4am Test Series Day35

- UPSC Test Series - August 24, 2023

Examine the reasons for the criminalization of politics in India. Discuss the impact of this phenomenon on the functioning of democracy. Suggest measures to curb the spread of criminalization in politics.

UPSC Mains Syllabus topic

Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions andresponsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. Statutory,regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

Why was this question asked?

(Theme- Criminalisation of Politics)

  •  Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people (2017)

Introduction: The criminalization of politics in India has become a grave concern, with a significant number of legislators having criminal backgrounds or pending cases against them. (Data Point [According to Association for Democratic Reforms]- The share of MPs with criminal and serious criminal cases increased to 43% and 29%, according to an analysis of 539 winners in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.)

Body

Reasons for Criminalization of Politics:
I. Manipulative Vote Bank Politics:

  •  The susceptibility of a significant number of voters to manipulation and influence allows candidates with dubious backgrounds to be elected.
  •  Exploitation of organized vote bank politics further perpetuates the support for candidates associated with criminal activities.

II. Rampant Corruption:

  • The escalating number of legislators with criminal records reflects the deep-rooted connection between crime and politics.
  •  Corruption practices such as bribery and illicit funding contribute to the perpetuation of criminalization in politics.

III. Weaknesses in Election Commission Functioning:

  •  Inadequate enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct allows candidates to openly flout regulations without facing stringent consequences.
  •  Insufficient measures to combat electoral malpractices facilitate the entry of criminals into the political arena.

IV. Impediments to Justice and Rule of Law:

  •  Ineffectiveness of laws pertaining to convicted criminals contesting elections undermines the credibility of the justice system.
  •  The backlog of pending cases and delayed judgments provide opportunities for criminals to sustain their involvement in politics.

Impact of Criminalization of Politics:
I. Erosion of Public Trust in the Judiciary:

  • The presence of politicians with criminal backgrounds undermines public confidence in the impartiality and effectiveness of the judiciary.
  •  Politicized law enforcement agencies hamper the delivery of justice, resulting in a decline in trust among citizens.

II. Violation of Democratic Values:

  •  Criminal activities during the electoral process impede the conduct of free and fair elections, which are the bedrock of a healthy democracy.
  • The presence of lawmakers with criminal records contradicts the fundamental principles of democracy.

III. Deterioration of Electoral Culture:

  • The perpetuation of criminalization in politics leads to a decline in ethical standards within the political sphere.
  •  If criminals gain prominence in the political arena, the overall electoral culture suffers, undermining the legitimacy of the democratic process.

Measures to Curb Criminalization of Politics:
I. Early Disqualification:

  •  Implementing the recommendation of the Law Commission to disqualify tainted politicians at the stage of framing charges can act as a deterrent to the entry of criminals into politics.
  • Adequate safeguards must be established to protect innocent candidates from false charges.

II. Stringent Penalties for False Affidavits:

  • Recognizing the filing of a false affidavit as a corrupt practice under the Representation of the People Act can discourage dishonesty.
  • Conviction for filing a false affidavit should lead to disqualification, ensuring accountability and integrity in the political sphere.

III. Disrupting the Nexus:

  •  The Election Commission must proactively undertake measures to sever the deep-rooted ties between criminals and politicians.
  •  Rigorous enforcement and regular monitoring can help break this detrimental nexus, safeguarding the integrity of the political process.

Conclusion: By addressing the underlying reasons, adopting comprehensive reforms, and ensuring the implementation of stricter measures, India can foster a political landscape characterized by integrity, transparency, and the true representation of its citizens’ interests.

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4am Test Series Day34

- UPSC Test Series - August 24, 2023

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of pressure groups in the Indian political system.

UPSC Mains Syllabus topic

Pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity. Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

Why was this question asked?

  •  “Pressure groupsplay a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies. (2021)

Introduction: Pressure groups play a significant role in the Indian political system, acting as a vital link between the government and the governed. While they contribute to the functioning of various institutions, they also pose challenges to democratic governance.

