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23 Engineering Disasters of All Time :1. The Hindenburg Disaster – A Catastrophe That Puts A Halt on Passenger Airships AltogetherHindenburg was an airship made in Germany and led to a big disaster that killed 36 passengers including crew members. The incident was caught on a video as well.The airship caught fire and also crashed while trying to dock itself in New Jersey. The reason, according to American and German investigators who worked on the original study, stated that the fire on the airship broke out because of electrostatic discharge which led to the ignition of the leaking hydrogen gas.After the Hindenburg disaster, the commercial use of passenger airships also ended.2. The Collapse of The Quebec Bridge – A Mistake Made TwiceSource: A.A. Chesterfield / Library and Archives Canada/Wikimedia CommonsThe Quebec Bridge collapsed twice in Canada. The first time, it was in 1907, and the second time, it happened in 1916. This disaster is known to have killed as many as 88-89 workers.It was the largest Cantilever bridge in Canada and around the world. When the bridge collapsed in 1907, there were workers who were working on the Cantilever arm, and almost 55 people were reported dead, either because of the falling debris or due to drowning.It was a big disaster for them, and they thought they had learned their lesson. So, they decided to build the bridge again. The second time, they used lower chords for the Cantilevers, and they were much stronger than before.Yet again, disaster struck in 1916 and the central span of the bridge crumbled down. This time, it killed 13 workers.3. Titanic – The Fall of The Mighty ShipSource: F.G.O. Stuart/Wikimedia CommonsTitanic is one of the most well-known engineering disasters in the world that claimed the lives of more than 1500 people onboard. Titanic was a passenger ship that took its first journey from Southampton and was supposed to go to New York in April of 1912.This British ship is known to have sunk after its collision with an iceberg. It is also considered an engineering failure because according to the tests on the several rivets, they were made up of very low-quality iron.Therefore, after a huge impact of the iceberg, it fell apart. It might be one of the biggest reasons that led to the sinking of the Titanic.Another fault that was discovered later was that the sixteen compartments that were watertight were connected near the ceiling and were not individually sealed.4. The Nuclear Plant Explosion in Chernobyl – The Explosion That Affected GenerationsSource: Carl Montgomery/Wikimedia CommonsIn 1986, nuclear reactors failed and led to a series of explosions and radioactive fallout. As many as 64 people died on the spot as a result of this engineering disaster.However, almost 30,000 people suffered from premature deaths due to cancer. This disaster occurredbecause of a flawed design of the reactor and the people operating it were not trained properly.In 2011, this site was declared as a tourist attraction.5. The Collapse of The Charles De Gaulle Airport – An Engineering Failure PersonifiedSource: Eduardo Manchon/Wikimedia CommonsThe Charles de Gaulle airport disaster reflects one of the biggest engineering failures. The airport was inaugurated in May 2004, and soon after, a huge portion of the roof of Terminal 2E collapsed.Due to the collapse, 4 people died immediately and 3 people incurred heavy injuries. Later, when the place was examined, experts did not find any fault.However, when the inquiry team did a thorough check, they found that the roof was not strong enough to hold heavy metal pillars. After this disaster, they reconstructed the terminal which cost them as much as $120 million.The airport was reopened in 2008.6. The Disaster of The St. Francis Dam – A Failure of Epic ProportionsSource: Stearns, H.T. USGS/Wikimedia CommonsThe St. Francis Dam was built in order to meet the demands of Los Angeles that were expanding rapidly around the mid-1920s. In order to build the dam, an American-Irish civil engineer, William Mulholland was hired.He made the design himself and built the dam alongside the LA Aqueduct. Mulholland is known to have designed the dam himself and also to have overseen the entire construction himself.There were warnings of leakage and cracks in the dam after 2 years. But Mulholland ignored them all.Finally, in 1928, the dam burst 2 hours after his inspection and killed over 450 people.7. The Collapse of The Tacoma Bridge – The Failing of The CenturyIn the year 1940, the Tacoma Bridge in Washington collapsed. In November of 1940, there were strong winds of the speed 40 mph in that area.This led to a significant oscillation of the bridge. Although the towers of the bridge were made up of strong carbon steel, they failed to protect it against the violent movements made by the heavy wind.Ultimately, it led to the collapse of the bridge. Fortunately, there were no people around the bridge who died in this disaster except for a dog. Nevertheless, the mishap led to a loss of $6.4 million.8. The Steamboat Explosion in The SS Sultana – When Negligence Leads to DisasterSource: Unknown/Wikimedia CommonsSS Sultana was engineered in the city of Cincinnati and had a usual sail on the rivers of Mississippi and Ohio. The steamboat boasted of highly advanced safety equipment that was available in those times.In 1865, the steamboat was carrying almost 2300 passengers that included the crew, the civilians, and the prisoners of war.The disaster happened when 3 out of the 4 boilers of Sultana exploded and the steamboat sunk almost 7 miles from Memphis. The estimated death toll was somewhere between 1500-1800 passengers.According to the investigation, it was found that Sultana was overloaded, which made the disaster worse. Moreover, it was also reported that the leakage of the 4 boilers started a few days before the catastrophe and the repair was dubious.9. The Disaster of The Space Shuttle Challenger – When Structural Failure Leads to Big LossesThe NASA Space Shuttle Challenger disaster took place on January 28, 1986, when the shuttle broke apart precisely 73 seconds into flight. The disaster killed 7 astronauts who were on board.The entire event was shown live on the television.After the investigation, it was found that the space shuttle’s external fuel had collapsed, which released all the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants. The mixing of these chemicals led to ignition and broke off the tank.The shuttle orbiter thus couldn’t tolerate the aerodynamic forces without the tank and the boosters, resulting in breaking off of other components and ultimately death of all the onboard astronauts.10. The Air France Concorde Flight Crash – The Crashing of a Mighty AirlinerThe Concorde flight of Air France on 25th July 2000 crashed soon after its take-off from the Charles De Gaulle International Airport. It killed 113 people in total.The disaster happened because of one of its tires that were cut during take-off by a metal strip debris that was lying on the runway. It ruptured the tire that was struck under the wing and led to a chained reaction which ended in a crash.After an investigation, it was found that Concorde was more prone to such disasters resulting from the explosion of tires as compared to other types of aircraft. After the accident, many modifications were made to the original design of airplanes.This accident also led to the end of the Supersonic Airliner, and three years later, Concorde also stopped running.11. The Atlantic Telegraph Cable Failure – When the Engineering Failure Is Related to Spooky ActivitiesSource: Unknown/Wikimedia CommonsWhen compared to some of the other disasters in this list, the Atlantic telegraph cable failure can be considered as merely an engineering inconvenience. Brunel’s Great Eastern laid out this cable across the Atlantic, but the engineers on board faced many problems in addition to those faced by our Victorian predecessors.They claimed that the cable wires “were bewitched” and that fresh faults could take place anytime without warning.12. The Gretna Rail Disaster – Carelessness Claims LivesSource: Unknown/Wikimedia CommonsMay 1915 saw one of the worst rail disasters that have ever happened in British history. This tragedy killed more than 226 people, but a definitive number or list of victims was never established.After an investigation, it was found that the reason behind the disaster, as expected, was human error.It was not a concrete engineering failure, but the events unfolded due to ignorance and carelessness of the engineers.13. The Gas Explosion in Cleveland, East Ohio – Poisonous Gases Claiming Innocent LivesOn 20th October 1944, a gas explosion took place in Cleveland, Ohio. It happened when a storage tank consisting of Liquified Natural Gas leaked.During that time, it was quite common to keep such storage tanks above the ground, and that was precisely the case here too. What happened next was a series of explosions and fires that claimed the lives of 130 people.It happened when the liquefied gas leaked into the sewer lines and mixed with the sewer gas and air. Thereafter, it ignited and resulted in a catastrophe that caused a substantial dent on the natural gas industry. Later, industries started storing their tanks below the ground.14. The Walkway Collapse in The Hyatt Regency Hotel – When the Sky Falls DownSource: Dr. Lee Lowery, Jr., P.E./Wikimedia CommonsOn 17th July 1981 in Kansas City, two vertical walkways collapsed in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The walkways fell down and claimed the lives of 114 people.In 1981, this structural collapse was considered the deadliest in the history of America. On further investigation, they found pretty serious flaws in the designs of both the walkways.Moreover, the engineers who had initially worked on designing the walkways and approving them were convicted of misconduct and gross negligence. They even lost their engineering license.15. The Disaster of Space Shuttle Columbia – Consequences of Neglecting the ChallengesThe Space Shuttle Columbia killed a crew of 7 astronauts on 1st February 2003. It disintegrated when reentering the Earth’s atmosphere. On further investigation, it was deduced that during the launch of the space shuttle, a small piece of foam insulation had broken from the shuttle.It had hit the left wing of the space shuttle and damaged the protective tiles that are responsible for protecting the shuttle during its reentry into the earth’s atmosphere from the massive onslaught of heat. Due to the damage, when the space shuttle re-entered the earth’s atmosphere, the