VOTER VERIFIABLE PAPER AUDIT TRAIL (VVPAT)
The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) is a mechanism introduced to ensure the accuracy and transparency of the voting process in electronic voting machines (EVMs). It provides a means for voters to verify that their vote has been correctly cast by allowing them to physically verify their choices on a paper printout.
Here's how it generally works:
Voting Process: When a voter casts their vote using an electronic voting machine, the VVPAT generates a paper slip containing the details of the vote—such as the candidate's name and symbol—and displays it behind a transparent window for a few seconds.
Verification: The voter can visually verify if the printed information on the paper slip matches the candidate they selected using the EVM. This provides an opportunity for the voter to ensure that their vote has been accurately recorded.
Paper Trail: The printed paper slip is then deposited into a sealed box/container. These paper trails serve as physical records for future verification in case of disputes or recounts.
The introduction of VVPAT adds an extra layer of transparency and confidence in the voting process, reassuring voters about the accuracy and integrity of their votes despite using electronic means for casting ballots
- To address concerns about the credibility of EVMs and to increase voter trust by providing a physical, verifiable paper trail. This allowed voters to confirm that their vote was cast as intended and recorded accurately
- VVPAT enables voters to verify their votes independently, ensuring that the electronic voting process accurately reflects their chosen candidate before the vote is officially cast
- In case of disputes or the need for a recount, the paper records generated by VVPATs serve as a tangible, auditable trail, allowing for manual verification and cross-checking if necessary
- Meeting the demand for a transparent and accountable voting process, addressing legal challenges, and fulfilling ethical obligations to ensure fair elections
Key Features:
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VVPAT provides a physical paper trail for each vote cast using an electronic voting machine (EVM). It generates a printed slip with the details of the vote, allowing voters to verify their choices before the vote is officially cast.
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The printed paper slip is displayed behind a transparent window on the VVPAT machine for a few seconds, giving voters an opportunity to visually confirm their selections.
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Enhances the transparency and accountability of the electronic voting process by providing voters with a means to verify that their votes have been accurately recorded.
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The paper records produced by VVPAT serve as auditable and tangible evidence, enabling manual verification in case of disputes, recounts, or discrepancies
Applications:
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VVPAT ensures the integrity of the electoral process by allowing voters to independently verify that their votes are correctly registered, thereby reducing concerns about EVM tampering or malfunction.
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Acts as a mechanism to build trust among voters, political parties, and stakeholders by offering a verifiable and transparent voting process.
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Helps in resolving legal challenges or disputes related to the accuracy of the voting process. The paper trail can be used for manual verification during recounts or audits.
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Boosts voter confidence in the electoral system, encouraging higher participation and trust in the democratic process
- Introducing VVPAT systems involves substantial costs for manufacturing, deployment, and maintenance. It also requires logistical arrangements for printing, storage, and transportation of paper rolls, adding to the overall election expenses
- The process of verifying votes through VVPAT can extend the time required for casting votes, potentially causing longer queues and delays at polling stations, especially in high-turnout elections
- Like any technology, VVPAT systems are susceptible to technical glitches, paper jams, or calibration errors, which could potentially affect the smooth functioning of the voting process and cause delays
- Ensuring that voters and polling staff are adequately trained to use and handle VVPAT machines is crucial. Lack of awareness or inadequate training might lead to errors or confusion among voters during the verification process
- The time duration for verifying the printed slip in the VVPAT machine is brief, potentially causing difficulties for some voters, especially those with visual impairments or those who might need more time to verify their choices
- Safeguarding the printed paper trails for potential audits or recounts requires secure storage mechanisms to prevent tampering, damage, or loss of the paper records
- In massive elections with numerous candidates and constituencies, the volume of paper trails generated by VVPATs can become cumbersome to manage and recount manually if necessary
| Topic | Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) | Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Provides a physical paper trail for each vote cast | Records and stores electronic votes |
| Functionality | Generates a printed paper slip for verification | Allows voters to electronically select candidates |
