Maintaining consistency is one of the biggest issues faced by IAS Aspirants. Streak’s initiative is to help Aspirants in their day-to-day preparation. You can follow the monthly, weekly, and daily timetables and continue this streak until you find yourself on the final list.
The first step was taken by the British Parliament to control and regulate the affairs of the East India Company in India.
It designated the Governor of Bengal (Fort William) as the Governor-General (of Bengal).
Warren Hastings became the first Governor-General of Bengal.
Executive Council of the Governor-General was established (Four members). There was no separate legislative council.
It subordinated the Governors of Bombay and Madras to the Governor-General of Bengal.
The Supreme Court was established at Fort William (Calcutta) as the Apex Court in 1774.
It prohibited servants of the company from engaging in any private trade or accepting bribes from the natives.
Court of Directors (the governing body of the company) should report its revenue.
Pitt’s India Act of 1784
Distinguished between commercial and political functions of the company.
Court of Directors for Commercial functions and Board of Control for political affairs.
Reduced the strength of the Governor General’s council to three members.
Placed the Indian affairs under the direct control of the British Government.
The companies’ territories in India were called “the British possession in India”.
Governor’s councils were established in Madras and Bombay.
Charter Act of 1813
The Company’s monopoly over Indian trade terminated; Trade with India open to all British subjects.
Charter Act of 1833
Governor-General (of Bengal) became the Governor-General of India.
First Governor-General of India was Lord William Bentick.
This was the final step towards centralization in British India.
Beginning of a Central legislature for India as the act also took away legislative powers of Bombay and Madras provinces.
The Act ended the activities of the East India Company as a commercial body and it became a purely administrative body.
Charter Act of 1853
The legislative and executive functions of the Governor-General’s Council were separated.
6 members in Central legislative council. Four out of six members were appointed by the provisional governments of Madras, Bombay, Bengal and Agra.
It introduced a system of open competition as the basis for the recruitment of civil servants of the Company (Indian Civil Service opened for all).
Government of India Act of 1858
The rule of Company was replaced by the rule of the Crown in India.
The powers of the British Crown were to be exercised by the Secretary of State for India
He was assisted by the Council of India, having 15 members
He was vested with complete authority and control over the Indian administration through the Viceroy as his agent
The Governor-General was made the Viceroy of India.
Lord Canning was the first Viceroy of India.
Abolished Board of Control and Court of Directors.
Indian Councils Act of 1861
It introduced for the first time Indian representation in the institutions like Viceroy’s executive+legislative council (non-official). 3 Indians entered the Legislative council.
Legislative councils were established in Center and provinces.
It provided that the Viceroy’s Executive Council should have some Indians as the non-official members while transacting the legislative businesses.
It accorded statutory recognition to the portfolio system.
Initiated the process of decentralisation by restoring the legislative powers to the Bombay and the Madras Provinces.
India Council Act of 1892
Introduced indirect elections (nomination).
Enlarged the size of the legislative councils.
Enlarged the functions of the Legislative Councils and gave them the power of discussing the Budget and addressing questions to the Executive.
Indian Councils Act of 1909
This Act is also known as the Morley- Minto Reforms.
Direct elections to legislative councils; first attempt at introducing a representative and popular element.
It changed the name of the Central Legislative Council to the Imperial Legislative Council.
The member of the Central Legislative Council was increased to 60 from 16.
Introduced a system of communal representation for Muslims by accepting the concept of ‘separate electorate’.
Indians for the first time in Viceroys executive council. (Satyendra Prasanna Sinha, as the law member)
Government of India Act of 1919
This Act is also known as the Montague-Chelmsford Reforms.
The Central subjects were demarcated and separated from those of the Provincial subjects.
The scheme of dual governance, ‘Dyarchy’, was introduced in the Provincial subjects.
Under the dyarchy system, the provincial subjects were divided into two parts – transferred and reserved. On reserved subjects, Governor was not responsible to the Legislative council.
The Act introduced, for the first time, bicameralism at the center.
Legislative Assembly with 140 members and Legislative council with 60 members.
Direct elections.
The Act also required that the three of the six members of the Viceroy’s Executive Council (other than Commander-in-Chief) were to be Indians.
Provided for the establishment of the Public Service Commission.
Government of India Act of 1935
The Act provided for the establishment of an All-India Federation consisting of the Provinces and the Princely States as units, though the envisaged federation never came into being.
Three Lists: The Act divided the powers between the Centre and the units into items of three lists, namely the Federal List, the Provincial List and the Concurrent List.