tiles failed and caused a rapid chain of events that finally disintegrated the shuttle.16. The Pennsylvanian Johnstown Flood – One Mistake Can Cost You A Whole TownIn 1889, Johnstown was a very prosperous town in Pennsylvania. It was popular for steel production. However, in the same year, heavy rains and a failure caused by the neglection of a dam resulted in a disaster.This catastrophe almost completely wiped off Johnstown and a total of 2209 deaths were reported soon after. It was later found out that the South Fork Dam was quite poorly maintained and when there was a tremendous amount of pressure from Lake Conemaugh, the dam crumbled.A massive flood ensued which is now referred to as the “Great Flood of 1889.” Not just this, but property damage of nearly $17 million was also estimated at that time.17. The Banqiao Dam Failure in China – The Unbreakable BreaksIn 1975, the Banqiao Dam in China failed and was considered as one of the worst engineering disasters that time. This dam is largely a forgotten legacy now, but in 1975, it was named the “iron dam” and was well-known as an unbreakable engineering wonder.However, disaster struck and claimed the lives of an unprecedented 230,000 people in the calamity. Furthermore, at least 11 million people were forced to relocate post the catastrophe. This disaster also resulted in a staggering economic loss that cost the country $1.6 billion.The reasons for the toppling of the dam can be attributed to poor design as well as maintenance, unsafe construction, the typhoon Nina and an excessive construction of dams in that region.18. The Bhopal Disaster – The Disaster That Still ContinuesSource: Julian Nitzsche/Wikimedia CommonsThe Bhopal gas tragedy took place in the year 1984 when toxic gas was released at a pesticide plant of Union Carbide in Bhopal, India. This disaster resulted in the immediate death of 2259 people, and more than 11,000 deaths followed after the catastrophe.The disaster took place when more than 42 tons of Methyl Isocyanate got contaminated with water and caused an exothermic reaction. According to a government affidavit released in 2006, this tragedy resulted in 558,125 injuries from which 3900 people suffered from permanently disabling injuries.Even 34 years after this horrific disaster took place, the lands in Bhopal are toxic to humans as well as animals.19. The Apollo 13 Disaster – Prepare for The WorstSource: NASA/Wikimedia CommonsThe Apollo 13 disaster is quite popular as it resulted in two iconic Hollywood films. This crippled flight to the moon took place in 1970. An oxygen tank on Apollo 13 exploded merely two days after its launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on 11th April 1970.This explosion caused massive hardship to the crew members as they suffered from limited power, lack of potable water, loss of cabin heat and much more. However, they managed to return to earth on 17th April safely.20. The Vasa Disaster – Overconfidence KillsSource: Jorge Láscar/Wikimedia CommonsThe Vasa was Sweden’s move to impress the world with its new ship in 1626. It boasted of 64 canons that could fire at least 650 pounds of ammunition just from one side, and the ship was 226 feet in length.However, despite the bold statements and the bated breaths, Vasa did not even manage to escape from the Stockholm harbor the moment it sailed in 1628. It was awkward and top-heavy after encountering wind that was only a nautical mile from the port, it sank.21. The Apollo 1 Disaster in 1967 – Take Heed of The WarningsSource: NASA/Wikimedia CommonsThree astronauts died when a fire broke out in the midst of a preflight test in 1967. The incident happened due to the neglect of the crew members who struck off possible signs of an impending catastrophe.Several years after the failure, NASA even halted the program entirely. The command module of the craft ruptured as the fire created problems.Had the astronauts taken heed of the warning signs such as the strange odor, the disaster could have been deflected.22. The Disaster of Boston Molasses – Some Disasters Happen Without SignsSource: BPL/Wikimedia CommonsIn Boston, a large tank of molasses collapsed at 529 Commercial Street. According to witnesses, they heard loud rumbling sounds, similar to that of a machine gun at the time of the collapse and the ground continually shook as if there were a train passing by.The rivets were also reported to be shooting out of the tank. This wave of Molasses was so enormous that it could have lifted a train right off its tracks.This disaster also resulted in the crushing of the foundations of the nearby buildings. It claimed 21 lives and 150 people were reported injured.23. The Skylab Disaster – When the Loss Is in BillionsSkylab that weighed 75 metric tons was launched on May 14th, 1973. It sustained severe damage during the launch, and one of the more severe damages was the loss of its primary solar panels and the micrometeoroid shield/sunshade of the station.The matter was further complicated due to the debris of lost micrometeoroid shield. This resulted in pinning the rest of the solar panels to the station’s side.This prevented the deployment of Skylab and caused an exorbitant cost of $3.6 billion to be incurred by the orbiting space station.Bottom LineThe field of engineering has no doubt simplified our lives and created some unmistakable achievements in human history. However, there have also been plenty of engineering flaws that have caused unforgettable disasters due to carelessness, underestimations, negligence and insufficient knowledge.Rest assured, all these unthinkable tragedies have left the new generation of engineers more cautious than ever!

NDA examination is conducted twice a year by UPSC. Basic requirements as obtained from UPSC website:CONDITIONS OF ELIGIBILITY :(a) Nationality : A candidate must either be :(i) a citizen of India, or(ii) a subject of Bhutan, or(iii) a subject of Nepal, or(iv) a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before the 1st January, 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or(v) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka and East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire and Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.Provided that a candidate belonging to categories (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) above shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.Certificate of eligibility will not, however, be necessary in the case of candidates who are Gorkha subjects of Nepal.(b) Age Limits, Sex and Marital Status :Only unmarried male candidates of age between 16-1/2 - 19–1/2 are eligible. (Confirm the exact dates on UPSC website: UPSC)The date of birth accepted by the Commission is that entered in the Matriculation or Secondary School Leaving Certificate or in a certificate recognised by an Indian University as equivalent to Matriculation or in an extract from a Register of Matriculates maintained by a University which must be certified by the proper authority of the University or in the Higher Secondary or an equivalent examination certificates. These certificates are required to be submitted only after the declaration of the result of the written part of the examination. No other document relating to age like horoscopes, affidavits, birth extracts from Municipal Corporation, service records and the like will be accepted. The expression Matriculation/Higher Secondary Examination Certificate in this part of the instruction includes the alternative certificates mentioned above.NOTE 1 : Candidates should note that only the date of birth as recorded in the Matriculation/Higher Secondary Examination Certificate available or an equivalent certificate on the date of submission of applications will be accepted by the Commission and no subsequent request for its change will be considered or granted.NOTE 2 : Candidates should also note that once a date of birth has been claimed by them and entered in the records of the Commission for the purpose of admission to an Examination, no change will be allowed subsequently or at any subsequent examination on any ground whatsoever.NOTE 3 : The candidates should exercise due care while entering their date of birth in the respective column of the Online Application Form for the Examination. If on verification at any subsequent stage any variation is found in their date of birth from the one entered in their Matriculation or equivalent Examination certificate, disciplinary action will be taken against them by the Commission under the Rules.NOTE 4 : Candidates must undertake not to marry until they complete their full training. A candidate who marries subsequent to the date of his application though successful at this or any subsequent Examination will not be selected for training. A candidate who marries during training shall be discharged and will be liable to refund all expenditure incurred on him by the Government.(c) Educational Qualifications:(i) For Army Wing of National Defence Academy :—12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.(ii) For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy :—12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics conducted by a State Education Board or a University.Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination can also apply for this examination.Such candidates who qualify the SSB interview but could not produce Matriculation/10+2 or equivalent certificate in original at the time of SSB interview should forward duly self-attested Photocopies to ‘Directorate General of Recruiting, Army HQ, West Block.III, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110066’ and for Naval Academy candidates to ‘Naval Headquarters, DMPR, OI&R Section, Room No. 204, ‘C’ Wing, Sena Bhavan, New Delhi-110011’ by date mentioned in the respective advertisement failing which their candidature will be cancelled. All other candidates who have produced their Matriculation and 10+2 pass or equivalent certificates in original at the time of attending the SSB interview and have got the same verified by the SSB authorities are not required to submit the same to Army HQ or Naval HQ as the case may be. Certificates in original issued by the Principals of the Institutions are also acceptable in cases where Boards/Universities have not yet issued certificates. Certified true copies/photostate copies of such certificates will not be accepted. In exceptional cases the Commission may treat a candidate, who does not possess any of the qualifications prescribed in this rule as educationally qualified provided that he possesses qualifications, the standard of which in the opinion of the Commission, justifies his admission to the examination.NOTE 1 : Candidates appearing in the 11th class exam are not eligible for this examination.NOTE 2 : Those candidates who have yet to qualify in the 12th class or equivalent examination and are allowed to appear in the UPSC Examination should note that this is only a special concession given to them. They are required to submit proof of passing the 12th class or equivalent examination by the prescribed date (i.e. 24th June, 2017) and no request for extending this date will be entertained on the grounds of late conduct of Board/University Examination, delay in declaration of results or any other ground whatsoever.NOTE 3 : Candidates who are debarred by the Ministry of Defence from holding any type of Commission in the Defence Services shall not be eligible for admission to the examination and if admitted, their candidature will be cancelled.NOTE 4 : Those candidates who have failed INSB/PABT earlier are not eligible for Air Force.