HEATWAVE
1. Context
2. What is a Heat Wave?
- A heatwave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, a common phenomenon in India during the months of May-June and in some rare cases even extends till July.
- Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) classifies heat waves according to regions and temperature ranges. As per IMD, the number of heatwave days in India has increased from 413 over 1981-1990 to 600 over 2011-2020.
- This sharp rise in the number of heatwave days has resulted due to the increasing impact of climate change.
- The last three years have been La Niña years, which has served as a precursor to 2023 likely being an El Niño year. (The El Niño is a complementary phenomenon in which warmer water spreads westeast across the equatorial Pacific Ocean.)
- As we eagerly await the likely birth of an El Niño this year, we have already had a heat wave occur over northwest India.
- Heat waves tend to be confined to north and northwest India in El Niño years.
3. How do Heat waves Occur?
- Heat waves are formed for one of two reasons warmer air is flowing in from elsewhere or it is being produced locally.
- It is a local phenomenon when the air is warmed by higher land surface temperature or because the air sinking down from above is compressed along the way, producing hot air near the surface.
- First of all, in spring, India typically has air flowing in from the westnorthwest. This direction of airflow is bad news for India for several reasons.
- Likewise, air flowing in from the northwest rolls in over the mountains of Afghanistan and Pakistan, so some of the compression also happens on the leeward side of these mountains, entering India with a bristling warmth.
- While air flowing over the oceans is expected to bring cooler air, the Arabian Sea is warming faster than most other ocean regions.
- Next, the strong upper atmospheric westerly winds, from the Atlantic Ocean to India during spring, control the near-surface winds.
- Any time winds flow from the west to the east, we need to remember that the winds are blowing faster than the planet which also rotates from west to east.
- The energy to run past the earth near the surface, against surface friction, can only come from above. This descending air compresses and warms up to generate some heat waves.
4. Impacts of heat waves in India
- The frequent occurrence of heat waves also adversely affects different sectors of the economy.
- For instance, the livelihood of poor and marginal farmers is negatively impacted due to the loss of working days.
- Heatwaves also have an adverse impact on daily wage workers' productivity, impacting the economy.
- Crop yields suffer when temperatures exceed the ideal range.
- Farmers in Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh have reported losses in their wheat crop in the past rabi season. Across India, wheat production could be down 6-7% due to heat waves.
- Mortality due to heat waves occurs because of rising temperatures, lack of public awareness programs, and inadequate long-term mitigation measures.
- According to a 2019 report by the Tata Center for Development and the University of Chicago, by 2100 annually, more than 1.5 million people will be likely to die due to extreme heat caused by climate change.
- The increased heat wave will lead to an increase in diseases like diabetes, circulatory and respiratory conditions, as well as mental health challenges.
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The concurrence of heat and drought events is causing crop production losses and tree mortality. The risks to health and food production will be made more severe by the sudden food production losses exacerbated by heat-induced labor productivity losses.These interacting impacts will increase food prices, reduce household incomes, and lead to malnutrition and climate-related deaths, especially in tropical regions.
5. How does air mass contribute to heat waves?
- The other factors that affect the formation of heat waves are the age of the air mass and how far it has traveled.
- The north northwestern heatwaves are typically formed with air masses that come from 800-1600 km away and are around two days old.
- Heat waves over peninsular India on the other hand, arrive from the oceans, which are closer (around 200-400km) and are barely a day old. As a result, they are on average less intense.
6. Way ahead for Heat waves
- Identifying heat hot spots through appropriate tracking of meteorological data and promoting timely development and implementation of local Heat Action Plans with strategic inter-agency coordination, and a response that targets the most vulnerable groups.
- Review existing occupational health standards, labor laws, and sectoral regulations for worker safety in relation to climatic conditions.
- Policy intervention and coordination across three sectors health, water, and power are necessary.
- Promotion of traditional adaptation practices, such as staying indoors and wearing comfortable clothes.
- Popularisation of simple design features such as shaded windows, underground water storage tanks, and insulating house materials.
- Advance implementation of local Heat Action Plans, plus effective inter-agency coordination is a vital response that the government can deploy in order to protect vulnerable groups.
For Prelims & Mains
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For Prelims: Heat Wave, India Meteorological Department (IMD), El Nino, Equatorial Pacific Ocean, La Nina, Malnutrition, Heat Action Plans.
For Mains: 1. Examine the various adverse impacts caused by heat waves and how India should deal with them.
