New Education Policy, 2019

New Education Policy, 2019 The Committee for Draft National Education Policy (Chair: Dr K. Kasturirangan) submitted its report on May 31, 2019. The Committee constituted by the Ministry of Human Resource Development proposes an education policy, which seeks to address the challenges of (i) access, (ii) equity, (iii) quality, (iv) affordability, and (v) accountability faced by the current education system. The draft Policy provides for reforms at all levels of education from school to higher education. It seeks to increase the focus on early childhood care, reform the current exam system, strengthen teacher training, and restructure the education regulatory framework. It also seeks to set up a National Education Commission, increase public investment in education, strengthen the use of technology and increase focus on vocational and adult education, among others. School Education Early Childhood Care and Education: In addition to problems of access, the Committee observed several quality-related deficiencies in the existing early childhood learning programmes. These include: (i) the curriculum that doesn’t meet the developmental needs of children (ii) lack of qualified and trained teachers (iii) substandard pedagogy. (iv) four years of secondary stage (classes nine to 12). Teacher management: For teacher training, the existing B.Ed. programme will be replaced by a four-year integrated B.Ed. programme that combines high-quality content, pedagogy, and practical training. An integrated continuous professional development will also be developed for all subjects.  Teachers will be required to complete a minimum of 50 hours of continuous professional development training every year. Regulation of schools: It suggests creating an independent State School Regulatory Authority for each state that will prescribe basic uniform standards for public and private schools. Also, Read  Lokpal and Lokayukta Higher Education The Committee noted that the current higher education system has multiple regulators with overlapping mandates.  it proposes setting up the National Higher Education Regulatory Authority (NHERA). The draft Policy recommends separating NAAC from the UGC into an independent and autonomous body.  Establishment of new higher educational institutions: Currently, higher educational institutions can only be set up by Parliament or state legislatures.  The draft Policy proposes that these institutions could be allowed to be set up through a Higher Education Institution Charter from NHERA. Restructuring of higher education institutions: Higher education institutions will be restructured into three types: research universities focusing equally on research and teaching Universities focusing primarily on teaching. colleges focusing only on teaching at undergraduate levels.   All such institutions will gradually move towards full autonomy – academic, administrative, and financial.Establishing a National Research Foundation: autonomous body, for funding, mentoring and building the capacity for quality research in India. The Foundation will consist of four major divisions: sciences, technology, social sciences, and arts and humanities. Moving towards a liberal approach:  making undergraduate programmes interdisciplinary by redesigning their curriculum to include: (a) a common core curriculum and (b) one/two area(s) of specialisation.  Students will be required to choose an area of specialisation as ‘major’, and an optional area as ‘minor’. Professional development of faculty: The draft Policy recommends the development of a Continuous Professional Development programme and introduction of permanent employment (tenure) track system for faculty in all higher education institutions by 2030.  Education Governance Creation of a National Education Commission or Rashtriya Shiksha Aayog, as an apex body for education, to be headed by the Prime Minister. This body will be responsible for developing, implementing, evaluating, and revising the vision of education in the country on a continuous and sustained basis. Financing Education 6% of GDP as public investment in education. double the public investment in education from the current 10% of total public expenditure to 20% in the next 10 years Technology in Education National Mission on Education through information and communication technology A national education technology forum will also be set up under the mission as an autonomous body, to facilitate decision making on the induction, deployment and technology. National Repository on Educational Data: to maintain all the records related to teachers, students and the institutions in digital format. Vocational Education All school students must receive vocational education in at least one vocation in grades nine to 12 National Committee for the Integration of Vocational Education A separate fund will be set up for the integration of vocational education into educational institutions. Adult Education Establishing an autonomous Central Institute of Adult Education, as a constituent unit of NCERT, which will develop a National Curriculum Framework for adult education. The Framework will cover five broad areas: foundational literacy and numeracy, critical life skills vocational skills development, basic education, and continuing education. Adult Education Centres will be included within the proposed school complexes. Education and Indian Languages The committee recommended that the medium of instruction must either be the home language/mother-tongue/local language till grade five and preferable until grade eight, wherever possible. The draft Policy recommended that this three-language formula be continued and flexibility in the implementation of the formula should be provided. Concerns of the draft policy Increased governmental interference: the draft says that the appointments to all the statutory bodies in the higher education sector will have to be made by the Rashtriya Shiksha Ayog headed by the Prime minister. Concerns about the language formula. Poor level of consultations and deliberations in the preparatory stage The act does not suggest any remedy to the contentious section 12(1) (c) of the Right to Education Act. The policy draft is silent about the caste, class, gender and religious discrimination within the higher education institutions. Setting minimum standards: professional standard-setting bodies, stripped of their regulatory powers and punitive powers, will be reduced to toothless advisory bodies with little relevance to the academy quality maintenance of HEIs. Neglected foundational learning: the policy gives less importance to foundational learning with schooling. In the case of Early childhood education-MHRD given importance ahead of MWCD. Way Ahead Critics have taken note mainly of the proposal to form Rashtriya Shiksha Ayog (RSA) Headed by the PM –best to recast the RSA into a body similar to GST council comprising educational minister from each state. In the case of three language formula, there should