(d) A candidate who has resigned or withdrawn on disciplinary grounds from any of the training academies of Armed Forces is not eligible to apply.(e) Physical Standards:Candidates must be physically fit according to physical standards for admission to National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination as per the following guidelines:GUIDELINES FOR PHYSICAL STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION TO THE NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY.NOTE : CANDIDATES MUST BE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY FIT ACCORDING TO THE PRESCRIBED PHYSICAL STANDARDS. THE GUIDELINES FOR THE SAME ARE GIVEN BELOW.A NUMBER OF QUALIFIED CANDIDATES ARE REJECTED SUBSEQUENTLY ON MEDICAL GROUNDS. CANDIDATES ARE THEREFORE ADVISED IN THEIR OWN INTEREST TO GET THEMSELVES MEDICALLY EXAMINED BEFORE SUBMITTING THEIR APPLICATIONS TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT AT THE FINAL STAGE.Candidates are also advised to rectify minor defects/ailments in order to speed up finalisation of medical examination conducted at the Military Hospital after being recommended at the SSB.Few of such commonly found defects/ailments are listed below :(a) Wax (Ears)(b) Deviated Nasal Septum(c) Hydrocele/Phimosis(d) Overweight/Underweight(e) Under Sized Chest(f) Piles(g) Gynaecomastia(h) Tonsillitis(i) VaricoceleNOTE : Permanent body tattoos are only permitted on inner face of forearm i.e. from inside of elbow to the wrist and on the reverse side of palm/back (dorsal) side of hand/Permanent body tattoos on any other part of the body are not acceptable and candidates will be barred from further selection. Tribes with tattoo marks on the face or body as per their existing custom and traditions will be permitted on a case to case basis. Comdt Selection Centre will be competent auth for clearing such cases.Civilian candidates appearing for all types of commission in the Armed Forces will be entitled to out-patients treatment from service sources at public expense for injuries sustained or diseases contracted during the course of their examination by the Selection Board. They will also be entitled to in-patient treatment at public expense in the Officer’s ward of a hospital provided—(a) the injury is sustained during the tests or,(b) the disease is contracted during the course of the examination by selection board and there is no suitable accommodation in local civil hospital or it is impracticable to remove the patient to the civil hospital; or,(c) the medical board requires the candidate’s admission for observation.NOTE : They are not entitled to special nursing.A candidate recommended by the Services Selection Board will undergo a medical examination by a Board of Service Medical Officers. Only those candidates will be admitted to the academy who are declared fit by the Medical Board. The proceedings of the Medical Board are confidential and will not be divulged to anyone. However, the candidates declared unfit will be intimated by the President of the Medical Board and the procedure for request for an Appeal Medical Board will also be intimated to the candidate. Candidates declared unfit during Appeal Medical Board will be intimated about the provision of Review Medical Board.(a) The candidate must be in good physical and mental health and free from any disease/disability which is likely to interfere with the efficient performance of Military duties.(b) There should be no evidence of weak constitution, bodily defects or underweight. The Candidate should not be overweight or obese.(c) The minimum acceptable height is 157 cms(162.5 cms. for Air Force). For Gorkhas and individuals belonging to hills of North-Eastern regions of India, Garhwal and Kumaon, the minimum acceptable heights will be 5 cms. less. In case of candidates from Lakshadweep the minimum acceptable height can be reduced by 2 cms. Height and weight standards are given below :HEIGHT/WEIGHT STANDARDS FOR ARMY/AIR FORCETABLE-IHEIGHT/WEIGHT STANDARDS FOR NAVYTABLE-II“Individual’s weight is considered normal if it is within ±10% departure from average weight given in the table I and II”. However, in individuals with heavy bones and broad build as well as individuals with thin build but otherwise healthy this may be relaxed to some extent on merit.NOTE 1 : Height relaxable upto 2.5 cm. (5 cm. for Navy) may be allowed where the Medical Board certifies that the candidate is likely to grow and come up to the required standard on completion of his training.NOTE 2 : To meet special requirement as a pilot in the Air Force the acceptable measurements of leg length, thigh length and sitting height will be as under :(d) Chest should be well developed. Fully expanded chest should not be less than 81 cms. The minimum range of expansion after full inspiration should be 5 cms. The measurement will be taken with a tape so adjusted that its lower edge should touch the nipple in front and the upper part of the tape should touch the lower angle of the shoulder blades behind. X-Ray of the chest is compulsory and will be taken to rule out any disease of the chest.(e) There should be no maldevelopment or impairment of function of the bones or joint.Spinal Conditions-(f) Past medical history of diseases or injury of the spine or sacro iliac joints, either with or without objective signs which have prevented the candidate from successfully following a physically active life, is a cause for rejection for commissioning in IAF. History of spinal fracture/prolapsed intervertebral disc and surgical treatment for these conditions will entail rejection. The following conditions detected radiologically during medical exam will disqualify a candidate for Air Force service:(i) Granulomatous disease of spine(ii) Arthritidies/spondylosis— Rheumatoid arthritis and allied disorders— Ankylosing spondylitis— Osteoarthrosis, spondylosis and degenerative joint disease— Non articular rheumatism (e.g. lesions of the rotator cuff, tennis elbow, recurrent lumbago etc.)— Miscellaneous disorders including SLE, , polymyositis, vasculitis.(iii) Spondylolisthesis/spondylolysis.(iv) Compression fracture of vertebrae.(v) Scheuerman's disease (Adolescent kyphosis)(vi) Loss of cervical lordosis when associated with clinically restricted movements of cervical spine.(vii) Unilateral/Bilateral cervical ribs with demonstrable neurological or circulatory deficit.(viii) Scoliosis more than 15 degree as measured by Cobb's method.(ix) Degenerative Disc. Disease.(x) Presence of schmorl's nodes at more than one level.(xi) Atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial anomalies.(xii) Hemi vertebrae and/or incomplete block (fused) vertebrae at any level in cervical, dorsal or lumbar spine and complete block (fused) vertebrae at more than one level in cervical or dorsal spine.(xiii) Unilateral Sacralisation or lumbarisation (Complete or incomplete) at all levels and bilateral incomplete sacralisation or lumbarisation.(xiv) Any other abnormality if so considered by the specialist.(g) Mild Kyphosis or Lordosis where deformity is barely noticeable and there is no pain or restriction of movement will not preclude acceptance.(h) In case of noticeable Scoliosis or suspicion of any other abnormality or spinal deformity, more than mild, appropriate X-rays of the spine are to be taken and the Examinee referred for specialist’s advice.(i) The following conditions detected on X-ray examination will be disqualifying for entry to Armed Forces :(i) Granulomatius disease of spine.(ii) Arthritidies/spondylosis(iii) Scoliosis more than 15 degree as measured by Cobb’s Method (10 degree for Army and Navy).(iv) More than mild Kyphosis/Lordosis(v) Spondylolisthesis/Spondylosis/Spondylolysis(vi) Herniated nucleus pulposes.(vii) Compression fracture of Vertebra.(viii) Sacaralisation Disease(ix) Cervical ribs with demonstrable neurological or Circulatory deficit.(x) Presence of Schmorl’s node at more than one level.(xi) Atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial anomalies.(xii) Incomplete Sacaralisation Unilateral or Bilateral(xiii) Spina Bifida other than SV 1 and LV 5 if completely Sacralised(xiv) Any other abnormality, if so considered by specialist.(j) A candidate should have no past history of mental breakdown or fits.(k) The hearing should be normal. A candidate should be able to hear a forced whisper with each ear at a distance of 610 cms. in a quiet room. There should be no evidence of present or past disease of the ear, nose and throat. Audiometric test will be done for AF. Audiometric hearing loss should not be greater than 20 db in frequencies between 250 and 8000 Hz. There is no impediment of speech.(l) There should be no signs of functional or organic disease of the heart and blood vessels. Blood pressure should be normal.(m) There should be no enlargement of liver or spleen. Any evidence of disease of internal organs of the abdomen will be a cause for rejection.(n) Un-operated hernias will make a candidate unfit. In case of Hernia which has been operated, a minimum of 6 months must have passed prior to final medical examination before commencement of the course.(o) There should be no hydrocele, varicocele or piles.(p) Urine examination will be done and any abnormality if detected will be a cause for rejection.(q) Any disease of skin which is likely to cause disability or disfigurement will also be a cause for rejection.