“The “Rule of Law” is what we fought for; the “Rule by Law” is an instrument of colonial rule. In the face of a pandemic, it’s important to reflect on how the tension between the two defines the quality of justice.”

———- Chief Justice N.V. Ramana

THE CONTEXT: On June 30th, 2021, Chief Justice N.V. Ramana delivered the 17th Justice P.D. Desai Memorial Lecture on the “Rule of Law”. According to CJI, regular participation in polls was not a guarantee against the tyranny of the elected. In his speech, he underscored the pressure of social media on institutions. Identifying Covid-19 as “an unprecedented crisis”, CJI urged the governments to evaluate how they used the rule of law or failed to ensure protection to, and, the welfare of all of our people. This article provides insights into the lecture on the Rule of Law vs. the Rule by Law.

IMPORTANT EXCERPTS OF THE LECTURE

JOURNEY FROM RULE BY LAW TO RULE OF LAW:

• Our struggle for independence marked our journey towards the establishment of a state defined by the “Rule of Law”.
• There was a need to give a guarantee for the laws to be framed with a human face for the benefit of the masses. A framework was needed to ensure this. The framework that forms the binding link between law and justice in this country is what “We the people” gave to ourselves in the form of the Constitution.

CONSTITUTION AND RULE OF LAW:

• The framers envisaged the Constitution which not only took care of the prevailing conditions but would also continue and be relevant for all times to come. Therefore Constitution is conceived as a living document whose contents evolve over the years, as the Courts deal with new situations and question and interpret the Constitution in the light of the same.
• The Constitution embodies within itself the concept of Rule of Law and the same can be witnessed from our Preamble, the Fundamental Rights, the Directive Principles of State Policy, the Separation of Powers, etc.
• By situating the concept of Rule of Law at the confluence of three important values – human dignity, democracy, and justice, our founding fathers showed the path for the rest of the world too.

ADVICE TO JUDICIARY:

• For the judiciary to apply checks on governmental power and action, it has to have complete freedom. The judiciary cannot be controlled, directly or indirectly, by the legislature or the executive, or else the Rule of Law would become illusory.
• Judges should not be swayed by the emotional pitch of public opinion, which is getting amplified through social media platforms. Judges have to be mindful of the fact that the noise thus amplified is not necessarily reflective of what is right and what the majority believes in.
• Social media is incapable of distinguishing between right and wrong, good and bad, and the real and fake. Therefore, media trials cannot be a guiding factor in deciding cases. It is therefore extremely vital to function independently and withstand all external aids and pressures.
• The ultimate responsibility of a judge is to uphold the Constitution and the laws. Reason, reasonableness, and protection of human dignity are the values that will serve us well.

THE ROLE OF LAWYERS:

• The “Rule of Law” demands expertise, experience, and commitment. Lawyers should perform their duties with integrity and diligence. We need social virtue rather than economically self-interested behavior.
• Historically, lawyers have a rich tradition of social activism demonstrated by the number of lawyers who participated in the Indian freedom struggle.
• We need now to rebuild and recreate a tradition of civic professionalism. We need a professional ideology about social responsibility.
• Both young and senior counsels should extend a helping hand to those in need of justice. Extending ease of access to justice is no less a social justice.

THE ROLE OF SOCIETY:

• To advance the “Rule of Law” we primarily need to create a society where “Rule of Law” is respected and cherished.
• Only when the citizens believe that they have fair and equal access to justice, can we have sustainable, just, inclusive, and peaceful societies.
• Citizens can strengthen the “Rule of Law” by being knowledgeable about it and by applying it to their daily conduct and pushing for justice when needed.

4 CORE PRINCIPLES OF RULE OF LAW

PRINCIPLE: ‘LAWS MUST BE CLEAR AND ACCESSIBLE’

DETAILS: When laws are expected to be obeyed, the people at least ought to know what the laws are. Law should be worded in simple, unambiguous language.

ANALYSIS/PRESENT STATUS: In India, we are constantly striving to make legislations and judgments accessible to the general public by translating them into various Indian languages.

PRINCIPLE: “EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW”

DETAILS: An important aspect of “equality before the law” is having equal “access to justice”. Access to justice forms the bedrock of the “Rule of Law”.

