Shanta Kumar Committee Recommendations
Shanta Kumar Committee Recommendations Background Government of India (GOI) set up a High-Level Committee (HLC) in August 2014 with ShantaKumar as the Chairman, six members and a special invitee to suggest restructuring or unbundling of FCI with a view to improving its operational efficiency and financial management. Government Of India also asked HLC to suggest measures for overall improvement in the management of food grains by FCI to suggest reorienting the role and functions of FCI in MSP operations, storage and distribution of food grains and food security systems of the country; and to suggest cost-effective models for storage and movement of grains and integration of supply chain of food grains in the country. The Committee had wide consultations with several Chief Ministers, Food Secretaries and other stakeholders in various States. Suggestions from the public were invited through various newspapers also. The committee submitted its report in January 2015. Recently in the news because The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution stated that primacy will be given to ensuring the functioning of FCI and it is streamlined and fast-paced as per recommendations of the Shanta Kumar Committee. Shanta Kumar Committee Major recommendations On procurement-related issues HLC recommends that FCI hand over all procurement operations of wheat, paddy and rice to states that have gained sufficient experience in this regard and have created a reasonable infrastructure for procurement. These states are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Punjab (in alphabetical order). FCI will accept only the surplus (after deducting the needs of the states under NFSA) from these state governments (not millers) to be moved to deficit states. Read Also Right To Information On stocking and movement-related issues HLC recommends that FCI should outsource its stocking operations to various agencies such as Central Warehousing Corporation, State Warehousing Corporation, Private Sector under Private Entrepreneur Guarantee (PEG) scheme, and even state governments that are building silos through a private sector on state lands (as in Madhya Pradesh). It should be done on a competitive bidding basis, inviting various stakeholders and creating competition to bring down costs of storage. India needs more bulk handling facilities than it currently has On Buffer Stocking Operations and Liquidation Policy One of the key challenges for FCI has been to carry buffer stocks way in excess of buffer stocking norms. The underlying reasons for this situation are many, starting with export bans to open-ended procurement with distortions (through bonuses and high statutory levies), but the key factor is that there is no pro-active liquidation policy. The current system is extremely ad-hoc, slow and costs the nation heavily. A transparent liquidation policy is the need of the hour, which should automatically kick-in when FCI is faced with surplus stocks than buffer norms. Greater flexibility to FCI with business orientation to operate in OMSS and export markets is needed. On Labour Related Issues FCI engages a large number of workers (loaders) to get the job of loading/unloading done smoothly and in time. HLC recommends that the condition of contract labour, which works the hardest and is the largest in number, should be improved by giving them better facilities. On PDS and NFSA related issues Restructuring the National Food Security Act (NFSA) by virtually diluting its scope and coverage from 67 percent of the population to about 40 percent population. In order to curtail leakages in PDS Government should differ implementation of NFSA in states that have not done end to end computerization. On end to end computerization HLC recommends a total end to end computerization of the entire food management system, starting from procurement from farmers, to stocking, movement and finally distribution through TPDS. It can be done on a real-time basis, and some states have done a commendable job on computerizing the procurement operations. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards yours Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
Paris Climate Agreement
Paris Climate Agreement Recently in news In the run-up to two key UN summits on Climate Change, India has raised the pitch for finance and technology support to develop nations to achieve the Paris Agreement goals of keeping a global average temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius. Paris agreement? The 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held in Paris from November 30 to December 12, 2015, that saw the participation of 195 nations. The nations negotiated and adopted the Paris Agreement. The outcome of the Paris conference? Even if all the commitments made by countries for the Paris Agreement are achieved, the world will still be on a course to warm by more than 3°C this century.so, The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) was planned ahead of the Paris COP-21. Under this, each country described the actions it would take and the levels to which GHG emissions would be reduced (mitigation). Countries also described what they would do to improve their capacity to live in a warmer world (adaptation). The extent to which these goals required support in the form of finance or technology transfer was also mentioned. The Paris Agreement (PA) was ratified rapidly and went into force within