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Previous Year Questions
1.What are the possible limitations of India in mitigating global warming at present and in the immediate future? (UPSC CSE 2010)
1. Appropriate alternate technologies are not sufficiently available. 2. India cannot invest huge funds in research and development. 3. Many developed countries have already set up their polluting industries in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer (a) India faces challenges in addressing Global Warming: Developing and underdeveloped nations lack access to advanced technologies, resulting in a scarcity of viable alternatives for combating climate change. Being a developing nation, India relies partially or entirely on developed countries for technology. Moreover, a significant portion of the annual budget in these nations is allocated to development and poverty alleviation programs, leaving limited funds for research and development of alternative technologies compared to developed nations. Analyzing the statements provided: Statements 1 and 2 hold true based on the aforementioned factors. However, Statement 3 is inaccurate as the establishment of polluting industries by developed countries within India is not feasible due to regulations governing industrial setup Mains 1.Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world. (UPSC CSE Mains GS 1 2013) |
INDIAN OCEAN DIPOLE
1. Context
2. Understanding El Nino and IOD
- El Nino, known as the Indian Nino, refers to a phenomenon where the eastern side of the Pacific Ocean becomes warmer due to weakened wind systems.
- Conversely, during La Nina, the opposite occurs.
- These conditions, collectively referred to as El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), impact weather patterns globally and suppress monsoon rainfall over India.
- Similarly, the IOD, sometimes called the Indian Nino, occurs in the Indian Ocean between the Indonesian and Malaysian coastline in the east and the African coastline near Somalia in the west.
- It is characterized by one side of the equatorial ocean becoming warmer than the other.
- A positive IOD occurs when the western side near the Somalia coast becomes warmer, while a negative IOD indicates cooler temperatures in the Western Indian Ocean.
3. Relationship between ENSO and IOD
- IOD events often coincide with El Nino with a positive IOD typically developing during El Nino periods.
- Conversely, a negative IOD is sometimes associated with La Nina. While studies suggest that ENSO can trigger IOD events, there is evidence that IOD events can occur independently, driven by local circulations or subsurface processes within the equatorial Indian Ocean.
- Interestingly, strong IOD and ENSO events can influence each other's circulation patterns.
4. Impacts of IOD
- A positive IOD event brings increased rainfall along the African coastline and the Indian subcontinent while suppressing rainfall over Indonesia, Southeast Asia and Australia.
- Conversely, during a negative IOD event, the impacts are reversed.
- However, it is important to note that the impacts of IOD events are generally weaker compared to ENSO events.
Image source: Climate.gov5. Hope for positive IOD
- Given the expected development of a strong El Nino in the Pacific Ocean this year, the possibility of a positive IOD event provides hope for balancing its effects.
- The case of the 2019 late monsoon season serves as an example, where a strong IOD Compensated for the initial deficit rainfall attributed to a developing El Nino.
6. Way Forward
- As the monsoon season approaches, the possibility of a positive IOD event offers optimism for mitigating the impact of El Nino on rainfall patterns.
- Monitoring the development of the IOD and considering updated forecasts will be crucial in understanding its potential effects.
- While the IOD's impacts are relatively weaker than ENSO, there remains a glimmer of hope for a positive outcome this year.
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For Prelims: El Nino, La Nino, ENSO, India Meteorological Department, Indian Ocean Dipole, Australia's Bureau of Meteorology,
For Mains:
1. What is the Indian Ocean Dipole? Explain how it differs from the El Nino phenomenon and Discuss its impact on the Indian Monsoon season. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions 1. A new type of El Nino called El Nino Modoki appeared in the news. In this context, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2010)
1. Normal El Nino forms in the Central Pacific Ocean whereas El Nino Modoki forms in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.
2. Normal El Nino results in diminished hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean but El Nino Modoki results in a greater number of hurricanes with greater frequency.
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. "EL Nino" refers to a temperature anomaly in the ________ ocean. (NTPC CBT 2 2017)
A. Indian B. Pacific C. Southern D. Atlantic
Answer: B
3. La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino? (UPSC 2011)
1. La Nina is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperature in the equatorial Indian Ocean whereas El Nino is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
2. El Nino has an adverse effect on the south-west monsoon of India, but La Nina has no effect on the monsoon climate.
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: D
4. Consider the following statements: (MPSC 2017)
a. La Nina is a little girl.
b. During the time of La Nina cold water in the ocean rises to the surface.
c. La Nina strengthens the Indian monsoon.
d. During the time of El Nino, trade winds weaken, and warm water moves east in the ocean. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. Only a and b
B. a, b and c Only
C. b and c
D. All of the above
Answer: D
5. Arrange the following India Meteorological Headquarters in Chronological order of their establishment and select your correct answer from the codes given below: (UPPSC Civil Service 2018)
A. New Delhi
B. Kolkata
C. Shimla
D. Pune
A. C D A B B. B A D C C. D B C A D. B C D A
Answer: D
6. With reference to 'Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)' sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2017)
1. IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an EI Nino's impact on the monsoon. '
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: B
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PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE GROUPS (PVTG)
- Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are specific indigenous communities in India that face an exceptionally high risk of vulnerability and marginalization due to various factors like geographic isolation, social and economic deprivation, and historical injustices.
