Rajya Sabha TV Discussions: Science Monitor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCv-obttO2o&t=2s Rajya Sabha TV Discussion for UPSC Civil Service Exam Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards yours Civils out journey. Feel free to reach to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. JOIN NOW
Livestock Industry in India
Livestock Industry in India Why in News? 20th Livestock census has been released recently. What is Livestock Census? The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying under Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying attributes critical importance to livestock and to the collection and availability of up-to-date and accurate data related to livestock, as they are the vital component of the rural economy. The Livestock Census is the main source of such data in the country. It is conducted across the country periodically since 1919. The census usually covers all domesticated animals and headcounts of these animals are taken. The 20th Livestock Census was launched during the month of October 2018. The enumeration was done in both rural and urban areas. Various species of animals (cattle, buffalo, yak, sheep, goat, pig, horse, pony, mule, donkey, camel, dog, rabbit and elephant)/poultry birds (fowl, duck and other poultry birds) possessed by the households, household enterprises/non-household enterprises were counted at that site. 20th Livestock Census has been designed to capture Breed-wise number of animals and poultry birds. For the first time, livestock data were collected online in 20th Livestock Census Role of Livestock Industry in India Livestock industry plays an important role in the Indian economy. About 2.5-3 crore people depend on it for food. It Provides employment. Distribution of livestock is more equitable than that of land. The livestock sector contributes to low income, small farm, households etc. More than three-fourths of the labour demand in livestock production is met by women. The share of women employment in the livestock sector is around 90% in Punjab and Haryana where dairying is a prominent activity and animals are stall-fed. India is- World’s highest livestock owner at about 535.78 million. First in the total buffalo population in the world – 109.85 million buffaloes. Second in the population of goats – 148.88 million goats Second largest poultry market in the world. The second-largest producer of fish and also the second-largest aquaculture nation in the world. Third in the population of sheep (74.26 million). Fifth in the population of ducks and chicken (851.81 million). Tenth in camel population in the world – 2.5 lakhs. Contribution of livestock to people Food: The livestock provides food items such as Milk, Meat and Eggs for human consumption. India is the number one milk producer in the world. Fibre and skins: The livestock also contributes to the production of wool, hair, hides, and pelts. Leather is the most important product which has very high export potential. Draft: Bullocks are the backbone of Indian agriculture. Despite lot of advancements in the use of mechanical power in Indian agricultural operations, the Indian farmer, especially in rural areas, still depends upon bullocks for various agricultural operations. Dung and other animal waste materials: Dung and other animal wastes serve as very good farmyard manure and the value of it is worth several crores of rupees Storage: Livestock is considered as ‘moving banks’ because of their potentiality to dispose off during emergencies. Weed control: Livestock is also used as Biological control of brush, plants and weeds. Read Also India – Nepal Relations Role of livestock in Farmers’ economy Income: Livestock is a source of subsidiary income for many families in India especially the resource-poor who maintain few heads of animals. Employment: A large number of people in India being less literate and unskilled depend upon agriculture for their livelihoods. Social security: The animals offer social security to the owners in terms of their status in society. Food: The livestock products such as milk, meat and eggs are an important source of animal protein to the members of the livestock owners. Challenges to the livestock industry in India The land is only common resource acting as the platform for the development of human and animals. Ever-increasing competition between human and animal for food is a critical challenge in animal rearing. The improper and unscientific management of resource like water in animal husbandry makes the increased usage of virtual water in the export market. The percolation of extension services regarding animal husbandry is less and negligent The low production potential of the indigenous verities of animals is also an added issue. Devastating pastures, increased climatic changes, decrease in monsoon rains also makes the animal husbandry vulnerable Improper awareness about the vaccination and lack of research in the diseases occurring to animals is also another factor. Lack of infrastructure facilities in rural areas like veterinary clinics, breeding centres. The absence of credit facilities and insurance coverage schemes makes the farmers show less interest in animal rearing. The proper quality checking and standardization of animal products is absent. Way forward Culling of burdening animals. Licensing for animal rearing. Rejuvenation of Natural Pastures and Grasslands. Ensure proper credit facilities. The ceiling of Crops breeding. Ensure rigorous veterinary extension services. Promote Research in organic livestock Farming. Special economic zone for the animal husbandry with common facilities must be created for greater export potential. Conclusion Indian livestock industry makes up for a significant amount of the world’s livestock resources. Both the national economy as well as the socio-economic growth of the country is backed by the livestock sector. Besides, offering great potential and outstanding contribution to the agricultural sector over the past years. The livestock sector is performing well in the manner of production, value addition and export of dairy, fishery, wool, poultry and other products. Apart from its performance, there are some threats also exist we need to re-correct it and take the global market opportunities. Read Also Non-governmental organization Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards yours Civils out journey. Feel free to reach to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. JOIN NOW