a year (in November 2016). The Katowice meeting’s objective is to set guidelines, or agree on a rulebook, to implement pledges made by countries at the Paris Climate Conference in 2015. Major concerns Finance – There has been little if any, progress on finance, technology transfer and capacity development. Article 9 of the PA calls for financial support from developed countries that is significantly derived from public funds. This was expected to result in at least $100 billion per year to address mitigation and adaptation needs of developing countries. Article 9.5 requires developed countries to communicate their levels of support, including pledges of additional finance. Even a rough estimate of financial needs for implementing all the NDCs puts it at $4.4 trillion. But the Climate Funds Update of 2018 notes that multilateral funds pledged until 2017 are less than $30 billion. There have also been charges of double counting and counting of development aid levelled against developed countries. Response – While the U.S. and its current policies are much to blame for the situation, other developed countries are not doing that much better. Australia and France have had political turmoil due to their climate policies even while experiencing severe weather events. Europe is still heavily reliant on coal and European Union emissions were stable in 2014-2016. The U.K. has been relying on fuel from fracking. Also, Read Terrorism Financing How does the future look? The implementation of the activities for the PA formally begins in 2020 and concludes in 2030. The world is currently in the Doha Amendment period, or the second phase of the Kyoto Protocol, which has not been ratified. In a couple of years after the start of the PA implementation, there will be a review on progress and decisions on more stringent targets for the future. This renewed commitment towards the future means that countries have to trust each other. So fulfilling obligation is a foundation of future ambition and action. India and Paris agreement India had ratified the Paris Agreement on India made four commitments, including: Reducing greenhouse gas emission intensity of its GDP by 33-35 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). Pledged that 40 per cent of India’s power capacity would be based on non-fossil fuel sources and that the country will create an additional ‘carbon sink’ of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030. The country had decided to better adapt to climate change by enhancing investments in development programmes in sectors vulnerable to climate change, particularly agriculture, water resources, Himalayan region, coastal regions, health and disaster management. India had ratified the Paris agreement on climate change in 2016 to become the 62nd nation to join the deal. Way Ahead What is required for India is credible, accurate and verifiable numbers on the climate flows expected from developed countries. Such a reliable flow will encourage and persuade all countries that commitments made will be fulfilled. There also has to be a general agreement on how to estimate adaptation. Countries with high emissions should alter their lifestyles considerably, for the transformational change that 1.5 Degree Report calls for. As extreme events are on the rise, the separate stream referred to as “loss and damage” needs attention. This is a provision for support to poor countries experiencing economic and non-economic losses and destruction from climate change events. In advance of the 2020 deadline for countries to raise their commitments in their national climate plans, the focus is given to practical initiatives to limit emissions and build climate resilience. Especially the driving action in six areas; namely, energy transition, climate finance and carbon pricing, industry transition, nature-based solutions, cities and local action, and resilience. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. Join Now
New Industrial Policy -2018
New Industrial Policy -2018 The New Industrial Policy ( National Industrial Policy ) aims to create jobs over the next two decades, promote foreign technology transfer and attract $100 billion FDI annually. Aim of New Industrial Policy -2018 It subsumes the National Manufacturing Policy. It primarily aims at making India a manufacturing hub. The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, the nodal body for the new Policy, has floated a discussion paper inviting feedback. Focus groups, with members from government departments, industry associations, academia, and think tanks have been set up to look into the challenges faced by the industry. Six thematic focus groups include manufacturing and MSME, technology and innovation, ease of doing business, infrastructure, investment, trade and fiscal policy, skills and employability. Besides, a Task Force on Artificial Intelligence for India’s economic transformation has also been constituted to provide inputs for the policy. Objectives It is time to shift from a policy of continuity to radical and accelerated reforms for greater strategic engagement with the world, i.e., it is time to Reform, Perform and Transform. A comprehensive, actionable, outcome-oriented industrial policy will enable Industry to deliver a larger role in the economy; to fulfil its role as the engine of growth and to shoulder the responsibility of adding more value and jobs. Major concerns Inadequate infrastructure: Rapid growth of the economy has put