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Advantages of Pressure Groups:

Authentic freedom of expression:

  •  Joining an interest group allows individuals to collectively express their ideas, influencing policies that impact their lives.
  • Provides an opportunity to contribute to collective decision-making and bring about desired changes.

Exploration of new perspectives:

  •  Pressure groups expose individuals to diverse thoughts and perspectives, facilitating a broader understanding of societal issues.
  •  Allows for consideration of different viewpoints during policy formulation.

Balancing the impact of governance:

  • By collectively voicing concerns, pressure groups hold those in authority accountable for their actions.
  •  Acts as a check and balance mechanism, limiting the concentration of power.

Usable platforms for change:

  • Joining a pressure group enables individuals to collectively advocate for specific issues and exert pressure on decision-makers.
  •  Provides a stronger collective voice, making it harder for authorities to ignore the concerns raised.

Emphasis on fairness at the local level:

  •  Pressure groups work towards equalizing opportunities and addressing chronic societal problems.
  •  Promotes fairness and equal distribution of resources and opportunities.

Creating community leaders:

  • Pressure groups encourage individuals to become community leaders by actively participating in organized movements.
  •  Allows for the mobilization of like-minded individuals and the dissemination of information to drive change.

Disadvantages of Pressure Groups:
Loudest voices usually win:

  • The influence of pressure groups is often determined by their activism and financial resources.
  •  Can lead to the dominance of powerful groups and marginalize the voices of the less influential.

Lack of compromise:

  •  Pressure groups tend to prioritize their interests without considering the broader perspective.
  •  Hinders the ability to find common ground and compromises.

Offensive views:

  • Some pressure groups may promote unsecular or offensive views, leading to communal tensions.
  • Disproportionate attention given to such groups can impact social harmony.

Opposition and disruptions:

  • Clashes and conflicts between opposing pressure groups can result in civil disruptions and unrest.
  •  Can lead to conflicts and disturbances in public life.

Unstable and non-legitimate power:

  •  Pressure groups lack stability and commitment, making their influence susceptible to changing political situations.
  •  Leaders of pressure groups are not democratically elected, and their power may lack legitimacy.

Alteration of governing systems:

  •  Large pressure groups can significantly influence the way anation is governed.
  • May lead to exclusivity and exclusion of those outside the group, challenging democratic principles.

Conclusion Encouraging transparency, accountability, and responsible participation can maximize the advantages of pressure groups while mitigating their disadvantages, ensuring a more inclusive and robust democratic system.

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4am Test Series Day33

- UPSC Test Series - August 24, 2023

Explain the signiβicance of Constitution in a democratic form of government.

UPSC Mains Syllabus topic

Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary— Ministries and Departments of the Government

Why was this question asked?

  • Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of repromulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the legislature.

Introduction: The position of the Governor in India and their relationship with the President has been a subject of debate and scrutiny. While the Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President, the extent of the President’s control and the discretion granted to the Governor in exercising their powers have raised important constitutional questions.

Body

Dependency of the Governor’s Post on the President’s Pleasure:

  •   Article 156(1) of the Indian Constitution states that a Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President.
  •  The President can remove the Governor on grounds such as corruption, violation of the Constitution, or as deemed necessary by the Central Executive.
  •  The Governor’s term is typically five years, but they continue to hold office until their successor assumes the position.
  •  The Governor also has the right to resign at any time by writing to the President (Article 156(3)).

Discretionary Powers of the Governor:
Selection of a Chief Minister:

  • In cases where no single party has a clear majority, the Governor exercises discretion in determining who will be recognized as the head of the Coalition Ministry.
  • The Governor assesses the situation objectively and makes a decision based on the available options.

Dismissal of the Ministry:

  •  If the ruling party splits, resulting in the loss of majority, the Governor may be approached by the opposition requesting the dismissal of the ministry.
  •  The Governor, after consulting with the President, may remove the ministry in the interest of administrative purity or to address corruption within the ministry.