Electoral reforms in India
Electoral reforms in India Electoral reforms refer to the development and benign change in election processes in India in order to facilitate better democracy, clean politics, ideal members of legislative houses, equality of representation and so on. Articles 324-329 deal with elections and electoral reforms. The process of electoral reforms focuses mainly on broadening the core meaning of democracy, making it more citizen-friendly, implementation of adult suffrage in a letter as well as spirit. Aspects of Electoral Reforms Transparency about the background of the candidates Freeing the election processes from muscle and money power Prohibit the criminalisation of politics ( 43% newly-elected Lok Sabha MPs have a criminal record: ADR ) Stop the misuse of the government machinery Prohibiting the nexus between business and politics Check the influence of caste and religious groups in an election Availing all the citizens, eligible to vote a comfortable, friendly and assured facilitation of vote casting Upholding the secrecy of voters Enhance the trust in the eyes of citizens towards electoral processes. Fair registration and recognition of the political parties. Applying the model code of conduct efficiently Rationalising electoral processes Non-partisan role of media Which is the Best Test Series for UPSC ? Check Now Electoral Reforms in india – Pre-2000 Lowering of Voting Age: The 61st Amendment Act to the Constitution reduced the minimum age for voting from 21 to 18 years. Deputation to Election Commission: All personnel working in preparing, revising and correcting the electoral rolls for elections shall be considered to be on deputation to the EC for the period of such employment, and they shall be superintended by the EC. Electronic Voting Machine (EVMs): First introduced in 1998 during the state elections of Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, EVMs are used widely now as they are fool-proof, efficient and a better option in terms of the environment. Disqualification on conviction for violating the National Honours Act, 1971: This shall lead to disqualification of the person for 6 years from contesting to the Parliament and the state legislatures. Restriction on contesting from more than 2 constituencies: A candidate cannot contest from more than 2 constituencies. On poll days, employees of organisations get a paid holiday and violation of this is punishable by a fine. Prohibition on sale of liquor: No liquor or other intoxicants shall be sold or given or distributed at any shop, eating place, or any other place, whether private or public, within a polling area during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of poll. The time limit for bye-elections: Bye-elections to any House of Parliament or a State Legislature will now be held within six months of the occurrence of the vacancy in that House. Electoral Reforms – Post 2000 The ceiling on election expenditure: the Commission has put a cap on individual candidates’ spending. For the Lok Sabha elections, it is Rs. 50 – 70 lakh (depending on the state they are contesting the Lok Sabha seat from), and Rs. 20 – 28 lakh for an assembly election. Restriction on exit polls: The EC issued a statement before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections saying that exit poll results could be broadcast only after the final phase of the elections were over. This was done to avoid prospective voters from being misguided or prejudiced in any manner. Voting through postal ballot: In 2013, the EC decided to expand the ambit of postal ballot voting in the country. Previously, only Indian staff in missions abroad and defence personnel in a limited way, could vote via postal ballots. Now, there are 6 categories of voters who can use the postal ballot: service voters; special voters; wives of service voters and special voters; voters subjected to preventive detention; voters on election duty and Notified voters. Awareness Creation: The government decided to observe January 25th as ‘National Voters Day’ to mark the EC’s founding day. Political parties need to report any contribution in excess of Rs 20000 to the EC for claiming income tax benefit. Declaring of criminal antecedents, assets, etc. by the candidates is required and declaring false information in the affidavit is now an electoral offence punishable with imprisonment up to 6 months or fine or both. Introduction of NOTA Introduction of VVPAT ( Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail ) Transparency in election funding: Electoral bonds Electoral bonds Electoral bonds will allow donors to pay political parties using banks as an intermediary. Although called a bond, the banking instrument resembling promissory notes will not carry any interest. The electoral bond, which will be a bearer instrument, will not carry the name of the payee and can be bought for any value, in multiples of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh, Rs 10 lakh or Rs 1 crore. As per provisions of the Scheme, electoral bonds may be purchased by a citizen of India, or entities incorporated or established in India. A person being an individual can buy electoral bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals. Only the registered Political Parties which have secured not less than one per cent of the votes polled in the last Lok Sabha elections or the State Legislative