further stress on infrastructure. Lack of quality industrial infrastructure has resulted in high logistics cost and has in turn affected cost competitiveness of Indian goods in global markets. Restrictive labour laws: The labour laws have been overly protective of the labour force in the formal sector. Though labour protection and security are required, the flipside is that it discourages employers from hiring workers on a regular basis. It has probably also led to entrepreneurs choosing to stay away from labour-intensive sectors. Complicated business environment: Complex and time taking business processes and clearances have been a disincentive for businesses. Slow technology adoption: Indian industry has been a slow adopter of new and advanced technologies. Inefficient technologies led to low productivity and higher costs adding to the disadvantage of Indian products in international markets. Low productivity: Workers in India are overwhelmingly employed in low productivity and low wage activities. Productivity as measured by the value-added per worker and average wages in manufacturing in India is only one-third of that in China. Challenges for trade: Manufacturing sector especially exporters are facing challenges of stagnant/shrinking global demand and rising protectionist tendencies around the world. Indian MSME sector is particularly facing tough competition from cheap imports from China and FTA countries. Inadequate expenditure on R&D and Innovation: Investments in these areas is essential to ensure growth in the industry. Public investments have been constrained and private investment is not forthcoming as these involve long gestation periods and uncertain returns. Read Also Environment Impact Assessment Policy proposals It proposes to incorporate a range of measures for the following: Facilitating the use of smart technologies such as the internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics for advanced manufacturing. Increasing the number of global Indian firms helping attract inward FDI and supporting outward FDI to assert Indian presence in world markets. Addressing the problem of low job creation in the formal sector. Enhancing industrial competitiveness Developing alternatives to banks and improving access to capital for MSMEs through options like the peer to peer lending and crowdfunding. Providing a credit rating mechanism for MSMEs. Addressing the problems with duty structure and also balancing it against obligations under multilateral or bilateral trade agreements. Studying the impact of automation on jobs and employment. Ensuring minimal/zero waste from industrial activities and targeting certain sectors to radically cut emissions. Reviewing the FDI policy to ensure that it facilitates greater technology transfer, leverages strategic linkages and innovation. Read Also Post Mauryan Era Enroll today with the best civils service academy in Trivandrum and take your first step towards your Civils journey.Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. contact us
UPSC Mains 2019 Questions- Essay
UPSC Mains 2019 Questions- Essay Section- A 1. Wisdom Finds truth 2. value, are not what humanity is, but what humanity ought to be 3. Best for an individual is not necessarily, but best for society 4. Courage to accept and dedication to improve are two keys to success Section- B 5. South Asian societies are woven not around the State, but around their cultures and plural identities 6. Neglect of primary health care and education in India are reasons for backwardness 7. Biased media is a real threat to Indian democracy 8. Rise of Artificial Intelligence: the threat of jobless future or better job opportunity through reskilling and upskilling. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. Join Now
Lokpal and Lokayukta
Lokpal and Lokayukta After an unjustified delay of five years, finally, Justice PC Ghose was appointed as the first Lokpal. It is a milestone in fighting corruption in high places. The concept of an institutional mechanism, or an anti-corruption ombudsman, has been around for over 50 years. It was finally enacted as a law in 2013 and came into effect on January 16, 2014. What are Lokpal and Lokayukta? Lokpal and Lokayukta are India’s anti-corruption ombudsman at centre and state levels respectively, to look into corruption charges against certain categories of public servants. They are not constitutional bodies but derive their powers from the statute enacted in 2013 – the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act. Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 provides for the appointment of a Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in States, its structure, jurisdiction and powers. The Lokpal act also called upon states to appoint a Lokayukta within a year of it’s coming into force. Though first proposed by the then law minister Ashok Kumar Sen, the terms Lokpal and Lokayukta were coined by Dr L. M. Singhvi. In 1966, the First Administrative Reforms Commission recommended the setting up of two independent authorities- at the central and state level. Lokpal bill was passed in Lok Sabha in 1968 but it lapsed with its dissolution. Several attempts were made since then to pass the bill. Later, the Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution and the Second Administrative Reforms Commission also recommended its establishment. The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government was successful in getting