| Verification | Allows voters to verify their choices on paper | Does not provide a physical verification |
| Output | Prints a paper trail with voter selections | Records votes electronically within the machine |
| Transparency | Enhances transparency by offering a physical record | Relies on electronic recording |
| Recounts/Audits | Provides tangible paper records for manual recounts/audits | Requires accessing electronic data for recounts |
| Deployment | Linked as an additional component to EVMs | Independent electronic voting device |
| Mechanism | Shows printed slips briefly behind a transparent window | Uses buttons for candidate selection |
| Maintenance | Requires handling and storage of paper trails | Maintenance involves electronic systems |
| Voter Confidence | Boosts confidence by offering a physical verification option | Confidence relies on trust in electronic systems |
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For Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance
For Mains: General Studies II: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act
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Previous Year Questions
1. The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system was used for the first time by the Election Commission of India in (UPSC CAPF 2019)
North Paravur Assembly Constituency, Kerala
B.Noksen Assembly Constituency, Nagaland
C.Mapusa Assembly Constituency, Goa
D.Nambol Assembly Constituency, Manipur
Answer (B)
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GREAT INDIAN BUSTARD
1.Context
The Supreme Court has ruled that people have a “right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change”, which should be recognised by Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. The judgment by a three-judge Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, was delivered on March 21 2024 in a case relating to the conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB)
2.About Great Indian Bustard
- The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) is a critically endangered bird species native to the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world and is characterized by its large size, long legs, and brownish-grey plumage with black markings. The male GIB is distinguished by its distinctive black crown and long, drooping feathers on the neck.
- Historically, the GIB inhabited grasslands and semi-arid regions across India, Pakistan, and Nepal. However, due to habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities, its population has declined dramatically. Today, the species is primarily found in isolated pockets in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh in India.
- Conservation efforts aimed at protecting the Great Indian Bustard include habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, captive breeding programs, and community engagement initiatives. Despite these efforts, the GIB remains at risk of extinction, and urgent action is needed to ensure its survival.
- The Great Indian Bustard is not only a symbol of India's rich biodiversity but also an indicator of the health of its grassland ecosystems. Efforts to conserve this iconic species are therefore crucial for preserving India's natural heritage and biodiversity
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International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) status – critically endangered. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)-Appendix 1 Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)-Appendix 1 Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972-Schedule 1 |
3.What are the Article 21 and 14 of the Indian Constitution?
Article 21 and Article 14 of the Indian Constitution are fundamental rights that guarantee certain protections to citizens of India.
Article 21: Right to Life and Personal Liberty
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution states that "No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law." This article provides individuals with the fundamental right to life and personal liberty. It ensures that no person can be deprived of their life or personal liberty except through the due process of law. Over the years, the Supreme Court of India has interpreted Article 21 expansively to encompass various rights and freedoms, including the right to privacy, dignity, shelter, and a clean environment.
Article 14: Right to Equality
Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to equality before the law and equal protection of the laws to all persons within the territory of India. It states that "The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India." Article 14 ensures that the government cannot discriminate against individuals based on factors such as religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It mandates that all individuals are entitled to equal treatment and opportunities under the law. The principle of equality enshrined in Article 14 is fundamental to the Indian legal system and is upheld by the judiciary to prevent arbitrary or discriminatory actions by the state
4.Habitat
- The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) primarily inhabits grasslands and semi-arid regions across the Indian subcontinent. Historically, it was found in various states of India, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, as well as in parts of Pakistan and Nepal.
- These grasslands provide the GIB with suitable habitat for foraging, nesting, and mating. They typically consist of open, flat terrain with sparse vegetation, including grasses, shrubs, and scattered trees. The bird's large size and long legs make it well-adapted to traversing these open landscapes.