The Federal List for the Centre consisted of 59 items, the Provincial List for the provinces consisted of 54 items and the Concurrent List for both consisted of 36 items
The residuary powers were vested with the Governor-General.
The Act abolished the Dyarchy in the Provinces and introduced ‘Provincial Autonomy’.
It provided for the adoption of Dyarchy at the Centre.
Introduced bicameralism in 6 out of 11 Provinces.
These six Provinces were Assam, Bengal, Bombay, Bihar, Madras and the United Province.
Provided for the establishment of Federal Court.
Abolished the Council of India.
Indian Independence Act of 1947
It declared India as an Independent and Sovereign State.
Established responsible Governments at both the Centre and the Provinces.
Designated the Viceroy India and the provincial Governors as the Constitutional (normal heads).
It assigned dual functions (Constituent and Legislative) to the Constituent Assembly and declared this dominion legislature as a sovereign body.
While we cheer and celebrate our 75th independence day, we cannot lose focus on what’s coming next! Yes, the dates for the UPSC exam 2022 are out and we have less than 10 months or 300 days to prepare.
But do not worry, we are here to help!
Becoming an IAS officer is your personal tryst with destiny and we want to make sure that your dreams do come true. And in the spirit of Independence Day, you can access all of our resources at a discount of 15%.
You can have your own dedicated mentor to guide you through the entire process of the exam, you can access our exclusive videos, and any course that you buy is now available with a 15% discount IF YOU REGISTER NOW!
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While we cheer and celebrate our 75th independence day, we cannot lose focus on what’s coming next! Yes, the dates for the UPSC exam 2022 are out and we have less than 10 months or 300 days to prepare.
But do not worry, we are here to help!
Becoming an IAS officer is your personal tryst with destiny and we want to make sure that your dreams do come true. And in the spirit of Independence Day, you can access all of our resources at a discount of 15%.
You can have your own dedicated mentor to guide you through the entire process of the exam, you can access our exclusive videos, and any course that you buy is now available with a 15% discount IF YOU REGISTER NOW!
GS-2 Parliament and State Legislatures—Structure, Functioning, Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges and Issues Arising out of these.
GS-3 Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life.
GS-4 Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?
Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.
A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.
You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.
Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.
Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.
If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 1st August is uploaded on 1st August then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis
If you are writing answers late, for example, 1st August is uploaded on 3rd August, then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.
We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.
*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*.
This is the cycle that makes or breaks a UPSC aspirant’s dreams. Follow this cycle and you will become an IAS officer.
The cycle has 4 elements: Study, Assessment, Feedback, And Improvement. Every aspirant studies and they study almost similar things. While almost everyone improves with time, the difference between success and failure lies in the ‘assessment’ and ‘feedback.’
When was the last time you assessed yourself? Anyways there is no harm in doing that again. Just be honest and take this simple 5 seconds self-assessment test to know where you stand in terms of your preparation and improvement.
Here’s the thing: You are not alone in your preparation and we are here to help you at every stage. Just get in touch with us and we will make sure that the first shot you take at UPSC will be the best!
Schedule your free mentorship session with Senior IAS Mentor from Civilsdaily and get started now!
This is the cycle that makes or breaks a UPSC aspirant’s dreams. Follow this cycle and you will become an IAS officer.
The cycle has 4 elements: Study, Assessment, Feedback, And Improvement. Every aspirant studies and they study almost similar things. While almost everyone improves with time, the difference between success and failure lies in the ‘assessment’ and ‘feedback.’
When was the last time you assessed yourself? Anyways there is no harm in doing that again. Just be honest and take this simple 5 seconds self-assessment test to know where you stand in terms of your preparation and improvement.
Here’s the thing: You are not alone in your preparation and we are here to help you at every stage. Just get in touch with us and we will make sure that the first shot you take at UPSC will be the best!
Schedule your free mentorship session with Senior IAS Mentor from Civilsdaily and get started now!
NECTAR stands for North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach.
It is an autonomous organisation, set up under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India is the ‘one-stop shop’ for technological support to the North East people.
NECTAR is providing technological applications and scientific support to the farmers, entrepreneurs, or any organisation associated with rural corporation, construction, or any other industry in North East, where technology intervention and technical support are needed.
Its establishment
NECTAR was formed in the year 2012, with the merger of erstwhile National Mission on Bamboo Applications (NMBA) and Mission on Geospatial Application (MGA).
It is headquartered in Shillong, Meghalaya.
