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Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 2: Questions on Vice‑President's office and BRICS grouping (Week 112)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-2 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Discuss how the BRICS grouping challenges the Western-led liberal international order through efforts such as de‑dollarisation and the establishment of parallel financial and developmental institutions. When the Vice‑President's office is vacant, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha presides over the Upper House. Discuss how this provision safeguards legislative continuity and the balance of power within Parliament. Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: Discuss how the BRICS grouping challenges the Western-led liberal international order through efforts such as de‑dollarisation and the establishment of parallel financial and developmental institutions. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — The BRICS originated as a group dedicated to contesting the norms that drive multilateral economic institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. BRICS provided another avenue for India's aspirations for global leadership, as it, along with Brazil, China, and Russia, negotiated a larger share of quotas and votes in these institutions. — In recent years, as BRICS membership has grown, it has undoubtedly given India with another platform to strengthen ties with countries in the Global South. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — The BRICS are quietly altering some of the rules of international politics. From de-dollarization to alternative development models, it is rapidly posing a challenge to the Western-led liberal international order. — Following World War II, this system gave way to the Western-led liberal international order. The United States, along with its allies, established a network of institutions that represented its beliefs and interests, including the IMF, World Bank, and WTO. This order was based on free markets, democracy, and, most importantly, the US dollar's dominance in global finance. — One of the most prominent messages from the BRICS summit in Brazil was about de-dollarisation. It may sound technical, but it is extremely political. This concept has been gaining traction for several years, but recent developments, particularly the weaponization of financial systems through sanctions, have pushed it to the forefront. — The difficulty is that the majority of global trade and finance is based on the US dollar. When India buys oil from Russia, it usually pays in dollars. Brazil typically takes out loans in dollars. When China invests abroad, the transactions are often routed through dollar-based networks such as SWIFT. This offers the US not only financial but also political clout. — At the Brazil summit, governments revived the notion of a BRICS currency, but as a symbol of intent rather than an imminent undertaking. In the meantime, they encourage trade in local currencies. Russia and China already transact more than 80% of their trade in roubles and yuan. India has started using rupees in some transactions with Iran and Sri Lanka. India and the UAE have begun to settle some oil transactions in rupees and dirhams. — To avoid dollar exposure, the BRICS-created New Development Bank now issues loans in local currencies. This isn't only about lowering transaction costs. It is about breaking out from a system that many in the Global South regard as biased against them. Conclusion: — BRICS promises to provide a platform for countries who did not have a seat at the table when the postwar international order was created. The group positions itself as a voice for the Global South. — This initiative to create new platforms and organisations reflects a common frustration that the rules of the global system are frequently established by people who do not confront the same issues as those in the Global South. Together, the BRICS are attempting to shift not only policy but also the narrative about what kind of development is legitimate and who should lead. (Source: How BRICS is chipping away at the Western order) ints to Ponder Read more aboutBRICS members Read about New Development Bank Related Previous Year Questions 'Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO' In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems. (2023) How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India's position in global politics? (2022) QUESTION 2: When the Vice‑President's office is vacant, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha presides over the Upper House. Discuss how this provision safeguards legislative continuity and the balance of power within Parliament. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college made up of members from both Houses of Parliament — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha — including nominated members. — Voting is held in Parliament House by secret ballot, using the system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote. Each MP casts a vote by ranking candidates in order of preference. All votes carry equal value. — To be declared elected, a candidate must reach a required minimum number of votes — called the quota. This is calculated by dividing the total number of valid votes by two and adding one (fractions, if any, are ignored). If no candidate crosses the quota in the first round, the one with the fewest first-preference votes is eliminated, and their votes are transferred to the remaining candidates based on second preferences. The process continues until one candidate crosses the quota. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — The Constitution does not provide for an acting Vice President. However, because the Vice-President is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Deputy Chairman shall preside over the House in his absence. — In the case of the President, the Constitution requires that vacancies be filled within six months. However, there is no specified timeframe for a Vice-Presidential vacancy. The only prerequisite is that the election take place 'as soon as possible' after the office becomes vacant. — The poll is held under the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act of 1952. According to protocol, the Secretary General of either House of Parliament serves as the Returning Officer in rotation. — The Presiding Officers of Rajya Sabha have the responsibility to conduct the proceedings of the House. The Vice-President of India is ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha. Rajya Sabha also chooses from amongst its members, a Deputy Chairman. There is also a Panel of Vice-Chairmen in Rajya Sabha, who are nominated by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha from the amongst the members of Rajya Sabha. In the absence of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, a member from the Panel of Vice-Chairmen presides over the proceedings of the House. Conclusion: — A person contesting for the post of Vice-President must be a citizen of India, at least 35 years old, qualified to be elected to the Rajya Sabha, and registered as an elector in any parliamentary constituency. They must not hold any office of profit under the central or state governments, except positions like President, Governor, or Minister. (Source: What happens when the Vice-President resigns mid-term, Points to Ponder Read more about Vice-President of India – Functions and Powers Read about Chairman and Panel of Vice-Chairmen in Rajya Sabha Related Previous Year Question Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. (2022) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 112) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 111) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 110) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 111) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 110) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 111) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Indian Express
a day ago
- General
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 3 : Questions on flue‑gas desulphurization and maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (Week 112)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-3 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Highlight the health and environmental consequences of delaying or exempting anti‑pollution equipment in ageing coal power plants. How do these consequences compare with the economic burden of installing flue‑gas desulphurization (FGDs)? Discuss the significance of commissioning INS Nistar and the impending INS Nipun for India's deep-sea operational preparedness and maritime security posture in the Indian Ocean Region. Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: Highlight the health and environmental consequences of delaying or exempting anti‑pollution equipment in ageing coal power plants. How do these consequences compare with the economic burden of installing flue‑gas desulphurization (FGDs)? Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — The Environment Ministry has exempted the majority of India's coal-fired thermal plants from installing equipment to remove sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, which are a major contributor to air pollution. Those remaining plants in Delhi-NCR must meet a December 2027 deadline, while the others will be requested to fit the devices on an individual basis. Originally, these plants were required to install FGD devices by 2017. However, over the years, they have received various extensions to comply. — Flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) devices remove SO2 from flue gas, a thermal plant byproduct. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — When SO2 is discharged into the atmosphere, it normally reacts with ammonia (NH3) to form ammonium sulphate, which is responsible for about one-third of India's fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution, according to recent research by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. PM2.5 is harmful to human health since it can cause chronic illnesses such as asthma, heart attacks, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues. — Direct exposure to high levels of SO2 can cause irritation in the eyes, throat, and lungs. Long-term exposure can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and early mortality. — SO2 also has an impact on the environment by causing acid rain, which can harm ecosystems. — The power sector, particularly coal-fired thermal plants, is one of India's largest producers of SO2 emissions. According to CREA research, SO2 levels were greater in 2023 than in 2019, with a significant increase in places dominated by coal-based thermal plants. According to the study, this showed 'the influence of power plant emissions on air quality'. — In 2015, the Environment Ministry issued the first emission standards for reducing SO2 and other hazardous chemicals from coal-fired thermal facilities. They were needed to install FGD devices by December of 2017. — However, this did not occur, as the deadline was extended four times at the request of thermal plants. They said that installing FGD devices was expensive and may result in a number of concerns, including power outages due to installation shutdowns and an increase in electricity rates. Conclusion: — The studies have argued against installing FGD devices, claiming that SO2 levels near the plants are well within the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. They have also advised that the government should focus on reducing not only SO2 emissions, but also overall particulate matter pollution around plants. — This claim was also questioned in a 2021 analysis by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). According to the report, emissions from power plants travel over 300 km before being transformed to secondary pollutants. The research also revealed that SO2's atmospheric lifespan was around 10 days. (Source: Why govt has exempted 78% of coal-based thermal plants from installing anti-pollution devices) Points to Ponder Read more about FGD devices Read about other pollutants Related Previous Year Questions The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles? (2023) What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the government of India? (2020) QUESTION 2: Discuss the significance of commissioning INS Nistar and the impending INS Nipun for India's deep-sea operational preparedness and maritime security posture in the Indian Ocean Region. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nistar at Visakhapatnam's Naval Dockyard. — Nistar is the first of two dive support vessels (DSVs) ordered by the Navy in 2018. Its sister ship, Nipun, was launched in 2022 and is anticipated to be commissioned soon. Body: You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer: — These DSVs, designed to enable deep-sea diving and submarine rescue missions, would improve India's undersea operational preparedness while also reinforcing the country's strategic maritime position in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). — The original INS Nistar was a submarine rescue vessel bought by the Indian Navy from the former Soviet Union in 1969 and commissioned in 1971. It remained in service until 1989, when it was the focal point of the Navy's diving and submarine rescue operations. — The new Nistar will continue this legacy. But, unlike its predecessor, it contains more than 80% indigenous content, with over 120 MSMEs involved in its creation. Nistar is India's first diving support and submarine rescue vehicle that was created and built by its own people. — With a displacement of almost 10,500 tonnes, a length of nearly 120 metres, a beam of more than 20 metres, and an endurance of more than 60 days at sea, the new Nistar is likewise larger and more capable than its 800-tonne predecessor. — According to the Navy, Nistar's specialised onboard diving complex includes both air and saturation diving equipment, as well as underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and side scan sonars. Furthermore, Nistar will serve as the mothership for an improved deep submergence rescue vehicle (DSRV). — Nistar can also transport a 15-tonne subsea crane and support helicopter operations. Nistar has an operating theatre, an intensive care unit, and an eight-bed hospital with hyperbaric medical facilities, all of which are vital to the vessel's operational tasks, according to the Navy. Conclusion: — The induction of Nistar into the Navy following the successful integration of the two DSRVs marks a significant milestone in India's deep-sea capabilities. — The vessel's dynamic positioning and diving support features allow it to operate autonomously on the high seas. Nistar, based in Visakhapatnam, will be the DSRV mothership on the Eastern Seaboard, while Nipun, based in Mumbai, will cover the Western Seaboard, completing the Navy's dual-coast operational posture. (Source: How newly commissioned INS Nistar will help save lives in deep sea) Points to Ponder Read more about the Indian Ocean Region Read more about the Indian Navy Related Previous Year Questions The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by our adversaries across the borders to ferry arms/ammunitions, drugs, etc., is a serious threat to the internal security. Comment on the measures being taken to tackle this threat. (2023) What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organisational, technical and procedural initiatives taken to improve the maritime security. (2022) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 110) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 111) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 110) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 111) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 110) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 111) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on Maratha Military Landscapes and National Education Policy (Week 111)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today's answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-1 to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has introduced multiple measures to bridge the gender gap in education. However, societal norms, infrastructure deficits, and implementation gaps continue to hinder its full potential. Discuss. The recent inscription of the Maratha Military Landscapes—twelve Maratha forts spanning Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu—as a UNESCO World Heritage Site highlights India's assertion of its civilisational identity on the global stage. Discuss. Introduction — The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction. — It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts. Body — It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content. — The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points. — Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse. — Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer. — Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required. Way forward/ conclusion — The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction. — You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers. Self Evaluation — It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers. QUESTION 1: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has introduced multiple measures to bridge the gender gap in education. However, societal norms, infrastructure deficits, and implementation gaps continue to hinder its full potential. Discuss. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — July 12 is celebrated as Malala Day, which honours the bravery of Malala Yousafzai, who has become a symbol of the fight for girls' education. Her story continues to inspire global efforts to ensure equitable and inclusive education. — The NEP, which replaced the National Education Policy of 1986, gives a comprehensive framework for both school and higher education. The objective is to make India's education more inclusive, equitable, holistic, multidisciplinary and flexible. Body: — The NEP underlines India's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and encourage lifelong learning opportunities for all. — It also seeks to rectify existing gender disparities through its measures. This is consistent with SDG 5, which seeks to promote gender equality and empower all women and girls. — The key priority areas of NEP 2020 in terms of gender are access and equity, curriculum and infrastructure development, and gender sensitisation. — When it comes to school education, India has achieved tremendous progress in females' enrolment since the passage of the Right to Education Act in 2009. According to the publication The Indian Economy: A Review, which was released by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in January 2024, the female gross enrolment ratio (GER) in higher education climbed from 6.7% in 2000-01 to 27.9% in 2020-21. According to the same survey, more girls than boys are currently pursuing higher education. — However, school dropout rates remain a worry. According to the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE), in 2021-22, 12.6% of students dropped out of secondary (9-10 class), 3% from upper primary (6-8 class), and 1.5% from elementary education (1-5 class). Notably, the average dropout rate for girls in primary education is 1.4%, followed by 3.3% in upper primary and 12.3% in secondary school. — The NEP 2020 intends to reduce dropout rates by achieving a 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in school education by 2030. As part of this endeavour, the government intends to establish a Gender Inclusion Fund (GIF), which will be accessible to states to build inclusive, safe, and sanitary facilities in schools, such as hostels and bathrooms. Conclusion: — The NEP acknowledges gender sensitivity as a necessary ability for all students and promotes gender equality as an inherent aspect of the curriculum. However, measures such as putting more emphasis on developing a gender-sensitive curriculum, incorporating sex education and menstrual health into school education, and raising awareness among girls, particularly in rural areas, about their legal, financial, and digital rights are critical for empowering them to be self-sufficient. — The NEP also urges governments to take initiatives to improve gender balance in admissions to higher education institutions. To facilitate this, professional social workers, counsellors, and teachers will need to mediate between parents and HEIs, allowing women to continue their education at higher levels. — Gender equality is viewed as a cross-cutting concern to be addressed in the NEP 2020. However, structural resistance to gender equity originates in families and society. As a result, effective implementation of the NEP on the ground would necessitate ongoing collaboration with non-governmental organisations and communities. To read more: Malala Day 2025: How India's NEP seeks to bridge gender gap in education Points to Ponder Read more about NEP Who was Malala Yousafzai? Related Previous Year Questions Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (2021) How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer. (2019) QUESTION 2: The recent inscription of the Maratha Military Landscapes—twelve Maratha forts spanning Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu—as a UNESCO World Heritage Site highlights India's assertion of its civilisational identity on the global stage. Discuss. Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers. Introduction: — Maratha military landscapes of India have been recently included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. UNESCO described the inscription as including 12 major fortifications, 11 of which are in Maharashtra, and one in Tamil Nadu. — These forts were built, adapted, or expanded by the Marathas between the late 17th and early 19th centuries. The forts are strategically located on coastal and mountainous terrain which formed a complex defence system supporting Maratha military dominance, trade protection, and territorial control. Body: Maratha military landscapes of India 1. Raigad Fort — Raigad fort was formerly the capital of the Maratha Empire due to its strategic location and massive size. It is located in Maharashtra's north Konkan area. The fort is surrounded by deep valleys, and access is only via a steep approach in front. — The fort is significant in Marathi history since it was here in 1674 CE that Shivaji Maharaj was crowned and given the title of Chhatrapati. The Mughals took control of the fort in 1689 CE, followed by the Ahmadnagar Sultanate in 1707 CE, before returning to the Marathas about 1727 CE. The British eventually took over the fort in 1818 CE. 2. Pratapgad Fort — Pratapgad Fort, built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1656, is located in the harsh environment of the Western Ghats, 24 kilometres from Mahabaleshwar. — The fort is well-known for its defensive architecture, which is regarded as a symbol of strategic ingenuity. The Upper Fort at Pratapgad served as an observation point, with strong, tall walls. The Lower Fort, built down the hillside, was critical to defending the fort's buildings. 3. Panhala Fort — Panhala Fort near Kolhapur was designed to be a self-sustaining settlement. Originally built in the 12th century CE by the Shilaharas, a feudatory dynasty of the Rashtrakutas who ultimately founded their independent kingdom, the fort was occupied by the Yadavas of the Deccan, the Bahmani sultanate, the Adil Shahi kingdom of Bijapur, and finally the Marathas. 4. Shivneri Fort — Shivneri Fort, located near Junnar in Pune district, is the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj. The antiquity of the fort, triangular in shape and surrounded by cliffs, dates back to the 6th century CE, when it was built as a strategic military outpost. 5. Lohagad Fort — The 'Iron Fort' near Lonavala was originally built by the Lohtamia dynasty in the 10th century CE and later passed into the possession of the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahmanis, Nizam Shahis, Mughals, and eventually the Marathas. — Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort in 1648, but was compelled to surrender it to the Mughals in 1665. In 1670, the Marathas recovered the fort, which was then utilised as a storage facility for the booty from the Surat expedition. 6. Salher Fort — Salher Fort is located in Satana taluka of Nashik district, near the village of Salher. It is a significant landmark of the Sahayadri mountain range, the highest fort in Maharashtra and one of the highest in the Western Ghats, located at a height 1,567 metres (5,141 feet). 7. Sindhudurg Fort — The fort stands on the island of Khurte in the Arabian Sea, off the Konkan coast. It was constructed in 1664-67 by Hiroji Indulkar, the chief military engineer of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, to provide a secure base for maritime operations against the Portuguese, the British, and the local Siddis. 8. Suvarnadurg Fort — The 'Golden Fortress' is another island fortification erected by Shivaji Maharaj near Harnai port in Ratnagiri district. Suvarnadurg has a sibling stronghold on the mainland called Kanakadurga; the two constructions were once joined by a tunnel, which is no longer operational. — Suvarnadurg, originally established by the Adil Shahi dynasty, was conquered and renovated by Shivaji in 1660. As a key base for the Maratha fleet, it served as both a fortification and a shipbuilding yard. 9. Vijaydurg Fort — One of the oldest of the Maratha forts, the 'Fort of Victory' on the Arabian Sea coast in present-day Sindhudurg district was originally built by the Shilahar dynasty in the late 12th century. It was then known as Gheria. 