- However, due to extensive habitat loss and degradation resulting from factors such as agricultural expansion, development projects, and human encroachment, the natural habitat of the Great Indian Bustard has been significantly reduced. Today, the remaining populations are primarily confined to fragmented patches of grassland habitat, often in protected areas and wildlife reserves.
- Conservation efforts aimed at preserving the GIB's habitat include initiatives such as habitat restoration, land management practices to promote grassland health, and the establishment of conservation reserves and corridors to connect fragmented habitats. Protecting and restoring these grassland ecosystems is crucial for the survival of the Great Indian Bustard and the countless other species that depend on them for their existence
5.Threats
- Power Transmission Lines –among the greatest threat to the Great Indian Bustard are overhead transmission lines.
- Due to their poor frontal vision, the birds cannot spot the power lines from a distance and are too heavy to change course when close. Thus they collide with the cables and die.
- Hunting
- Attack by feral dogs and wild pigs
- The natural habitat of Bustards is also an ideal space for setting up wind turbines and solar panels.
- Habitat loss due to widespread agriculture.
- According to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), in Rajasthan, 18GIBs die every year after colliding with power lines.
6.Steps Taken
The Supreme Court ordered all overhead power transmission lines in core and potential Great Indian Bustard habitats in Rajasthan and Gujarat be made underground.
The court sought reports from the chief secretaries of the two states in six weeks on the installation of bird diverters (reflector–like structures strung on power cables) in priority areas.SC asked them to assess the length of transmission lines that need to go underground.
The captive breeding programme of the Great Indian Bustard was spearheaded by the wildlife institute of India, Dehradun
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For Prelims :Flagship species, WII, Bustard status, Indian Polity and Governance For Mains :GS II – Constitution of India 1.What are the major threats to Great Indian Bustard? Suggest measures to save them. |
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)
There are three primary ways to calculate GDP:
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Production Approach (GDP by Production): This approach calculates GDP by adding up the value-added at each stage of production. It involves summing up the value of all final goods and services produced in an economy.
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Income Approach (GDP by Income): This approach calculates GDP by summing up all the incomes earned in an economy, including wages, rents, interests, and profits. The idea is that all the income generated in an economy must ultimately be spent on purchasing goods and services.
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Expenditure Approach (GDP by Expenditure): This approach calculates GDP by summing up all the expenditures made on final goods and services. It includes consumption by households, investments by businesses, government spending, and net exports (exports minus imports).
3. Measuring GDP
GDP can be measured in three different ways:
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Nominal GDP: This is the raw GDP figure without adjusting for inflation. It reflects the total value of goods and services produced at current prices.
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Real GDP: Real GDP adjusts the nominal GDP for inflation, allowing for a more accurate comparison of economic performance over time. It represents the value of goods and services produced using constant prices from a specific base year.
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GDP per capita: This is the GDP divided by the population of a country. It provides a per-person measure of economic output and can be useful for comparing the relative economic well-being of different countries.
The GDP is a useful measure of economic health, but it has some limitations. For example, it does not take into account the distribution of income in an economy. It also does not take into account the quality of goods and services produced.
Despite its limitations, the GDP is a widely used measure of economic health. It is used by economists, policymakers, and businesses to track the performance of an economy and to make decisions about economic policy
4. Gross Value Added (GVA)
Gross Value Added (GVA) is a closely related concept to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is used to measure the economic value generated by various economic activities within a country. GVA represents the value of goods and services produced in an economy minus the value of inputs (such as raw materials and intermediate goods) used in production. It's a way to measure the contribution of each individual sector or industry to the overall economy.
GVA can be calculated using the production approach, similar to one of the methods used to calculate GDP. The formula for calculating GVA is as follows:
GVA = Output Value - Intermediate Consumption
Where:
- Output Value: The total value of goods and services produced by an industry or sector.