Advising the President for the Proclamation of the Emergency:

  • It is the Governor’s responsibility to assess the circumstances and advise the President on the need for an emergency declaration in the state.
  •  The Governor may face resistance from the state administration, but if a breakdown in the constitutional apparatus is evident, they can exercise discretion in advising the President.

Discretionary Powers of the Governor of Assam:

  •  The Governor of Assam has specific discretionary powers granted under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
  •  These powers include resolving disputes over royalty payments to District Councils and making decisions on matters presented by individual Ministers to the Council of Ministers.

Seeking Information from Chief Minister:

  •  The Governor is authorized to request information from the Chief Minister on legislative and administrative issues.
  • The Governor exercises this authority cautiously, using it to gather necessary information for decision-making.

Dissolution of the Legislative Assembly:

  • While the Governor generally does not dissolve the Legislative Assembly before its full term, they have the authority to dissolve it in exceptional circumstances.
  •  This discretion is used, for example, when there is a need to appeal to voters to end a period of political insecurity.

Situational Discretion:

  •  The Governor exercises discretion in various situations, such as appointing a Chief Minister when no clear majority exists,dismissing the council of ministers when they lack the confidence of the legislative assembly, or dissolving the
    assembly when the council of ministers loses its majority.

Constitutional Discretion:

  •  The Governor has discretion in reserving a measure for consideration by the President and recommending the imposition of President’s Rule in a state.
  • In addition, when serving as the administrator of a neighboring union territory or dealing with issues related to independent Tribal District Councils, the Governor exercises discretionary authority.

Statutory Provisions and Relevant Case Law:

  •  Article 174(2)(b) empowers the Governor to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly, but the exercise of this power is subject to their discretion.
  •  The Supreme Court, in the case of Surya Narain v. Union of India, upheld the dismissal of the Governor of Rajasthan, emphasizing the Governor’s lack of security of tenure and fixed term.
  • The Court highlighted that the Governor holds office during the President’s pleasure, and their term can be cut short at the President’s discretion.
  •  The court ruling in Hargovind Pant v. Raghukul Tilak established that the office of the Governor is not considered an employment under the Government of India, and the Governor is an independent constitutional office not subject to the control of the Centre.

Conclusion: While the Governor’s position theoretically allows for independent judgment, the practice has been influenced by the prevailing political climate. Striking a balance between the Governor’s independence and their accountability to the Centre remains a challenge.

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4am Test Series Day32

- UPSC Test Series - August 24, 2023

“The state legislative councils are dilatory chambers that do nothing but prolong passage of bills and increase legislative expenses.” Critically analyze.

UPSC Mains Syllabus topic

Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

Why was this question asked?

  • Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the workingand current status of Legislative Councils with illustrations.(2021)

Introduction: The existence and functioning of State Legislative Councils in India have been a topic of debate and scrutiny. While some argue that these councils serve a crucial purpose in the legislative process, others view them as dilatory chambers
that add unnecessary expenses.

Body

Ensuring Deliberation and Revision:

  • Legislative Councils provide an opportunity for revising hasty, defective, or ill-considered legislation passed by the Assembly, allowing for a more thoughtful approach. (Article 169)
  • The inclusion of experts and professionals through nominations by the Governor enhances the quality of debates and decision-making.

Balancing Power and Preventing Autocracy:

  •  The presence of a second chamber acts as a check on autocratic tendencies and prevents arbitrary legislation. (Article 169)
  • Vesting legislative powers solely in a popularly elected House may not always be beneficial for the people. Handling Constitutional Crises and Leadership Vacancies:
  • In situations where the Chief Ministerial candidate loses in the Assembly election, the Legislative Council can help avoid constitutional crises by facilitating the selection of a new leader. (Uttarakhand crisis)
  •  This ensures continuity and stability in governance. Reducing Workload and Focusing on Important Measures:
  •  The increasing workload of legislative assemblies necessitates the role of Legislative Councils in sharing the burden and enabling the Assembly to focus on more significant legislative matters.
  •  This division of work allows for better attention to crucial bills and policies.