the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Bill, 2013, passed in both the Houses of Parliament after being pressured by the “India Against Corruption movement” led by Anna Hazare. About Lokpal Lokpal consists of one chairperson and a maximum of 8 members. Chairperson of the Lokpal should be either the former Chief Justice of India or the former Judge of the Supreme Court or an eminent person with impeccable integrity and outstanding ability, having special knowledge and expertise of minimum 25 years in the matters relating to anti-corruption policy, public administration, vigilance, finance including insurance and banking, law and management. Half of the members should be judicial members (former Judges of the Supreme Court or a former Chief Justice of the High Court) and 50% of the members should be from SC/ ST/ OBC/ Minorities and women. The non-judicial member should be an eminent person with impeccable integrity and outstanding ability, having special knowledge and expertise of minimum 25 years in the matters relating to anti-corruption policy, public administration, vigilance, finance including insurance and banking, law and management. Term of Office The term of office for Lokpal Chairman and Members is 5 years or till the age of 70 years. Appointment The members are appointed by the president on the recommendation of a Selection Committee. Selection Committee The selection committee is composed of the Prime Minister who is the Chairperson; Speaker of Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Chief Justice of India or a Judge nominated by him/her and One eminent jurist For selecting the chairperson and the members, the selection committee constitutes a search panel of at least eight persons. Lokpal Search Committee would shortlist the names prepared by the DoPT and place then before the Selection panel who may or may not pick names suggested. Read Also Hate Speech Conditions of Office The Salary allowances and other conditions of service of the chairperson and members are equivalent to that of Chief Justice of India and Judge of the supreme court respectively. They are not eligible for reappointment, cannot hold any constitutional or governmental office. They cannot contest any elections for a period of 5 years. Jurisdiction of Lokpal It includes the Prime Minister, except on allegations of corruption relating to international relations, security, public order, atomic energy and space. In such a case, a full bench of the Lokpal considers initiation of a probe with the approval of two-thirds of the members. Such a hearing should be held in camera, and if the complaint is dismissed, the records shall not be published or made available to anyone. Ministers and members of Parliament, except matters of anything, said in Parliament or a vote has given there Groups A, B, C and D officers Officials of Central Government It also includes any person who is or has been in charge (director/ manager/ secretary) of anybody/ society set up by central act or any other body financed/ controlled by the central government and any other person involved in an act of abetting, bribe giving or bribe-taking. Powers of Lokpal It has Superindence over the Central Bureau of Investigation and can give directions to it. If a case is referred to CBI by Lokpal, the investigating officer in such a case cannot be transferred without the approval of Lokpal. Lokpal will have an Inquiry Wing and Prosecution Wing. The Inquiry Wing has the powers of a Civil Court. It can confiscate assets, proceeds, receipts and benefits arisen or procured by means of corruption in special circumstances. It can transfer or suspend public servants connected with allegations of corruption. It has the power to give directions to prevent the destruction of records during the preliminary inquiry. Functioning A complaint can be made to the Lokpal for an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The Lokpal may order a preliminary inquiry by its Inquiry Wing or refer it any investigation agency like CBI. However, the Lokpal should establish that a prima facie case exists after seeking an explanation from the public servant as well as his competent authority. With respect to Central Government Servants, it may refer cases to the Central Vigilance Commission. Preliminary Enquiry report should be done within 60 days. A Lokpal bench of not less than 3 members considers it and after giving an opportunity to the public servant, decides on a further investigation – it may dismiss, initiate a full investigation or start departmental proceedings. The preliminary investigation should be normally completed within 90
UPSC Mains 2019 Questions- General Studies Paper 1 (GS 1)