ANALYSIS/PRESENT STATUS: This guarantee of equal justice will be rendered meaningless if the vulnerable sections are unable to enjoy their rights because of their poverty illiteracy or any other kind of weakness. There is a need for legal empowerment of women. It not only enables them to advocate for their rights and needs in society but also increases their visibility in the legal reform process.

PRINCIPLE: “RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CREATION AND REFINEMENT OF LAWS”

DETAILS: The very essence of a democracy is that its citizenry has a role to play, whether directly or indirectly, in the laws that govern them.

ANALYSIS/PRESENT STATUS: In the seventeen national general elections held so far, the people have changed the ruling party or combination of parties eight times, which accounts for nearly 50 percent of the number of general elections. Despite large-scale inequalities, illiteracy, backwardness, poverty, and alleged ignorance, the people of independent India have proved themselves to be intelligent and up to the task. The masses have performed their duties reasonably well.

PRINCIPLE: “STRONG INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY”

DETAILS: The judiciary is the primary organ that is tasked with ensuring that the laws which are enacted are in line with the Constitution. Judicial review is one of the main functions of the judiciary.

ANALYSIS/PRESENT STATUS: The Supreme Court has held this function to be a part of the basic structure of the Constitution, which means that the Parliament cannot curtail the same. But the responsibility of safeguarding constitutionalism lies not just on the Courts. All the three organs of the State, i.e., the executive, legislature, and the judiciary, are equal repositories of Constitutional trust. The role of the judiciary and scope of judicial action is limited, as it only pertains to facts placed before it. This limitation calls for other organs to assume responsibilities of upholding Constitutional values and ensuring justice in the first place, with the judiciary acting as an important check.

THE RULE OF LAW BY DICEY

• A detailed analysis of the concept of Rule of Law was done by Professor A.V. Dicey who in his book “Introduction to the Study of the Law of the Constitution” published in the year 1885 tried developing the concept of Rule of Law.
• Dicey’s theory of Rule of Law consists of three basic principles:

1. The supremacy of law
2. Equality before law
3. The predominance of Legal Spirit

THE EVOLUTION OF THE RULE OF LAW

• The origins of the Rule of Law theory can be traced back to the Ancient Romans during the formation of the first republic.
• Plato has written that if rule of law is under the supervision of any law then it doesn’t have any value and the concept of state will get collapsed. Aristotle has written that law should be the final sovereign of the state.
• It has since been championed by several thinkers in Europe such as Hobbs, Locke, and Rousseau through the social contract theory.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RULE OF LAW AND RULE BY LAW

RULE OF LAW

DEFINITION: The term “rule of law” comes from the French phrase “la Principe de legality,” which translates to “government based on legal principles.” It is based on the Latin phrase “Lex is Rex,” which translates to “Law is King.”

ORIGIN: The Rule of Law was first originated by Sir Edward Coke, the Chief Justice in England at the time of King James I. Coke was the first person to criticize the maxims of Divine Concept. He strongly believed that the King should also be under the Rule of Law. According to him, “Rule of Law” means the absence of arbitrary power on the part of the Government.

THE CONCEPT: The state should act as per the “Rule of Law” which is the foundation of any constitution.

RULE BY LAW

DEFINITION: It is based on the Latin term ‘Rex is Lex’ which means ‘King is Law’.

ORIGIN: In his battle against the Church and common law judges, King James I of England triumphed, twisting the phrase ‘Lex is Rex’ to ‘Rex is Lex.’

THE CONCEPT: The state acts as per what it this as lawful rather than what the “Rule of Law” says like invoking section 144 without its necessity.

RULE OF LAW AND INDIAN CONSTITUTION

• In India, the concept of Rule of Law can be traced back to Upanishads. Its traces can also be found in the epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana, Ten Commandments, Dharma Chakra, and other seminal documents.
• The Preamble to the Indian Constitution mentions Justice, Liberty, and Equality.
• Articles 13, 14, and 21 of the Indian Constitution promote equality although there are exceptions as well.
• Some Exceptions:
• Articles 15 and 16, Article 105 and Article 194.
• Criminal immunity to President and Governor as mentioned in Article 361.
• Diplomatic Immunity as per the Vienna Convention.