President’s Rule

President’s Rule Article 356 known as ‘President’s Rule’ or ‘State Emergency’ or ‘Constitutional Emergency’ has become one of the most controversial and most criticized provisions of the Constitution. Dr B R Ambedkar had said that the Article 356 would remain a ‘dead-letter’ and would be used only as a measure of last resort. However, it turned out that the provision was abused on multiple occasions. Constitutional Provisions Proclamation The President’s Rule can be proclaimed under Article 356 on two grounds — one mentioned in Article 356 itself and another in Article 365: Article 356 empowers the President to issue a proclamation,on a report of the governor of the state or otherwise if he is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of a state can not be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the house. For example, a government fall due to breakdown of a coalition, or loss of confidence of the house. Article 365 says that whenever a state fails to comply with or to give effect to any direction from the Centre, it will be lawful to deem that the government of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. Parliamentary Approval A proclamation imposing President’s Rule must be approved by both the Houses of Parliament by simple majority within two months from the date of its issue. The President’s rule continues for six months and can be extended to for a maximum period of three years, with Parliamentary approval, every six months. In the event of dissolution of Lok Sabha during the same period, the proclamation survives until 30 days from the first sitting of the Lok Sabha after its reconstitution, provided the Rajya Sabha approves it in the meantime. Amendment The 44th Amendment Act of 1978, restrained the Parliamentary power such that, for the extension of President’s Rule beyond one year, the following conditions be satisfied: a proclamation of National Emergency should be in operation in the whole of India, or in the whole or any part of the state; the Election Commission must certify that the general elections to the legislative assembly of the concerned state cannot be held Revoking The President may revoke the proclamation at any time by a subsequent proclamation without any parliamentary approval. President’s powers during the proclamation He can take up the executive powers in the state. He can authorize Parliament to exercise functions of the state legislature. He can take all other necessary steps including suspension of constitutional provisions regarding any authority in the state. The President dismisses the state council of ministers headed by the chief minister. The President either suspends or dissolves the state legislative assembly, whose functions are performed by the Parliament then. The President, exercises the executive authority, through the Governor, with the help of the chief secretary of the state or the advisors appointed by the President. However, the President cannot assume to himself the powers vested in the concerned state high court or suspend the provisions of the Constitution relating to it. Read Also RBI Surplus Fund Transfer to GOI Special case of Jammu and Kashmir Till recently, Jammu and Kashmir had a constitution of its own and some provisions related to Governor’s rule in the state. In the event of failure of government machinery, Section 92 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir is invoked by the Governor, with the consent of President of India, to bring the state under Governor’s rule. If it is not possible to revoke the governor’s rule within six months of imposition, then president’s rule under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution is imposed. However, since Article 370 has been abolished and Jammu and Kashmir made a Union territory, such provisions cease to exist. Recent Proclamations The latest proclamation was in Jammu and Kashmir, which had plunged into a political crisis after the coalition government collapsed. Arunachal Pradesh came under President’s Rule briefly in 2015-16 after some rebel MLA’s asked the governor to impeach the Speaker. Uttarakhand was also brought under President’s rule but was quashed by the State’s high court. Delhi, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand were also under President’s rule in the recent past. Court cases related to President’s rule S R Bommai vs Union of India Case (1994) It was a landmark judgement which had huge impact on Centre-State Relations. The Supreme Court held that the Proclamation of President’s Rule is subject to judicial review (as provided by the 44th Amendment Act of 1978) on grounds of mala fide intention; It also said that the imposition should be justified based on relevant material by the centre. The court can revive dissolved or suspended state governments if the imposition is unjustified and not constitutional; The President can only suspend the assembly; Dissolution of the state assembly can be done only after approval of Parliament; Financial instability and corruption allegations are not grounds enough for the imposition of President Rule; The state government shall be given enough opportunities to comply with directives are issued (article 365); Any measure or action taken by the state government for the protection of secularism can’t be led to the use of Article 356; The governor should exhaust the alternatives to form the government, in the event of resignation or dismissal of a government, before recommending for the imposition of President’s Rule. The Supreme Court held that power under Article 356 is an exceptional power and to be used only in case of exigencies. Various Commissions on President’s Rule Sarkaria Commission Sarkaria Commission found the Article misused in 90% of the cases for political purposes. So it recommended that: The Proclamation should cite the ‘reasons’ as to why the State cannot be run as per the provisions of the Constitution. A warning to be issued to the State government before resorting to the use of Article 356. Not to be used to serve political purposes. It also recommended for the amendment of Article 356 so as to make dissolution of the State Legislature only after approval by the Parliament. Punchhi Commission It recommended for the incorporation of guidelines set forth in the landmark judgement of the Supreme Court

