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The Legend of Guru Tegh Bahadur
The Parkash Purab (birth anniversary) of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth guru of the Sikhs, was celebrated on April 11.

Who was Guru Tegh Bahadur?
- Guru Tegh Bahadur was born on April 1, 1621, in Amritsar, Punjab.
- He was the ninth Guru of the Sikhs and the son of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Guru of the Sikhs, and Mata Nanaki.
- His birth name was Tyag Mal, which means “master of renunciation.”
- He spent his early years in Amritsar and was trained in religious studies, martial arts, and horse riding.
- He was also trained in music and poetry, and he became a skilled poet and musician.
His teachings and beliefs
- Guru Tegh Bahadur’s teachings were based on the importance of meditation, self-discipline, and living a moral and ethical life.
- He believed in the idea of one God and the unity of all religions.
- His term as Guru ran from 1665 to 1675. One hundred and fifteen of his hymns are in Guru Granth Sahib.
- He emphasized the importance of serving others and treating everyone with respect and dignity, regardless of their religion or social status.
- He also believed in the principle of selfless service and encouraged his followers to help those in need.
Significance in Indian History
- Guru Tegh Bahadur played a crucial role in Sikh history by defending the religious freedom of Hindus against the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
- Aurangzeb was known for his intolerance towards non-Muslims and had imposed a tax on Hindu pilgrims visiting the holy city of Varanasi.
- When a group of Kashmiri Pandits approached Guru Tegh Bahadur for help, he decided to defend their right to practice their religion freely.
- He refused to convert to Islam despite facing torture and persecution, and was eventually executed by Aurangzeb in 1675.
- His martyrdom is remembered as a significant event in Indian history, and he is considered a hero and a martyr by Sikhs around the world.
His legacy
- His legacy continues to inspire Sikhs and people of all religions and backgrounds.
- His teachings and beliefs are an essential part of Sikhism today and are embodied in the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib.
- He is remembered as a saint, scholar, and warrior who sacrificed his life to defend the rights of others.
- Many Gurudwaras (Sikh temples) around the world are dedicated to him, including the Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi, where he was martyred.
- His martyrdom is commemorated each year on the occasion of Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day, which is observed on December 19.
Try this PYQ:

Q.Consider the following Bhakti Saints:
1. Dadu Dayal
2. Guru Nanak
3. Tyagaraja
Who among the above was/were preaching when the Lodi dynasty fell and Babur took over?

(a) 1 and 3

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3

(d) 1 and 2

Post your answers here.
April 12, 2023
Zojila Tunnel to revolutionise connectivity to Ladakh
Union Transport Minister recently visited the Zojila Tunnel In Jammu & Kashmir which is Asia’s longest as well as highest.