JUDICIAL PRONOUNCEMENTS ON RULE OF LAW

The judicial decisions have played an indispensable role to counter any arbitrariness on part of the state.

• In K. Kraipak V. Union of India the Apex Court held that ours being a welfare State, it is regulated and controlled by the Rule of Law.
• In Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India, the court ensured that the exercise of power in an arbitrary manner by the government would not infringe the rights of the people.
• The Apex Court in Indira Nehru Gandhi Vs. Raj Narain (1975) held that the Rule of Law embodied in Article 14 of the Constitution is the “basic feature” of the Indian Constitution and hence it cannot be destroyed even by an amendment of the Constitution under Article 368 of the Constitution.
• In L Chandra Kumar v Union of India, the court declared the independence of the judiciary to be a part of the basic structure and further the court struck down the amendment to article 323A of the constitution.
• The Habeas Corpus Case (1976) held that article 21 is the sole repository of Rule of law in India.

The International Congress of Jurists declared that the rule of law “is a dynamic concept which must be employed to safeguard and advance the civil and political rights of an individual in a free society.”

ANALYSIS: PRESENT STATUS OF RULE OF LAW IN INDIA

In India, the Rule of Law is not followed in stricto sensu (“In the strict sense.”). There are several instances:

1. Several guidelines have been laid down by the court to curb the practice of honor killing but still, there have been numerous instances of honor killing reported. The decision on honor killing is taken by an extra-constitutional body by the nomenclature of Khap Panchayat which engages in feudalistic activities has no compunction to commit such crimes which are offenses under the Indian Penal Code, 1860. No heed is paid to the basic human right of “Right to life and liberty”.
2. The Sabarimala case verdict throws light upon the discretion of men in abiding by the directions given by the Supreme Court only to the point if they are analogous to the belief they hold. After the verdict massive protests were carried out, there were also occurrences of violence against women who tried to enter the temple. The women were denied their constitutional right to worship and the principles of equality were violated even after the practice was declared unconstitutional by the Apex Court.
3. Another evil practice pertinent in society is that of mob lynching. Supreme Court described it as horrendous acts of mobocracy and stated that “the law is the mightiest sovereign in a civilized society”.

In fact, the present debate has started due to an increase in the incidences of RULE BY LAW like

1. Internet shutdown in J&K for over one year
2. The arbitrary application of laws against media and journalists
3. The arbitrary application of UAPA, sedition law, and NSA against protesters, dissenters, activists, etc.
4. Gagging criticisms on the mishandling of covid second wave

Such developments give a feeling of an authoritarian state and not of a democratic state. The CJI in his lecture has also highlighted how the people have largely plaid their role through 17 general elections and have rejected the governments if they have failed to withstand the rule of law. No government is permanent. Hence, it is the duty cast upon the three organs to play their role in upholding the rule of law.

THE CONCLUSION: The work of ensuring complete justice can never be said to be completed. The mandate of our Constitution is to work tirelessly to surpass our expectations, to make India a country wherein rights are cherished, and which sets an example for other countries to follow.

“Desamamte Matti Kadoi, Desamamte ManushulOi”(“A nation is not merely a territory. A nation is essentially its people. Only when its people progress, the Nation progresses”)

                                                                                                             ———– Maha Kavi Gurajada Appa Rao,

WORLD JUSTICE PROJECT’S RULE OF LAW INDEX

• The World Justice Project (WJP) is an independent, multidisciplinary organization working to create knowledge, build awareness, and stimulate action to advance the rule of law worldwide. Effective rule of law reduces corruption, combats poverty and disease, and protects people from injustices large and small. It is the foundation for communities of justice, opportunity, and peace—underpinning development, accountable government, and respect for fundamental rights.

• The scores and rankings of the WJP Rule of Law Index are organized around eight primary factors: Constraints on Government Powers, Absence of Corruption, Open Government, Fundamental Rights, Order and Security, Regulatory Enforcement, Civil Justice, and Criminal Justice.
• The WJP Rule of Law Index 2020 shows that more countries declined than improved in overall rule of law performance for the third year in a row, continuing a negative slide toward weakening and stagnating rule of law around the world.
• Denmark, Norway, and Finland topped the WJP Rule of Law Index rankings in 2020. Venezuela, RB, Cambodia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo had the lowest overall rule of law scores.
• India is ranked 69th among   128 countries.