Instructions Total Marks: 250. Time duration: 3 hours. There are 20 questions printed both in ENGLISH and HINDI. All questions are compulsory. The number of marks carried by a question/part is printed against it. Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in the medium other than authorized one. Answers to questions no. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words, whereas answers to questions no. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words. Keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind. Any page or portion of the page left blank, must be struck off clearly. Join Integrated Prelims Cum Mains Test Series 2022 Questions Q1. Highlight the Central Asian and Greco-Bactrian elements in the Gandhara art (Answer in 150 words) Q2. The 1857 Uprising was the culmination of the recurrent big and small local rebellions that had occurred in the preceding hundred years of British rule. Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words) Q3. Examine the linkages between the nineteenth century’s ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of national identity. (Answer in 150 words) Q4. Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples. (Answer in 150 words) Q5. Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. (Answer in 150 words) Q6. Can the strategy of regional resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? (Answer in 150 words) Q7. Discuss the factors for localisation of agro-based food processing industries of Northwest India (Answer in 150 words) Q8. What makes Indian society unique in sustaining its culture? Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) UPSC Mains 2019 Questions General Studies Paper 2 UPSC Mains 2019 Questions General Studies Paper 3 UPSC Mains 2019 Questions General Studies Paper 4 Q9. “Empowering women is the key to control population growth.” Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) Q10. What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism? (Answer in 150 words) Q11. Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian phase. Elaborate. (Answer in 250 words) Q12. Assess the role of British imperial power in complicating the process of transfer of power during the 1940s. (Answer in 250 words) Q13. Explain how the foundations of the modem world were laid by the American and French Revolutions. (Answer in 250 words) Q14. What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? (Answer in 250 words) Q15. How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative import of development initiatives and tourism? (Answer in 250 words) Q16. How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development of India?(Answer in 250 words) Q17. How do ocean currents and water masses differ in their impacts on marine life and the coastal environment ? Give suitable examples (Answer in 250 words) Q18. Do we have cultural pockets of small India all over the nation? Elaborate with examples. (Answer in 250 words) Q19. What are the continued challenges for women in India against limo and space? (Answer in 250 words) Q20. Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words) Try Prelims 2022 Daily FREE Tests
Terrorism Financing
Terrorism Financing For the last few decades, terrorism financing has been a prevalent financial crime on which authorities are desperate to the crackdown. A multitude of laws and regulations have been enacted to reign in the financing of terrorist activity, and are collectively known as counter-terrorist financing policy. Under these policies, most financial institutions are required to fulfil many strict requirements regarding monitoring customers’ transactions and behaviour, conducting proper due diligence, and maintaining appropriate records. Funding mechanism Terrorist organisations get and protect their funding through a variety of illicit activities: Terrorist organisations use sophisticated and dynamic money laundering techniques to conceal their financial assets and sources of funding in order to pass undetected through the global financial system, often making their illegally obtained funding appear as legitimate business activity. How are funds used? Operations, including: terrorist attacks, pre-operational surveillance, travel to and from the target location, vehicles and other machinery, firearms, false identity documents and basic living expenses Propaganda and recruitment through social media to solicit funds from supporters, purchasing internet domain names and administering websites. Training operatives and sympathisers. Salaries and member compensation, as well as for the families of jailed or deceased members. Social services providing public health, social and educational services, designed to undermine the credibility of the legitimate governments International scenario Terrorism financing is a global phenomenon therefore it is of paramount importance to stem the flow of funds to terrorists. Building on the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (1999), Security Council resolution 1373 (2001),calls on States to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorism. Criminalizing the collection and provision of funds for terrorist purposes. Effective mechanisms to freeze funds and other financial assets of persons involved in or associated with terrorism. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF)has also developed detailed recommendations on countering terrorism financing. Role of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) The FATF plays a central role in global efforts in combatting terrorist financing, through its role in setting global standards to combat terrorist financing, assisting jurisdictions in implementing financial provisions of the United Nations Security Council resolutions on terrorism, and evaluating countries’ ability to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute the financing of terrorism. Read Also Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management & Planning Authority (CAMPA) Objectives Improve and update the understanding of terrorist financing risks, in light of the dynamic way in which the risks are changing in different regions around the world. The understanding of risk is a key part of jurisdictions’ counter-terrorist financing regime, as understanding