Assembly are eligible to receive the Electoral Bonds. Read Also Imperial Cholas Dinesh Goswami Committee on electoral reforms The time limit for bye-elections. Increase in deposits from independents. A check on advertisements in newspapers and strengthening of the election commission. Partial state funding of election A series of legislative measures should be set up to eradicate booth-capturing rigging and intimidating The committee also called for an amendment of the anti-defection law to restrict disqualification. There should be a complete ban on donations by companies. Suggests that state assistance be in-kind only and be extended by prescribed quantity of fuel to vehicles supply of additional copies of electoral rolls payment of hire charges for a prescribed number of microphones distribution of voters’ identity slips should be undertaken exclusively by electoral machinery Suggestions Independent Secretariat for the Election Commission Ban on exit polls and opinion polls Ban on Government Sponsored Advertisement before elections Paid news
Export Subsidies In India And WTO Guideline
Export Subsidies In India And WTO Guideline WTO The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world’s trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. The goal is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible. The WTO has many roles: it operates a global system of trade rules, it acts as a forum for negotiating trade agreements, it settles trade disputes between its members and it supports the needs of developing countries. All major decisions are made by the WTO’s member governments: either by ministers (who usually meet at least every two years) or by their ambassadors or delegates (who meet regularly in Geneva). The primary purpose of the WTO is to open trade for the benefit of all. India is one among the founding member of WTO which came into existence on January 1,1995 replacing GATT(General agreement on tariffs and Trade). It was created with six major objectives: Setting and enforcing rules for international trade Serving as a forum for negotiating trade liberalization Resolving trade disputes Increasing transparency of the decision-making process in international trade Engaging with other international economic institutions for facilitating economic management Facilitating the developing countries to gain the full benefit of the global trading system. India has a commitment towards fulfilling these objectives by implementing any norm or recommendation developed by WTO and any unwillingness has to be conveyed to the organization or proper reservations have to be made in this regard. Export subsidies The cores of the reform programme on export subsidies are the commitments to reduce subsidized export quantities, and the amount of money spent subsidizing exports. The Agriculture Agreement also looks at anti-circumvention questions. The right to use export subsidies is now limited to four situations: Export subsidies subject to product-specific reduction commitments within the limits specified in the schedule of the WTO Member concerned Any excess of budgetary outlays for export subsidies or subsidized export volume over the limits specified in the schedule which is covered by the “downstream flexibility” provision of Article 9.2(b) of the Agreement on Agriculture Export subsidies consistent with the special and differential treatment provision for developing country Members (Article 9.4 of the Agreement) Export subsidies other than those subject to reduction commitments provided that they are in conformity with the anti-circumvention disciplines of Article 10 of the Agreement on Agriculture. In all other cases, the use of export subsidies for agricultural products is prohibited (Articles 3.3, 8 and 10 of the Agreement). Read Also National Nutrition Mission India’s Disputes At WTO The WTO’s dispute settlement panel ruled that India’s export subsidy schemes, including the provision for special economic zones, violated core provisions of global trade norms. The US in March 2018 challenged export subsidies provided by India under five sets of schemes: Export-Oriented Units, Electronics Hardware Technology Park and Bio-Technology Park (EOU/EHTP/BTP) Schemes Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme iii. Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Scheme Duty-Free Imports for Exporters Scheme (DFIS) Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) The export subsidies under most of the challenged schemes, except for MEIS, consist of exemptions and deductions from customs duties and other taxes. The US argued these subsidies were a detriment to American workers and manufacturers. When consultations with India did not work out, the US in May 2018 requested that a dispute settlement panel be set up. India was among the 20 developing countries included in Annex VII of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM Agreement). This allowed it to use export subsidies as long as per capita Gross National Product (GNP) had not crossed $1,000, at constant 1990 dollars, for 3 consecutive years. This was provided to the developing countries for phasing out export subsidies. It is an exception under the “special and differential treatment”. India thus had the flexibility to use export subsidies until 2015. The US had earlier accused India of giving prohibited subsidies to Indian steel producers, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, information technology, textiles and apparel. While the panel ruled in favour of the US and urged India to withdraw the subsidies without delay. While the panel upheld most of the claims made by the US, it rejected some points pertaining to a subset of exemptions from customs duties and an exemption from excise duties. Under the various schemes, domestic companies are currently receiving billions in subsidies on an annual basis. Withdrawing the subsidies may have a significant effect on the performance of such companies. Conclusion The WTO dispute settlement panel has asked India to withdraw the concerned export subsidy schemes within a time period of 90 days from the adoption of the report. It also asked India to withdraw prohibited subsidies under the EOU/EHTP/BTP schemes, EPCG and MEIS, within a period of 120 days and SEZ scheme within 180 days. India has a month to appeal against the WTO’s order. However, India has the right to challenge the ruling before the appellate body of the WTO dispute settlement mechanism with regards to export subsidy schemes. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards yours Civils out journey. Feel free to reach to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. JOIN NOW