THE ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. PLASTIC PARK PROJECT GETS FINAL APPROVAL

THE CONTEXT: Union ministry of chemicals and fertilisers, department of chemicals and petrochemicals, has given final approval for the setting up of a Plastic Park at Ganjimutt in Dakshin Kannada.

THE EXPLANATION:

According to the Ministry the park will be set up on 104 acres of Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) land at an estimated cost of ₹62.77 crore. In that, 50% of the project cost, that is ₹31.38 crore, will be borne by the Union Government and the remaining 50% by the KIADB.

About the Plastic Park:

• Plastic Park has state-of-the- art infrastructure with common facilities including plastic waste management system. Plastic Parks plays key role in growth of the plastic processing community material and machinery suppliers, plastic processing companies, plastic recycling companies.
• The park is to generate hundreds of employments for the local youths. A poly propylene unit is to be set up in the park. This unit will provide raw materials to the polymer and plastic units inside the park. Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer. It is mainly used in plastic packaging. The park will include admin building, export building, warehouse facility, etc.
• The plastic parks have so far been created in Tamont village in Madhya Pradesh, Billaua village in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Pradeep village near Jagatsinghpur in Odisha, Gellapukhuri in Assam, Devipur in Jharkhand, Voyallur in Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu.

Significance of the Plastic Park Scheme?

• The plastic parks aim to boost the value addition and competitiveness in the plastics processing industry. The scheme strives to achieve it though measures led by research and development.
• The plastic industry is classified into two broad categories in India.
• The first is polymer manufacturing that is called upstream category.
• The second category is industries involved in the conversion of processable polymers into useful end products. These industries are called downstream.
• India’s share in global plastic exports just 1%. The Indian plastic industry is big. However, it is highly fragmented. The plastic parks will help to consolidate the industry.

2. KERALA GETS ITS FIRST-EVER SCIENTIFIC BIRD ATLAS

THE CONTEXT: The Kerala Bird Atlas (KBA), the first-of-its-kind state-level bird atlas in India, has created solid baseline data about the distribution and abundance of various bird species across all major habitats giving an impetus for futuristic studies.

THE EXPLANATION:

• KBA is said to be Asia’s largest bird atlas in terms of geographical extent.
• KBA has been conducted as a citizen science-driven exercise with the participation of over 1,000 volunteers of the birdwatching community.
• KBA has created strong benchmark information about the distribution and abundance of bird species across all major habitats, giving momentum to futuristic studies.

The KBA accounts for nearly three lakh records of 361 species, that includes,

• 94 very rare species
• 103 rare species
• 110 common species
• 44 very common species
• 10 most abundant species

The KBA is considered to be a valuable resource for testing various ecological hypotheses and suggesting science-backed conservation measures.

Bird Atlas surveys shall be done twice a year.

1. July mid – September mid [60 days, 9 weekends]
2. January mid – March mid [60 days, 9 weekends]

3. PERU DECLARES ‘ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY’

THE CONTEXT: The Peruvian government declared a 90-day “environmental emergency” in damaged coastal territories, after an oil spill that saw 6,000 barrels of crude oil pour into the sea.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The oil spill came out of a tanker belonging to the Spanish energy firm Repsol. The incident occurred at the La Pampilla refinery, some 30 kilometers (around 19 miles) north of the Peruvian capital of Lima in the Ventanilla district of the port city of Callao.
• According to the refinery, the spill was caused by freak waves, which resulted from the eruption of a volcano in Tonga. Currents spread the oil to distances more than 40 kilometers from the refinery, tarring some 21 beaches.

What damage has the spill caused?

The spill has caused the death of marine wildlife and raised concerns around the livelihood of local fishermen and the economic consequences from the loss of tourism.