the risks allows countries to allocate resources to detect or disrupt terrorist financing. Ensure that theFATF Standards provide the framework for countries to be able to identify and disrupt terrorist financing activity. Key recent revisions have included the explicit inclusion of the need to criminalise the financing of travel for the purpose of the perpetration, planning, preparation of or participation in, terrorist acts, or providing or receiving terrorist training. Ensure countries are appropriately and effectively implementing the FATF Standards, to identify and disrupt terrorist financing activity.This includes guidance (both public and confidential) to help public and private sectors effectively implement these tools. Identify and take measures in relation to any countries with strategic deficiencies for terrorist financing. Promote more effective domestic coordination and international cooperation to combat the financing of terrorism. This includes the FATF working closely with the FATF Regional bodies, and other key partners such as the UN. Concerns to India Pakistan in FATF black list: FATF strongly urges Pakistan to swiftly complete its action plan by October 2019 to stop terror funding in the country. External Sources of Terror Finance like NGOs, Charities and Donations, Counterfeiting of Currency, Narco Finance, Maoists etc. Internal Sources of Terrorism Finance like Extortion and Taxation, Crime, NGOs, Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions Various steps taken by Indian Government to combat terror financing in India: i) Strengthening of the provisions in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 to combat terror financing. ii) A Terror Funding and Fake Currency Cell (TFFC) has been constituted in National Investigation Agency (NIA) to conduct focused investigation of terror funding and fake currency cases. iii) Since Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) network is one of the channels of terror financing in India, FICN Coordination Group (FCORD) is been formed by the MHA to share intelligence/information among security agencies of the states/centre to counter the problem of circulation of fake currency notes. Read Also National Education Policy, 2019 Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. JOIN NOW
UPSC Mains 2019 Questions- General Studies Paper 2 (GS 2)
UPSC Mains 2019 Questions- General Studies Paper 2 (GS 2) InstructionsDuration: 3 hours; Maximum Marks: 250• Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions:• There are TWENTY questions printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH. Each Question carries 12.5 marks.• All the questions too compulsory.• Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided.• No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.• Word limit in questions, wherever specified should be adhered to.• Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off. Questions Do you think that the Constitution of India does not accept the principle of strict separation of powers rather it is based on the principle of ‘checks and balance’? Explain. “The Central Administrative Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees nowadays is 10 exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority ” Explain What are the methods used by the farmers’ organisations to influencer the policymakers in India and how effective are these methods From the resolution of contentious issues regarding distribution of legislative powers by the courts, ‘Principle of Federal Supremacy and Harmonious Construction’ have emerged. Explain. What can France learn from the Indian Constitution’s approach to secularism? Despite Consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development, Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive. There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on non-food essential items squeezing their food-budget. — Elucidate Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICO based ‘Programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective implementation. UPSC Mains 2019 Questions General Studies Paper 1 (GS 1) UPSC Mains 2019 Questions General Studies Paper 3 (GS 3 ) UPSC Mains 2019 Questions General Studies Paper 4 (GS 4 ) 9. The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole. Comment. 10. Too little cash, too much politics, leave UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as 10 being ‘anti-Israel bias’ 11. On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951? Also, mention the remedies available to such person 15 against his disqualification. ? 12. “Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution is limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power.” In the [ight of this statement explain whether Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution can destroy the Basic Structure 15 of the Constitution by expanding its amending power? 13. “The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process.” Comment. 14. “The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss. 15. Individual parliamentarian’s role as the national lawmaker is on a decline, which in turn, adversely impacted the quality of debates and their outcome. Discuss. 16. In the context of the neo-liberal paradigm of development planning. mufti-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages. Discuss 17. The need for cooperation among various service sectors has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture Of collaboration and team spirit•. In the light Of statements above examine India’s development process. 18. Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable Sections is not so effective due to the absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of the process — Discuss. 19. The long-sustained image or India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its newfound role in the emerging global order. elaborate 20. what introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy. which would satisfy India’s and ambitions.’ Explain With suitable examples