Its mandate
Overall development: NECTAR has the mandate of equitable and inclusive social and economic development of the NER. NECTAR has created linkages between the farmers and markets of metro cities.
Agro Industries: The areas in which NECTAR has played flagship roles include agro and food processing, renewable energy source bamboo applications like construction and structural applications, composites and wood substitutes, bamboo for energy, bamboo in industrial products, bamboo-planting material, skill development, and employment generation.
Security: NECTAR is also working for the applications to internal security, watershed analysis, development of fixed wing micro unmanned aerial vehicles, mapping of tsunami vulnerable areas, and Brahmaputra River embankment mapping and erosion study.
Bamboo Sector:
Bamboo-based technologies with a green material approach
NECTAR is working on bamboo-based construction and structural applications with a green material approach.
Huge industrial applications of bamboo have been identified.
Under this effort, support is being provided to the projects related to structural engineering and in development of bamboo composites by utilizing the natural higher tensile strength and a weight-to-strength ratio of the material.
In the areas of the development of technologies related to wood substitutes and composites, various relief and rehabilitation projects using bamboo composite material and prefabricated housing units have been initiated.
Gasifiers based on bamboo have been developed to produce clean and renewable electricity, and a range of valuable by-products such as high-grade charcoal has also been developed.
Schemes of technology solutions for employment generation:
The Centre is offering two major schemes to NER: TOSS – Technology Outreach and Service Scheme and BAANS – Bamboo Applications and Support Scheme.
The schemes are targeted for building and expanding partnerships with people, communities, local bodies, NGOs, SHGs and research and technology institutions.
TOSS is an umbrella scheme of NECTAR to establish linkages with individuals and institutions to deliver technology solutions to the NER which have clear potential to generate social or economic growth in the region.
Conclusion
NECTAR is playing an important role in the development of NER.
It is very important to connect the technologies with common people, various organizations, entrepreneurs, and farmers so that the mandate of that technology can be proved.
People from the NER should take advantage of the technologies developed and supported by NECTAR.
Successful case studies of NECTAR must be shared at the Krishi Vigyan Kendras of NER, NGOs, various community centres, innovation centres, entrepreneurial organisations, colleges and universities so that every section of the NER can be benefited with the technological applications.
Maintaining consistency is one of the biggest issues faced by IAS Aspirants. Streak’s initiative is to help Aspirants in their day-to-day preparation. You can follow the monthly, weekly, and daily timetables and continue this streak until you find yourself on the final list.
This is the cycle that makes or breaks a UPSC aspirant’s dreams. Follow this cycle and you will become an IAS officer.
The cycle has 4 elements: Study, Assessment, Feedback, And Improvement. Every aspirant studies and they study almost similar things. While almost everyone improves with time, the difference between success and failure lies in the ‘assessment’ and ‘feedback.’
When was the last time you assessed yourself? Anyways there is no harm in doing that again. Just be honest and take this simple 5 seconds self-assessment test to know where you stand in terms of your preparation and improvement.
Here’s the thing: You are not alone in your preparation and we are here to help you at every stage. Just get in touch with us and we will make sure that the first shot you take at UPSC will be the best!
Schedule your free mentorship session with Senior IAS Mentor from Civilsdaily and get started now!
The best way to start preparing for answer writing is by knowing what to write and what not to write. Learn the basics of answer writing with Garima ma’am and start practicing the right way!
The sessions contain:
Answer writing basics.
How to approach answer writing.
What UPSC expects from answers.
The Dos and Don’ts of answer writing.
Time management in answer writing.
Daily practice and examples.
And more…
Don’t wait, start now to master the art of writing high-scoring answers!
GS-1 Urbanization, their problems and their remedies
GS-2 Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
GS-3 Issues related to Direct and Indirect Farm Subsidies and Minimum Support Prices; Public Distribution System – Objectives, Functioning, Limitations, Revamping; Issues of Buffer Stocks and Food Security; Technology Missions; Economics of Animal-Rearing.
GS-4 Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
HOW TO ATTEMPT ANSWERS IN DAILY ANSWER WRITING ENHANCEMENT(AWE)?
Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you.
A Mentor’s Comment will be available for all answers. This can be used as a guidance tool but we encourage you to write original answers.
You can write your answer on an A4 sheet and scan/click pictures of the same.
Upload the scanned answer in the comment section of the same question.
Along with the scanned answer, please share your Razor payment ID, so that paid members are given priority.
