What is the duration of the IAS Exam Preparation Course?

The IAS Exam Preparation Course lasts for 6 months.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling?

There are no prerequisites for enrolling in the IAS Exam Preparation Course.

Aaj Ka Quality Enrichment Program 3rd July 2023 Save

KEYWORDS
Reservoir of trust:

Meaning: It refers to a collective level of trust that exists within a particular group, community, society or institutions.
It represents the stock or reserve of trust that individuals have in one another and in the institutions and systems that govern their interactions.
Usage: It can be used in questions related to Office of governor, Constitution and Democracy, Executive, legislature and judiciary, Institutions like ECI, CAG etc., civil services, etc.

De-risk rather than de-link the economic/diplomatic/trade link:

Meaning: De-risking refers to the process of reducing or mitigating risks associated with economic, diplomatic, or trade linkages rather than completely severing or "de-linking" those linkages.
It involves implementing measures and strategies to address and manage potential risks while maintaining the overall connectivity and engagement between entities or nations.
Usage: It can be used in questions related to international relation – particularly bilateral relations with China and Pakistan, multilateral institutions like WTO.

Lokmat and Lokhit (Opinion and welfare of people):

Meaning: While Lokmat signifies opinions and viewpoints of the people Lokhit" signifies principles and actions that are in the best interest of the people or society.
Usage: It can be used in questions related to Participatory democracy, Good governance, Inclusive growth, social audit etc.

Model of transparency, modernity and corruption-free (TMC) governance:

Meaning: A model of transparency, modernity, and corruption-free governance encompasses principles and practices aimed at promoting accountability, openness, efficiency, and integrity in the governance of a country or organization.
Other such trinities: Participation, Inclusivity, and Empowerment, Innovation, Adaptability, and Future-readiness etc.
Usage: It can be used as India as a model of TMC governance, use of digital technology (e-governance). Governance, transparency and accountability, civil service reforms, cooperative societies.

CASE STUDIES/ EXAMPLES
Steps taken to reduce use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture:

PM-PRANAM: The government has started the PM-PRANAM scheme to ensure that more and more farmers adopt chemical-free farming. Under this, emphasis will be laid on the production of alternative fertilizers, or organic fertilizers.
Example of waste to art:
Case: New Delhi capital region (NCR)
Steps taken: Sculptures of animals and birds from G-20 countries, made of metal, are installed in a park all around the capital.
Significan

KEY FACTS
Comparison of India-China economic growth:
Investments and exports:

Between 2003 and 2011: The country’s investment to GDP ratio (gross fixed capital formation): China - averaged 40%, India: only around 33%.
Between 2012-2021: China – 43%, India – 29%.
Exports: Between 2007 and 2021, China’s exports averaged about 24% of GDP. While India’s exports have averaged roughly 21% over this period, they were almost stagnant at around 19 per cent between 2015 and 2020.
Labor force in agriculture: In China - fell by roughly 1.5% points per year between 2003 and 2019 (prior to the pandemic). In India, it declined by around 1 percentage point and continues.
GDP growth: Between 2007 and 2021, the Chinese economy grew at 8% on average per year, while the Indian economy grew at 6%.

India’s position in fisheries:

India ranks:3rd largest: fish producer and 4th largest: exporter in the world.

Status of India’s GHGs emission:

India ranks eighth-worst on air quality.
India is the world’s third-largest emitter of GHGs: India’s per capita greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions are less than half the global average.
Road transport accounts for about 10% of India’s emissions.

PM/VP/PRESIDENT SPEECHES
PM Speech on Co-operatives:

In a large part of the country, cooperatives have become a major support for small farmers.
The country's cooperative sector is going to play a major role in order to raise the potential of the country's villages and the country's farmers in 'Amritkaal’.
Together, the government and the cooperative will give double strength to the resolve of a developed India, a self-reliant India.
Cooperatives will become a powerful stream of the country's economy. We also have to move towards building such villages, which will become self-reliant by following the cooperative model.

JUDGEMENTS/ COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

Supreme court on Governor's role: Shreya Singhal vs Union of India: SC upheld the validity of Section 69A and the Blocking Rules after observing that sufficient procedural safeguards were embedded.
Brij Bhushan And Another vs The State of Delhi: SC held that pre-censorship on freedom of speech is unconstitutional.
Such a digital prior-restraint, that too so disproportionate in nature, has the potential of inducing a chilling effect on the freedom of speech of online platform users.

DEFINITION
Probity in Governance:

Definition: Probity means the quality of having strong moral principles and acting ethically and fairly.
Probity in governance refers to the adherence to principles of honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct by individuals in positions of power and responsibility within the governance framework.

Co-operative society:

Definition: It is a voluntary organization of people who share a common interest, such as farmers, consumers, or employees and work together for a common goal, i.e., welfare of its members.
Constitutional Provisions with respect to Co-operative Societies:
Article 19: Article 19(1)(c) states that the right to form cooperative societies is a fundamental right.
Article 43B: The State shall endeavour to promote voluntary formation, autonomous functioning, democratic control, and professional management of cooperative societies.

QUOTES
Quote on Balance of power: “The balance of power is the scale of peace”. THOMAS PAINE

Meaning: It suggests that maintaining a balance of power among different entities or nations can contribute to peace and stability.
It implies that when power is distributed relatively evenly and no single entity or group dominates others, it can help prevent conflicts and maintain a state of peaceful coexistence.

Quote on principles of sustainability and equitable resource management: “In nature, there is enough for everyone’s need.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Meaning: The concept aligns with the principles of sustainability and equitable resource management.
It suggests that it is possible to ensure that essential resources such as food, water, and shelter are available for all individuals, both present and future generations.
However, it acknowledges that there are limits to the Earth's resources and that human activities can put strains on ecosystems and natural systems due their greediness.