About Zojila Tunnel
- The Zojila tunnel is an upcoming 14.15 km road tunnel that will connect Srinagar and Leh in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
- It is being constructed as part of a project to improve connectivity in the region, with a connecting tunnel from Z-Morh to the Zojila tunnel also being built.
- The tunnel is being built at a cost of more than Rs 4,600 crore and is expected to be completed by December 2023.
Need for the tunnel
- All weather connectivity: The Zojila Pass is closed during harsh winters due to fears of avalanches, landslides, and slippery roads, cutting off areas beyond the pass from the rest of the country for at least five months.
- Military mobilization: The upcoming Zojila tunnel will provide perennial connectivity between Ladakh and the rest of the country and benefit both civilians and the military.
- Time and effort saving: The distance from Baltal to Minamarg, currently 40 km, will come down to 13 km, with travel time expected to be cut by an hour and a half.
April 12, 2023
Russia and China Aim To Build A Post-Western Order
Central Idea
- Russia and China aim to exploit divisions within the West to transform the global order and build a post-Western order. However, the Indian strategic community should not expect the fault lines within the West to be fatal, as history has shown that such dreams have not come to fruition.
Post-Western Order
- Building a post-Western order: Russia and China have talked of upending the world order before, with the history of international communism in the 20th century being about building a post-Western order.
- America’s internal fissures and divisions between the US and Europe: While Moscow and Beijing are convinced that they can put the West on the defensive by pooling their strengths, the success of this strategy rests on the Moscow-Beijing axis successfully leveraging America’s internal fissures and divisions between the US and Europe.
Dividing America from Europe
- The Moscow and Beijing are hoping to divide America from Europe: Russia’s latest version of its foreign policy doctrine singles out the US as the main instigator, organizer, and executor of the aggressive anti-Russian policy of the collective West.
- China’s diplomatic Europe strategy: China’s love for Europe’s strategic autonomy is equally passionate. However, it is unlikely that there will be a decisive movement on either issue, but both sides see the diplomatic dance as a valuable exercise.
Sino-European Engagement
- Europe’s pressure on Russia: Europe wants Xi to put pressure on Putin to end the war in Ukraine, and Beijing would like Europe to distance itself from the US on its China policy.
- Europe not ready to busy China’s peace initiative: While Europe is not ready to buy China’s peace initiative on Ukraine, it has convinced itself that Xi is the only leader who can nudge Putin towards peace.
India’s Perspective
- The realists in India are aware of the many differences between the US and Europe, but they are also aware that Western strategic unity has endured since World War II.
- The Russian and Chinese overreach has cemented broad Western unity rather than separating Europe from the US.
Conclusion
- While Russia and China aim to exploit divisions within the West to transform the global order, it is unlikely that they will succeed in building a post-Western order. The fault lines within the West are real, but they are by no means fatal.
April 11, 2023
Lessons Learned: Transition To A Self-reliant Clean Energy System
Central Idea
- Lessons learned from the liberalization of upstream petroleum sector can guide India’s transition to a self-reliant clean energy system.
Background
- In 1980, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi took a significant step in liberalizing the upstream petroleum sector in India. This move aimed to reduce the country’s reliance on external sources for petroleum and protect it from supply shocks. However, the liberalization did not bridge the gap between domestic demand and indigenous supply.
- In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme to promote investment in minerals, components, and equipment required for the generation and consumption of clean energy. This decision was driven by the strategic imperative to transition to a self-reliant clean energy system and reduce dependence on external sources of energy.
Bridging the gap between demand and supply in the clean energy sector
- Demand and supply gap: The liberalization of upstream petroleum did not bridge the gap between the domestic demand for petroleum and indigenous supply.
- Capital is not enough: The clean energy sector must not presume that the availability of technical talent and capital will be enough to create a world-class hub for the manufacture of batteries, solar cells, wafers, and modules.
Efficient Implementation of Technology in Clean Energy Sector
- India’s oil and gas producing average: The recovery rate of oil and gas from India’s producing fields has averaged between 25-30%, while fields of comparable geology across the world have a recovery rate between 40-60%.
- China’s dominance in clean energy value chain: China’s dominance of the clean energy value chain is because its process engineers have perfected the implementation of the several technological steps required to convert raw material into end product.
Reduce entry barriers and improve business condition
- India cannot compete on the size of the incentive package, and the endeavor should instead be to lower entry barriers, ease business conditions and remove the perception that India offers a high-cost operating environment.
India’s Dependency on External Market and Two-Track Policy with China
- India remains dependent on the external market for supplies of petroleum, but the country should desist from building a high-cost, domestic, clean energy hub that is forever dependent on subsidies.
- India should continue with its two-track policy and strengthen its trading relationship with China.
Conclusion
- India can learn from the lessons of the last 40 years to transition to a self-reliant clean energy system. The country needs to focus on creating an enabling ecosystem, efficiently utilizing technology, and easing business conditions to attract international investment. India should focus on trading relationships and not build a high-cost, domestic clean energy hub dependent on subsidies.
Mains Question

Q. India’s clean energy sector has enormous potential for growth, however there is a gap between domestic demand and indigenous supply. What specific measures can India take to bridge this gap and emerge as global leader in renewable energy?
April 11, 2023
2-Days FREE Workshop for UPSC 2024 | Two Frameworks for Mains Answer writing from Level ‘0’ | 5-hour prep strategy for College aspirants and working professionals | Join LIVE- Sukanya ma’am and Prabhat sir, AIR 377
The most important Seminar for UPSC 2024 by Sukanya Ma’am and IRPS, Prabhat sir, that you can attend in April! Limited entry

Book your seat for FREE | 2-Day UPSC 2024 Seminar with UPSC Ranker

Aspirants, we hope your UPSC 2024 preparation is in full swing. However, for aspirants who are facing a serious time crunch like college aspirants and working professionals, or even home-makers consistency in preparation takes a toll.