If you upload the answer on the same day like the answer of 1st August is uploaded on 1st August then your answer will be checked within 72 hours. Also, reviews will be in the order of submission- First come first serve basis
If you are writing answers late, for example, 1st August is uploaded on 3rd August, then these answers will be evaluated as per the mentor’s schedule.
We encourage you to write answers on the same day. However, if you are uploading an answer late then tag the mentor like @Staff so that the mentor is notified about your answer.
*In case your answer is not reviewed, reply to your answer saying *NOT CHECKED*.
While we cheer and celebrate our 75th independence day, we cannot lose focus on what’s coming next! Yes, the dates for the UPSC exam 2022 are out and we have less than 10 months or 300 days to prepare.
But do not worry, we are here to help!
Becoming an IAS officer is your personal tryst with destiny and we want to make sure that your dreams do come true. And in the spirit of Independence Day, you can access all of our resources at a discount of 15%.
You can have your own dedicated mentor to guide you through the entire process of the exam, you can access our exclusive videos, and any course that you buy is now available with a 15% discount IF YOU REGISTER NOW!
In a country as culturally and regionally diverse as India, it has often been noticed that a considerable number of bright students are either sceptical or don’t opt for the Engineering degree in college for the fear and apprehension of not understanding the English language effortlessly.
Who are Engineers, btw?
Engineers are people who solve problems and focus on making things work more efficiently and effectively.
They apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to research and develop economical solutions to technical problems.
Their work is the link between perceived social needs and commercial applications.
Engineering in Regional Languages
In total14 Engineering Colleges in the country will now begin to offer various courses in regional languages.
These colleges have secured permission from the All-India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) to collectively admit over 1,000 students in UG programmes that will be taught in regional languages.
Why debate this issue?
It’s been a subject matter of debate ever since the proposal was made for technical education in regional languages.
We shall talk about the potential challenges that students of these courses could face in their education ahead and careers.
Regional languages for the courses
At least half of them, four from Uttar Pradesh, two from Rajasthan and one each from Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand will teach in Hindi.
The remaining colleges from Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu will offer the programme in Telugu, Marathi, Bengali and Tamil, respectively.
Criteria for the colleges
The AICTE has put very stringent conditions on those aiming to launch the courses.
The colleges need to be accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and should be among top ranked in their respective states.
They can start with either the batch size of 30 or 60. The priority would be granted to autonomous institutions fulfilling all the criteria.
They would have an option to either appoint another set of teachers who can teach in regional languages or train the existing ones, which would be much easier.
Benefits offered by the move
Language promotion: This move will promote regional language as the mode of delivering education.
Breaking the regional divide: High school dropout has been mainly caused by consistent failure to clear English language paper in India. The move would help aspirants, particularly from rural and tribal areas, to realize their dreams.
Better learning: Learning in their mother tongue helps the students to grasp the fundamentals more readily. It improves the cognitive abilities of students and also boosts their self-confidence.
Ensuring equal opportunity: This step will ensure that no students face discrimination in higher education institutes due to the language barrier.
Skill development: Vernacular language when combined with skill development helps develop professionals who can transform the country from the grassroots.
Technology solutions: At job level the engineers often have to deal with the workers in regional languages so it will be an added advantage.
Major challenges
Imparting technical education in one’s mother tongue can be a challenging task at the initial stage because of multiple reasons.
Strict criteria: The criterion laid by the AICTE are somewhat difficult for institutions to acquire in short span of time.
Curriculum translation: Making study material available in regional languages is toughest challenge. There had been no attempt in the past to translate engineering subjects (quiet often authored by foreign authors).
Faculty issues: The teachers must have a strong command over their mother tongue and must have the ability to easily communicate in the same language that they are teaching. This cannot be achieved overnight at such a short notice.
Limited domain: The option, however, would be available for undergraduate courses and is limited for traditional branches like mechanical, engineering, civil, electrical and others. It is impossible to practice software coding in regional languages.
Employability challenges: There is a big question that arises regarding their employability in the era of globalization. It has been observed that many companies prefer hiring individuals with English speaking skills irrespective of their academic performance.
Various moves by AICTE
AICTE has been constantly putting in all the necessary efforts to make this move successful and hassle-free for students and institutions.
They are offering course materials in all the above-mentioned regional languages and are translating courses taught under the Swayam platform.
They are also appointing a new set of teachers who have a stronghold in regional languages and can teach in the same without difficulty.
It has also been decided that the examinations will be conducted in the language preferred by the student.
