June 21, 2025

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) Assam Rifles Syllabus Prelims –Defense Context: In recent times, the Assam Rifles personnel have been facing increased hostility in Manipur. Background:- Normally, there are 20 battalions of the Assam Rifles in Manipur, with the primary mandate of counter-insurgency and border guarding. Since ethnic violence erupted in the state on May 3, 2023, two more battalions were moved in. Due to being tasked with manning “buffer zones” between Meitei- and Kuki-Zomi-dominated territories in Manipur, the Assam Rifles has been facing heat from the Meiteis, with some even demanding its removal from the state. About Assam Rifles:- Establishment:1835. Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs. It is a Central Paramilitary Force under the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). CAPF: the collective name of central police organizations in India under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It includes 7 forces: Assam Rifles (AR), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and National Security Guard (NSG). Assam Rifles is the oldest Central Para Military Force in India. Historical Background:- The Assam Rifles was set up as Cachar Levy in 1835 to protect British Tea estates and their settlements against tribal raids. Post-Independence, role of the Assam Rifles continued to evolve ranging from:- Conventional combat role: during Sino-India War in 1962 Operating in a foreign land: as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka in 1987 (Op Pawan) Peacekeeping role: in the North-Eastern areas of India. Structure of Assam Rifles:- The Force is commanded by an officer of the rank of Lieutenant General of the Army. (UPSC CSE: Administration of Assam Rifles) HQ Directorate General of Assam Rifles: Shillong. MUST READ: Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements: (2023) Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards Act and Rules of the Central Government. The role of the Home Guards is to serve as an auxiliary force to the police in the maintenance of internal security. To prevent infiltration on the international border/ coastal areas, the Border Wing Home Guards Battalions have been raised in some states. How many of the above statements are correct? Only one Only two All three None Q.2) Consider the following statements (2023) Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1 only 2 only Both 1 and 2 Neither 1 nor 2 Renaming Kerala Syllabus Prelims –Polity Context: The Kerala Assembly has passed the resolution to rename state as Keralam. Background:- The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, was passed unanimously, with the Congress-led Opposition not suggesting any changes. Formation of Kerala:- 1949: Travancore and Kochi was merged, forming the Travancore-Cochin State. ( Integration of the princely states) State Reorganization Commission recommended the creation of Kerala as a state for Malayalam-speaking people. The state of Kerala came into being on November 1, 1956. In Malayalam, the state was referred to as Keralam, while in English it was Kerala. Origin of the name:- There are several theories about the origin of the name ‘Kerala’. Earliest epigraphic record: Asoka’s Rock Edict II of 257 BC. The inscription refers to the local ruler as Keralaputra (Sanskrit for “son of Kerala”), and also “son of Chera” referring to the Chera dynasty. About ‘Keralam’, scholars believe it could have originated from ‘Cheram’. Significance of the name: ‘Keralam’ aligns more closely with the native pronunciation, historical roots, and cultural identity of the region’s people. Process to rename a state in India:- The proposal has to first come from the state government. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Approval: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) then takes over and gives its consent after it receives No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from several agencies. These agencies include the Ministry of Railways, Intelligence Bureau, Department of Posts, Survey of India, and Registrar General of India. Parliamentary proceedings: If the MHA finds the proposal acceptable and all the necessary NOCs are obtained, a Constitutional amendment bill is initiated. The Bill goes through the usual legislative process in both the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and the Rajya Sabha (Upper House). The Bill requires a simple majority to be passed in each house. After it is passed by both houses if the President gives his assent, the Bill becomes law. Implementation: With the President’s assent, the name change becomes official and the name of the state is changed thereafter. Constitutional provisions for renaming a State:- The renaming of an existing state requires Parliamentary approval under Articles 3 of the Constitution. Introduction: A bill for renaming a state may be introduced in the Parliament on the recommendation of the President State assembly consultation: Before the introduction of the bill, the President shall send the bill to the respective state assembly for expressing their views within a stipulated time. The views of the state assembly are not binding, neither on the President nor on the Parliament. Parliamentary approval: On the expiry of the period, the bill will be sent to the Parliament for deliberation. The bill in order to take the force of a law must be passed by a simple majority. Presidential Approval: The bill is sent for approval to the President. After the approval of the said bill, the bill becomes a law and the name of the state stands modified. MUST READ: Asymmetrical federalism SOURCE: THE INDIAN EXPRESS PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS Q.1) Consider the following statements: (2022) A bill amending the Constitution requires a prior recommendation of the President of India. When a Constitution Amendment Bill is presented to the President of India, it is obligatory for the President of India to give his/her assent. A Constitution Amendment Bill must be passed by both the