10. Khanderi Fort — Khanderi, a small island off the coast of Alibaug, was fortified by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1679 to secure Maratha control over the coastal waters. 11. Rajgad Fort — The young Shivaji Maharaj took the 'King of Forts' in 1647 and used it as his capital for 26 years before establishing Raigad. This is where Shivaji Maharaj's son, Rajaram I, was born and his first wife, Saibai, died. It was also the fort where Shivaji Maharaj planned several of his military battles and kept the treasure from the Surat war of 1664. 12. Gingee Fort — Gingee Fort, located in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district, is regarded as one of Peninsular India's most powerful fortresses. Gingee, like many other forts, has served as a bastion for various dynasties, including the Vijayanagar Nayaks, Bijapur Sultans, Mughals, Marathas, French, and English. (Source: From the Sahyadris to the sea: The 12 Maratha fortresses in UNESCO World Heritage List) To read more: Knowledge Nugget: Why are the Maratha Military Landscapes relevant for the UPSC exam? Points to Ponder Read about other important forts in Maharashtra Read in detail about each of the 12 forts Related Previous Year Question Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. (2018) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 110) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 111) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 110) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 111) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 110) UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 109) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
APSC result 2025 for Combined Competitive Preliminary Exam declared at apsc.nic.in: Check direct link to download merit list here
The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) has officially released the result of the Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination 2025 on July 17. Held on June 8, the Prelims exam is a key gateway to prestigious administrative positions under the Assam government. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Candidates can now check their roll numbers in the merit list PDF available on the official website, Those who have qualified will proceed to the Mains examination, tentatively scheduled for October 2025. How to check APSC CCE result 2025 Candidates who appeared for the APSC CCE preliminary examination can check their results from the link below: Go to the official website: Click on 'Result of the Combined Competitive (Prel.) Examination‑2025' Download the PDF result file Use Ctrl + F to find your roll number Save the file for reference and follow further instructions . What's next? Candidates who have cleared the Prelims will now appear for the APSC CCE Mains, tentatively scheduled for October 2025. This stage includes six descriptive papers, covering Essay, four General Studies papers, and two papers on an optional subject chosen by the candidate. The Mains is followed by a Personal Interview round for final selection. Before appearing for the Mains, candidates must fill out the Detailed Application Form (DAF), which is mandatory. The DAF will require personal, academic, and employment details, along with documents like certificates, ID proof, and a photo. The official notification regarding the DAF and Mains admit card will be released soon on Candidates are advised to start Mains preparation immediately, focusing on syllabus-specific topics and answer writing. Keep all documents ready and check the official website regularly for updates on DAF deadlines and exam schedules. Preparation tips for APSC CCE Mains 2025 With the Mains exam expected in October, candidates should shift their focus to conceptual clarity, answer writing, and time management. Here are some tips to streamline your preparation: Revise NCERTs and state-specific topics for General Studies Practice essays on current affairs and socio-political themes Choose your Optional Subject based on academic background and availability of resources Solve previous years' papers to understand question patterns Join a reliable test series to simulate exam conditions and get feedback TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us .
News18
6 days ago
- General
- News18
UPSC CSE Mains Exam 2025 Schedule Released, To Commence On August 22
UPSC CSE Mains Exam 2025: Those who have successfully cleared the prelims exam and have filled the DAF-1 are eligible to appear for the Mains exam. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the timetable for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) Mains 2025. The written exams will be held between August 22 to 31. Those who have successfully cleared the prelims exam and have filled the DAF-1 are eligible to appear for the Mains exam. Candidates can check the full schedule by visiting the official website at To become an IAS, IPS, IRS, or IFS officer, it is necessary to pass all three stages of the UPSC exam — prelims, mains and interview round. Entry will not be given inside the UPSC Mains exam centre without an admit card. Therefore, candidates are advised to keep checking the official website for the latest updates related to the UPSC Mains exam. Approximately 9,000 candidates will take the Mains, competing for 979 vacancies this year. UPSC CSE Mains Exam Pattern There will be 9 descriptive papers in the UPSC Mains 2025 exam. In the Mains Examination, candidates are required to choose one optional subject from a list of prescribed subjects. This optional subject includes two papers, each worth 250 marks. UPSC Mains exams consist of nine theory descriptive/theory papers. Out of these, two papers are for English and Regional language. These two papers are mandatory for the contestant to attend. The total mark for both papers is 300. Papers 1, 2, 3, and 4 are for GS. Each paper is of 250 marks. One essay test and two papers for the optional subject the candidate has chosen. It also consists of 250 marks. Candidates must have a graduation degree from a recognised university. Final year students can also apply, but they will have to provide proof of passing the degree while applying for mains. view comments First Published: July 15, 2025, 09:49 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