RTI Act and the Judiciary
RTI Act and the Judiciary Why in news? Recently, the Supreme Court of India held that the office of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) is a public authority and falls within the ambit of the Right to Information Act. A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi gave the ruling. Background: Previously, the Delhi High Court judgment which ruled that office of the Chief Justice comes under the purview of RTI. A plea was filed by Supreme Court Secretary-General challenging Delhi High Court’s order. The concept of judicial independence is not a judge’s personal privilege but responsibility cast on the person, the HC had said in its ruling. RTI Act, 2005 Under the RTI Act, 2005, every public authority has to provide information to persons requesting for the information under the Act. Public Authority includes the body constituted by or under the Constitution. Article 124 of the Constitution deals with the establishment of the Supreme Court of India. Information includes any material in any form, including records, documents, memos, e-mails, etc. Highlights The Supreme Court is a “public authority” and the office of the CJI is part and parcel of the institution. Hence, if the Supreme Court is a public authority, so is the office of the CJI. The Judiciary cannot function in total insulation as judges enjoy a constitutional post and discharge public duty. However, Right to Privacy is an important aspect and has to be balanced with transparency while deciding to give out information from the office of the Chief Justice of India. RTI cannot be used as a tool of surveillance and that judicial independence has to be kept in mind while dealing with transparency. On the issue related to the appointment of judges, the Supreme Court held that only the names of the judges recommended by the Collegium for appointment can be disclosed, not the reasons. Read Also Gig Economy. Checks and Balances System Outcomes The office of the CJI will now entertain RTI applications. The Ruling is an example for other bodies such as political parties, a number of schools, trusts and public-private partnerships who resist categorisation as public authorities under the Act. However, it has been seen that Officessuch as those of the Prime Minister and the President which are public authorities under the RTI Act has often denied information quoting separate observations by the Supreme Court. Officials need to furnish only such information which already exists and is held by the public authority and not collate or create information, that is The nation does not want a scenario where 75% of the staff of public authorities spends 75% of their time in collecting and furnishing information to applicants instead of discharging their regular duties. 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
Zero Carbon Act
Zero Carbon Act or Climate Change Response (Zero-Carbon) Amendment Act New Zealand has passed a law that aims to make the country almost carbon neutral by 2050. According to the New Zealand government, this is the first legislation in the world to make a legally binding commitment to living within 1.5 degrees Celsius of global warming. Its capacity to generate electricity from renewable resources is at 80 per cent, and it is working towards phasing out the use of offshore oil and gas. The government is working towards investing over $14.5 billion to better it’s public transport system and walking and cycling infrastructure over the next 10 years. The idea for the bill was first proposed by the youth-led climate organisation Generation Zero, who proposed and popularised the Bill before the 2017 New Zealand general elections. The Two basket Approach : The Act will set separate targets and pathways for long-lived greenhouse gases (mainly carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide) and short-lived greenhouse gases (mainly methane). Long-lived gases must go to net-zero by 2050 or sooner (accounting for carbon sinks). Short-lived gases must be significantly reduced to sustainable levels, but not zero. The Firewall Principle : The targets in the Act will apply to New Zealand’s domestic emissions only. This will create a ‘firewall’ between domestic action and international carbon trading, to ensure our own zero carbon transition is on track. UPSC Prelims Mock Test Check Now Climate change Legislation around the world According to Carbon Brief, there has been a 20-fold increase in the number of global climate change laws since 1997, when the Kyoto Protocol was signed. Globally, there are over 1500 laws on climate change, over 100 of which were introduced after the introduction of the Paris Agreement and over 28 of them explicitly reference the agreement. Prelims cum Mains Batch 2022 Join 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
Strategic disinvestment