- Intermediate Consumption: The value of inputs used in the production process, including raw materials, energy, and other intermediate goods.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Product (GNP) are both important economic indicators used to measure the size and health of an economy, but they focus on slightly different aspects of economic activity and include different factors. Here are the key differences between GDP and GNP:
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Definition and Scope:
- GDP: GDP measures the total value of all goods and services produced within a country's borders, regardless of whether the production is done by domestic or foreign entities. It only considers economic activities that take place within the country.
- GNP: GNP measures the total value of all goods and services produced by a country's residents, whether they are located within the country's borders or abroad. It takes into account the production of residents, both domestically and internationally.
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Foreign Income and Payments:
- GDP: GDP does not consider the income earned by residents of a country from their economic activities abroad, nor does it account for payments made to foreigners working within the country.
- GNP: GNP includes the income earned by a country's residents from their investments and activities abroad, minus the income earned by foreign residents from their investments within the country.
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Net Factor Income from Abroad:
- GDP: GDP does not account for net factor income from abroad, which is the difference between income earned by domestic residents abroad and income earned by foreign residents domestically.
- GNP: GNP includes net factor income from abroad as part of its calculation.
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Foreign Direct Investment:
- GDP: GDP does not directly consider foreign direct investment (FDI) flowing into or out of a country.
- GNP: GNP considers the impact of FDI on the income of a country's residents, both from investments made within the country and from investments made by residents abroad.
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Measurement Approach:
- GDP: GDP can be calculated using three different approaches: production, income, and expenditure approaches.
- GNP: GNP is primarily calculated using the income approach, as it focuses on the income earned by residents from their economic activities.
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For Prelims: GDP, GVA, FDI, GNP
For Mains: 1.Discuss the recent trends and challenges in India's GDP growth
2.Examine the role of the service sector in India's GDP growth
3.Compare and contrast the growth trajectories of India's GDP and GNP
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Previous Year Questions
1.With reference to Indian economy, consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE, 2015)
1. The rate of growth of Real Gross Domestic Product has steadily increased in the last decade. 2. The Gross Domestic Product at market prices (in rupees) has steadily increased in the last decade. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer (b)
2.A decrease in tax to GDP ratio of a country indicates which of the following? (UPSC CSE, 2015) 1. Slowing economic growth rate 2. Less equitable distribution of national income Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer (a)
Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP? (UPSC CSE GS3, 2020) Explain the difference between computing methodology of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015. (UPSC CSE GS3, 2021) |
The Approved List of Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Modules, or ALMM list, comprises manufacturers eligible for use in various government projects, government-assisted projects, and projects under government schemes and programs. This includes projects established for the sale of electricity to both Central and State Governments.
Reasons for its re-implementation
- The ALMM list notification was put on hold two years after its issuance for the past financial year.
- While the government did not explicitly state the reason for this, reports suggest it was due to concerns and demands from renewable power producers who had secured sale contracts with the government before the implementation of these rules.
- During that period, solar modules and cells were primarily imported from China at highly competitive rates, as India's domestic renewables sector was unable to meet the surge in demand for solar power production equipment at comparable prices.
- The government's decision to reintroduce this rule is based on the assessment that various measures, including the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, have bolstered India's domestic sector's production capacities and improved price competitiveness to meet local demand.
- This move is positioned as an import substitution effort aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing rather than an attempt to restrict imports.
- India heavily relies on imports to fulfil its demand for solar cells and modules, with China and Vietnam emerging as major suppliers.
- According to a statement by the Minister for New and Renewable Energy in Parliament in February of the previous year, India imported approximately $11.17 billion worth of solar cells and modules over the past five years. This accounted for 0.4% of India's total exports during the same period.
- Until January of the fiscal year 2023-24, data from the Ministry of Commerce's Import-Export department indicated that China constituted 53% of India's solar cell imports and 63% of solar PV module imports.
- Rating agency ICRA estimates that China dominates over 80% of the manufacturing capacity across polysilicon, wafers, cells and modules.
