💥UPSC 2026, 2027, 2028 UAP Mentorship (March Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Search results for: “”

  • Freedom of Speech the ‘Bulwark’ of Democracy: Andhra HC

    Central Idea: The Andhra Pradesh High Court has overturned a Government Order (GO) issued by the state government that aimed to regulate public meetings, processions, and assemblies on roads.

    Key takeaways of the ruling

    • The court held that the right to assemble, protest peacefully, and express one’s opinion freely was a precious freedom.
    • It emphasized that this freedom should not be curtailed based on unproven assertions made by government officials.
    • The court reiterated that freedom of speech was considered the foremost among liberties and was crucial for democracy.
    • It stated that such a precious freedom should not be left to the unrestricted discretion of any individual.

    AP move regulating Public Assembly

    • The GO sought to regulate public meetings and assemblies on roads, roadsides, and margins.
    • The state government argued that the regulations were necessary to address fatal accidents and ensure smooth traffic flow.
    • Sections 30, 30A, and 31 of the Police Act, 1861 were cited as the basis for the directions under the GO.

    High Court’s decision and reasoning

    • The court set aside the GO, ruling that it imposed a ban on all meetings on public highways and roads.
    • It stated that accidents or incidents at specific locations should not result in a total restriction on the right to assemble or conduct processions on other roads.
    • The court suggested studying the causes of incidents and issuing guidelines to prevent their recurrence rather than imposing broad restrictions.

    Upholding the Right to Assembly

    • The court asserted that the right to assemble, protest peacefully, and express opinions freely is a fundamental freedom that cannot be curtailed arbitrarily.
    • Freedom of speech is regarded as a crucial pillar of democracy and must not be subject to unfettered discretion.
    • The court deemed the power conferred by the GO as excessive, arbitrary, and failing the test of proportionality.

    Reference: 2018 SC Ruling on Peaceful Assembly

    • The court referred to the guidelines laid down in the Supreme Court’s ruling in “Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan v Union of India (2018).”
    • The guidelines regulate protests and demonstrations, recognizing the right to peaceful assembly while allowing reasonable restrictions.
    • The ruling includes provisions on the number of participants, minimum distances from important locations, and restrictions during visits by foreign dignitaries.

    Back2Basics: Right to Assemble

    • The right to assemble in India refers to the fundamental right guaranteed under Article 19(1)(b) of the Constitution of India.
    • It grants individuals the freedom to peacefully assemble, protest, and hold public meetings or processions.
    • This right allows citizens to come together to express their views, opinions, and grievances collectively in a public setting.
    • It is an essential aspect of democracy, enabling citizens to engage in peaceful activism, raise awareness about social issues, and participate in public discourse.
    • However, reasonable restrictions can be imposed on this right in the interest of public order, morality, and the sovereignty and integrity of India.

     

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!

  • Nikaalo Prelims Spotlight || Current affairs developments in last one year in environment

    Dear Aspirants,

    This Spotlight is a part of our Mission Nikaalo Prelims-2023.

    You can check the broad timetable of Nikaalo Prelims here

    Session Details

    YouTube LIVE with Parth sir – 7 PM  – Prelims Spotlight Session

    Evening 04 PM  – Daily Mini Tests

    Join our Official telegram channel for Study material and Daily Sessions Here

    19th May 2023

    Current affairs developments in last one year in environment

    Please refer to current affairs compilation.

  • [ORF] Narco-Terrorism in India

    [ORF] Narco-Terrorism in India

    narco terror

    Central Idea

    • Recently 2,500 kilograms of methamphetamine worth around ₹ 12,000 crore was seized from a vessel in Indian waters along the Kerala coast.
    • Soon after that, NIA conducted raids and searches across more than a 100 locations in six states in connection with the smuggler-gangster nexus case.
    • The raids are aimed at cracking down on the nexus between terrorists and narcotic smugglers.

    What is Narco-terrorism?

    • Narco-terrorism is the intersection of the illegal drug trade and terrorism.
    • Drug trafficking organizations engage in acts of terrorism to further their illicit activities or intimidate governments and people.
    • Examples include financing terrorist groups through drug proceeds, using violence and intimidation to control drug trafficking routes and areas, and carrying out acts of terrorism to destabilize governments and societies.