Post Mauryan Era

Post Mauryan Era Sungas founder of the Sunga dynasty was Pushyamitra Sunga, who was the commander-in-chief under the Mauryas a most important challenge to the Sunga rule was to protect north India against the invasions of the Bactrian Greeks from the northwest Greeks advanced up to Pataliputra and occupied it for sometime Pushyamitra succeeded in regaining the lost also fought a campaign against Kharavela of Kalinga who invaded north India Pushyamitra was a staunch follower of Brahmanism. performed two asvamedha sacrifices. Buddhist sources refer to him as a persecutor of Buddhism. But there is enough evidence to show that Pushyamitra patronised Buddhist art. During his reign the Buddhist monuments at Bharhut and Sanchi were renovated and further improved. his son Agnimitra became the ruler last Sunga ruler was Devabhuti, who was murdered by his minister Vasudeva Kanva, the founder of the Kanva dynasty. Kanva dynasty ruled for 45 years. rule of the Sungas was important because they defended the Gangetic valley from foreign invasions In the cultural sphere, the Sungas revived Brahmanism and horse sacrifice They also promoted the growth of Vaishnavism and the Sanskrit language. Satavahanas In the Deccan, the Satavahanas established their independent rule after the decline of the Mauryas rule lasted for about 450 years. They were also known as the Andhras. Puranas and inscriptions remain important sources for the history of Satavahana Among the inscriptions, the Nasik and Nanaghad inscriptions throw much light on the reign of Gautamiputra Satakarni. founder of the Satavahana dynasty was Simuka. succeeded by Krishna, who extended the kingdom up to Nasik in the west. third king was Sri Satakarni. He conquered western Malwa and Berar. He also performed asvamedha sacrifices. The seventeenth king of the Satavahana dynasty was Hala. He reigned for a period of five years. Hala became famous for his book Gathasaptasati, also called Sattasai. It contains 700 verses in Prakrit language greatest ruler of the Satavahana dynasty was Gautamiputra Satakarni ruled for a period of 24 years from 106 to 130 A.D. His achievements were recorded in the Nasik inscription by his mother Gautami Balasri. Gautamiputra Satakarni captured the whole of Deccan and expanded his empire. His victory over Nagapana, the ruler of Malwa was remarkable. He patronized Brahmanism. Yet, he also gave donations to Buddhists. Gautamiputra Satakarni was succeeded by his son Vashishtaputra Pulamayi. He extended the Satavahana power up to the mouth of the Krishna river. He issued coins on which the image of ships was inscribed. They reveal the naval power and maritime trade of the Satavahanas. The last great ruler of Satavahanas was Yajna Sri Satakarni. Economic Condition remarkable progress in the fields of trade and industry during the Satavahana rule. Merchants organized guilds to increase their activities. The craft guilds organized by different craftsmen such as potters, weavers and oil pressers also came into existence. coins called Karshapanas were used for trade. Satavahana period also witnessed overseas commercial activity. Ptolemy mentions