(r) Visual standards:- The distance vision (corrected) should be 6/6 in better eye and 6/9 in worse eye. Myopia should not be more than 2.5 D and hypermetropia not more than 3.5 D including Astigmatism. Internal examination of the eye will be done by means of opthalmoscope to rule out any disease of the eye. A candidate must have good binocular vision. The colour vision standard will be (CP-III) for Army. A candidate should be able to recognise red and green colours. Candidates will be required to give certificates that neither he nor any member of his family has suffered from congenital night blindness. Candidates who have undergone or have the evidence of having undergone Radial Keratotomy, to improve the visual acuity will be permanently rejected for all the Services. Candidates who have undergone Laser Surgery for correction of refractive error are also not acceptable to defence services.Vision standard for Naval candidatesVisual Standards for Air ForceCandidates who habitually wear spectacles are not eligible for Air Force, Minimum distant vision 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other, correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia. Colour vision CP-I Hypermetropia : +2.0 D Sph Manifest Myopia : Nil Retinoscopic Myopia : 0.5 in any Meridian permitted Astigmatism : + 0.75 D Cyl (within + 2.0 D.Max) Maddox Rod TestHand held Stereoscope–All of BSV grades Convergence–Up to 10 cm Cover test for distant and near–Lateral divergence/convergence recovery rapid and complete Radial Keratotomy, Photo Refractive Keratotomy/laser in Situ, Keratomileusis (PRK/LASIK) surgeries for correction of refractive errors are not permitted for any Air Force duties. Candidates having undergone cataract surgery with or without IOL implants will also be declared unfit.Binocular vision must possess good binocular vision (fusion and stereopsis with good amplitude and depth).Candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery are not considered fit for permanent commission in flying branch in IAF.(s) USG abdomen examination will be carried out and any congential structural anomaly or disease of the abdominal organs will be a cause for rejection in Armed Forces.(t) The candidates should have sufficient number of natural and sound teeth. A minimum of 14 dental points will be acceptable. When 32 teeth are present, the total dental points are 22. A candidate should not be suffering from severe pyorrhoea.(u) Routine ECG for Air Force candidates must be within normal limits.(v) Physical conditioning : Prospective candidates are advised to keep themselves in good physical condition, by following the undermentioned routine :—(a) Running 2.4 km in 15 minutes(b) Skipping(c) Pushups and sit ups (minimum 20 each)(d) Chin ups (minimum 08)(e) Rope climbing 3-4 metres.ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE RESULTS OF THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION, INTERVIEW OF QUALIFIED CANDIDATES, ANNOUNCEMENT OF FINAL RESULTS AND ADMISSION TO THE TRAINING COURSES OF THE FINALLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES :The Union Public Service Commission shall prepare a list of candidates who obtain the minimum qualifying marks in the written examination as fixed by the Commission at their discretion. Such candidates shall appear before a Services Selection Board for Intelligence and Personality Test where candidates for the Army/Navy wings of the NDA and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of Indian Naval Academy will be assessed on Officers Potentiality and those for the Air Force in Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) and Pilot Aptitude Test (which forms the whole PAB Test) and for Officers Potentiality. PABT applicable to candidates with Air Force as First choice would also be conducted for all SSB qualified candidates with one of the choice as Air Force subject to their eligibility and if they are so willing.TWO-STAGE SELECTION PROCEDURETwo-stage selection procedure based on Psychological Aptitude Test and Intelligence Test has been introduced at Selection Centres/Air Force Selection Boards/Naval Selection Boards. All the candidates will be put to stage-one test on first day of reporting at Selection Centres/Air Force Selection Boards/Naval Selection Boards. Only those candidates who qualify at stage one will be admitted to the second stage/remaining tests. Those candidates who qualify stage II will be required to submit the Original Certificates along with one photocopy each of : (i) Original Matriculation pass certificate or equivalent in support of date of birth, (ii) Original 10+2 pass certificate or equivalent in support of educational qualification.Candidates who appear before the Services Selection Board and undergo the test there, will do so at their own risk and will not be entitled to claim any compensation or other relief from Government in respect of any injury which they may sustain in the course of or as a result of any of the tests given to them at the Services Selection Board whether due to the negligence of any person or otherwise. Parents or guardians of the candidates will be required to sign a certificate to this effect.To be acceptable, candidates for the Army/Navy/Naval Academy and Air Force should secure the minimum qualifying marks separately in (i) Written examination as fixed by the Commission at their discretion and (ii) Officer Potentiality Test as fixed by the Services Selection Board at their discretion.Over and above candidates for the Air Force, and all the SSB qualified candidates as per their willingness, eligibility and preference for Air Force, should separately qualify the PABT.Subject to these conditions the qualified candidates will then be placed in a single combined list on the basis of total marks secured by them in the Written Examination and the Services Selection Board Tests. The final allocation/selection for admission to the Army, Navy, Air Force of the National Defence Academy and 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme of Indian Naval Academy will be made upto the number of vacancies available subject to eligibility, medical fitness and merit-cum-preference of the candidates. The candidates who are eligible to be admitted to multiple Services/Courses will be considered for allocation/selection with reference to their order or preferences and in the event of their final allocation/ selection to one Service/Course, they will not be considered for admission to other remaining Services/Courses.N.B.: EVERY CANDIDATE FOR THE AIR FORCE IS GIVEN COMPUTERISED PILOT SELECTION SYSTEM (CPSS) AND PILOT APTITUDE TEST (WHICH FORMS THE WHOLE PAB TEST) ONLY ONCE. THE GRADE SECURED BY HIM AT THE FIRST TEST WILL THEREFORE HOLD GOOD FOR EVERY SUBSEQUENT INTERVIEW HE HAS WITH THE AIR FORCE SELECTION BOARD. A CANDIDATE WHO FAILS IN THE FIRST PILOT APTITUDE TEST CANNOT APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO THE NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY EXAMINATION FOR THE AIR FORCE WING OR GENERAL DUTIES (PILOT) BRANCH OR NAVAL AIR ARM.Candidates who have been given the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) and Pilot Aptitude Test (which forms the whole PAB Test) for any previous N.D.A. course should submit their application for this examination for the Air Force Wing only if they have been notified as having qualified in the Pilot Aptitude Test.The form and manner of communication of the result of the examination to individual candidates shall be decided by the Commission at their discretion and the Commission will not enter into correspondence with them regarding the result.Success in the examination confers no right of admission to the Academy. A candidate must satisfy the appointing authority that he is suitable in all respects for admission to the Academy.THOROUGH MEDICAL EXAMINATION WILL BE CONDUCTED FOR THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES AFTER SSB INTERVIEW AND BEFORE DECLARING THE FINAL RESULT.SCHEME OF EXAMINATION1. The subjects of the written examination, the time allowed and the maximum marks allotted to each subject will be as follows :—2. THE PAPERS IN ALL THE SUBJECTS WILL CONSIST OF OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS ONLY. THE QUESTION PAPERS (TEST BOOKLETS) OF MATHEMATICS AND PART “B” OF GENERAL ABILITY TEST WILL BE SET BILINGUALLY IN HINDI AS WELL AS ENGLISH.3. In the question papers, wherever necessary, questions involving the metric system of Weights and Measures only will be set.4. Candidates must write the papers in their own hand. In no circumstances will they be allowed the help of a scribe to write answers for them.5. The Commission have discretion to fix qualifying marks in any or all the subjects at the examination.6. The candidates are not permitted to use calculator or Mathematical or logarithmic table for answering objective type papers (Test Booklets). They should not therefore, bring the same inside the Examination Hall.B. SYLLABUS OF THE EXAMINATIONPAPER-IMATHEMATICS(Code No. 01)(Maximum Marks-300)1. ALGEBRAConcept of set, operations on sets, Venn diagrams. De Morgan laws, Cartesian product, relation, equivalence relation. Representation of real numbers on a line. Complex numbers—basic properties, modulus, argument, cube roots of unity. Binary system of numbers. Conversion of a number in decimal system to binary system and vice-versa. Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations with real coefficients. Solution of linear inequations of two variables by graphs. Permutation and Combination. Binomial theorem and its applications. Logarithms and their applications.2. MATRICES AND DETERMINANTS :Types of matrices, operations on matrices. Determinant of a matrix, basic properties of determinants. Adjoint and inverse of a square matrix, Applications-Solution of a system of linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer’s rule and by Matrix Method.3. TRIGONOMETRY :Angles and their measures in degrees and in radians. Trigonometrical ratios. Trigonometric identities Sum and difference formulae. Multiple and Sub-multiple angles. Inverse trigonometric functions. Applications-Height and distance, properties of triangles.4. ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY OF TWO AND THREE DIMENSIONS:Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system. Distance formula. Equation of a line in various forms. Angle between two lines. Distance of a point from a line. Equation of a circle in standard and in general form. Standard forms of parabola, ellipse and hyperbola. Eccentricity and axis of a conic. Point in a three dimensional space, distance between two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation two points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation of a plane and a line in various forms. Angle between two lines and angle between two planes. Equation of a sphere.5. DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS :Concept of a real valued function–domain, range and graph of a function. Composite functions, one to one, onto and inverse functions. Notion of limit, Standard limits—examples. Continuity of functions—examples, algebraic operations on continuous functions. Derivative of function at a point, geometrical and physical interpretation of a derivative—applications. Derivatives of sum, product and quotient of functions, derivative of a function with respect to another function, derivative of a composite function. Second order derivatives. Increasing and decreasing functions. Application of derivatives in problems of maxima and minima.6. INTEGRAL CALCULUS AND DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS :Integration as inverse of differentiation, integration by substitution and by parts, standard integrals involving algebraic expressions, trigonometric, exponential and hyperbolic functions. Evaluation of definite integrals—determination of areas of plane regions bounded by curves— applications. Definition of order and degree of a differential equation, formation of a differential equation by examples. General and particular solution of a differential equations, solution of first order and first degree differential equations of various types—examples. Application in problems of growth and decay.7. VECTOR ALGEBRA :Vectors in two and three dimensions, magnitude and direction of a vector. Unit and null vectors, addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of a vector, scalar product or dot product of two vectors. Vector product or cross product of two vectors. Applications—work done by a force and moment of a force and in geometrical problems.8. STATISTICS AND PROBABILITY :Statistics : Classification of data, Frequency distribution, cumulative frequency distribution—examples. Graphical representation—Histogram, Pie Chart, frequency polygon—examples. Measures of Central tendency—Mean, median and mode. Variance and standard deviation—determination and comparison. Correlation and regression.Probability : Random experiment, outcomes and associated sample space, events, mutually exclusive and exhaustive events, impossible and certain events. Union and Intersection of events. Complementary, elementary and composite events. Definition of probability—classical and statistical— examples. Elementary theorems on probability—simple problems. Conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem—simple problems. Random variable as function on a sample space. Binomial distribution, examples of random experiments giving rise to Binominal distribution.PAPER-IIGENERAL ABILITY TEST(Code No. 02)(Maximum Marks—600)Part ‘A’—ENGLISH (Maximum Marks—200)The question paper in English will be designed to test the candidate’s understanding of English and workman like use of words. The syllabus covers various aspects like : Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion in extended text to test the candidate’s proficiency in English.Part ‘B’—GENERAL KNOWLEDGE (Maximum Marks—400)The question paper on General Knowledge will broadly cover the subjects : Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events.- The syllabus given below is designed to indicate the scope of these subjects included in this paper. The topics mentioned are not to be regarded as exhaustive and questions on topics of similar nature not specifically mentioned in the syllabus may also be asked. Candidate’s answers are expected to show their knowledge and intelligent understanding of the subject.Section ‘A’ (Physics)Physical Properties and States of Matter, Mass, Weight, Volume, Density and Specific Gravity, Principle of Archimedes, Pressure Barometer. Motion of objects, Velocity and Acceleration, Newton’s Laws of Motion, Force and Momentum, Parallelogram of Forces, Stability and Equilibrium of bodies, Gravitation, elementary ideas of work, Power and Energy.Effects of Heat, Measurement of Temperature and Heat, change of State and Latent Heat, Modes of transference of Heat. Sound waves and their properties, Simple musical instruments. Rectilinear propagation of Light, Reflection and refraction. Spherical mirrors and Lenses, Human Eye. Natural and Artificial Magnets, Properties of a Magnet, Earth as a Magnet. Static and Current Electricity, conductors and Non-conductors, Ohm’s Law, Simple Electrical Circuits, Heating, Lighting and Magnetic effects of Current, Measurement of Electrical Power, Primary and Secondary Cells, Use of X-Rays.General Principles in the working of the following:Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass; Lightening Conductors, Safety Fuses.Section ‘B’ (Chemistry)Physical and Chemical changes. Elements, Mixtures and Compounds, Symbols, Formulae and simple Chemical Equations, Law of Chemical Combination (excluding problems). Properties of Air and Water. Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbondioxide, Oxidation and Reduction. Acids, bases and salts. Carbon—different forms. Fertilizers—Natural and Artificial.Material used in the preparation of substances like Soap, Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches and Gun-Powder. Elementary ideas about the structure of Atom, Atomic Equivalent and Molecular Weights, Valency.Section ‘C’ (General Science)Difference between the living and non-living. Basis of Life—Cells, Protoplasms and Tissues. Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals. Elementary knowledge of Human Body and its important organs. Common Epidemics, their causes and prevention. Food—Source of Energy for man. Constituents of food, Balanced Diet. The Solar System—Meteors and Comets, Eclipses. Achievements of Eminent Scientists.Section ‘D’ (History, Freedom Movement etc.)A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on Culture and Civilisation. Freedom Movement in India. Elementary study of Indian Constitution and Administration. Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India. Panchayati Raj, Co-operatives and Community Development. Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare State, Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Forces shaping the modern world; Renaissance, Exploration and Discovery; War of American Independence. French Revolution, Industrial Revolution and Russian Revolution. Impact of Science and Technology on Society. Concept of one World, United Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy, Socialism and Communism. Role of India in the present world.Section ‘E’ (Geography)The Earth, its shape and size. Lattitudes and Longitudes, Concept of time. International Date Line. Movements of Earth and their effects. Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification; Weathering— Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and Volcanoes. Ocean Currents and Tides Atmosphere and its composition; Temperature and Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, Cyclones and Anti-cyclones; Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation; Types of Climate, Major Natural regions of the World. Regional Geography of India—Climate, Natural vegetation. Mineral and Power resources; location and distribution of agricultural and Industrial activities. Important Sea ports and main sea, land and air routes of India. Main items of Imports and Exports of India.Section ‘F’ (Current Events)Knowledge of Important events that have happened in India in the recent years. Current important world events. Prominent personalities—both Indian and International including those connected with cultural activities and sports.NOTE :Out of maximum marks assigned to part ‘B’ of this paper, questions on Sections ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘E’ and ‘F’ will carry approximately 25%, 15%, 10%, 20%, 20% and 10% weightages respectively.Intelligence and Personality TestThe SSB procedure consists of two stage Selection process - stage I and stage II. Only those candidates who clear the stage I are permitted to appear for stage II. The details are :(a) Stage I comprises of Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests are Picture Perception * Description Test (PP&DT). The candidates will be shortlisted based on combination of performance in OIR Test and PP&DT.(b) Stage II Comprises of Interview, Group Testing Officer Tasks, Psychology Tests and the Conference. These tests are conducted over 4 days. The details of these tests are given on the website Join Indian Army | Government of India.The personality of a candidate is assessed by three different assessors viz. The Interviewing Officer (IO), Group Testing Officer (GTO) and the Psychologist. There are no separate weightage for each test. The mks are allotted by assessors only after taking into consideration the performance of the candidate holistically in all the test. In addition, marks for Conference are also allotted based on the initial performance of the Candidate in the three techniques and decision of the Board. All these have equal weightage.The various tests of IO, GTO and Psych are designed to bring out the presence/absence of Officer Like Qualities and their trainability in a candidate. Accordingly candidates are Recommended or Not Recommended at the SSB.(For more details, check UPSC website: UPSC)SSB interview is the world's toughest army test and typically these TOP 15 OFFICER LIKE QUALITIES (OLQs) are tested during the entire interview process:Effective Intelligence.Reasoning Ability.Power of Expression.Self Confidence.Determination.Organizing Ability.Initiative.Courage.Cooperation.Sense of Responsibility.Stamina.Group Influencing Ability.Liveliness.Social Adaptability.Speed of Decision“Origin of this type of testing belongs to first world war era. In the First World War, large numbers of casualties on battlefields necessitated recruitment of best fighting talent in armed forces. For this need, psychologists designed some scientific tests which assess candidate's Officer Like Qualities (OLQs). Over the years SSB testing has been improved based on feedback and has been proved to be an effective and accurate way of selecting candidates who are capable of being at least an average officer after training.”