Arguments against Legislative Councils:

Limited Power and Advisory Role:

  • Legislative Councils have a weaker position compared to the Assembly, with no final decision-making power on ordinary bills. Their role is often seen as dilatory or advisory.
  • Critics perceive them as a costly and insignificant appendage to the legislative process.

Financial Burden on the State Budget:

  •  The establishment of Legislative Councils incurs significant expenses, leading to concerns about the additional burden on the state exchequer.
  •  Critics argue that these funds could be better utilized for developmental purposes.

Potential for Political Manipulation:

  •  Detractors argue that Legislative Councils can become a back door entry for unpopular politicians who were defeated in Assembly elections.
  •  This could result in the appointment of politically ambitious individuals to key positions, potentially compromising governance.

Risk of Obstruction and Delay:

  •  If the majority of Legislative Council members belong to the same party as the Lower House, the Council may become a mere replica, lacking independent deliberation.
  • Conversely, if different parties hold the majority, the Council may delay bills unnecessarily, hindering legislative progress.

Conclusion: The evaluation of State Legislative Councils reveals a complex picture. While these councils play a crucial role in deliberation, revision, and balancing legislative powers, criticisms about their limited authority, financial implications,
and potential for obstruction cannot be ignored.

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4am Test Series Day31

- UPSC Test Series - August 24, 2023

Explain the conβlict between Fundamental Rights and parliamentary privileges, with relevant case laws.

UPSC Mains Syllabus topic:

Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

Why was this question asked?

The ‘Powers, Privileges and immunities of Parliament and its members’ as envisaged in Article 105 of the Constitution leave room for a large number of un-codified and un-enumerated privileges to continue. Asses the reasons for the absence of legal codification of the ‘Parliamentaryprivileges. How can this problem be addressed? (2014)
Introduction: The conflict between Fundamental Rights and parliamentary privileges has been a subject of debate and judicial interpretation in India. While Fundamental Rights guarantee certain freedoms and protections to citizens, parliamentary privileges provide special powers and immunities to members of the legislature.

Body

I. Gunupati Case:

  • The Gunupati case involved derogatory remarks published by the Blitz newspaper about the Speaker of the U.P. Legislative Assembly.
  • The Assembly issued an arrest warrant against the editor, leading to his arrest.
  •  The Supreme Court ruled that the Fundamental Right of the editor under Article 22(2) had been violated as he was not produced before a magistrate within 24 hours.
  •  This decision created the impression that Fundamental Rights would control parliamentary privileges.

II. Searchlight Case:

  • In the Searchlight case, the Supreme Court held that parliamentary privileges under Article 105(3) were not subject to the Fundamental Right of Speech and Expression under Article 19(1)(a).
  • The Court stated that a House of Parliament could prohibit the publication of its debates or proceedings, even if it contradicted the freedom of speech and expression of the publisher.
  •  The ruling in Gunupati was considered not binding as it was not a “considered opinion.”

III. Keshav Singh Case:

  • The Keshav Singh case clarified that only Article 19(1)(a) was excluded from controlling legislative privileges, and other Fundamental Rights could apply.
  •  The Court held that Article 21, which guarantees the right to personal liberty, would apply to parliamentary privileges.
  • An order of the House punishing a person for contempt would not be final and conclusive, and the Court could intervene if there were capricious or mala fide reasons for deprivation of personal liberty.