many ports in the Deccan greatest port of the Satavahanas was Kalyani on the west Deccan. Gandakasela and Ganjam on the east coast were the other important seaports. Cultural Contributions Satavahanas patronized Buddhism and Brahmanism. built chaityas and viharas. also made grants of villages and lands to Buddhist monks. Vashishtaputra Pulamayi repaired the old Amaravathi stupa. architecture in Nagarjunakonda was also notable. Brahmanism was revived by the Satavahanas along with the performance of asvamedha and rajasuya sacrifices. They also patronized the Prakrit language and literature. Hala’s Sattasai is an excellent piece of Prakrit literature. Foreign Invasions of Northwest India Bactrians Bactria and Parthia became independent from the Syrian empire in the middle of the third century B.C. From Taxila, he sent two of his commanders, Appolodotus and Menander for further conquests. Apollodorus conquered the Sindh and marched up to Ujjain. Menander extended his rule up to Mathura and from there he made attempts to capture Pataliputra. But he was stopped by the army of Vasumitra, the grandson of Pushyamitra Sunga Menander was also known as Milinda and the capital of his kingdom was Sakala (Sialcot). He evinced much interest in Buddhism and his dialogues with the Buddhist monk Nagasena was compiled in the Pali work, Milindapanho (Questions of Milinda). also embraced Buddhism A Greek ambassador Heliodorus became a Vaishnavite and erected the Garuda Pillar at Besnagar. Sakas Sakas or the Scythians attacked Bactria and Parthia and captured them from the Greek rulers There were two different groups of Sakas – the Northern Satraps ruling from Taxila and the Western satraps ruling over Maharashtra. under the Saka rule in India in the first century, B.C. was Maues. His son and successor was Azes I, who was considered to be the founder of the Vikrama era Sakas rulers of Taxila were overthrown by the Parthians. Kushanas Kushanas were a branch of Yuchi tribe, whose original home was central Asia. first came to Bactria displacing the Sakas. Then they gradually moved to the Kabul valley and seized the Gandhara region. founder of the Kushana dynasty was Kujula Kadphises or Kadphises I occupied the Kabul valley and issued coins in his name son Wima Kadphises or Kadphises II conquered the whole of northwestern India as far as Mathura He issued gold coins with high-sounding titles like the ‘Lord of the Whole World’. He was a devotee of Lord Siva Kanishka (78 – 120 A.D.) founder of the Saka era which starts from 78 A.D. He was not only a great conqueror but also a patron of religion and art. Kanishka’s Conquests According to Kalhana, Kanishka invaded Kashmir and occupied it. His coins are found in many places like Mathura, Sravasti, Kausambi and Benares and therefore, he must have conquered the greater part of the Gangetic plain. He also fought against the Chinese and acquired some territories from them. During the first expedition he was defeated by the Chinese general Pancho. He undertook a second expedition in which he was successful and he scored a victory over Panyang, the son of Pancho. Kanishka annexed the territories