What is Strategic disinvestment? Simply, strategic disinvestment is transferring the ownership and control of a public sector entity to some other entity (mostly to a private sector entity). Unlike the simple disinvestment, strategic sale implies some sort of privatisation. The disinvestment commission defines strategic sale: “Strategic disinvestment would imply the sale of a substantial portion of the Government shareholding of a central public sector enterprise (CPSE) of up to 50%, or such higher percentage as the competent authority may determine, along with transfer of management control.” Disinvestment policy in India- salient features of the Policy Public Sector Undertakings are the wealth of the Nation and to ensure this wealth rests in the hands of the people, promote public ownership of CPSEs While pursuing disinvestment through minority stake sale in listed CPSEs, the Government will retain majority shareholding, i.e. at least 51 per cent of the shareholding and management control of the Public Sector Undertakings Strategic disinvestment by way of sale of a substantial portion of government shareholding in identified CPSEs up to 50 per cent or more, along with transfer of management control. Department of Investment and Public Asset Management The Department of Disinvestment was one of the Departments under the Ministry of Finance. It was renamed as Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) from 14th April 2016. DIPAM has been made the nodal agency for disinvestment. DIPAM and NITI Aayog will now jointly identify PSUs for strategic disinvestment. Advantages of strategic disinvestment Improving the structure of incentives and accountability of PSUs in India. Financing the increasing fiscal deficit. Financing large-scale infrastructure development, defence, education, healthcare etc. For investing in the economy to encourage spending. Brings about greater efficiencies for the economy and markets as a whole. Bring relief to consumers by way of more choices and better quality of products and services, e.g. Telecom sector. For retiring Government debt- since a big part of Centre’s revenue receipts go towards repaying public debt/interest. To encourage wider share of ownership in an enterprise, and reduce monopoly like enterprises. To depoliticize non-essential services and move out of non-core businesses, especially ones where the private sector has now entered in a significant way. It also sends a positive single to the market and can boost economic activity. Read Now Electoral Reforms in india Concerns Process of disinvestment is not favoured socially as it is against the interest of socially disadvantageous people. Political pressure from left and opposition. It is argued that the government is selling profit-making enterprises and is weakening the public sector. Job security and the welfare of workers will be another issue. Loss-making units don’t attract investment so easily. Over the years, the policy of divestment has increasingly become a tool to raise resources to cover the fiscal deficit with little focus on market discipline or strategic objective. Sometimes the emergence of private monopolies, consumer welfare will be reduced. It is argued that mere change of ownership, from the public to private, does not ensure higher efficiency and productivity. It may lead to retrenchment of workers who will be deprived of the means of their livelihood. The private sector, governed as they are by the profit motive, has a tendency to use capital-intensive techniques which will worsen the unemployment problem in India. Fiscal 2016-17 is the seventh year in a row where the government is not meeting the disinvestment target fixed in the Budget. Way Forward Define the priority sectors for the government based on its strategic interests. Investment in PSUs has to be in terms of the generation of adequate social and strategic returns. The government ownership is required for sectors with strategic relevance such as defence, natural resources, etc. and the government should, exit from the non-strategic sectors such as hotels, soaps, airlines, travel agencies, etc. The government should look into strengthening the regulatory framework that ensures efficient market conditions. Instead of creating PSUs, the government should create regulations that would ease the entry of new players. The regulations should also ensure that the basic necessities of the consumers are met. Allowing both domestic and foreign buyers to bid freely for stakes. 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
Critical Information Infrastructure (CII)
Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) is defined as those facilities, systems or functions whose incapacity or destruction would cause a debilitating impact on national security, governance, economy and social well-being of a nation. National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) is an organisation of the Government of India created under Sec 70A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (amended 2008). It is designated as the National Nodal Agency in respect of CII Protection. NCIIPC has broadly identified the following as ‘Critical Sectors’– Power & Energy Banking, Financial Services & Insurance Telecom Transport Government Strategic & Public Enterprises Functions and Duties The national nodal agency for all measures to protect the nation’s CII. Protect and deliver advice that aims to reduce the vulnerabilities of CII, against cyber terrorism, cyber warfare and other threats. Identification of all critical information infrastructure Provide strategic leadership and coherence across Government to respond to cybersecurity threats. Coordinate, share, monitor, collect, analyze and forecast, a national-level threat to CII for policy guidance, expertise sharing and situational awareness for early warning or alerts. The basic responsibility for protecting CII system shall lie with the agency running that CII. Assisting in the development of appropriate plans, adoption of standards, sharing of best practices and refinement of procurement processes in respect of the protection. Evolving protection strategies, policies, vulnerability assessment and auditing methodologies and plans for their dissemination and implementation for the protection of CII. Undertaking research and development