Relationship between Fundamental Rights and Legislative Privileges:

  • Harmonious construction: The Court emphasized the need for harmonious construction of Article 105(3) (or Article 194(3)) and Article 19(1)(a), giving due regard to the special nature of privileges.
  •  Special nature of privileges: Legislative privileges, being of a special nature, should prevail over general Fundamental Rights.
  • Limited applicability of Art. 19(1)(a): The Searchlight case excluded only Article 19(1)(a) from controlling legislative privileges, leaving other Fundamental Rights potentially applicable.
  • Art. 21 and personal liberty: The Court clarified that Article 21 would apply to parliamentary privileges, allowing individuals to seek relief on the ground of deprivation of personal liberty not in accordance with law.

IV. Legislative Framework and Fundamental Rights:

  • It is essential for the legislature to enact laws defining its privileges while ensuring compatibility with Fundamental Rights.
  •  If Parliament or a State Legislature defines its privileges under Article 105(3) or Article 194(3), such a law would be subject to Article 19(1)(a).
  •  Any provision of the law that contravenes Fundamental Rights would be invalid under Article 13(2).

Conclusion: It is essential for the legislature to enact laws defining its privileges while ensuring compatibility with Fundamental Rights. This delicate equilibrium helps maintain the democratic fabric of the country while upholding the principles of justice and equality.

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4am Test Series Day30

- UPSC Test Series - August 24, 2023

Q.Indian parliament cannot be considered as a sovereign body. Analyze.

UPSC Mains Syllabus topic:

Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

Why was this question asked?

  • To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? (2021)

Introduction:The doctrine of ‘sovereignty of Parliament’ is associated  with the British Parliament. Sovereignty means the supreme power within the State. That supreme power in Great Britain lies with the Parliament. There are no ‘legal’ restrictions on its authority and jurisdiction.

Body: Therefore, the sovereignty of Parliament (parliamentary supremacy) is a cardinal feature of the British constitutional system.

According to AV Dicey, the British jurist, this principle has three implications:

1. The Parliament can make, amend, substitute or repeal any law. De Lolme, a British political analyst, said, ‘The British Parliament can do everything except make a woman a man and a man a woman’.

2. The Parliament can make constitutional laws by the same procedure as ordinary laws. In other words, there is no legal distinction between the constituent authority and the legislative authority of the British Parliament.

3. The Parliamentary laws cannot be declared invalid by the Judiciary as being unconstitutional. In other words, there is no system of judicial review in Britain.
The Indian Parliament, on the other hand, cannot be regarded as a sovereign body in the similar sense as there are ‘legal’ restrictions on its authority and jurisdiction.

The factors that limit the sovereignty of Indian Parliament are:

1. Written Nature of the Constitution: The Constitution is the fundamental law of the land in our country. It has defined the authority and jurisdiction of all the three organs of the Union government and the nature of interrelationship between them. Hence, the Parliament has to operate within the limits prescribed by the Constitution. There is also a legal distinction between the legislative authority and the constituent authority of the Parliament. Moreover, to effect certain amendments to the Constitution, the ratification of half of the states is also required. In Britain, on the other hand, the Constitution is neither written nor there is anything like a fundamental law of the land.

2. Federal System of Government: India has a federal systemof government with a constitutional division of powers between the Union and the states. Both have to operate within the spheres allotted to them. Hence, the law-making
authority of the Parliament gets confined to the subjectsenumerated in the Union List and Concurrent List and does not extend to the subjects enumerated in the State List (except in five abnormal circumstances and that too for a short period). Britain, on the other hand, has a unitary system of government and hence, all the powers are vested in the Centre.

3. System of Judicial Review: The adoption of an independent Judiciary with the power of judicial review also restricts the supremacy of our Parliament. Both the Supreme Court and high courts can declare the laws enacted by the Parliament
as void and ultra vires (unconstitutional), if they contravene any provision of the Constitution. On the other hand, there is no system of judicial review in Britain. The British Courts have to apply the Parliamentary laws to specific cases, without examining their constitutionality, legality or reasonableness.