Please read Swarna Bharat Party's detailed policy on Justice systemEfficient and effective justice systemSwarna Bharat Party’s justice policyIn its 117th Report (1986), the Law Commission observed: “The Indian Judicial System is admittedly colonial in origin and imported in structure. Without even a semblance of change in the last four decades since independence, in its mode, method of work, designations, language, approach, method of resolving disputes, it has all the trappings of the system established by the foreign rulers.”All freedom must necessarily be bound by accountability. We are free to do what we please, so long as we do not harm others. The justice system ensures accountability. If we harm anyone, justice must be quick and proportionate so everyone involved can get on with their life. But today there are about 3.80 crore pendencies/arrears/backlogs and cases drag on for years altogether, depriving many citizens of justice and violating their fundamental rights to life and liberty.We will commission a first-principles review of the justice system, to report in two years. In the meanwhile, we will implement a suite of reforms, some of which are outlined below.1.1 An impeccably honest and high quality judiciaryOur judiciary must be above board and above suspicion. It is crucial that the judiciary be perceived to be absolutely honest, unbiased, and accountable. Unfortunately, influential people are able to manipulate the ‘justice’ system to avoid jail. Petitions of rich and influential people are heard within days (even hours), while matters related to the poor languish for years, often never being completed in an entire lifetime. Chief Justice P. Sathasivam of the Supreme Court has acknowledged in July 2013 that the judiciary is not untouched by corruption.[1] A strong stench of corruption is arising from the courts. Bribery and perjury have destroyed the roots of the justice system, making it less a justice system than a system of ‘match-fixing’.We will create systems to ensure an honest and unbiased judiciary.1.1.1 CRIME PUNISHABLE WITH DEATH TO BRIBE A JUDGE OR FOR A JUDGE TO TAKE A BRIBEBribing judges (and judges accepting bribes) is perhaps the worst of all crimes – since it can lead to the innocent being punished and the guilty going scot-free. There is no more heinous offender of liberty than a judge that is not impartial.We will make it a crime punishable by death to bribe any Sessions Judge, High Court Judge or Supreme Court, or for a judge to accept a bribe. Other – lower – judges too, shall be sternly punished, likewise.The government itself is a litigant in many cases and should be punished if it bribes the judiciary. A judge should receive only his salary and associated entitlements; no more. It will become a crime punishable by death of the relevant Chief Minister or Prime Minister for any government to give any additional pecuniary benefits to any judge – such as the allocation of government land at a subsidised cost – over and above the contractual amount.1.1.2 NON-DISCRETIONARY ENFORCEMENT OF PERJURY LAWSThe lackadaisical attitude of many judges towards perjury is a systemic abuse that is destroying the very foundations of the justice system. People submit false affidavits with impunity today, as judges do not seem to care. False statements and evidence are often recorded under the very nose of trial judges. ‘Witnesses’, who are bought, appear in multiple cases before the same judge, with impunity. As a result, only the honest now fear the judiciary. There is a deep sense of despair at the breakdown of the rule of law.We will legislate to require judges to mandatorily impose stiff penalties for perjury, with a minimum six month prison sentence. It will also become a criminal offence for judges to not penalise perjury. Repeat offenders – who are proven to have accepted false statements as true – will be cautioned through the senior courts and further failures will invite formal complaints and FIRs. Judges need to be held to account for the truth of any evidence they rely upon for a judgement.1.1.2.1 TRANSPARENCY IN THE APPOINTMENT AND TRANSFER OF JUDGESThe existing system of appointments to the superior judiciary, through a collegium of senior judges in High Courts and the Supreme Court suffers from perceived deficiencies in quality, being an in-house process.We will seek to discuss with the Supreme Court Chief Justice to identify and action any opportunities for improving the system of appointment of judges, including (if necessary) through reforms such as the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill and the Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill. A key to judicial appointments should be the deep held commitment of judges to liberty, including freedom of speech.NO ONE TO BECOME A JUDGE WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCE AS A LAWYERCurrently there is no minimum practice requirement for becoming a judge in the district courts. People can directly appear after their law degree for an exam to become a judge. We will seek advice from the Supreme Court regarding imposing a requirement of significant case practice as a necessary pre-condition to appear in the exam in order to become a judge.1.1.2.2 INDEPENDENT COMMISSION FOR REMUNERATION OF JUDGESWe believe that most judges are poorly paid today relative to their private practice capability, creating incentives for corruption. But any corruption in the judiciary is fatal to the purpose of a justice system. We will establish an independent commission for remuneration of judges to advice on a market-comparable compensation framework. The framework should include incentives for quality, accuracy and speed of judgements. Given the extreme significance of this matter, we intend to accept without any delay the recommendations of such a commission. The people of India cannot be penny-wise and pound-foolish in relation to such a critical requirement as justice.1.1.2.3 FREEDOM (JUSTICE) MINISTER TO BE PAID BASED ON QUALITY AND SPEED OF JUSTICEThe Justice Minister, like all Ministers, will be paid partly according to results. KPIs for the Minister would include targets for resolving the case backlog, as well as indicators of speed and quality.1.1.2.4 TRAINING TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY OF JUSTICEWithout a commensurate strengthening of training and orientation among judicial officers / judges and lawyers, a rapid increase in the number of judges can put a strain on the quality of judgements. We will significantly upgrade the existing training systems of judges with a focus not merely on any changes to the law, but on best practice court procedures, such as that:arguments should be heard soon after the close of evidence, as they take much less time than arguments advanced after a long interval (recommendation of the 77th Law Commission);trial courts judgments should be brief and not a show of learning, and yet deal with inconvenient contentions and crucial arguments by appraising the evidence, relevant statutory provisions and such authorities that have direct bearing;Order 17, Rule 1, CPC (which does not allow more than three adjournments) should be followed and dilatory tactics including frequent adjournments, delays in filing documents, delays in serving or evading service be firmly curbed;judgments should be pronounced within 30 days (Order 20, Rule 1, CPC) and decrees within 15 days; anda time limit should be enforced on unnecessary details, such as over-proving allegations or unduly prolix examinations and cross examinations of witnesses.1.1.2.5 INTERNAL REVIEW SYSTEM: ACCOUNTABILITY FOR TIMELY JUSTICEWe will discuss with the Supreme Court options to introduce an internal review system to deal with complaints against judges and any unnecessary delays by judges.1.2 Timely, efficient and effective delivery of justice1.2.1 RAPID DISPOSAL OF CASES OF UNDER-TRIAL PRISONERSIt is a shame that thousands of under-trials are in jail for over ten years without their guilt having been established. We will cause a review of all cases of under-trial prisoners. Except for alleged crimes against person, they will either be freed on bail or permanently released if the time they have served is more than half the maximum statutory sentence.1.2.2 SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF JUDGESIndia currently has a ratio of around 13.5 judges for every one million persons. In developed countries, there are 130-135 judges for every one million persons. A judge needs to go into the details of the evidence and the law before deciding a case. Quality justice takes time. Without dramatically increasing the number of judges, we cannot deliver timely and quality justice to the people of India. The Supreme Court has directed an increase in the strength of judges to 50 per million in the subordinate judiciary. We believe this is an essential governance reform. We are committed to increasing the strength of judges to at least 50 judges per million within three years. Funds for this will be raised from recovery of efficient costs of the justice system through appropriate fees, and from rationalisation of the tax system.1.2.2.1 TRIPLING THE EXPENDITURE ON JUSTICE IN THREE YEARSKorea spends more than 0.2%, Singapore 1.2%, and the U.S. 1.4% of its GDP on justice. India, however, spent only 0.01% of the GDP on justice in 2000. What can be more absurd than this, that a core function of the government has been given such short shrift by successive governments in India? By cutting out unnecessary functions, we will redirect savings into core functions, one of the most important of these being justice. A quantum increase in expenditure on the justice system will be considered, at least tripling the current spending within three years, and much more in the future.1.2.3 FAST-TRACK OPTIONS1.2.3.1 FAST-TRACK COURTS TO DEAL WITH CORRUPTION/ CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST MPSThis policy has been detailed earlier, and is a critical part of our commitment to ensure that only good people are able to become elected representatives.1.2.3.2 FAST-TRACK COURTS FOR CRIMES COMMITTED AGAINST PERSONWe will create a fast-track system for crimes against person, with a maximum judgement time of 12 months from the date of reporting such crime, including a maximum of six months for investigation. Exceptions to this timeline will be investigated by a Judicial Commission and any necessary extensions given only in exceptional cases. Officials responsible for unnecessary delays will be punished.Terrorists and those who potentially pose a grave threat to the nation would be tried even more quickly through special courts.1.2.3.3 OTHER CASES REQUIRING TO BE FAST-TRACKEDWe will request the Supreme Court to strengthen its normal prioritisation mechanism. Cases requiring urgent attention/priority should be fast-tracked. This could include cases involving the death sentence; habeas corpus petitions; where orders have been passed staying other proceedings, or against orders of remand; cases involving senior citizens (whose timeline for justice is necessarily shorter); cases