General Studies Paper 3 (GS 3) Questions- UPSC Mains 2019
General Studies Paper 3 (GS 3) Questions- UPSC Mains 2019 Instructions Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours. There are 20 questions printed both in ENGLISH and HINDI. All questions are compulsory. The number of marks carried by a question/part is printed against it. Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in the medium other than authorized one. Answers to questions no. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words, whereas answers to questions no. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words. Keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind. Any page or portion of the page left blank, must be struck off clearly. Questions Q1. Enumerate the indirect which been subsumed in the Goods And Service Tax (GST) in India, also comment on revenue implications of GST introduced in India since July 2017 (Answer in 150 words) Q2. Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (Answer in 150 words) Q3. How far is Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production? (Answer in 150 words) Q4. Elaborate the impact of National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural production from water-stressed areas. (Answer in 150 words) Q5. How was India benefitted from the contributions of Sir M.Visvesvaraya and Dr. M. S. Swaminathan in the fields of water engineering and agricultural science respectively? (Answer in 150 words) Q6. What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (Answer in 150 words) Q7. Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyse the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples. (Answer in 150 words) Q8. Vulnerability is an essential element for defining disaster impacts and its threat to people. How and in what ways can vulnerability to disasters be characterized? Discuss different types of vulnerability with reference to disasters. (Answer in 150 words) UPSC Mains 2019 General Studies Paper 1 (GS 1) Question UPSC Mains 2019 General Studies Paper 2 (GS 2)Question UPSC Mains 2019 General Studies Paper 4 (GS 4) Questions Q9. The banning of ‘Jamaat-e – Islami’ in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize the influence of OGWs. (Answer in 150 words) Q10. What is CyberDome Project? Explain how it can be useful in controlling internet crimes in India. (Answer in 150 words) Q11. It is argued that the strategy of inclusive growth is intended to meet the objectives of inclusiveness and sustainability together. Comment on this statement. (Answer in 250 words) Q12. The public expenditure management is a challenge to the government of India in the context of budget-making during the post-liberalization period. Clarify it. (Answer in 250 words) Q13. What are the reformative steps taken by the government to make food grain distribution system more effective? (Answer in 250 words) Q14. Elaborate the policy taken by the government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. (Answer in 250 words) Q15. How is the government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (Answer in 250 words) Q16. How can biotechnology technology improve the living standards of farmers? (Answer in 250 words) Q17. Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region. (Answer in 250 words) Q18. Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help in disaster mitigation in the case of landslides. (Answer in 250 words) Q19. The Indian government has recently strengthened the anti-terrorism laws by amending the unlawful activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyze the changes in the context of prevailing security environment while discussing the scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organizations. (Answer in 250 words) Q20. Cross-border movement of insurgents is only one of the several security challenges facing the policing of the border in North-East India. Examine the various challenges currently emanating across the India-Myanmar border. Also, discuss the steps to counter the challenges. (Answer in 250 words)
Office of Profit