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Day 1: How to Start Answer Writing for UPSC Mains even if you’ve almost 0 content? 2 Foolproof Frameworks you must master

15th April (Saturday) 2023, 7:30 P.M

Senior IAS mentor, faculty & Mains GS Program Head, Sukanya Ma’am will take a LIVE workshop where she will be demonstrating LIVE how to begin GS Mains Answer Writing for UPSC Mains, Where you find how a topper approach and solve a Mains paper.
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16th April (Sunday) 2023, 7:30 P.M

UPSC Topper & Super Mentor at Civilsdaily, Prabhat Sir will take a LIVE workshop where he will be discussing the ‘5-hour UPSC 2024’ strategy.

Aspirants who are either working professionals, or college-going students as of now but aiming for UPSC 2024 must not let time (or lack of) limit their preparation.

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Click & Register for 1-1 LIVE Session by IRPS Prabhat Sir

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Other than this a strategy package will be emailed to you.

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
April 11, 2023
11th Apr 23 | Nikaalo Prelims- Mini Test 10 (Physiographic Divisions of India)

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April 11, 2023
Imp MasterClass: How to Start Answer Writing for UPSC 2024 even with almost ‘0’ content? 2 Foolproof Frameworks (PDFs) you must master | QnA session by Sukanya Ma’am | Get FREE Strategic package on registration
Concluded Successfully | How to Start Answer Writing even if you’ve almost 0 content? 2 Foolproof Frameworks | The Most Important LIVE Masterclass + QnA session by Sukanya Ma’am

📢What you should expect in 1-1 LIVE with Sukanya Ma’am

Get 2 (PDFs) Foolproof Frameworks Registration

Click & Register for Recorded Video by Sukanya Ma’am

Is UPSC your 1st Choice? If ‘YES’, don’t skip this First Step towards Level-up Answer writing…

Basically, 5 skills are required to clear the UPSC exam, and the most important one is Answer Writing for GS Mains. That’s why Serious aspirants don’t compromise with any loopholes in this Preparation. Because it’s your answer writing that will decide whether you’re a suitable character for a DM/SP’s chair.

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With her 10 yr of Mains experience & proven techniques developed over time with ex-mains-students, Rankers who have cleared this exam with flying colors, and last year’s toppers, Mains Program Head, Sukanya Ma’am is taking up a webinar masterclass to help you make a comparative analysis of Proven Methods for UPSC mains answers writing from almost 0 prior knowledge. She will also give valuable insights about 2 Foolproof Frameworks you must master.

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What you should expect in the 1-1 LIVE Session by Sukanya Rana Ma’am?
- What are the 2 Foolproof Frameworks you must master? Universal Practical Approaches to Acquire Basic Answer Writing Skills for GS Mains.
- Why is UPSC Answer Writing is far unique?
- Best Methods to Start Mains Answer Writing for GS-1, GS-2, GS-3 & GS-4 for Raw Beginners and unsuccessful veterans.
- How to understand the demand of a question fully and correctly before contemplating an answer for it.
- How toppers develop a basic mental framework of the answer before committing anything on the paper
- It is very difficult to write anything for the examiner. So, what is the best way to introduce as well as conclude your answer?
- How to focus on Questions’ directives and comply with a minimum but effective requirement.
- How to divide the main body of the answer into paragraphs or bullets as required.
- How long should your introduction and conclusion be?
- Where to and how to apply opinion-based answers!
- The correct approach to writing a fact-based answer in GS-4 (Ethics & Integrity)
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- How to do a comparative analysis of toppers’ approach. How do they create an on-demand answer and how do they follow the answer writing basic rules- ‘Brainstorming’, ‘Outlining’, ‘Idea/Argument placement, and ‘Structuring’
What Do and don’t of UPSC to keep in mind while answering writing? The most common mistakes will also be discussed.

Click & Register for Recorded Video by Sukanya Ma’am

CivilsDaily’s FREE Webinar package

Post-webinar we will share important PDFs, timetable framework, and notes.

Other than this a strategy package will be emailed to you.