Imperial Cholas

Imperial Cholas After the decline of the Sangam period, the Cholas became feudatories in Uraiyur. They became prominent in the ninth century and established an empire comprising the major portion of South India. Their capital was Tanjore. also extended their sway in Sri Lanka and the Malay Peninsula Therefore, they are called as the Imperial Cholas founder of the Imperial Chola line was Vijayalaya. Parantaka I was a great builder of temples. He also provided the vimana of the famous Nataraja temple at Chidambaram with a golden roof. The two famous Uttiramerur inscriptions that give a detailed account of the village administration under the Cholas belong to his reign Rajaraja I (985 – 1014 A.D.) the defeat of the Chera ruler Bhaskararavivarman in the naval battle of Kandalursalai and the destruction of the Chera navy. He completed the construction of the famous Rajarajeswara temple or Brihadeeswara temple at Tanjore in 1010 A.D. also helped in the construction of a Buddhist monastery at Nagapattinam. Rajendra II (1012-1044 A.D.) reasserted the Chola authority over the Chera and Pandya countries. defeated Jayasimha II, the Western Chalukya king and the river Tungabadhra was recognised as the boundary between the Cholas and Chalukyas To commemorate this successful north-Indian campaign Rajendra founded the city of Gangaikondacholapuram and constructed the famous Rajesvaram temple in that city. He also excavated a large irrigation tank called Cholagangam on the western side of the city was also a devout Saiva and built a temple for that god at the new capital Gangaikondacholapuram. He made liberal endowments to this temple and to the Lord Nataraja temple at Chidambaram. was also tolerant towards the Vaishnava and Buddhist sects Chola Administration Central Government excellent system of administration emperor or king was at the top of the administration. The extent and resources of the Chola Empire increased the power and prestige of monarchy. big capital cities like Tanjore and Gangaikondacholapuram, the large royal courts and extensive grants to the temples reveal the authority of the king. undertook royal tours to increase the efficiency of the administration. elaborate administrative machinery comprising various officials called perundanam and sirudanam. Revenue land revenue department was well organized. It was called as puravuvarithinaikkalam. residential portion of the village was called urnattam. These and other lands such as the lands belonging to temples were exempted from tax. Besides land revenue, there were tolls and customs on goods taken from one place to another, various kinds of professional taxes, dues levied on ceremonial occasions like marriages and judicial fines. the hard times, there was remission of taxes and Kulottunga I became famous by abolishing tolls and earned the title – Sungam Tavirtta Cholan. Read Also  Post Mauryan Era Military Administration royal troops were called Kaikkolaperumpadai. Within this there was a personal troop to defend the king known as Velaikkarar Attention was given to the training of the army and military cantonments called kadagams existed Provincial Administration divided into mandalams and each mandalam into valanadus and nadus. each nadu there were a number of autonomous villages royal princes or officers were in charge of mandalams. valanadu was under periyanattar and nadu under nattar. town was known as nagaram and it was under the administration of a council called nagarattar. Village Assemblies system of village autonomy with sabhas and their committees developed through the ages and reached its culmination during the Chola rule Two inscriptions belonging to the period of Parantaka I found at Uttiramerur provide details of the formation and functions of the village council the village was divided into thirty wards and each was to nominate its members to the village council. From the persons duly nominated, one was to be chosen for each ward by kudavolai system for a year. were divided into six variyams such as samvatsaravariyam, erivariyam, thotta variyam, pancha variyam, pon variyam and puravuvari variyam to take up six different functions of the village administration. committee members were called variyapperumakkal. Socio-economic Life Brahmins and Kshatriyas enjoyed special privileges inscriptions of the later period of the Chola rule mention about two major divisions among the castes – Valangai and Idangai castes cooperation among various castes and sub-castes in social and religious life position of women did not improve. The practise of ‘Sati’ was prevalent among the royal families. The devadasi system or dancing girls attached to temples emerged during this period Saivism and Vaishnavism continued to flourish during the Chola period. temples remained centres of economic activity during this period mathas had great influence during this period Commerce and trade were brisk with trunk roads or peruvazhis and merchant guilds Commercial contacts between the Chola Empire and China, Sumatra, Java and Arabia were extensively prevalent. Arabian horses were imported in large numbers to strengthen the cavalry Education and Literature Besides the temples and mathas as educational centres, several educational institutions also flourished. an inscription at Ennayiram, Thirumukkudal and Thirubhuvanai provide details of the colleges existed in these places. development of Tamil literature reached its peak during the Chola peri Sivakasintamani written by Thiruthakkadevar and Kundalakesi belonged to 10th centu Ramayana composed by Kamban and the Periyapuranam or Tiruttondarpuranam by Sekkilar are the two masterpieces of this age. Jayankondar’s Kalingattupparani describes the Kalinga war fought by Kulotunga I. The Moovarula written by Ottakuthar depicts the life of three Chola kings. The Nalavenba was written by Pugalendi. The works on Tamil grammar like Kalladam by Kalladanar, Yapperungalam by Amirthasagarar, a Jain, Nannul by Pavanandhi and Virasoliyam by Buddhamitra were the products of the Chola age Art and Architecture Dravidian style of art and architecture reached its perfection under the Cholas chief feature of the Chola temple is the vimana. early Chola temples were found at Narthamalai and Kodumbalur in Pudukottai district and at Srinivasanallur in Tiruchirappalli district. The Big Temple at Tanjore built by Rajaraja I is a master-piece of South Indian art and architecture. It consists of the vimana, ardhamandapa, mahamandapa and a large pavilion in the front known as the Nandimandapa. architecture is the Siva temple at Gangaikondacholapuram built by Rajendra I.