Office of Profit In the most recent ‘office of profit’ controversy, The Andhra Pradesh government protected its MP from the ‘office of profit’ rulebook by moving an ordinance. The MP was appointed as special representative of the state. The matter was pending with the Parliament’s Joint Committee. The President has now referred the matter to the Election Commission. ‘Office of profit’ has been doing the rounds in the news earlier when the President disqualified 20 MLAs of the Delhi Legislative Assembly for being appointed as parliamentary secretaries. There have been reports of parliamentary secretaries being appointed in 20 states in the past with court judgments striking down these appointments in several cases. What is the constitutional provision regarding the Office of Profit? Article 102(1), among other provisions, provides for the disqualification of a member of either House of Parliament if he holds any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State, other than an office declared by Parliament by law not to disqualify its holder. Article 191(1), among other provisions, provides for the disqualification of a member of the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council of State if he holds any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State specified in the First Schedule, other than an office declared by the Legislature of the State by law not to disqualify its holder. The articles clarify that “a person shall not be deemed to hold an office of profit under the government of India or the government of any state by reason only that he is a minister”. Parliament has enacted the Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959, to exempt officers from disqualification. Several states also have enacted similar laws. There is no bar on how many offices can be exempted from the purview of the law. The President, in consultation with the Election Commission, disqualifies a member who is holding an office of profit. What is the basis of the disqualification provision? Members of Parliament and State Legislatures have a responsibility to hold the government accountable for its actions. If legislators hold an ‘office of profit’ under the government, they might be susceptible to government influence, and may not discharge their constitutional mandate fairly. The law intends to eliminate any conflict of interest – hence enforces the principle of separation of powers between the legislature and the executive. What is Office of Profit ? ‘Office of Profit’ is not defined in the constitution or any other statute. Its current definition is derived from interpretations made in various court judgments. An office of profit has been interpreted to be a position that brings to the office-holder some financial gain, or advantage, or benefit. In 1964, the Supreme Court laid down the test of appointment (Gurugobinda Basu vs Sankari Prasad Ghosal case) to determine an office of profit; it considers the following: whether the government is the appointing authority, whether the government has the power to terminate the appointment, whether the government determines the remuneration, what is the source of remuneration, and the power that comes with the position. Read Also Agroecology Issue of appointing parliamentary secretaries Recent instances The Nagaland Chief Minister appointed 26 legislators as parliamentary secretaries in 2017 after all the 60 MLAs of the Nagaland Assembly joined the ruling alliance. Goa exempted more than 50 offices by means of an ordinance in 2017. Similarly, Puducherry exempted more than 60 offices. In Delhi, 21 parliamentary secretaries were appointed in addition to the seven ministerial posts to constitute 40% of the 70-member legislature. Issues It is against the separation of powers – holding offices makes a legislator dependent on the executive It is in violation of constitutional provisions – such as a ceiling on the number of ministers It is misused for political reasons – the coalition politics era has led to appeasing members by giving attractive positions. Financial burden – they cause losses to public money because of A larger size of government and arbitrary use of legislative power The appointment of legislators as parliamentary secretaries, despite the office being exempted from the purview of the office of profit law, has been struck down by courts in several states. This is because the courts found that it was an attempt by state governments to bypass the constitutional ceiling on the number of ministers. Important Court Judgements Jaya Bachchan Case (2006) The Supreme Court, while upholding the disqualification of Jaya Bachchan from Rajya Sabha, held that office of profit is relevant if the office is capable of yielding profit or pecuniary gain and not whether the person actually obtained a monetary gain. However, it exempt reimbursement of out of pocket or actual expenses from gains. It also exempts, acquiring a contractor licence from the government to perform functions, which government would have itself discharged. Calcutta High Court judgment (Vishak Bhattacharya vs The State Of West Bengal) 2015 The Court held that the position of Parliamentary Secretary may confer the rank of a junior minister on the legislator, and hence was an attempt by state governments to bypass the constitutional ceiling on the number of ministers. Bombay High Court judgement 2009 It held that appointing parliamentary secretaries of the rank and status of a Cabinet Minister is in violation of Article 164 (1A) of the Constitution, which specifies that the number of ministers including the Chief Minister should not exceed 15% of the total number of members in the assembly. Way Forward The Constitution or Representation of the People Act should be amended to include a holistic definition of Office of Profit. Some suggestions by various committees should be considered The Parliament’s Joint Committee on Office of Profit has suggested additional parameters like remuneration, powers, patronage to determine Office of Profit. The 2nd ARC has recommended that all offices with executive decision-making powers and financial control to be treated as an office of profit. The National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution suggested that the Election Commission