- ICRA noted in its November 2023 report that India's manufacturing capacity is relatively low, primarily concentrated in the final manufacturing stage.
- ICRA predicts that the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme will catalyze change, expecting integrated module units to emerge in India over the next 2-3 years. This shift is anticipated to diversify India's manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on imports, particularly from China.
- India initiated efforts to address its overdependence on solar PV imports with the notification of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) order in January 2019. This move aimed to regulate the use of solar PV modules in government projects and promote domestic manufacturing.
- The issue of import dependence gained prominence amid severe global supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- In response, the ₹19,500 crore Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in the Union Budget of 2022-23. This scheme was designed to boost domestic manufacturing across the entire solar supply chain, ranging from polysilicon to solar modules.
- In addition to the PLI scheme, the government introduced steep customs duties to further incentivize domestic manufacturing.
- A 40% customs duty was imposed on PV modules, along with a 25% duty on PV cells. However, these duties were later halved in response to slowed solar capacity additions.
- Developers had been bidding aggressively low tariffs to secure power purchase contracts, which placed cost pressures on projects totalling about 30 GW capacity, largely reliant on imported Chinese equipment.
China's dominance in solar PV exports can be attributed to several key factors:
- A July 2022 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights that China offers the most cost-effective environment for manufacturing all components of the solar PV supply chain. This is primarily due to lower electricity prices for the industry. Electricity costs account for a significant portion of production expenses, exceeding 40% for polysilicon and nearly 20% for ingots and wafers.
- The IEA report also emphasizes the role of supportive Chinese government policies. Solar PV has been prioritized as a strategic sector, and government initiatives have fostered continuous innovation throughout the supply chain.
- China's large domestic market creates economies of scale for solar PV manufacturers. This allows them to produce solar panels and components in massive quantities, driving down production costs and making them more competitive globally.
- The Indian government's ambitious target of achieving 500 GW of installed capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030 serves as the primary catalyst for scaling up solar power in the country.
- Additionally, India is experiencing the fastest rate of growth in electricity demand among major economies until 2026, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). This growth is fueled by robust economic activity and an increasing consumption of products aimed at mitigating extreme weather events.
- Solar power already contributes significantly to India's renewable energy mix, accounting for approximately one-third of all energy generated from renewables between April of the previous year and February of the current year.
- India possesses an estimated solar power potential of 748.99 GW, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). However, this potential is yet to be fully tapped.
- The government is actively working to harness this untapped potential through various schemes and programs aimed at promoting solar energy adoption across the country.
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For Prelims: Solar Photovoltaic, Approved List of Models and Manufacturers, ICRA, International Energy Agency, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, COVID-19 pandemic, Production Linked Incentive
For Mains:
1. The government's policy initiatives like the ALMM list and PLI scheme have shown promise in bolstering domestic manufacturing. Continued support for these programs is crucial to reduce reliance on imports and establish a robust domestic solar industry. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2016)
1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.
2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 Only
B. 2 Only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 Nor 2
Answer: A
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NATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE FUND (NDRF)
The National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) is a specialized fund set up by the Government of India to finance relief and response measures during natural disasters or calamities. It was established based on the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission in 2010. The primary objective of the NDRF is to provide timely assistance to states and Union Territories (UTs) in the event of severe disasters, ensuring effective and coordinated response efforts.
Key features of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) include:
- The NDRF is constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, which provides a legal framework for disaster management in India.
- The fund is specifically earmarked for meeting the relief and response expenses incurred by state governments and UT administrations during natural calamities such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, droughts, and other severe disasters.
- The NDRF receives contributions from the Central Government, with the primary corpus being replenished annually through budgetary allocations. Additionally, the fund can also receive voluntary contributions from individuals, organizations, and other sources.
- The management and administration of the NDRF are overseen by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India. The fund is disbursed to state governments and UT administrations based on specific criteria and guidelines established by the Central Government.