affecting custody of children; and motor vehicle accidents.1.2.4 MEASURES TO REDUCE PROCEDURAL DELAYS AND THE TIME AND COST OF JUSTICEWe will undertake a range of reforms to reduce justice system delays and costs. Illustratively, these include:1.2.4.1 PRE-LITIGATION MEASURESSection 89 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC) provides for alternate dispute redressal mechanisms (ADRs). After issues are framed, cases can be referred to appropriate ADRs. Streamlining this process can reduce the time and other costs of justice.We will enhance the process to refer parties for counselling prior to commencing litigation, especially when there is scope for settlement. In general, all cases between two or more government agencies/departments should be settled outside courts – or through the inter-governmental machinery.We will create a regulatory regime that supports any private online dispute resolution initiatives for minor issues. In a competitive market, such systems are likely to be cheaper and quicker than comparable government systems.1.2.4.2 PLEA BARGAININGChapter 21 A of The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) provides for pre-emption of trial for petty offences punishable with imprisonment up to 7 years, through a mutually satisfactory disposition where the court directs the accused to pay an agreed compensation to the victim, and may either release the accused on probation or sentence the accused to up to half the minimum punishment prescribed for the offence in question.Unfortunately, plea-bargaining is rarely used in local courts. We will review the use of plea-bargaining and streamline it, excluding certain offences such as those committed against a woman or a child below the age of fourteen. This will significantly increase its use.1.2.4.3 STERN PUNISHMENT FOR FRIVOLOUS LITIGATION AND APPEALSThe government itself is a huge contributor to justice system delays. In matters where it is a party, it is common for the government to evade notices, reply to notices without application of mind, and unnecessarily appeal even when the laws are clearly in favour of the other party. Parties with deep pockets also waste a lot of judicial time, with vicious and frivolous cases and appeals, each of which is ultimately lost with strictures.The 192nd Report by the Law Commission (2005) outlined the concept of a vexatious litigant and proposed a draft bill, The Vexatious Litigation Prevention Bill. We will enact strong legislation to impose costs on parties engaging in frivolous litigation. In particular, we will make laws to stringently punish the senior-most government functionaries found responsible for vexatious litigation.Such penalties will also apply to police officers whose parking or other tickets are dismissed by courts.1.2.4.4 STOPPING ENDLESS APPEALSDue to slack judicial action, cases in India are often disposed without deciding the real issue. This results in endless appeals. Lawyers are also paid on a per-court appearance basis, and hence have little incentive to resolve cases. Procedural laws allow lawyers of clients who oppose the resolution of a case to submit endless interlocutory appeals. We will review and streamline civil and criminal procedures, to avoid such obfuscation of justice. We will regulate legal fees to require a cap on costs to be declared for each case by litigating lawyers to prevent their incentive to lengthen proceedings.1.3 Structural reforms of the judicial system1.3.1 MAKING THE SUPREME COURT MORE ACCESSIBLEGiven the heavy caseload and backlogs, as well as the time and costs imposed on litigants to travel to Delhi from distant states, there is much merit in decentralising the Supreme Court. The 2009 Law Commission recommended that the Supreme Court be split into a Constitution Bench in New Delhi and Cassation Benches in the four regions to deal with all the appellate work arising out of high court decisions. Though the Supreme Court has expressed reservations about any such radical re-structuring, we believe that one additional branch of the Supreme Court, initially in Bangalore, should be piloted in the first instance. Any concerns of the Supreme Court about capacity to govern the Cassation Benches can be addressed through close-circuit video conferencing, so regular private meetings can be held with the Chief Justice.1.3.2 INDEPENDENT PROSECUTING AGENCYWe will create an independent prosecuting body to ensure that police and investigative agencies have collated sufficient evidence and have reasonable prospects of securing conviction, before filing a charge sheet. This will also apply to cases filed by the government in civil matters and help minimise unnecessary government-created litigation. Internal review of processes and of any complaints received, and external audit of its performance would support other governance processes in place to ensure integrity and competence of this organisation.1.3.3 COMMERCIAL COURTSGiven the costly and time-critical nature of large commercial and contractual cases (such as IPR, mergers and acquisitions), we will set up Special Commercial Courts to fast-track such litigation, with a significantly higher fee. We will also appoint experienced and qualified judges on contract for technically complex cases. Such contractual judges could be hired from anywhere in the world.These actions will also empower our judicial system to increasingly take on the role of a global hub for arbitration and legal process outsourcing.1.3.4 MOBILE COURTS, LOK ADALATS, FAMILY COURTSFor relatively minor civil matters, we will set up mobile courts and encourage people to use the services of private arbitrators. We will increase Lok Adalats to one per 50 villages, and increase the number of Family Courts.1.3.5 PANCHAYATS TO JUDGE SIMPLE CIVIL AND CRIMINAL MATTERSToday, even petty cases tend to go before judges. We will pilot the use of panchayats for some minor civil and criminal issues, and minor land disputes. If successful, this would be rolled out, while always ensuring that panchayats abide by the norms of liberty and justice.1.3.6 PILOTING THE JURY SYSTEM IN CRIMINAL TRIALSAfter first speeding up criminal trials, we will consider ways to improve the quality of judgements, including by adopting a jury system in certain trials. There are some risks to a jury system, with many prevalent citizen prejudices that could distort justice. However, a jury system respects citizens’ judgement and can, in the longer run, result in fairer judgements as citizens’ education and the ability to assess evidence improves. We will pilot this system in relatively minor criminal matters and evaluate it before considering a broader rollout.1.3.7 PRIVATE COURTS FOR CERTAIN CIVIL MATTERSWe will enact laws to enable private (including online) arbitration and courts. Citizens will be able to choose in advance the use of such private courts as part of contracts such as for the construction of a house. Upon activating a dispute, the losing party will be required to pay penalties, including reasonable legal costs. This will create competition for justice (thus also keeping government courts on their toes) and lead to innovative, quicker justice. This will also, by reducing government court caseloads, ease justice system backlogs and save taxpayers significant amounts of money.1.4 Making the justice system more humane1.4.1 FREE HIGH QUALITY LEGAL AIDThe poor (those eligible for an NIT-type payment) will also be eligible for free high quality legal aid, the costs of which will be partially met through penalties imposed on the losing parties. No aid will be provided where it is determined by the legal aid system that the party is guilty.1.4.2 EASIER ACCESS TO BAILWe will make the option of bail for most charges (excluding crimes against person) mandatory and easier, to minimise unnecessary harassment of potentially innocent people.1.4.3 PRISON REFORMS INCLUDING REHABILITATION AND REDUCED RECIDIVISMPrison should be a place for a prisoner to repent the crime and to reform, to facilitate re-integration with society upon their release. We will introduce privatized prisons (with appropriate regulatory oversight) to be partly paid on reduced recidivism ratesImprisonment, being a restriction on freedom of movement, is itself a major punishment. There is no need for further cruel and degrading treatment of prisoners. We will also take measures to look after prisoners’ families, particularly of their children, to ensure that any ill-effects on their upbringing and self-confidence due to their parents’ imprisonment are minimized.1.4.4 REVIEW OF PRIVATE COSTS OF REPORTING CRIME AND REDUCING THESE COSTSThe effects of reporting certain violent crime, such as rape, on the mind, career, marriage prospects and social status of the complainant are often enormous. The victim thus gets further victimised. These reporting and social obstacles create incentives for significant under-reporting, thus emboldening criminals.We will review the private costs of reporting violent crime and introduce a range of laws and supports that make it easier to report and reduce the distress and costs (including social costs, such as through appropriate confidentiality) involved.1.4.4.1 LOOKING AFTER THE VICTIMS OF SERIOUS CRIMESWe will strengthen systems (largely through civil society institutions) to support and rehabilitate victims (and victim families), to ensure that they are reintegrated back into society at the earliest.1.5 Modernisation of lawsWe will modernise laws, particularly the penal laws. Some of the key modernisation issues are outlined below. Some others are mentioned elsewhere in this document, such as in relation to freedom of speech and property rights.1.5.1 GOVERNMENT TO BE LIABLE FOR HARM CAUSEDWe will legislate a duty of care that all government employees must ensure in their interactions with their clients. This will allow the government to be sued for damages where government servants, through their acts of commission or omission, harm citizens.1.5.2 REVIEW OF CONTEMPT OF COURT PROVISIONSJudges need powers to enforce decorum and demand discipline as part of the judicial process. However, there is a countervailing requirement to require constitutionally consistent restrictions on the exercise of these provisions, to limit any wilful misuse. Contempt of court provisions will therefore be reviewed and appropriate rules created to ensure these powers are deployed only in extremely limited cases.1.5.3 CAPITAL PUNISHMENT FOR HEINOUS CRIMESFor heinous crimes (including serious cases of corruption, child abuse and rape), judges would be required to specifically justify any exception to capital punishment, once proof beyond reasonable doubt has been adduced. Capital punishment in such cases would create a deterrent effect.1.5.4 MINIMUM STANDARDS, NOT A UNIFORM CIVIL CODEArticle 44 of the Constitution contains a directive principle that the state shall endeavour to secure for citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.