    Origin and Spread of Narco-terrorism

    • The origin of narco-terrorism is unclear, but it became widespread in the 1980s and 1990s.
    • Drug trafficking organizations in countries like Colombia and Peru carried out increasingly violent and sophisticated criminal and terrorist activities.
    • They finance themselves through the drug trade and use it to further terrorism, such as bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations.
    narco terror

    Narco-terrorism in India

    • Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab has seen a steep rise in drug trafficking in recent years.
    • Illegal drugs, including heroin and marijuana, are grown and produced in neighboring countries and smuggled into India.
    • Drug money is used to fund separatist and militant groups, contributing to ongoing terror and violent activities.

    How is it flourishing in Punjab?

    • Terrain difficulties: The riverine stretches along Punjab’s border are difficult to police effectively.
    • Historic connections and provocations: There are ethnic and economic ties across the Radcliffe Line, contributing to smuggling activities.
    • Vast nexus: Seizures represent only a small fraction of the actual drugs flowing across the border.

    Exploitation of Narco-terrorism by Pakistan

    • Targeting Drug-Addicted Youth: The cognitive impairment caused by drug abuse makes these individuals vulnerable to manipulation and radicalization.
    • Pushing Drugs to influence cognitive behaviour: Pakistan has accelerated its efforts to push narcotics, especially heroin. The objective is to create instability in the region, brainwash the youth, and weaken their cognitive behavior.
    • Funding Terror Activities: Narco-trade serves as a source of funding for terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The proceeds from drug trafficking are used to finance militant groups operating in the region.
    • Manipulation through Drug Addiction: Terror outfits manipulates drug-addicted individuals to serve their agenda. This manipulation creates a cycle of drug addiction and radicalization, further fueling the problem of narco-terrorism.

    Factors contributing to such rise

    • Proximity to drug-producing regions: India’s proximity to the “Golden Crescent” (including parts of Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan), provides easy access to narcotics.
    • Cross-border connections: India shares borders with countries like Pakistan, which is known for its involvement in drug trafficking.
    • Financing mechanism: Socioeconomic factors such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities can contribute to the involvement of individuals in the drug trade.
    • Corruption and weak law enforcement: Corruption within law enforcement agencies can facilitate the operations of drug trafficking networks ex. in Punjab.
    • High profits and demand: The lucrative nature of the illegal drug trade makes it an attractive source of revenue for terrorist organizations.
    • Transnational nature of the trade:  Transnational drug syndicates collaborate with terrorist organizations, facilitating the flow of drugs and funding for terrorist activities.

    Security Implications

    • Criminalization of youth: Drug trafficking and abuse can lead to an increase in crime, violence, and corruption within communities. 
    • Public health concerns: Drug addiction and related health issues, such as the spread of infectious diseases through shared needles, pose significant challenges to public health systems.
    • Threat to national security: The linkages between drug trafficking networks and terrorist organizations create a complex security environment with civilian-military conflict.
    • Drain on Resources: Security forces, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement entities need to dedicate substantial human resources, equipment, and funding to effectively counter narco-terrorism.

    Efforts to Combat Narco-terrorism

    (1) Rehabilitation Programs and Counselling Centers:

    • The government has allocated funds for drug rehabilitation measures and established counselling centers across all districts.
    • Rehabilitation facilities have been set up under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction.

    (2) Operation Sadbhavana

    • The Indian Army has implemented Operation Sadbhavana, which includes de-addiction counseling centers and awareness camps.
    • De-addiction counselling centers help drug-addicted youth, while awareness camps aim to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse.
    • The army conducts drug awareness camps periodically to caution people against the use of drugs.

    (3) Nasha Mukt J&K Campaign:

    • The campaign, launched by LG, aims to make Jammu and Kashmir drug-free.
    • The “Zero Tolerance Policy” of the state police and anti-narcotics task force has been praised for its effectiveness.
    • Continued vigilance by security forces and agencies is crucial to eliminate the nexus between criminals and Pakistan-sponsored terror modules.

    Recommendations to curb narco-terrorism

    • Strengthening ED: ED’s jurisdiction should be improved and extended to monitor terrorist financing and money laundering. By investigating the hawala network operated by Pakistan ED can cut off the funding sources of narco-terrorism.
    • Anti-Drone Technology: Pakistan utilizes drones to transport narcotics. There is a need to enhance anti-drone technology along the Line of Control (LOC) and the international border.