Public Administration, Syllabus for UPSC Civil Service Mains Exam

Paper 1 Administrative Theory Introduction:Meaning, scope and significance of Public Administration; Wilson’s vision of Public Administration; Evolution of the discipline and its present status; New Public Administration; Public Choice approach; Challenges of liberalization, Privatisation, Globalisation; Good Governance: concept and application; New Public Management. Administrative Thought: Scientific Management and Scientific Management movement; Classical Theory; Weber’s bureaucratic model– its critique and post-Weberian Developments; Dynamic Administration (Mary Parker Follett); Human Relations School (Elton Mayo and others); Functions of the Executive (C.I. Barnard); Simon’s decision-making theory; Participative Management (R. Likert, C. Argyris, D. McGregor). Administrative Behaviour:Process and techniques of decision-making; Communication; Morale; Motivation Theories – content, process and contemporary; Theories of Leadership: Traditional and Modern. Organisations:Theories – systems, contingency; Structure and forms: Ministries and Departments, Corporations, Companies, Boards and Commissions; Ad hoc and advisory bodies; Headquarters and Field relationships; Regulatory Authorities; Public-Private Partnerships. Accountability and control:Concepts of accountability and control; Legislative, Executive and Judicial control over administration; Citizen and Administration; Role of media, interest groups, voluntary organizations; Civil society; Citizen’s Charters; Right to Information; Social audit. Administrative Law:Meaning, scope and significance; Dicey on Administrative law; Delegated legislation; Administrative Tribunals. Comparative Public Administration:Historical and sociological factors affecting administrative systems; Administration and politics in different countries; Current status of Comparative Public Administration; Ecology and administration; Riggsian models and their critique. Which is the Best UPSC Test Series for UPSC  Check Now Development Dynamics:Concept of development; Changing a profile of development administration; ‘Anti development thesis’; Bureaucracy and development; Strong state versus the market debate; Impact of liberalisation on administrationin developing countries; Women and development – the self-help group movement. Personnel Administration:Importance of human resource development; Recruitment, training, career advancement, position classification, discipline, performance appraisal, promotion, pay and service conditions; employer-employee relations, grievance redressal mechanism; Code of conduct; Administrative ethics. Public Policy:Models of policy-making and their critique; Processes of conceptualisation, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and review and their limitations; State theories and public policy formulation. Techniques of Administrative Improvement:Organisation and methods, Work study and work management; e-governance and information technology; Management aid tools like network analysis, MIS, PERT, CPM. Financial Administration:Monetary and fiscal policies; Public borrowings and public debt Budgets – types and forms; Budgetary process; Financial accountability; Accounts and audit. PAPER-II  Indian Administration Evolution of Indian Administration:Kautilya’s Arthashastra; Mughal administration; Legacy of British rule in politics and administration – Indianization of public services, revenue administration, district administration, local self-government. Philosophical and Constitutional framework of government:Salient features and value premises; Constitutionalism; Political culture; Bureaucracy and democracy; Bureaucracy and development. Public Sector Undertakings:The public sector in modern India; Forms of Public Sector Undertakings; Problems of autonomy, accountability and control; Impact of liberalization and privatization. Union Government and Administration:Executive, Parliament, Judiciary – structure, functions, work processes; Recent trends; Intragovernmental relations; Cabinet Secretariat; Prime Minister’s Office; Central Secretariat; Ministries and Departments; Boards; Commissions; Attached offices; Field organizations. Plans and Priorities:Machinery of planning; Role, composition and functions of the Planning Commission and the National Development Council; ‘Indicative’ planning; Process of plan formulation at Union and State levels; Constitutional Amendments (1992) and decentralized planning for economic development and social justice. State Government and Administration:Union-State administrative, legislative and financial relations; Role of the Finance Commission; Governor; Chief Minister; Council of Ministers; Chief Secretary; State Secretariat; Directorates. District Administration since Independence:Changing role of the Collector; Union state-local relations; Imperatives of development management and law and order administration; District administration and democratic decentralization. Civil Services:Constitutional position; Structure, recruitment, training and capacity-building; Good governance initiatives; Code of conduct and discipline; Staff associations; Political rights; Grievance redressal mechanism; Civil service neutrality; Civil service activism. Financial Management:Budget as a political instrument; Parliamentary control of public expenditure; Role of finance ministry in the monetary and fiscal area; Accounting techniques; Audit; Role of Controller General of Accounts and Comptroller and Auditor General of India. Administrative Reforms since Independence:Major concerns; Important Committees and Commissions; Reforms in financial management and human resource development; Problems of implementation. Rural Development:Institutions and agencies since independence; Rural development programs: foci and strategies; Decentralization and Panchayati Raj; 73rd Constitutional amendment. Urban Local Government:Municipal governance: main features, structures, finance and problem areas; 74th Constitutional Amendment; Globallocal debate; New localism; Development dynamics, politics and administration with special reference to city management. Law and Order Administration:British legacy; National Police Commission; Investigative agencies; Role of central and state agencies including paramilitary forces in maintenance of law and order and countering insurgency and terrorism; Criminalisation of politics and administration; Police-public relations; Reforms in Police. Significant issues in Indian Administration:Values in public service; Regulatory Commissions; National Human Rights Commission; Problems of administration in coalition regimes; Citizen-administration interface; Corruption and administration; Disaster management Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. Join Now