and allied activities. Read Also Nagaland Peace Accord Providing funding (including grants-in-aid) for creating, collaborating and development of innovative future technology. Developing or organising training and awareness programs as also nurturing and development of audit and certification agencies Developing and executing national and international cooperation strategies for protection of CII. Issuing guidelines, advisories and vulnerability or audit notes etc. relating to the protection of CII and practices, procedures, prevention and response in consultation with the stakeholders, in close coordination with Indian Computer Emergency Response Team and other organisations working in the field or related fields. Exchanging cyber incidents and other information relating to attacks and vulnerabilities with the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team and other concerned organisations in the field. In the event of any threat to critical information infrastructure, the National CII Protection Centre may call for information and give directions to the critical sectors or persons serving or having a critical impact on Critical Information Infrastructure. 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
Landslide in India and NDMA guidelines
Landslide in India and NDMA guidelines India has the highest mountain chain on earth, the Himalayas, which are formed due to collision of Indian and Eurasian plate, the northward movement of the Indian plate towards China causes continuous stress on the rocks rendering them friable, weak and prone to landslides and earthquakes. The slow-motion of the Indian crust, about 5 cm/year accumulates stress to which natural disasters are attributed. Some landslides make unique and unparalleled catastrophes. Landslides and avalanches are among the major hydro-geological hazards that affect large parts of India besides the Himalayas, the Northeastern hill ranges, the Western Ghats, the Nilgiris, the Eastern Ghats and the Vindhyans, in that order, covering about 15 % of the landmass The Himalayas alone count for landslides of every fame, name and description- big and small, quick and creeping, ancient and new. The Northeastern region is badly affected by landslide problems of a bewildering variety. Landslides in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal as also those in Sikkim, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh pose chronic problems, causing recurring economic losses worth billions of rupees. A different variety of landslides, characterized by a lateritic cap, pose a constant threat to the Western Ghats in the South, along the steep slopes overlooking the Konkan coast besides Nilgiris, which is highly landslide-prone. Concerns Frequency of damaging landslides Loss assessment. Mitigation methods used. A number of buildings being built on land at risk. Land subject to landslide activity being set aside/purchased. The awareness level of the community. Challenges Technical/Scientific: Integrating landslide concerns in the development of disaster management plans at different levels i.e., national, state, district, municipal/panchayat. Financial Issues: Criteria for disbursement of funds for servicing different areas of landslide mitigation. Legal Issues: I) Techno-legal regime for the introduction of sound slope protection, planned urbanization, regulated land use and environment-friendly land management practices. ii) Zero tolerance against deliberate environmental violence and unhealthy construction practices. How landslide mitigation can be done? By restricting or even removing the population from landslides prone areas. By restricting certain types of land use where slopes are vulnerable. By installing early warning systems based on the monitoring of ground conditions such as strain in rocks and soils, slope displacement, and groundwater levels. NDMA guidelines on Landslides and Snow Avalanches The main objectives of the NDMA guidelines are to institutionalize the landslide hazard mitigation efforts, to make society aware of the various aspects of landslide hazard in the country and to prepare the society to take suitable action to reduce both risks and costs associated with this hazard. The recommendations include: Continuously updating the inventory of landslide incidences affecting the country. Landslide hazard zonation mapping in macro and meso scales after consultation with the Border Road Organization, State government and local communities. Pilot projects to be taken up in different regions of the country to carry out detailed studies and monitoring of selected landslides to assess their stability status and estimate risk. Setting pace setter examples for stabilisation of slides and also setting up early warning systems depending on the risk evaluation and cost-benefit ratio. v) Complete site-specific studies of major landslides and plan treatment measures and encourage state governments to continue these measures. Setting up of institutional mechanisms for generating awareness and preparedness about landslide hazard among various stakeholders. Enhancing landslide education, training of professionals and capacity development of organisations working in the field of landslide management. Capacity development and training to make the response regime more effective. Development of new codes and guidelines on landslide studies and revision of existing ones. Establishment of an autonomous national centre for landslide research, studies and management. Vulnerability to landslides can be evaluated only if we know the exposure to landslide hazard and our preparedness to face that hazard. Vulnerability will be close to nil in the case of well managed and protected slopes. Read Also Agricultural credit in India 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
GS-2 Strategy by UPSC Topper Ravishankar Sharma IFoS Rank 37 Study Note