[We believe that a Constitution should not include policy mandates. Policy must remain the prerogative of elected governments. We respectfully do not agree with the policy outlined in this Article and will commend a more refined approach to the country, consistent with liberty.]In relation to the substantive content of Article 44, it is to be noted that most religions specify some level of details regarding marriage and divorce. These are personal matters involving the most intimate unit of human existence: the family. Religious obligations on families are outside the scope of a government’s jurisdiction. Even in non-religious personal arrangements about marriage, there is fundamentally no role for government. Families should be able to structure themselves without violating the life or liberty of family members or others. A marriage contract or sacrament is a matter of personal taste on which the state can have nothing substantial to say.The only role a state can have in this regard relates to establishing norm-setting minimum standards, such as a minimum age of marriage, minimum maintenance requirements upon divorce and minimum inheritance requirements in absence of a will. All that would be required would be for citizens to abide by the legislated minimum standards while complying with the mandates of their individual faiths.More broadly, since there is no role for the state in religion, we will review all religious (e.g. Hindu/ Muslim) legislation on the statue books and replace it with generic rules of accountability applicable to all citizens.1.5.5 STRONGER ACCOUNTABILITY: PRISONERS TO PAY FOR THEIR UPKEEPWe will introduce innovative methods and technologies to ensure that society doesn’t pay unduly for the upkeep of prisoners. In general, prisoners will be billed all costs of their upkeep. Where they have known resources and assets, payment will be required before they are released. For prisoners without any identifiable resources, the amount will be converted into a loan and recovered through the tax system.Wherever appropriate, prisoners will be required to serve the family or community they have harmed.1.5.6 MANDATORY IMPRISONMENT FOR GANG CRIMES AND VIOLENT SEXUAL CRIMESWe will enact mandatory minimum prison sentencing for gang crimes, violent or sexual offences against children, rape, robbery, murder, and all assaults involving serious injury to law enforcement officers. We will create a national registry for convicted child abusers so they can be readily tracked. Parole will be minimized for dangerous or repeat felons.1.5.7 STRONG LAWS AGAINST TORTUREDespite signing the Convention against Torture in 1997, India is yet to enact a law to ratify the treaty. We will introduce such a Bill at the earliest.1.5.8 REVIEW OF VICTIMLESS CRIMESUnder various victimless crime laws, people are punished even when they have not directly harmed anyone. Typically, this relates to dealing with, or consuming illegal drugs. In general, victimless crimes should not prompt punishment (even assuming that analysis demonstrates the value of such punishment) comparable with punishment for violent crime. We will review laws regarding victimless crimes for necessity, and where considered necessary, for appropriateness of punishment.1.5.9 SEXUAL ORIENTATION NOT A CRIMEWe object to Section 377 of the IPC, which criminalises homosexuality. This is proven to have a significant hereditary/ biological origin, and therefore is not only a matter of personal choice. We will abolish this ‘crime’, particularly also as it is victimless. Non-consensual gay sex will be captured by the normal provision regarding rape.We agree that gay couples that wish to live together in a marriage-like relationship, can legally and contractually do so. We also note that the state has a very limited role in determining the nature and form of marriage. To the extent customary, at present, this relationship will not be called marriage, to distinguish it from heterosexual marriage. The right to bring up adopted children will, however, not be available to this form of cohabitation, given the need to assess this issue further in the best interests of children. Such an evidence-based assessment, including extensive consultation with the community, will be commissioned in the second term of our government.1.5.10 ADULTERY NOT A CRIMINAL OFFENCESection 497 of the IPC, a provision drafted in the Victorian era, treats adultery as a crime, which can be complained against only by the husband and never by the wife. We will move adultery from a criminal into a civil offence. Adultery is a form of breach of trust and should remain a ground for divorce, but is not a criminal matter. All sexual acts between consenting adults will be removed from the IPC.1.5.11 REFORM OF CHILD PROTECTION, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND DOWRY LAWSMost marriage-related complaints in India are considered to be criminal in nature. This is inappropriate. Except for matters involving physical violence and abduction, all other marriage issues will be moved into civil law.While many women face an oppressive environment at home and domestic violence needs to be punished, enough evidence has now accumulated that s.498a of the IPC, which addresses domestic violence and dowry deaths, is often misused due to the absence of checks and balances and its inbuilt stereotypical assumptions about gender roles. But no assumption of guilt should be inbuilt into the law. We will make offences under s. 498a bailable and compoundable, and require that any party that files a false case be mandatorily imprisoned for a minimum of three months, with all legal costs borne by the party that filed the false case.Since India is not a signatory of Hague convention on Private International Law, any marriage-related dispute between a foreign and Indian citizen is dealt as per Indian law. Further, current laws are unclear about the rights of the other marriage partner when one spouse takes away the children without consent. We will legally endorse the international convention to ensure international standards for child protection.1.5.12 STRONG ANIMAL PROTECTION LAWSWe will review and strengthen existing laws for animal protection. Animals consumed as food should be killed in as painless a manner as the state of knowledge permits. International best practice currently requires stunning before killing large animals. We will make humane killing mandatory in all abattoirs, with transitional provisions for local butchers that currently use customary (often brutal) techniques. Punishment for repeated inhumane killing of animals can extend to jail. The laws will also apply to temples and other religious places, bringing an end to animal sacrifice that is not assisted by modern technology.1.5.13 MAKING LAWS ACCESSIBLE AND CLEAR, THUS SUPPORTING TRANSPARENCY1.5.13.1 LANGUAGE OF THE PEOPLE TO BE USEDWe will require the language of the people to be used in courts as far as ordinary civil and criminal matters are concerned.1.5.13.2 DEFINITIONS ACTAll legal definitions will be rationalised, stripped from existing legislation, and brought under a single Act. This will ensure consistency in the use of specific words in all legislation. All such terms will then be hyperlinked in electronic versions of the laws, so ordinary citizens can quickly identify their meaning.1.5.13.3 INDEXATION OF FINES, FEES AND PENALTIESWe will index fines, fees and penalties to the CPI. All such imposts will be converted into units, with the current unit values reflecting the changing value of the rupee.As part of this process, fines, fees and penalties that are set at outdated levels will be increased to reflect the current value environment, based also on cost recovery principles (with costs set at an efficient level).1.5.13.4 COMPUTERIZATION OF LAWS AND JURISPRUDENCEReady access to past judgements can help improve the quality of justice. In addition to computerization and publication of all relevant laws, all relevant jurisprudence will be digitised and published on the internet (making it fully searchable), to help improve the quality and speed of judgements. This would facilitate much shorter arguments and enable judgments to be expedited. More broadly, all modern technology will be actively used to support the justice system.1.5.13.5 TELECASTING COURT PROCEEDINGS ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERSExcept where matters of state security are involved, the Supreme Court will be required to telecast court proceedings on any Constitutional matter free of cost on social media and any private TV channel that wishes to broadcast these proceedings, so the people of India can better understand the framework and structure of our Constitution.1.5.14 REPEAL OF REDUNDANT LEGISLATIONA vast amount of irrelevant legislation remains on the Indian statute book. All laws, particularly pre-1947 laws will be reviewed for relevance and where found unnecessary, will be repealed within three years.1.6 Consumer protectionIt is bad business to be deceitful. ‘A habit of deceit is a mark of bad character, and bad character has a way of revealing itself no matter how cunning the individual. Deceit is both bad karma and bad business. Commerce [therefore] elevates manners and probity’. Information about a business’s character spreads across the society through gossip, newspapers and electronic media, legal case law, or even information that consumers may pay, for such as Consumer Reports in the USA. Strong business competition is a driver of good behaviour.However, there are cases where businesses cause a loss to buyers and either deny these losses, or ignore them, or themselves disappear. Such cases require specific action by the government. Where such losses are relatively minor, judicial remedy can be costly to everyone. We are committed to establishing a government led consumer protection agency that will deal with minor cases of misdemeanour by businesses and use persuasion and public shaming in cases of obvious damage. Where necessary, we will prosecute such businesses in the court of law on behalf of consumers.We will also regulate the minimal contractual requirements for various services so companies do not use the ‘fine print’ to exclude themselves from liability where they must take responsibility.