    Way forward

    • Multilateral Cooperation: Enhance international cooperation and information sharing to disrupt drug trafficking networks and dismantle the nexus between drug trade and terrorism.
    • Advanced Technology Integration: Invest in advanced technologies to enhance detection and interception of drug shipments, monitor financial transactions, and secure border areas.
    • Community Engagement and Rehabilitation: Focus on community awareness, education, and rehabilitation programs to prevent drug abuse and support individuals struggling with addiction.
    • Target Financing Networks: Strengthen efforts to track and disrupt the financing networks supporting narco-terrorism through collaboration with financial institutions and international organizations.
    • Cross-Border Intelligence Sharing: Strengthen intelligence-sharing mechanisms and conduct joint operations with countries sharing borders affected by drug trafficking.
    • De-radicalization: Implement sustainable economic development programs to provide viable alternatives to communities involved in the drug trade.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!

  • SC backs TN position on Jallikattu

    jallikattu

    Central Idea

    • The Supreme Court Constitution Bench has upheld the amendments made by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
    • The decision overturns a previous verdict that banned practices such as Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport.

    Overturning the previous verdict

    • The court rejected the 2014 verdict of the Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja case that deemed Jallikattu incompatible with animal rights.
    • The Constitution Bench emphasized that Jallikattu has been a part of Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage for at least a century.

    Significance of Pongal and Jallikattu

    • Pongal is a harvest festival in Tamil Nadu, celebrated with thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and rituals honoring cattle.
    • Jallikattu, a bull-taming event, is an integral part of the festival and showcases the strength and skill of farm hands in southern Tamil Nadu.

    Supreme Court’s 2014 verdict and animal rights perspective

    • The previous two-judge Bench ruling emphasized the importance of animal rights and suggested elevating them to the level of constitutional rights.
    • Animal welfare organizations presented evidence of physical and mental torture inflicted on the animals during Jallikattu.

    Issue with the sport

    An investigation by the Animal Welfare Board of India concluded that “Jallikattu is inherently cruel to animals”.

    • Human deaths: The event has caused several human deaths and injuries and there are several instances of fatalities to the bulls.
    • Manhandling of animals: Animal welfare concerns are related to the handling of the bulls before they are released and also during the competitor’s attempts to subdue the bull.
    • Cruelty to animal: Practices, before the bull is released, include prodding the bull with sharp sticks or scythes, extreme bending of the tail which can fracture the vertebrae, and biting of the bull’s tail.
    • Animal intoxication:  There are also reports of the bulls being forced to drink alcohol to disorient them, or chilli peppers being rubbed in their eyes to aggravate the bull.

    Arguments in favour

    • Native breed conservation: According to its protagonists, it is not a leisure sport available but a way to promote and preserve the native livestock.
    • Cultural significance: Jallikattu has been known to be practiced during the Tamil classical period (400-100 BCE) and finds mention in Sangam texts.
    • Man-animal relationship: Some believe that the sport also symbolizes a cordial man-animal relationship.
    • Agrarian pride: It represents a cultural infirmity to urban modernity that marginalizes rural and agrarian values.

    Conclusion

    • Tradition and culture should be considered in the rights discourse, recognizing the cultural context of practices like Jallikattu.
    • Engagement and negotiation between animal rights advocates and local culture and tradition are necessary for a balanced approach.

     

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!

  • Credit cards put under Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)

    Central Idea: The Centre has amended rules under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) Rules, bringing international credit card spends under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).

    Changes introduced

    • Credit card spends outside India now fall under the LRS, allowing for the application of a higher TCS rate.
    • The amendment removes the exclusion of credit card transactions from the LRS, which was previously covered under Rule 7 of the Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transaction) Rules, 2000.
    • The changes do not apply to payments for the purchase of foreign goods/services from India.

    What is Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)?

    • LRS is a facility provided by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to resident individuals to remit funds abroad for permitted current or capital account transactions or a combination of both.
    • The scheme was introduced in 2004 and has been periodically reviewed and revised by the RBI.
    • Under the scheme, resident individuals can remit up to a certain amount in a financial year for permissible transactions including education, travel, medical treatment, gifts, and investments in equity and debt securities, among others.
    • The limit for LRS is currently set at USD 250,000 per financial year.

    Eligibility for LRS

    • LRS is open to everyone including non-residents, NRIs, persons of Indian origin (PIOs), foreign citizens with PIO status and foreign nationals of Indian origin.
    • The Scheme is NOT available to corporations, partnership firms, Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), Trusts etc.