The institutions have also been advised to make the necessary provisions for compulsory graded courses in English to make sure that the students are good with the language before they enter the corporate world.
Feasibility check: Good or Bad Decision?
(1) English offers more ease
Countries like Germany, Japan, China are homogenous societies (speaking one language mostly) and secondly, India cannot be equated with them. India is entire Europe.
Even in these homogeneous societies, many institutions have started moving to English now, seeing the disadvantages they are facing.
They are learning from us. Not sure if there is an equivalent of India in the world. India is Europe, roughly in terms of languages or land area.
(2) English no more a barrier
India has produced C V Ramans, J C Boses, Meghanad Sahas earlier. It has also produced institution builders such as Bhabhas, Ramannas and Bhatnagars.
Why aren’t we producing people of this calibre right now? Evolution wise, people are only becoming better.
We have brought in so much of bureaucracy into our systems and almost all leadership and Innovation gets scuttled at every stage.
(3) Limits of the knowledge pool
IIT education involves integration of a lot of research and open study materials.
Students have to read various other books and reference materials which come in English.
Offering complete BTech and masters courses in local languages will deprive the students of a vast amount of resource material available in English.
(4) Reforms in vernac school education are long overdue
Many state run primary , secondary and higher schools are on the edge of their perish.
This is equally true in terms of the quality of education imparted in such schools.
It is ironical and distant to dream for UG courses in local languages where the state of school educations is poor.
Way forward
The move offers everyone an equal opportunity.
Every child who does schooling in local languages must have an opportunity to take JEE Main and JEE Advanced in their local language.
JEE Advanced must be conducted in all local languages, where there is a demand.
We need to free up our educational institutions from bureaucratic controls and create competition among them by also providing them autonomy.
Autonomy and Competition need to go hand in hand.
Need of the hour: Curriculum transformation
One of our problems is that, we have never connected our institutions and never engaged them to solve problems of the society/country.
The less practical syllabus has to do away for more real life applications of engineering.
So it’s the overall system in the country to blame for our plight and not our educational institutions or instruction in English.
Conclusion
Overall, it’s a welcome step that is going to enhance the learning outcome which is very important as per the vision of new education policy.
Dr A P J Abdul Kalam truly believed that science education should be imparted to students in vernacular language to nurture creativity and help them understand the subject easily.
However, multidisciplinary institutions and autonomy, as articulated in NEP, are the need of the hour.
Note: In GS Paper 2, 17 out of 20 Questions asked in UPSC 2020, were already covered at Samachar Manthan. And the entire GS paper 3 was covered in Samachar Manthan that makes for an approximate 85% Success rate.
Current Affairs is the heart and soul of the UPSC exam. UPSC ties dynamic Current Affairs topics with static knowledge to test aspirants at all three stages of the exam. A thorough grasp of CA is, therefore, extremely crucial to your success. That is why we, at CivilsDaily, have consolidated all the important aspects of CA in Samachar Manthan so that you don’t have to browse through thousands of study materials to be on top of your game. Samachar Manthan is the essence of all you need, in one place. Right here!
For any clarification and queries please CONTACT us at hello@civilsdaily.com OR +91 8929987787
3. Membership to Samachar Manthan Habitat club – doubts, discussion, and mentorship session.
4. Weekly Current Affairs based Mains Test (10 Questions) and Evaluation
5. Current Affairs Monthly Prelims Test package
6. Marathon Revision sessions on Habitat before Prelims and Mains
7. Frequent Google meet Sessions to check on Student’s Preparation status
8. Micro notes to help you make your notes.
Now, let’s take a look at the below-mentioned GS Paper 2 paper of 2020, question by question.
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) “Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have a profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Right to Information Act is considered one of the milestones in Indian democracy. In the context of real representation that RTI provided to the public authorities, examine how far the recent amendments may breach the actual contention of the RTI Act?
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Which steps are required for the constitutionalization of a commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Seeing the Patriarchal nature of society the Indian Parliament came up with the legislation in the form of the National Commission for Women to work for the betterment of the female section of the society. In such a context, critically analyse the effectiveness of NCW at present. Also, suggest measures to make it work effectively.
UPSC Mains Questions
Q.) How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Explain the difference between Competitive vs Cooperative federalism. In the Indian context, what have been the hindrances in achieving competitive federalism. What should be the solution?