4. Fundamental Rights: The authority of the Parliament is also restricted by the incorporation of a code of justiciable fundamental rights under Part III of the Constitution. Article 13 prohibits the State from making a law that either takes away totally or abrogates in part a fundamental right. Hence, a Parliamentary law that contravenes the fundamental rights shall be void. In Britain, on the other hand, there is no codification of justiciable fundamen. tal rights in the Constitution. The British Parliament has also not made any law that lays down the fundamental rights of the citizens. However, it does not mean that the British citizens do not have rights. Though there is no charter guaranteeing rights, there is maximum liberty in Britain due to the existence of the Rule of Law. Therefore, even though the nomenclature and organisational pattern of our Parliament is similar to that of the British Parliament, there is a substantial difference between the two. The Indian Parliament is not a sovereign body in the sense in which the British Parliament is a sovereign body. Unlike the British Parliament, the authority and jurisdiction of the Indian Parliament are defined, limited and restrained.

Conclusion In this regard, the Indian Parliament is similar to the American Legislature (known as Congress). In USA also, the sovereignty of Congress is legally restricted by the writ ten character of the Constitution, the federal system of government, the system of judicial review and the Bill of Rights.

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4am Test Series Day29

- UPSC Test Series - August 24, 2023

Discuss the provisions of strong unitary features in the Indian Constitution and the reasons for their adoption.

UPSC Mains Syllabus topic

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.

Why was this question asked?

 Though the federal principle is dominant in our constitution and that principle is one of the its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism (2014)

Introduction :The Indian Constitution, while primarily federal in nature, incorporates provisions that strengthen the central government’s authority. These modifications of strict federal features were included to address the specific needs and circumstances of the country.

Body

Features of strong unitary form of government.

a) Unilateral alteration of state boundaries: Article 3 empowers Parliament to change state boundaries or modify state names, allowing for flexibility in administrative divisions.

b) Distribution of power in favor of the union: The union list contains the most significant number of items, giving more authority to the central government. The concurrent list also favors the centre’s power over the states.
c) Union legislature’s intervention in state matters: Article 249 enables Parliament to enact laws in the state list for one year, extendable for additional periods. A resolution supported by two-thirds of the members present and voting
in the Rajya Sabha is required.
d) Reservation and approval of state laws: Certain laws passed by state legislatures require the President’s consideration and approval, ensuring central oversight and control.
e) Binding administrative directions: The Union governmentcan issue directions to states on matters related to compliance with central laws, ensuring uniformity and enforcement.
f) Governors’ appointment and accountability: Governors are appointed by the President and hold office at their pleasure. They exercise discretionary powers and are answerable to the President.
g) Financial dependence on the Union: The distribution of financial resources favors the Union government, making states reliant on grants from the centre.
h) Central control during emergencies: Under Article 352, the Union Parliament can make laws on state list matters, issue directives to states, and suspend financial provisions during emergencies.
i) Failure of constitutional machinery in a state: Article 356 allows the President to assume the state government’s functions, including those of the high court, and authorize Parliament to exercise the state legislature’s powers.
j) Financial emergency provisions: Article 360 empowers the President to issue directives, including salary reductions, and exercise control over state money bills during financial emergencies.

Conclusion: The Indian Constitution includes strong unitary features, which modify strict federal principles, to address the historical context and specific needs of the nation. These provisions were adopted to ensure a united India, provide stability, prevent disintegration, and establish a strong central government capable of effectively governing the diverse states. While maintaining the federal structure, these modifications strike a balance between unity and diversity, enabling effective governance and national cohesion.

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4am Test Series Day 23

- UPSC Test Series - August 23, 2023

Discuss the significance of the Chota Nagpur plateau as a storehouse of minerals in India, highlighting the major minerals found in the region and their distribution.

UPSC Mains
Syllabus topic

Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent

Why was this question asked?

 Discuss the natural resource potentials of ‘Deccan trap’.
 Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss.

Introduction

The Chota Nagpur plateau in India is renowned for its abundant mineral resources, making it a crucial industrial region in the country.
The plateau is divided into three physical divisions:
Ranchi Plateau, Hazaribagh Plateau, and Kodarma Plateau. It is known as the “storehouse of minerals” due to its vast mineral deposits.