    Benefits provided by LRS

    • LRS is an easy process that anyone can use to transfer money between two countries.
    • It’s especially useful for businesses because they can use it to transfer funds to India, and investors can receive their investments back home.
    • LRS also has some added benefits, like fast transfer timing and no issues with exchange rates.

    Concerns with credit card spends

    • The amendment aims to achieve parity between the usage of credit and debit cards, which were already covered under the LRS.
    • Instances of disproportionately high LRS payments compared to disclose incomes prompted the amendment.
    • Business visits of employees, where costs are borne by the employer, are not covered under the LRS.
    • The data collected from major money remitters under the LRS indicated that international credit cards were being issued with limits exceeding the prescribed norm.

    Exclusions and impact of the Scheme

    • The government assured that the LRS scheme would not cover genuine business visits abroad by employees.
    • The imposition of a 20% tax collection on source (TCS) for foreign remittances would primarily affect tour travel packages, gifts to non-residents, and domestic high net-worth individuals investing in assets like real estate, bonds, and stocks outside India.
    • The Ministry emphasized that the 5% TCS levied on medical or education expenses abroad, allowed up to ₹7 lakh per year, and would remain unchanged.

  • RBI regulations on Green Deposits

    Central Idea: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a regulatory framework to govern the acceptance of green deposits by banks, ensuring transparency and accountability in their investments.

    What are Green Deposits?

    • Green deposits are financial products offered by banks that are similar to regular deposits, but the money received is specifically earmarked for environmentally friendly projects.
    • These deposits support projects aimed at combating climate change, such as renewable energy initiatives, while avoiding investments in activities that harm the environment, like fossil fuel projects.
    • They are part of a broader range of financial products, including green bonds and green shares that enable investors to contribute to environmentally sustainable projects.

    Regulatory framework for accepting Green Deposits

    • The RBI’s framework mandates that banks establish a set of rules or policies, approved by their respective Boards, to guide the investment of green deposits.
    • These rules must be made public on the banks’ websites, ensuring transparency and enabling customers to make informed decisions.
    • Banks are required to disclose information on the amount of green deposits received, how these funds are allocated to different green projects, and the environmental impact of such investments.
    • To verify the banks’ claims and the sustainability credentials of the projects, a third-party is appointed to conduct independent verification.

    Sectors eligible for green deposits

    • The RBI has identified a list of sectors classified as sustainable, which are eligible to receive green deposits.
    • These sectors include renewable energy, waste management, clean transportation, energy efficiency, and afforestation.
    • Banks are prohibited from investing green deposits in sectors considered detrimental to the environment, such as fossil fuels, nuclear power, tobacco, gambling, palm oil, and hydropower generation.

    Addressing greenwashing

    • Greenwashing refers to the practice of making misleading claims about the positive environmental impact of an activity or investment.
    • The RBI’s regulatory framework aims to prevent greenwashing in the banking sector by ensuring that the actual impact of green deposits is accurately represented.
    • By requiring transparency, disclosure, and third-party verification, the framework aims to protect customers from deceptive practices and ensure genuine environmental benefits.

    Impact and controversies

    • Depositors who prioritize environmental concerns may find satisfaction in investing their money in environmentally sustainable products like green deposits.
    • However, some critics argue that green investment products may primarily serve to make investors feel good without generating significant environmental benefits.
    • Additionally, the range of projects available for investment through green deposits may be limited, posing challenges in achieving broad environmental impact.

    Key challenge: Assessing environmental sustainability

    • Evaluating the true environmental sustainability of a project can be challenging in a complex world with interconnected systems and second-order effects that are difficult to anticipate.
    • It is essential to consider the indirect consequences and long-term effects of actions to determine if a project genuinely contributes to environmental sustainability.
    • Uncertainty surrounding the actual environmental impact of green projects highlights the need for rigorous evaluation and ongoing monitoring to ensure the desired outcomes are achieved.

     

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!

  • 18th May 2023 | Nikaalo Prelims- Mini test 37 (Environmental laws, International organisations)

    18th May 2023 | Nikaalo Prelims- Mini test 37 (Environmental laws, International organisations)

    [WpProQuiz 1368]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 1368]

    UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

  • India’s Pension Reforms: Ensuring Pension Security

    Pension

    Central Idea

    • The issue of government employees’ pension has emerged as a critical political concern, leading several states to consider reverting from the New Pension Scheme (NPS) to the defined-benefit (DB) Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Acknowledging the significance of this matter, the Government of India has established a committee to enhance the NPS.