What The Hindu opined about Civilsdaily Mentorship

Register for Recorded Video:- Start Answer Writing even if you’ve almost 0 content | 2 Foolproof Frameworks by Sukanya Ma’am

Click & Register for Recorded Video by Sukanya Ma’am
April 11, 2023
Finland-NATO-Russia: Search For Ways To Lower The Tensions
Central Idea
- Finland has become the 31st member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its decision to join the alliance should be viewed through the lens of conventional deterrence. The accession of Finland into NATO is a rational choice that may provide additional security guarantees and help to defend against possible aggression from Russia.
Historical context of Finland-Russia relations
- The relationship between Finland and Russia has been a combination of struggle and compromise, dating back nearly 200 years.
- In 1809, the Russian Tsar Alexander I acquired Finland and made it an autonomous Grand Duchy of the Russian empire.
- Between the two world wars, the Finns felt less threatened by Germany than by Russia.
Finland’s decision to join NATO
- 31st NATO member: Finland has become the 31st member of NATO, triggering possible countermeasures from Russia.
- Independent choice: The decision to join NATO is seen as an independent choice, triggered largely by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Security guarantee: Finland’s accession to NATO is a rational choice to receive additional security guarantees from the alliance. Article 5 of NATO’s founding treaty binds the members together, committing them to protect each other and setting a spirit of solidarity within the alliance.
Preparations for defense against possible aggression
- Defence against possible aggression: Even prior to its membership in NATO, Finland had been preparing to defend itself against possible aggression.
- The Finnish system of conscription has generated sufficient resources for the army, navy, and air force to act effectively in a war situation.
Implications for India and the Arctic region
- Real punch to the Western alliance in the Nordic region: Finland has maintained a small but capable armed force that is well-trained and resilient, and its inclusion in NATO adds real punch to the Western alliance in the Nordic region.
- High north is commercial attraction: As the Arctic ice cap melts amidst global warming, the high north has become attractive commercially and contested geopolitically.
- India is an observer of the Arctic Council: India is an observer of the Arctic Council that seeks to promote wide-ranging cooperation in the polar north.
- China raising profile in the Arctic: The militarisation of the high north appears inevitable as Finland and Sweden turn from neutrals to Western allies and China raises its profile in the Arctic in partnership with Russia.
- Global governance: This might make global governance of the Arctic region increasingly problematic
Way ahead: The need for cautious behavior by NATO and Russia
- Both NATO and Russia should exercise cautious behavior vis-à-vis each other to avoid further escalation of tensions.
- Finland’s newly elected centre-right government should engage in bilateral dialogue with Russia, trying to understand each other’s security concerns.
- There should be at least some NATO members who would be willing to rely more on diplomatic tools and lower the temperatures.
Conclusion
- The decision of Finland to join NATO is seen as a rational choice, triggered largely by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The accession of Finland into NATO should be viewed through the lens of conventional deterrence and could potentially persuade an adversary not to initiate a war. NATO and Russia should search for ways to lower the tensions and avoid implementing measures and imposing countermeasures.
Mains Question

Q. Finland has become the 31st member of NATO. In this light discuss the rationale behind this decision its implications.
April 11, 2023
India-U.S. relationship: Critical Next Six Months
Central Idea
- The India-U.S. relationship will be crucial in the next six months with engagements set to happen between the two countries on various forums like the G20, Quad, and I2U2.
Divergence and Convergence
- The appointment of Eric Garcetti as the U.S. Ambassador to India signals the potential for greater partnership, but there are also differences to be overcome.
1. The U.S. may want India to change its stance on the Ukraine crisis.
2. India may want a stronger position against China.
- However, the two countries share strong areas of convergence such as
1. The India-U.S. Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology and
2. The Indo-Pacific partnership aimed at promoting security, economic growth, and connectivity in the region.
What is I2U2?
- In July 2022, India, Israel, the United States (US), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a hybrid summit announced the establishment of a new minilateral grouping called the I2U2.
- The four countries envision their alliance as an ad-hoc, informal, issue-specific and geoeconomic initiative.
Realignment of U.S. Supply Chains
- Disrupted supply chains: In recent years, there has been growing interest in diversifying supply chains away from China due to geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and concerns about over-reliance on a single country.
- India is emerging as attractive destination: India’s growing consumer market makes it an attractive destination for U.S. businesses looking to expand their customer base.
Ups and Downs in India-U.S. relationship
- The India-U.S. relationship has had its ups and downs over time, with key moments such as the nuclear deal, liberalisation of markets, and the outsourcing of Indian techies for U.S. companies.
- The U.S. has also played an important role in making India an IT superpower.
- The two countries are also partners in combating climate change and aligned on the importance of space technology.
Trust Deficit
- In the past, there has been a trust deficit between India and the U.S., with Indians feeling that the U.S. has not always supported India and has instead supported Pakistan.
- The U.S. has flagged issues related to terrorism, human rights, and democracy in India. However, the two countries can become stronger together by building on their strategic partnership.
Conclusion
- The next six months will be critical for India-U.S. ties, with both countries looking to enhance collaboration and partnership. While there are differences in opinions to be addressed, the two countries also share strong areas of convergence that can be leveraged to strengthen their strategic partnership.
Mains Question