Body

Mineral Resources in Chota Nagpur Plateau:
1. Coal:
 Key coalfields: Jharia, Bokaro, Karanpura, Giridi, Ramgarh, Daltangunge, and Damodar Valley.
 Contributes to approximately 74% of India’s coal production

 Damodar Valley is considered the prime center for
coking coal in the country. 

2. Iron Ore:
 Major iron ore producing areas: Noamundi, Gua,Kolhan, Dharwar, Budabaru, etc.
 Chota Nagpur Plateau accounts for nearly 40% of India’s total iron ore production.
3. Mica:
 Largest producer of mica in India.
 Major mica-producing centers: Kodarma, Domchanchi, Jhumri-Tilaiya, Giridhi.
 Renowned for Kodarma’s world-famous Ruby Mica.
4. Bauxite:
 Mined at Jojohati, Roroburu, and the Kolhan estate of Singbhum district.
 Lohardaga is notable for bauxite deposits.
5. Copper:
 Copper mining locations: Rakha, Masabni in Singbhum districts.
Other Minerals:
 Dolomite: Found mainly in the Palamou district.
 Limestone: Occurs in various regions such as Chaibasa, Jagnnathpur, Singbhum, and Hazaribagh.
 Asbestos: Mined in Singhbhum district at Narda, Kalimati, Jojohati, and Roroburu.
 Feldspar: Mined near Chrichaki, Bagardih, Bengro, Kubadih, and Hundru.
 Kyanite: Mined in Singhbhum district.
 Fire-clay: Mined in Rajhara and Latihar in the Palamou districts.
 China-clay: Mined in Hat Gamaria and its neighboring region.
 Manganese: Mined in Singhbhum district.
 Gold: Extracted from the sands of the Subarnarekha River.

Conclusion

The plateau’s rich deposits of coal, iron ore, mica, bauxite, copper, and other minerals have provided the foundation for various industries, fostering economic growth and employment opportunities. These valuable resources continue to drive the industrial sector in the region, contributing to its overall development and prosperity.

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4am Test Series Day 22

- UPSC Test Series - August 23, 2023

Explain the different process involved at convergent plate boundaries.

UPSC Mains
Syllabus topic

Important Geophysical Phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity

Why was this question asked?

 Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out the association between the global distribution of fold mountains and the earthquakes and volcanoes.

Introduction

The Earth’s lithospheric plates interact at plate boundaries, where various processes shape the Earth’s surface. Among these boundaries, convergent plate boundaries involve the collision or subduction of plates.

Body

Types of Convergent Plate Boundaries:
Convergent plate boundaries are categorized based on the types of lithospheric plates involved.

1. Oceanic-Oceanic Convergence: When two oceanic plates collide, one plate subducts beneath the other, forming an oceanic trench and a subduction zone. This collision results in the formation of volcanic island arcs, characterized by active volcanoes and frequent seismic activities.
2. Oceanic-Continental Convergence: In this scenario, an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate. The denser oceanic plate subducts beneath the lighter continental plate, forming a continental volcanic arc. This convergence gives rise to volcanic activity, earthquakes, and the development of deep-sea trenches.
3. Continental-Continental Convergence: When two continental plates collide, neither subducts due to their low density. Instead, the collision leads to the compression and uplift of crustal materials, resulting in the formation of large fold-thrust mountain belts. The Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau are prominent examples of such convergent boundaries.