    What is pension?

    • A pension is a retirement plan that provides a stream of income to individuals after they retire from their job or profession. It can be funded by employers, government agencies, or unions and is designed to ensure a steady income during retirement.

    What is Old Pension Scheme (OPS)?

    • The OPS, also known as the Defined Benefit Pension System, is a pension plan provided by the government for its employees in India.
    • Under the OPS, retired government employees receive a fixed monthly pension based on their last drawn salary and years of service.
    • This pension is funded by the government and paid out of its current revenues, leading to increased pension liabilities.

    What is NPS?

    • NPS is a market-linked, defined contribution pension system introduced in India in 2004 as a replacement for the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).
    • NPS is designed to provide retirement income to all Indian citizens, including government employees, private sector workers, and self-employed individuals

    Pension

    Facts for prelims: Key differences between the two pension schemes

    Parameters The Old Pension Scheme(OPS) The New Pension Scheme (NPS)
    Nature of the schemes OPS offer pensions to government employees on the basis of their last drawn salary NPS pays the employees for their investments in the NPS Scheme during their employment.
    Amount of pension derived 50 per cent of the last drawn salary 60% lump sum after retirement and 40% to be invested in annuities for getting a monthly pension
    Benefits in taxes No tax benefits The employee can claim tax deductions of 1.5 lakh under Section 80C of income tax and up to 50,000 on other investments under 80CCD (1b)
    Tax on pension No tax on pension 60% of the NPS Corpus is tax-free while the remaining 40% is taxable
    Option of Investment No option Two choices: Active and Automatic
    Who can avail? Only government employees Any Indian Citizen between 18-65 years.
    Switching Schemes OPS scheme can be switched to NPS NPS scheme cannot be switched back to OPS in general, but central government employees can switch back to OPS  in case of death and disablement of the employee.

    Reasons behind the growing demand for reverting to OPS

    • Stability and Predictability: One of the primary motivations for the demand to return to OPS is the desire for stability and predictability in pension benefits. Under the OPS, employees receive a fixed pension based on their last drawn salary, which is increased periodically to account for inflation. This offers a sense of security and certainty about post-retirement income, ensuring a stable financial future.
    • Market Risk and Annuity Payouts: The NPS, being a market-linked pension scheme, exposes pensioners to market risks. The returns on the pension fund are subject to market fluctuations, which can impact the overall corpus and subsequently affect annuity payouts. This volatility raises concerns among employees who seek a more secure and reliable pension arrangement.
    • Lower Annuity Prospects: With the NPS, pensioners bear the market risk and face the possibility of lower-than-expected annuity amounts. This uncertainty about future pension prospects prompts many employees to advocate for a return to OPS, which offers a predetermined pension amount.
    • Comparisons with Other Pension Systems: Employees often compare the OPS with pension systems in other countries, particularly those in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) economies. These comparisons reveal that OPS provides higher pension replacement rates, lower retirement ages, and covers the entire family. Such favorable aspects of OPS generate a perception of better benefits and incentivize employees to demand its reinstatement.
    • Perception of Unsustainability: While the NPS was introduced to address fiscal strains associated with the unfunded OPS, there are concerns about its long-term sustainability. Some argue that OPS can be sustained through effective fiscal management and reform, rather than completely abandoning it. The perception of unsustainability drives the demand for reverting to OPS as a viable alternative.