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless Stepney tyre’ to the most useful supporting organ in the past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) How far do you agree with the view that Rajya Sabha has done nothing exceptional in the last 70 years except stalling work and therefore it should be abolished? (10 Marks)
UPSC Mains question
Q.) Indian constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) The Centre has got more powers to raise the resources and states were given more responsibilities. Examine how this dichotomy came under serious scrutiny in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. (10 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. This context justifies the filing of a large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) How far do you agree that the recent judgements pronounced by the supreme court of India border on Judicial overreach. Elaborate with Examples
UPSC Mains Questions
Q.) The strength & sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funs’ to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) “Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure”. Critically analyze. (10 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) “Once a speaker, Always a speaker’! Do you think the practise should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Discuss the controversies surrounding the office of the speaker in India. Suggest measures to make the office of speaker impartial and independent. Should it be modelled on the lines of the office of a British speaker? (15)
UPSC Mains question
Q.) The judicial systems in India and the UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Topic Was discussed in the third week of December in our Samachar Manthan lecture
Q.) “Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of Self-Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) In the context of SHGs in India, explain how they can benefit the ongoing pandemic. Also, suggest measures to make them more effective and empowered. (10 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. This context suggests reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Despite being the pivot of Indian democracy, the civil services have performed rather poorly when it comes to administering the routine. Discuss.
Q.) National Education Policy 2020 conforms with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) “The New Education Policy is an old wine in a new glass”. Do you agree with this view? Examine. (15 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of the government”. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Digitising India could accelerate its progress towards development but certain factors must be addressed before India could reap the benefits of digitising. Examine such factors and suggest ways to deal with the issues in digitising the country. (10)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyze the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Multidimensional Poverty Index is a measure to assess acute poverty in multiple dimensions. In this respect, state how poverty is leading to a loss in Human development and thus making the population a liability than an asset. (15 marks)
UPSC Mains question
Q.) To enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Discuss how marriage age and women’s health are linked with each other?
UPSC Mains questions
Q.) ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)’ is the transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times – Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) A revival and re-invigoration of the Quad are called for to maintain peace and tranquillity in the Indo-pacific region. Examine. (10)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) The global institutional architecture of the 1940s cannot help humanity face the challenges of the 2020s. Discuss. (10)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) India is witnessing increased variety in its bilateral/multilateral defence partnerships. Despite this, Russia remains an important ally. Analyse. (15 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (Answer in 150 words)
Extensively discussed and covered as Burning Issue and SM weekly Video Classes.
16/20 Questions asked in UPSC 2020 GS paper 3 were covered in Samachar Manthan. (85 per cent success rate)
UPSC Question
Q.) Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q.) Among several factors for India’s potential growth, at this moment, government expenditure is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the impediments to increasing Government expenditure? (10 marks)
UPSC Question
Q.) Explain the meaning of investment in an economy in terms of capital formation. Discuss the factors to consider while designing a concession agreement between a public and a private entity. (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM weekly test
Q12. What are the different models of PPP? How has been India’s experience so far with PPP? What are the changes required to make it more efficient? (15)
UPSC Question
How CivilsDaily IAS made an evidence-based content selection, which resulted in an 85 per cent alignment of the actual mains paper with the Samachar Manthan course? Presenting GS Mains II Paper Analysis.
Current Affairs is the heart and soul of the UPSC exam. UPSC ties dynamic Current Affairs topics with static knowledge to test aspirants at all three stages of the exam. A thorough grasp of CA is, therefore, extremely crucial to your success. That is why we, at Civils Daily, have consolidated all the important aspects of CA in Samachar Manthan so that you don’t have to browse through thousands of study materials to be on top of your game. Samachar Manthan is the essence of all you need, in one place. Right here!
In GS Paper 2, 17 out of 20 Questions were asked in UPSC 2020. And the entire GS paper 2 was covered in Samachar Manthan that makes for an 85% Success rate. Let’s take a look at the below mentioned GS Paper 2 paper of 2020, question by question.
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) “Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have a profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Right to Information Act is considered one of the milestones in Indian democracy. In the context of real representation that RTI provided to the public authorities, examine how far the recent amendments may breach the actual contention of the RTI Act?
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Which steps are required for the constitutionalization of a commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Seeing the Patriarchal nature of society the Indian Parliament came up with the legislation in the form of the National Commission for Women to work for the betterment of the female section of the society. In such a context, critically analyse the effectiveness of NCW at present. Also, suggest measures to make it work effectively.
UPSC Mains Questions
Q.) How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Explain the difference between Competitive vs Cooperative federalism. In the Indian context, what have been the hindrances in achieving competitive federalism. What should be the solution?