Processes Involved in Convergent Plate Boundaries:

Convergent plate boundaries exhibit several geological processes due to the interaction of plates.
 Subduction and Consuming of Plates: At convergent plate boundaries, the denser plate subducts beneath the less dense plate. The subducting plate descends into the mantle, eventually being consumed or destroyed. This process contributes to the recycling of Earth’s crustal materials.
 Formation of Island Arcs and Volcanic Arcs: Oceanicoceanic convergence results in the formation of volcanic island arcs, characterized by active volcanoes and seismic activity. Oceanic-continental convergence gives rise to continental volcanic arcs, where the subduction of oceanic plates beneath continental plates leads to volcanic activity.
 Fore-Arc and Trenches: The region between an oceanic trench and the associated volcanic arc is known as the forearc. Fore-arcs are found at convergent margins and often experience intense tectonic stresses, leading to thrust earthquakes. Trenches, on the subducting side of the island arc, are deep and narrow features that form due to the flexing of oceanic lithosphere. They are associated with subduction zones and are the deepest features of ocean basins.
 Marginal Basins: Marginal basins develop between the continental margin and the island arc on the concave side of the arc. They are elongated and narrow basins formed by tensional tectonics resulting from the rifting of an existing island arc.

Conclusion

Convergent plate boundaries play a significant role in shaping the Earth’s surface. The collision or subduction of lithospheric plates at these boundaries leads to diverse geological processes such as subduction, formation of islandarcs, volcanic arcs, fore-arcs, trenches, and marginal basins. Understanding these processes helps us understand theformation of mountains, volcanic activity, and seismic events associated with convergent plate boundaries.

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4am Test Series Day 21

- UPSC Test Series - August 23, 2023

Evaluate the role of deep ocean currents in the global carbon cycle. How do these currents contribute to the transport and storage of carbon dioxide in the deep ocean, and what are the implications for climate change?

UPSC Mains
Syllabus topic

Salient features of World’s Physical Geography.

Why was this question asked?
 How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain.
 How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and coastal environment? Give suitable examples.

Introduction

Deep ocean currents play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle by facilitating the transport and storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the deep ocean. This process has significant implications for climate change, as it helps regulate the balance of CO2 in the atmosphere.

Body

 I.Transport of Carbon Dioxide:

Deep ocean currents act as a conveyor belt, transporting CO2 from the surface ocean to the deep ocean. This occurs through a process known as the oceanic carbon pump, where CO2 dissolves in surface waters and is subsequently carried downwards. Key factors contributing to this transport include:

a. Thermohaline Circulation: Deep ocean currents are driven by differences in water density caused by variations in temperature (thermo) and salinity (haline). These circulation patterns help distribute CO2 globally.
b. Upwelling and Downwelling: Upwelling brings nutrient-rich deep waters to the surface, promoting photosynthesis and the absorption of CO2 by marine organisms. Downwelling carries this CO2 back into the deeper layers of the ocean.

II. Storage of Carbon Dioxide:

Deep ocean currents facilitate the long-term storage of CO2 in the deep ocean, acting as a reservoir that helps regulate atmospheric CO2 levels. Notable aspects of carbon dioxide storage  in the deep ocean include:
a. Solubility Pump: CO2 dissolves in cold, deep waters due to higher solubility at lower temperatures, effectively sequestering it from the atmosphere.
b. Biological Pump: Organic matter produced through photosynthesis in surface waters sinks to the deep ocean, carrying carbon with it. This organic carbon becomes trapped in sediments, effectively storing it for extended periods.
Implications for Climate Change:
 Carbon Sink: The transport and storage of CO2 by deep ocean currents serves as a critical carbon sink, mitigating the rise of atmospheric CO2 and reducing the greenhouse effect.
 Ocean Acidification: Increased absorption of CO2 by the oceans can lead to ocean acidification, negatively impacting marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
 Climate Feedback: Changes in deep ocean currents due to climate change can affect the efficiency of the oceanic carbon pump, potentially amplifying or mitigating climate change.

The role of deep ocean currents in the global carbon cycle highlights their importance in regulating climate and underscores the need for
their protection and conservation.

Conclusion

Understanding the complex interplay between deep ocean currents and the carbon cycle is essential for effective climate change mitigation strategies and the preservation of marine ecosystems.

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