Q. What is I2U2 initiative? Evaluate how does it fit into the broader context of the India- US relationship?
April 11, 2023
Fake News: Addition of The Provision In Intermediary Guidelines
Central Idea
- The addition of the fake news provision in the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (Intermediary Guidelines) must be seen in the context of protecting fundamental rights while combatting fake news. The recent addition by the central government clearly militates against settled law and the Constitution.
What is mean by Fake news?
- Fake news refers to intentionally fabricated or misleading information presented as if it were real news. It can be spread through traditional media sources like newspapers or television, but it is more commonly associated with social media platforms and other online sources.
- Fake news can range from completely made-up stories to misleading headlines and selectively edited or out-of-context information designed to deceive readers.
- It is often used for political purposes, to manipulate public opinion or to spread misinformation about individuals, organizations or events.
Existing Provisions to Combat Fake News
- Intermediary Guidelines of 2021: The most preferred democratic process to combat the threats and impact of fake news on a polity would be through Parliament-enacted laws. India opted for the speedier alternative of an addition to the Intermediary Guidelines of 2021 (as amended), through Rule 3(1)(v).
- Can not disseminate misleading content: Under this rule, intermediaries including social media platforms have to ensure that users do not disseminate content that deceives or misleads on the origin or knowingly and intentionally communicates any information which is patently false or misleading in nature but may reasonably be perceived as a fact.
Remedies Available
- Complaints and grievance: Any complaints from users, government, or court have to be actioned by the grievance officer of an intermediary, including social media platforms, within 15 days. This timeframe for actioning a complaint for complaints of false or misleading news is reduced to 72 hours.
- Resolution: The next step for resolution is provided through the Grievance Appellate Committees, which the government recently announced appointments for.
- Other actions: These remedies are independent of and in addition to the remedies available in law for a government agency to seek takedowns or blocking, as per due process or for courts to decide thereon.
Critique of the Addition
- Provisions already exists: The recent addition of a separate category for restraint on dissemination by users of content in respect of any business of the Central Government is unwarranted as provisions already exist. The restraint is on users and not intermediaries, as misconceived by many. The onus on intermediaries is only of reasonable effort.
- No transparency: With merely a central government-authorised fact check unit saying so, content could be classified as fake, false or misleading and a takedown and action necessitated, without even a semblance of due process.
- No legitimacy: In the present instance, there is an absolute absence of legitimate aim for this additional restriction on users and an abject lack of procedures that would assure due process.
Reaffirming the Need for Legitimacy
- The recent addition clearly militates against settled law and the Constitution: The Supreme Court in Puttaswamy judgment reaffirmed the need for legitimacy, supported by parliament enacted laws, which are proportionate to meet the test of constitutionality.
- Media One case: Supreme Court’s recent judgment in the Media One case (Madhyamam Broadcasting Limited v. Union of India, April 5, 2023) reiterates that any law or regulation inconsistent with fundamental rights is void. This judgment also reaffirms the four principles that will decide the constitutionality of a law or regulation: (i) unreasonableness or irrationality; (ii) illegality; and (iii) procedural impropriety.
Some of the dangers of fake news
- Inciting communal violence: In India, fake news has been known to incite communal violence. For instance, the spread of fake news on social media was one of the factors behind the Muzaffarnagar riots of 2013.
- Undermining public trust: Fake news can undermine public trust in institutions and the media. This can have serious consequences for democracy and social cohesion.
- Impact on health: Fake news about health issues can have serious consequences. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, fake news about remedies and cures for the disease led to people consuming dangerous substances.
- Misinformation during elections: Fake news can also be used to spread misinformation during elections, which can influence voters and distort the democratic process.
- Economic harm: Fake news can cause economic harm by spreading false information about businesses, leading to loss of investor confidence and financial losses.
- Spreading rumors: Fake news can also be used to spread rumors about individuals, which can have serious consequences, such as the recent case of fake news leading to the lynching of two men in Assam.
Conclusion
- The recent addition is unsustainable and unwarranted as provisions already exist. The fight should be for the protection of fundamental rights that are essential to our very existence.
April 11, 2023

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