GS-2 Strategy UPSC Topper Ravishankar Sharma IFoS Rank 37 Study Note Constitution Indian Constitution: Historical Underpinnings, Basic Structure and Evolution: The questions coming in this section are largely case-based. It can be historical or current affairs What was held in the Coelho case? In this context can you see that judicial review is a key feature of the Indian Constitution Examine the scope of fundamental rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court in the Right to Privacy case Features and Provisions of the Constitution of India: The questions are broadly based on challenges faced in the meaningful realisation of the features of the constitution in contemporary society. The question would expect you to discuss the applicability of the constitution at the grass-root level. It can also be a straightforward conceptual question as the second one here. Thus, the features of the constitution through the Preamble, Fundamental Rights and DPSP are very relevant. Conflict between DPSP and FR Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting a Uniform Civil Code for its citizens as provided in the DPSP of the Constitution Discuss each adjective to the word ‘Republic’ in the Preamble What do you understand by the concept of ‘freedom of speech and expression’? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do films stand on a different plane as compared to other forms of expression? Discuss Amendments to the Constitution: Not many questions have been asked with respect to amendments. Questions can be expected to analyse the fairness of the amendment and features affected- fundamental rights, federal framework, independence of judiciary etc. Discuss section 66A of the IT Act with reference to alleged violation of Article 19 of the Indian Constitution Discuss salient features of Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment Act). Do you think it is efficacious to remove cascading effect of taxes and provide for a common market for goods and services. Comparison of Constitution with other countries: Open topic. No question so far. Try to analytically think what we have got from where. Polity Federalism and Local Governance Functions and Responsibilities of Union and States: Questions come with a background to know the bifurcation of powers between Centre and States. Special instances like Kashmir and Delhi have found mention Discuss the essentials of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and anomalies, if any that have led to recent reported conflicts between the elected representatives and the institution of the Lieutenant Governor in the administration of Delhi. Do you think that this will give rise to a new trend in the functioning of the Indian federal politics? Issues Pertaining to Federal Structure: One of the most favourite topic and hotbed of questions of UPSC. Question can talk about the nature of federalism – cooperative and competitive- their advantages need a mention. Contemporary examples are mandatory. The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent years. Highlight the drawbacks in the existing structure and the extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings It can also talk about the nature of federalism mentioned in the constitution- quasi-federal or federal with unitary bias. It may talk about the need for further decentralization in contemporary times. It may also ask to analyse the constitution federalism in contemporary times. Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. Discuss. Inter-state issues also find mention in questions. Thus constitutional institutions to resolve the same can also be asked- inter-state council, zonal councils etc. Constitutional mechanisms to resolve inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is it a structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels and Challenges therein: The Question almost always is going to focus on the weakness of PRIs, challenges they face and the way forward in the realisation of grass root level governance In the absence of a well-educated and organized local level government system, `Panchayats’ and ‘Samitis’ have remained mainly political institutions and not effective instruments of governance. Critically discuss. Q. “The local self-government system in India has not proved to be an effective instrument of governance”. Critically examine the statement and give your views to improve the situation Separation of Powers between Organs (Overlap with Judiciary’s structure, organization and functioning) Executive- Legislature Domain: The Question that is going to be asked is going to be invariably about ordinances and the abuse of the power by the executive. Efficacy of control of legislature on executive may also be asked. Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of separation of powers doctrine. While noting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate ordinances, analyse whether the decisions of the Supreme Court on the issue have further facilitated resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate ordinances be repealed? Judiciary – Executive Question-related to appointments of judges: Study drawbacks of the collegium, need for independence of the judiciary, why delay in appointment of judges Q. Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to the appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India Questions can come with regard to judicial activism and its subsequent rise, the misuse of PILs, the tilting balance towards the judiciary and so on Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy. Judiciary- Legislative: The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on the arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution. Discuss critically. Structure, Organization and Functioning of Executive Questions can relate to the size of cabinet and council of ministers: minimum government and maximum governance- rationalization of governance machinery. The size of the cabinet should be as big as governmental work