General Studies (GS) Paper 4, Syllabus for UPSC Civil Service Mains Exam

General Studies (GS) Paper 4, Syllabus for UPSC Civil Service Mains Exam Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; the role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values. Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion. Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections. Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance. Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world. Download Previous Year UPSC Questions Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance. Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption. Case Studies on the above issues

General Studies (GS) Paper 3, Syllabus For UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam

General Studies (GS) Paper 3, Syllabus For UPSC IAS Mains Exam Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Government Budgeting. Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers 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. Food processing and related industries in India– scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management. Land reforms in India. Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. Investment models. Science and technology– developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Best Books for UPSC Preparation Disaster and disaster management.Linkages between development and spread of extremism. Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.Challenges to internal security through communication networks, the role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cybersecurity; money-laundering and its prevention Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorismVarious Security forces and agencies and their mandate Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey.  Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. Join now

The Vedic Culture, Jainism And Buddhism

The Vedic Culture, Jainism And Buddhism The Vedic Culture Around thisvedic culture period, the speakers of the Indo-Aryan language, Sanskrit, entered north-west India from the Indo-Iranian region. As they were mainly cattle keeping people, they were mainly in search of pastures. By 6th century B.C., they occupied the whole of North India, which was referred to as Aryavarta Vedic Literature The word ‘Veda’ is derived from the root ‘vid’, which means to know the term ‘Veda’ signifies ‘superior knowledge’ Vedic literature consists of the four Vedas – Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva. Rig Veda is the earliest of the four Vedas and it consists of 1028 hymns. The hymns were sung in praise of various gods. Yajur Veda consists of various details of rules to be observed at the time of sacrifice Sama Veda is set to tune for the purpose of chanting during sacrifice. It is called the book of chants and the origins of Indian music are traced in it. The Atharva Veda contains details of rituals. Besides the Vedas, there are other sacred works like the Brahmanas, the Upanishads, the Aranyakas and the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata Brahmanas are the treatises relating to prayer and sacrificial ceremony Upanishads are philosophical texts dealing with a topic like a soul, the absolute, the origin of the world and the mysteries of nature. Aranyakas are called forest books and they deal with mysticism, rites, rituals and sacrifices Rig Vedic Age or Early Vedic Period (1500 – 1000 B.C.) During the Rig Vedic period, the Aryans were mostly confined to the Indus region Rig Veda refers to Saptasindhu or the land  of seven rivers includes the five rivers of Punjab, namely Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej along with the Indus and Saraswathi.Buddhism Political Organization the basic unit of political o RG–kula or family Several families joined together on the basis of their kinship to form a village or grama leader of grama was known as gramani A group of villages constituted a larger unit called visu. It was headed by vishayapati. the highest political unit was called Jana or tribe. several tribal kingdoms during the Rig Vedic period such as Bharatas, Matsyas, Yadus and Purus. head of the kingdom was called as Rajan or king monarchical and the succession was hereditary. king was assisted by purohita or priest and senani or commander of the army in his administration. were two popular bodies called the Sabha and Samiti former seems to have been a council of elders and the latter, a general assembly of the entire people. Social Life Rig Vedic society was patriarchal. head of the family was known as grahapathi. Monogamy was generally practised while polygamy was prevalent among the royal and noble families The wife took care of the household and participated in all the major ceremonies. Women were given equal opportunities as men for their spiritual and intellectual development. women poets like Apala, Viswavara, Ghosa and Lopamudra during the Rig Vedic period. Women could even attend the popular assemblies.