    Challenges involved in reverting back to OPS

    • Fiscal Sustainability: The OPS operates on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) system, where present workers finance the retired. With declining birth rates and increased life expectancy, the burden on the future workforce to fund pensions will intensify. The OPS, being an unfunded scheme, poses challenges in maintaining fiscal sustainability in the long run.
    • Demographic Shifts: The dependency ratio is expected to increase substantially, with fewer workers supporting a larger number of retirees. This demographic shift adds to the challenges of sustaining the OPS, as it puts additional strain on the funding mechanism and the ability to meet pension obligations.
    • Inflationary Pressures: The OPS guarantees periodic increases in pension payouts through dearness allowance (DA) adjustments to account for inflation. However, relying on fixed increments tied to DA can pose challenges during periods of high inflation. Ensuring that pension payments keep pace with inflation without compromising fiscal stability can be a complex task for policymakers.
    • Budgetary Constraints: The financial burden of reverting to OPS can put a significant strain on the government’s budget. Pension liabilities already account for a substantial portion of states’ revenue receipts and own revenues. Increasing pension obligations may lead to a reduction in development expenditure or necessitate additional borrowing, potentially exacerbating the issue of public debt.
    • Inter-generational Equity: Maintaining inter-generational equity is a crucial consideration in pension reforms. Reverting to OPS might fulfill the aspirations of current employees, but it can impose a heavy burden on future generations. Striking a balance between providing reasonable pension security for present employees and ensuring the sustainability of the pension system for future generations is a key challenge that needs to be addressed.
    • Economic Factors: The economic environment, including interest rates and investment returns, can impact the financial viability of OPS. Changes in economic conditions, such as low interest rates or inadequate returns on pension fund investments, can strain the financial resources needed to sustain OPS and meet pension obligations.

    Pension

    Way ahead: Building sustainable and inclusive pension systems

    • Comprehensive Reform: Governments should undertake comprehensive reforms which may involve revisiting the pension architecture, introducing alternative pension models, and exploring hybrid schemes that combine elements of defined-benefit and defined-contribution systems. Reforms should be guided by a thorough analysis of demographic trends, fiscal constraints, and economic conditions.
    • Adequate Funding Mechanisms: Pension systems must establish robust funding mechanisms to ensure that pension obligations can be met. This may involve setting up dedicated pension funds, implementing sound investment strategies, and establishing appropriate contribution rates for both employees and employers.
    • Strengthening Pension Governance: Effective governance is crucial for the success of pension systems. Governments should strengthen the regulatory framework, improve transparency, and enhance accountability in the management of pension funds. Establishing independent oversight bodies and adopting international best practices can help ensure the integrity and efficiency of pension governance.
    • Promoting Financial Literacy: Financial literacy programs should be implemented to educate individuals about the importance of retirement planning, investment strategies, and the risks and benefits associated with different pension options. Empowering individuals with financial knowledge will enable them to make informed decisions and take an active role in securing their retirement income.
    • Encouraging Voluntary Savings: Governments should encourage voluntary retirement savings programs to complement the mandatory pension schemes. Providing incentives, such as tax benefits or matching contributions, can incentivize individuals to save for retirement beyond the mandatory contributions. Voluntary savings options, such as individual retirement accounts or employer-sponsored plans, can offer individuals greater flexibility and control over their retirement savings.
    • Flexibility and Portability: Pension systems should adapt to the changing nature of work and support individuals with diverse employment patterns. Portable pension accounts that allow individuals to carry their accumulated benefits across jobs can ensure continuity of retirement savings. Flexibility in pension payout options, such as lump sum withdrawals or phased withdrawals, can accommodate different financial needs and preferences of retirees.
    • Social Safety Nets: To address the needs of vulnerable populations, social safety nets should be incorporated into pension systems. These safety nets can provide minimum income guarantees or targeted assistance for individuals with limited or interrupted work histories, low-income earners, and those facing economic hardships in retirement.

    Conclusion

    • Amidst the debate between NPS and OPS, it is crucial to devise a pension system that ensures security without compromising fiscal sustainability and inter-generational equity.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!

    Must read:

    Contributory Guaranteed Pension Scheme (CGPS): A Considerable Alternative

     

  • How to make a consistent 5hr/day Self-Study regime that will get you a Top 10 rank in UPSC 2023-24? | Book FREE Samanvaya Mentorship session with IAS/IPS officers

    How to make a consistent 5hr/day Self-Study regime that will get you a Top 10 rank in UPSC 2023-24? | Book FREE Samanvaya Mentorship session with IAS/IPS officers

    A six pillared approach will make your self-study regime effective

    Book your FREE 1-1 session for this 6 pillared approach and we’ll also share UPSC Prelims 2024 Toolkit to get you started in the right direction

    Click here

    Hey there UPSC 2024 aspirants! Are you still lost in the coaching vs self-study debate? Let me tell you, my friend, there’s only one answer to cracking the UPSC Civil Services exam in 2023-24 – consistent 5 hours of self-study every day.

    Yes, you heard it right!