International Efforts for curtailing Oil Pollution: 

• International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL): Rolled out by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1973. It recognized the need for international coherent efforts for curbing oil spill.
• International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation 1990: Nearly 90 countries came up after the Exxon Valdez oil spill, 1989 to prepare an emergency plan under IMO. Creates a special fund out of the contribution of shipping companies
• Double Hull Ruling, 1993 by IMO: As per these guidelines, By July 1993, all tankers must have double hulls for additional safety. All single-hulled ships must be phased out by 1995.

Note: TERI has developed Oil Zapper Bacteria which can degrade the oil quickly.

4. SPECIES OF FUNGI ASSOCIATED WITH BASAL STEM ROT FOUND

THE CONTEXT: Researchers from Kerala have identified two new species of fungi from the genus Ganoderma that are associated with coconut stem rot. They have also genotyped the two fungi species, named Ganoderma keralense and G. pseudoapplanatum and identified genetic biomarkers.

THE EXPLANATION:

Basal stem rot

• The butt rot or basal stem rot of coconut is known by several names in different parts of India: Ganoderma wilt (Andhra Pradesh), Anaberoga (Karnataka) and Thanjavur wilt (Tamil Nadu).
• The infection begins at the roots, but symptoms include discolouration and rotting of stem and leaves. In the later stages, flowering and nut set decreases and finally the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) dies.
• A reddish brown oozing is seen. This oozing has been reported only in India. Once infected, recovery of the plants is not likely. Not surprising then, that this causes a huge loss: By some estimates made in 2017, in India, around 12 million people are said to depend on coconut farming.
• Another sign of infection is presence of shelf-like “basidiomata,” which are the fruiting or reproductive structures of the fungus, on the tree trunks. “Although microscopic, many fungi, produce macroscopic fruiting structures on the substrates where they grow [for example, Ganoderma]”.
• Since the fungus is microscopic, it is only detected after the symptoms start manifesting or when the reproductive structures are borne, which can be too late.

THE MISCELLANEOUS

5. AMAR JAWAN JYOTI MERGED WITH NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL FLAME

THE CONTEXT: The iconic Amar Jawan Jyoti (AJJ), which was inaugurated after the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, even as Prime Minister announced the construction of a statue of Subhas Chandra Bose, restructuring the symbolism around the India Gate.

Symbol of colonial past’

• India Gate was a “symbol of our colonial past” as it has only some of those who fought for the British in First World War 1 and the Anglo-Afghan War. It is designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, was unveiled by Lord Irwin on February 12, 1931. It was built to honour the over 83,000 soldiers of British India who died from 1914 to 1921. It has 13,516 names inscribed all over the monument.
• The AJJ was set up to pay homage for the soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1971 war. The memorial of the unknown soldier, an inverted bayonet with a helmet structure, along with the AJJ was inaugurated under the arch of India Gate by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on January 26, 1972 to commemorate India’s victory in the 1971 war, in which 93,000 Pakistani prisoners of war surrendered and saw the birth of Bangladesh.

About the National War Memorial:

The National War Memorial was inaugurated by Prime Minister on February 25, 2019 and ever since it was set up, political and military leaders of the country lay wreaths in remembrance at the new site rather than at the Amar Jawan Jyoti. It was built to commemorate all the soldiers who have laid down their lives in the various battles, wars, operations and conflicts of Independent India.

THE PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

QUESTION OF THE DAY 24^TH JANUARY 2022

Q1. Hogenakkal Falls are located across which of the following river of India?

              a) River Krishna

b) River Godavari

c) River Sharavati

d) River Kaveri

ANSWER FOR 22^ND JAN 2022

Answer: B

Explanation:

Highlights of Tiger Census 2018:

• India is home to almost 70% of the world tiger population.
• India has 2,967 tigers, a rise of 33% over the figure found in the previous census of 2014 (2,226).
• Madhya Pradesh (526) has the highest tiger population. Karnataka (524) has the second- highest tiger population. Uttarakhand (442) has the third-highest tiger population.
• Among the NE states, Assam (190) has the highest tiger population.
• Tiger population fell in Chhattisgarh and Mizoram.
• There is no change in the tiger population in Odisha.
• In Buxa, Dampa and Palamau tiger reserves, tiger was not found.

Note: India has already fulfilled its resolve of doubling tiger numbers, made at the St. Petersburg Declaration in 2010, much before the target year of 2022.

