required update in 2020 and every 5-years after);
    • Provide a long-term strategy to decarbonise their economies by 2050; and 
    • For ‘developed’ countries to collectively scale up their climate finance under the UNFCCC to at least a collective USD $100 billion per year by 2020.

    What Needs to Happen at COP26

    • COP 26 is shaping up as the most important meeting since 2015. Not only is it the first 5-year review, but it also encompasses several important issues that were deferred from COP25.
    • The meeting will “set the trajectory for future generations” and will be the “last, best chance of making progress” towards meeting the 2015 Paris Agreement goals.
    • Member states have the opportunity to re-evaluate their targets against more recent climate science. This is especially important because current targets will fall short of the Paris goals for global temperature rise.
    • Climate Action Tracker, a leading independent research organization that assesses climate policies, estimates that current pledges would only limit global heating to 30C.

    What India could do to reach its targets?

    1. Update NDCs: It is time for India to update its Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs. (NDCs detail the various efforts taken by each country to reduce the national emissions)
    2. Effective planning: Sector by sector plans are needed to bring about development. We need to decarbonise the electricity, transport sector and start looking at carbon per passenger mile.
    3. Energy transition: Aggressively figure out how to transition our coal sector
    4. Robust legal framework: India also needs to ramp up the legal and institutional framework of climate change.

    What is next after COP26

    • COP26 may well be the most important climate meeting of our generation. Not only does it mandate a review of progress towards the 2015 Paris Agreement.
    • But it allows members to re-evaluate 2015 goals in the light of new science and generate new targets.

    Conclusion

    • Asia and particularly India’s size, population, and economic might is critical to any global climate change targets. COP26 is a great opportunity for Asia to show leadership and be a positive example for other regions.
    • Asia has started to make good strides towards a cleaner future, in particular with clean energy investment.
    • However, the latest predictions show that all nations must continue to drive towards ever-decreasing emissions if we are to limit global warming to 1.50C.
    • This trend will continue to create opportunities for public and private investment in Asia’s growing renewable energy network.

    What are the goals for UNFCCC COP26 and why it is so important? What India can do to reach the targets? (250 words)

    Post your answers in comments below.

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  • *Drumroll* Prelims Results are Out | Congratulations to all the Successful Candidates!

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    We, at Civilsdaily are extremely happy for everyone who has cleared prelims this time. Thank you for giving us a reason to cheer for you. It’s important to give yourself a pat or two, share the news with your family, eat a sweet and start working for Mains immediately.

    Its natural to get swayed as you have cleared an unpredictable prelims paper. But, remember this is only the first stop. You are two stops away from reaching the peak. The competition is about to get tougher as you are now pitted against more serious aspirants. So don’t stop persevering for Mains.

    For those that couldn’t make it this year, hang in there and don’t lose heart. You still have 8 more months till UPSC 2022. Begin your mains preparation as well. But first before that, get a free 1-on-1 counselling from us and understand how you can better your performance in 2022.

    Once again heartiest congratulations and there is more to come!

    All the Best,

    Civilsdaily Team.

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