–Samiti no child marriage and the practice of Sati was absent. – Both men and women wore upper and lower garments made of cotton and wool Wheat and barley, milk and its products like curd and ghee, vegetables and fruits were the chief articles of food. eating of cow’s meat was prohibited since it was a sacred animal . Chariot racing, horse racing, dicing, music and dance were the favourite pastimes social divisions were not rigid during the Rig Vedic period as it was in the later Vedic period. Economic Condition pastoral people and their main occupation was cattle rearing. wealth was estimated in terms of their cattle With the knowledge and use of iron, they were able to clean forests and bring more lands under cultivation. Carpentry was another important profession and the availability of wood from the forests cleared made the profession profitable Workers in metal made a variety of articles with copper, bronze and iron Spinning was another important occupation and cotton and woollen fabrics were made Goldsmiths were active in making ornaments. The potters made various kinds of vessels for domestic use. Trade was conducted on the barter system. rivers served as important means of transport. In the later times, gold coins called nishka were used as media of exchange in large transactions. Religion worshiped the natural forces like earth, fire, wind, rain and thunder. personified these natural forces into many gods and worshipped them important Rig Vedic gods were Prithvi (Earth), Agni (Fire), Vayu (Wind), Varuna (Rain) and Indra (Thunder). Indra was the most popular among them during the early Vedic period Agni who was regarded as an intermediary between the gods and people Varuna was supposed to be the upholder of the natural order. There were also female gods like Aditi and Ushas. were no temples and no idol worship during the early Vedic period Prayers were offered to the gods in the expectation of rewards Ghee, milk and grain were given as offerings. Later Vedic Period (1000 – 600 B.C.) Aryans further moved towards the east in the Later Vedic Period. Satapatha Brahmana refers to the expansion of Aryans to the eastern Gangetic plains Kuru and Panchala kingdoms flourished in the beginning Janaka was the king of Videha with its capital at Mithila. His court was adorned by scholar Yajnavalkya. Magadha, Anga and Vanga seem to be the easternmost tribal kingdoms. The later Vedic texts also refer to the three divisions of India – Aryavarta (northern India), Madhyadesa (central India) and Dakshinapatha (southern India). Political Organization Larger kingdoms Many Jana or tribes were amalgamated to form janapadas or rashtras in the later Vedic period. The king performed various rituals and sacrifices to strengthen his position. Rajasuya (consecration ceremony), Asvamedha (horse sacrifice) and Vajpeya (chariot race). kings also assumed titles like Rajavisvajanan, Ahilabhuvanapathi, (lord of all earth), Ekrat and Samrat (sole ruler). new officials were involved in the administration They include the treasury officer, tax collector and royal messenger. lower levels, the administration was carried

General Studies (GS) Paper 2, Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam

General Studies (GS) Paper 2, Syllabus for UPSC IAS Civil Services Mains Exam   Indian Constitution– historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.• Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.• Separation of powers between various organs disputes redressal mechanisms and institutions.• Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, the conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.• Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity. Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.• Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.• Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.• Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.• Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Issues relating to poverty and hunger. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.• Role of civil services in a democracy. India and its neighbourhood– relations.• Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests• Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.• Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. JOIN NOW

General Studies (GS) Paper 1 Syllabus for Civil Services Mains Exam UPSC

General Studies (GS) Paper 1 Syllabus for Civil Services Mains Exam UPSC Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues. The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country. Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country. History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society. Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.  Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies. Effects of globalization on Indian society Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. Salient features of the world’s physical geography. Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India) Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now