1. A dirge for secularism in India READ MORE

1. Brrr…: La Nina is mainly responsible for the freezing dip in temperature across northern India READ MORE
2. A stellar fallacy: Assessment of environmental costs, benefits of projects should not be done in haste READ MORE
3. S.R Subramanian committee recommendations READ MORE
4. All-India environment service: More powers to existing agencies a better step READ MORE

1. Remove All Weaknesses READ MORE
2. An attempt to criminalise compassion READ MORE

1. False dichotomy: The top court’s view that quotas ensure equal opportunity is a blow for affirmative action READ MORE
2. Why police should be less creative to be more efficient READ MORE
3. Combative federalism: Proposed IAS rule change weakens Centre-state relations READ MORE
4. Who Should Control Where IAS Officers Serve? READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. PM interacts with DMs of various districts on the implementation of key government schemes READ MORE
2. Two species of fungi associated with basal stem rot found READ MORE
3. Kerala gets its first ever scientific bird atlas READ MORE
4. Peru declares environmental emergency following oil spill READ MORE
5. Fund ‘Statue of Equality’ gets final touches READ MORE
6. Explained: Why thousands of anganwadi workers are protesting in Haryana READ MORE
7. Plastic Park project gets final approval READ MORE

Main Exam   

GS Paper- 1

1. Brrr…: La Nina is mainly responsible for the freezing dip in temperature across northern India READ MORE
2. A dirge for secularism in India READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. False dichotomy: The top court’s view that quotas ensure equal opportunity is a blow for affirmative action READ MORE
2. Why police should be less creative to be more efficient READ MORE
3. Combative federalism: Proposed IAS rule change weakens Centre-state relations READ MORE
4. Who Should Control Where IAS Officers Serve? READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Under Biden, stability in ties READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Striking a balance between big data analytics and confidentiality READ MORE

 ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY  

1. A stellar fallacy: Assessment of environmental costs, benefits of projects should not be done in haste READ MORE
2. S.R Subramanian committee recommendations READ MORE
3. All-India environment service: More powers to existing agencies a better step READ MORE

SECURITY

1. India needs a national security document too. But don’t do a Pakistan READ MORE

TECHNOLOGY

1. Avoidable delay: India would have gained from an early 5G roll-out READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Remove All Weaknesses READ MORE
2. An attempt to criminalise compassion READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. ‘Despite being a fundamental right, freedom of expression can’t be allowed for adverse impacts on society’. In the light of the statement, discuss whether the government should regulate social media platforms for the well-being of society? Argue your view.
2. How far do you agree with this view that banning Cryptocurrency is not a viable solution and there is need for the regulating them? Analyse your view.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.
• The competitive examination may be necessary for distribution of educational opportunities, but it does not enable equal opportunity for those competing without the aid of social and cultural capital, inherited skills and early access to quality schooling.
• Good performance in an examination does reflect hard work, but does not always reflect “merit” solely of one’s own making.
• Too much religion and religiosity would destroy our nation.
• It’s high time that our interpersonal and social conduct is regulated by a uniform system of rules and regulations.
• The objectives of using big data must be clearly spelt out, as also its cost of operation and maintenance.
• The progress of development works has raised the question of sustainability and minimising man-made disasters.
• Environmental issues may need an active approach which includes harnessing of resources, ensuring sustainability, creating awareness and an early warning system to minimise risks.
• Targeting NGOs that are providing humanitarian service to the most needy sections has more than financial implications and can have grievous consequences.
• While posting all-India service officers to the Centre, approval of the state government should not be done away with.

50-WORD TALK

• The impact of backwardness, the court has said, does not simply disappear because a candidate has a graduate qualification and does not create parity between advanced classes and backward classes. The latest judgment marks another notable addition to the body of affirmative action jurisprudence.
• Calculating the risks and the benefits of industrial projects vis-à-vis their environmental impact is understandably hard. The way forward is to take steps to increase trust in the system and ensure that all States have competent experts who can conduct appraisals without fear or favour. A list of empty rankings is the least advisable way to bring about this.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and also exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

[WpProQuiz 141]