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless Stepney tyre’ to the most useful supporting organ in the past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) How far do you agree with the view that Rajya Sabha has done nothing exceptional in the last 70 years except stalling work and therefore it should be abolished? (10 Marks)
UPSC Mains question
Q.) Indian constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) The Centre has got more powers to raise the resources and states were given more responsibilities. Examine how this dichotomy came under serious scrutiny in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. (10 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. This context justifies the filing of a large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) How far do you agree that the recent judgements pronounced by the supreme court of India border on Judicial overreach. Elaborate with Examples
UPSC Mains Questions
Q.) The strength & sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funs’ to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) “Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure”. Critically analyze. (10 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) “Once a speaker, Always a speaker’! Do you think the practise should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Discuss the controversies surrounding the office of the speaker in India. Suggest measures to make the office of speaker impartial and independent. Should it be modelled on the lines of the office of a British speaker? (15)
UPSC Mains question
Q.) The judicial systems in India and the UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Topic Was discussed in the third week of December in our Samachar Manthan lecture
Q.) “Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of Self-Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) In the context of SHGs in India, explain how they can benefit the ongoing pandemic. Also, suggest measures to make them more effective and empowered.
Q.) “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. This context suggests reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Despite being the pivot of Indian democracy, the civil services have performed rather poorly when it comes to administering the routine. Discuss. (10)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) National Education Policy 2020 conforms with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) “The New Education Policy is an old wine in a new glass”. Do you agree with this view? Examine. (15 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of a government”. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Digitising India could accelerate its progress towards development but certain factors must be addressed before India could reap the benefits of digitising. Examine such factors and suggest ways to deal with the issues in digitising the country. (10)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyze the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Multidimensional Poverty Index is a measure to assess acute poverty in multiple dimensions. In this respect, state how poverty is leading to a loss in Human development and thus making the population a liability than an asset. (15 marks)
UPSC Mains question
Q.) In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Discuss how marriage age and women’s health are linked with each other?
UPSC Mains questions
Q.) ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)’ is the transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times – Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) A revival and re-invigoration of the Quad are called for to maintain peace and tranquillity in the Indo-pacific region. Examine. (10)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) The global institutional architecture of the 1940s cannot help humanity face the challenges of the 2020s. Discuss. (10)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) India is witnessing increased variety in its bilateral/multilateral defence partnerships. Despite this, Russia remains an important ally. Analyse. (15 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (Answer in 150 words)
Extensively discussed and covered as Burning Issue and SM weekly Video Classes.
16/20 Questions asked in UPSC 2020 GS paper 3 were covered in Samachar Manthan. (85 per cent success rate)
UPSC Question
Q) Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q) Among several factors for India’s potential growth, at this moment, government expenditure is the most effective one. Do you agree? What are the impediments to increasing Government expenditure?
UPSC Question
Q) Explain the meaning of investment in an economy in terms of capital formation. Discuss the factors to consider while designing a concession agreement between a public and a private entity. (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM weekly test
Q) What are the different models of PPP? How has been India’s experience so far with PPP? What are the changes required to make it more efficient?
UPSC Question
Q.) Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions? (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM Weekly test
Q.) The Goods and Service Tax has been a grand bargain in cooperative federalism. But the issue of GST compensation to the States in the aftermath of lockdown threatens this achievement in federalism. In light of this, explain the issue of compensation and suggest the ways to deal with it.
UPSC Question
Q) What are the main constraints in the transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q.) The APMC Act has been blamed for poor price realisation by the farmers. Recently announced reforms promise to do away with such issues in the APMC Act. In light of this, examine the issues with APMC Acts and how the promised reforms are expected to resolve such issues.”
UPSC Question
Q) What are the challenges and opportunities of the food processing sector in the country? How can the income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q) India is one of the biggest food producing hubs in the world but recently the food processing industry in India is not showing the desired results. Write a note on the challenges being faced by the food processing industry in India. Also, suggest the measures needed to revamp the food processing sector?
UPSC Question
Q) Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenarios. (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM Weekly test
Q) What do you understand by micro-irrigation? Discuss its importance to a country like India?