    Whether you are taking coaching or not, whether you are in Delhi, the Mecca of UPSC Preparation, or in a remote village of Assam, only a disciplined self-study approach can guarantee you success.

    A lack of a self-study regime will make you feel unfulfilled, frustrated, and lost.

    Consistent 5 hr/day self-study is all you need!

    The 6 Pillars of Effective Self-Study

    Failing to incorporate any one of these pillars, feeds into a vicious cycle. Without guidance or mentoring, understanding where the problem lies in and how to rectify it becomes problematic.

    First up, strategy! You need a game plan to tackle the mammoth UPSC syllabus. We aren’t talking about a toppers’ strategy that you might have encountered on youtube. A strategy personalized for you, based on your learning style, the time you have, your prep situation.

    Second, create a flexible timetable to ensure you cover all the subjects on time. It’s all about managing your time for UPSC Preparation if you’re a working Professional or a full-time aspirant & how to utilize the time, left in your hand, in the best possible way.

    Third, set measurable time-bound targets for daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly preparation. Set realistic targets for yourself and make sure you achieve them. Break down your preparation into smaller milestones to stay motivated.

    Fourth, gather the most specific UPSC-relevant study material and resources to avoid information overload.

    Fifth, regularly evaluate your progress to identify the critical gaps in your preparation. You should be able to measure your progress, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

    And lastly, create a feedback mechanism to incorporate improvements into your preparation. This is essential so that you are utilizing the compounding effect in your prep.

    Yes, we know that even to a UPSC veteran it might seem easier said than done.

    So how to do all this? Here comes Samanvaya Mentorship

    Get Ranker’s Strategy for 5hr/day Self-Study | FREE 1-1 session for UPSC 2023-24

    Click here

    Now, here’s the cherry on top – just fill up the form given above, and we will assign a personal mentor to guide you through this 6-pillar approach. We’re not talking about just any mentor, but an IAS/IPS ranker who’s already been there and done that.

    They will be your personal guide to help plan your entire self-study cycle and keep you accountable. You won’t have to worry about missing a deadline or studying the wrong material because your mentor has got you covered.

    How does Samanvaya Mentorship work? Introducing 3 layers of mentorship: Get IAS or UPSC ranker as your mentor

    1. 1st step starts with this Samanvaya call: Once you fill in the form, we get on a 30-40 minute call with you to understand your prep level, working/ study constraints, and current strategies and create a step-by-step plan for the next week, next month and so on.

    2. You are directed and given access to relevant resources and an invite-only Telegram group, where you can ask your daily doubts, discuss your test-prep questions and have real-time, live sessions on news and op-eds, and find your optional groups.

    3. The third and the most personalized tier is the 1 on 1 mentor allotment who stays with you through the course of your UPSC preparation – always-on chat and on scheduled calls to help you assess, evaluate, and chart the next milestone of your IAS 2023-24 journey.

    We will also connect you to a UPSC ranker or IAS, who will mentor you in this journey.

    Layer 1: You will be assigned a dedicated in-house mentor who will keep track of our progress from start till your final interview.

    Layer 2: Sajal Singh sir and the team will be constantly with you through various programs like Samachar Manthan, Prelims, Essay, etc.

    Layer 3: A UPSC IAS ranker (one who has cleared this exam) will be supervising your progress as your super mentor.

    Super Mentors like Areeba (AIR-109), Mantri (AIR-28), Soham, and IPS Shubham will help you to make strategies as per your need and devise a timetable that suits you.

    Who are you?

    1. Working Junta? If you are preparing for IAS 2023-24 and working simultaneously, we can help you design a timetable that fits right in your hectic schedule.
    2. First-time prep? If you are in the last year of college or thinking of dropping a year and preparing for IAS 2023-24 full-time, we can help you pick the right books and craft a practical & personal strategy.
    3. UPSC Veteran?

    You just have to take 5 minutes out and fill this form: Samanvaya For IAS 2023-24

    Once done, we will call you within 24 hours or so.

    What The Hindu opined about Civilsdaily Mentorship

    Karishma Nair, AIR 14 was also Sajal sir’s student
    AIR 65, Pranav mentored under Sajal sir for UPSC 2020

    Get Ranker’s Strategy for 5hr/day Self-Study | FREE 1-1 session for UPSC 2023-24

    Click here

  • 18th May 23 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

    [WpProQuiz 1370]

    [WpProQuiz_toplist 1370]

    UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

More posts