- States and UTs can utilize the funds from the NDRF to finance various relief measures, including evacuation and rescue operations, provision of food, shelter, medical assistance, and restoration of infrastructure and public services affected by disasters.
- The utilization of funds from the NDRF is subject to regular monitoring and audit to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with established guidelines.
Purpose
- To establish a legal and institutional framework for disaster management in India
- To empower the Central Government, State Governments and local authorities for effective management of disasters
- To institute a mechanism for coordination in the response to disaster situations
Key Provisions
- Creates a National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) at the national level and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) at the state level, along with District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) at the district level.
- The National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) is a central pool of funds for emergency response, relief, and rehabilitation during disasters.
- National Plan and State Plans Mandates the creation of a National Plan for disaster management and State Plans aligned with the National Plan.
- Emphasizes proactive measures to reduce the risks of disasters, including early warning systems, vulnerability assessments, and disaster preparedness plans.
- Defines roles and responsibilities for various authorities during disaster situations, including response, relief, and evacuation procedures.
- Encourages community involvement in disaster management activities.
Significance
- The Act provides a much-needed legal framework for a coordinated approach to disaster management in India.
- It emphasizes not only response and relief but also proactive mitigation measures to minimize the impact of disasters.
- The Act empowers various levels of government to work together effectively during disaster situations.
Criticisms
- Some argue that the implementation of the Act has been uneven across different states.
- There are concerns regarding the adequacy of funding allocated for disaster preparedness and mitigation activities.
Reasons for the Severity
Government's Response
Federalism in India is characterized by a unique blend of unitary and federal features, reflecting the country's diverse socio-cultural, linguistic, and geographical landscape.
The features of federalism in India include
- India has a written constitution that delineates the powers and responsibilities of the central government and the state governments. The Constitution of India establishes a federal structure with a division of powers between the Union (central) and the states.
- The Constitution of India provides for a three-fold distribution of legislative powers between the Union List, State List, and Concurrent List. The Union List includes subjects on which the central government has exclusive jurisdiction, the State List includes subjects on which state governments have exclusive jurisdiction, and the Concurrent List includes subjects on which both the central and state governments can legislate.
- The Constitution of India is the supreme law of the land, and both the central and state governments are bound by its provisions. Any law or action inconsistent with the Constitution can be struck down by the judiciary.
- India has an independent judiciary with the Supreme Court as the final interpreter of the Constitution. The judiciary acts as a guardian of federalism by adjudicating disputes between the central and state governments and ensuring that the division of powers is maintained.
- India operates under a dual polity, with separate governments at the central and state levels. Each level of government has its own executive, legislature, and judiciary, and they operate independently within their respective spheres of authority.
- While the Constitution of India establishes a federal structure, it also provides for a degree of flexibility to accommodate changing socio-economic and political realities. The Constitution can be amended through a prescribed procedure, which requires the consent of both the central and state governments.
- Unlike some federal countries where citizens hold dual citizenship (federal and state), India follows the principle of single citizenship. All Indian citizens are citizens of the Union of India, and there is no separate state citizenship.
- Integrated Judiciary While each state has its own High Court, the Supreme Court of India serves as the apex judicial body for the entire country. It has the authority to hear appeals from the High Courts as well as disputes between the central and state governments.
- The Inter-State Council, established by the Constitution, facilitates cooperation and coordination between the central and state governments on matters of common interest, promoting cooperative federalism.
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For Prelims: National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), Federalism, Inter-state Council, Drought, MGNREGA, NDMA, Disaster Management Act, Monsoon
For Mains:
1. Analyze the reasons behind the severe drought situation in Karnataka and Evaluate the measures being taken by the Karnataka government to address the drought. Suggest additional long-term solutions for drought mitigation in the state. (250 Words)
2. Explain the significance of the Inter-State Council and other mechanisms for facilitating cooperation between states in disaster management. (250 Words)
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