UPSC Question
Q) Discuss different types of cybercrimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace
Q) As “Digital India” grows, cybersecurity vulnerabilities will increase too. In this context, critically analyse India’s cybersecurity capabilities. (15 marks)
UPSC Question
Q) What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in the Eastern part of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM weekly test
Q.) The Government of India has adopted an integrated and holistic approach to deal with the Left Wing Extremist (LWE) insurgency. In this context, discuss the challenges while dealing with this internal security in India. Critically analyse the steps are taken by India to curb this menace. (15)
UPSC Question
Q) What do you understand about nanotechnology and how is it helping in the health sector? (Answer in 150 words)10
Q) Nanotechnology is a pathbreaking technology that can create many new materials and devices with a wide range of applications, such as in nanomedicine, nanoelectronics etc. Discuss? (10)
UPSC Question
Q) How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by science-based technologies? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q.) Examine how India should use breakthroughs in biotechnology and genetic engineering for achieving the goal of low-input, high-output agriculture which is a prerequisite for doubling farmers’ income.
UPSC Question
How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q.) The debate around development and environmental conservation has always been more tilted towards the development side at the cost of the environment. In such a scenario, critically analyse the amendments in the Environment Impact Assessment.
UPSC Question
Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose? (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM Weekly test
Q.) What are the advantages of Lithium-ion batteries that make them most suitable for e-vehicles and other devices? Examine India’s technological and manufacturing capabilities in this crucial product.
UPSC Question
Q) What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM Weekly test
Q) Discuss key features of the National clean air program? Will it be able to solve the problem of air pollution in India. Critically examine?
UPSC Question
Q) What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q.) In a world driven by climate change, water has become crucial as a public resource. In the light of this, discuss how Jal Jeevan Mission will bring some respite in the lives of people in general and rural areas in particular.
SM Weekly test
Q.) The Goods and Service Tax has been a grand bargain in cooperative federalism. But the issue of GST compensation to the States in the aftermath of lockdown threatens this achievement in federalism. In light of this, explain the issue of compensation and suggest the ways to deal with it.
UPSC Question
Q.) What are the main constraints in the transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q.) The APMC Act has been blamed for poor price realisation by the farmers. Recently announced reforms promise to do away with such issues in the APMC Act. In light of this, examine the issues with APMC Acts and how the promised reforms are expected to resolve such issues.”
UPSC Question
Q.) What are the challenges and opportunities of the food processing sector in the country? How can the income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q.) India is one of the biggest food producing hubs in the world but recently the food processing industry in India is not showing the desired results. Write a note on the challenges being faced by the food processing industry in India. Also, suggest the measures needed to revamp the food processing sector?
UPSC Question
Q.) Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenarios. (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM Weekly test
Q) What do you understand by micro-irrigation? Discuss its importance to a country like India?
UPSC Question
Q) Discuss different types of cybercrimes and measures required to be taken to fight the menace?
SM Weekly Test
Q) As “Digital India” grows, cybersecurity vulnerabilities will increase too. In this context, critically analyse India’s cybersecurity capabilities.
UPSC Question
Q) What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in the Eastern part of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM weekly test
Q.) The Government of India has adopted an integrated and holistic approach to deal with the Left Wing Extremist (LWE) insurgency. In this context, discuss the challenges while dealing with this internal security in India. Critically analyse the steps are taken by India to curb this menace. (15)
UPSC Mains Question
Q) What do you understand about nanotechnology and how is it helping in the health sector? (Answer in 150 words)10
Q.10) Nanotechnology is a pathbreaking technology that can create many new materials and devices with a wide range of applications, such as in nanomedicine, nanoelectronics etc. Discuss? (10)
UPSC Question
Q) How is science interwoven deeply with our lives? What are the striking changes in agriculture triggered off by science-based technologies? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q.) Examine how India should use breakthroughs in biotechnology and genetic engineering for achieving the goal of low-input, high-output agriculture which is a prerequisite for doubling farmers’ income.
UPSC Question
Q) How does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q.) The debate around development and environmental conservation has always been more tilted towards the development side at the cost of the environment. In such a scenario, critically analyse the amendments in the Environment Impact Assessment.
UPSC Question
Q) Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our Government for this purpose? (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM Weekly test
Q.) What are the advantages of Lithium-ion batteries that makes it most suitable for e-vehicles and other devices? Examine India’s technological and manufacturing capabilities in this crucial product.
UPSC Question
Q) What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? (Answer in 250 words) 15
SM Weekly test
Q) Discuss key features of the National clean air program? Will it be able to solve the problem of air pollution in India. Critically examine?
UPSC Question
Q) What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (Answer in 150 words)10
SM Weekly test
Q) In a world driven by climate change, water has become crucial as a public resource. In the light of this, discuss how Jal Jeevan Mission will bring some respite in the lives of people in general and rural areas in particular.
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