- These groups are identified based on criteria set by the Indian government, considering their unique cultural practices, distinct languages, and social customs that set them apart from the larger population.
- PVTGs receive special attention and support from government agencies and NGOs to protect their distinct identities, preserve their cultural heritage, improve their living conditions, and ensure their socio-economic development. Various welfare schemes and initiatives are directed towards these groups to address their specific needs, including access to healthcare, education, livelihood opportunities, land rights, and basic amenities. The aim is to empower these communities while respecting their traditions and way of life
- The actual number of PVTGs is around 63, accounting for overlaps and repetitions, as per the publication ‘The Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups of India — Privileges and Predicaments’ by the Anthropological Survey of India
- Baseline surveys have only been conducted for about 40 PVTG groups, emphasising the need for targeted development planning.
- In India, the identification and declaration of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) is done by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs at the national level, in collaboration with state governments. The identification process involves specific criteria and guidelines set by the government to assess the vulnerability and distinctiveness of tribal communities
- Odisha (formerly Orissa) in India is known to have the highest number of Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs). This state is home to a significant population of indigenous or tribal communities, some of which are categorized as Primitive Tribal Groups due to their isolated lifestyle, unique cultural practices, and historical marginalisation.
The development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) faces several challenges, primarily due to their unique circumstances, cultural isolation, historical marginalization, and specific vulnerabilities.
Some of the key challenges include:
- Many PVTGs reside in remote and geographically isolated areas, which pose challenges in terms of accessibility for delivering essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure development
- PVTGs often face economic deprivation, lack of livelihood opportunities, and limited access to resources. Poverty and inadequate infrastructure exacerbate their challenges
- Balancing the preservation of their distinct cultural identities and traditions with the need for socio-economic development poses a challenge. Development interventions must be culturally sensitive and respect their traditional practices
- PVTGs frequently experience health disparities and inadequate access to healthcare facilities. Malnutrition and lack of awareness about modern healthcare practices are common concerns
- Limited access to quality education due to factors like language barriers, lack of schools in remote areas, and cultural differences hampers educational development among PVTGs
- Disputes over land rights and lack of secure land tenure affect their livelihoods. Encroachment on their traditional lands and displacement due to development projects further exacerbate these challenges
- PVTGs are vulnerable to exploitation due to their marginalized status. They often face social discrimination, human rights violations, and exploitation in labor and other spheres
4.Government's Approach in addressing the Issues
- Participatory approach from the grassroots level: Rather than a standardized approach, the program tailors strategies to suit the unique requirements of PVTGs, actively engaging them in decision-making related to land rights, social integration, and cultural conservation. This method, rooted in community involvement, embraces their customs, beliefs, and traditions, ensuring their active involvement in the planning, execution, and oversight of development endeavors.
- Enhancing livelihoods: Empowering through skill-building programs and providing resources such as land and credit facilitates sustainable livelihoods. Implementation of the Forest Rights Act, specifically Section 3(1)(e) for the rights of primitive tribal groups and pre-agricultural communities, secures their access to forest resources. Encouraging traditional techniques and skill enhancement via partnerships with industries contributes to preserving cultural heritage alongside sustainable progress.
- Health, nutrition, and education focus: Deploying outreach methods like Mobile Medical Health Units becomes imperative in remote regions. Tailoring these strategies to address specific health concerns like teenage pregnancies and dental health, and bridging language and cultural gaps through trained healthcare personnel or recruiting community members is vital. Collaborating with trusted traditional healers can also assist in addressing intricate health challenges.
- Incorporating their language and culture into educational curricula, offering transportation services, and training educators about PVTG cultural contexts enhance educational accessibility. Additionally, incentivizing staff working in PVTG areas and establishing specialized educational institutions catering to PVTG needs can augment opportunities for these communities.
- Infrastructure development challenges: The settlements of PVTGs often fail to meet requirements for schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Jal Jeevan Mission due to factors like population thresholds or insufficient surveys
Several schemes and initiatives have been introduced by the Indian government to address the needs and uplift the living standards of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Some of these schemes include:
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Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana: Launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, this scheme aims to improve the socio-economic status of tribal communities, including PVTGs, by focusing on areas like education, healthcare, livelihood, and infrastructure development.
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Scheduled Tribes Component (STC): Under this scheme, funds are allocated to states to implement various development programs for tribal communities, including PVTGs. These funds support initiatives related to education, health, housing, and skill development.
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Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Schemes (SCA to TSS): This scheme provides financial assistance to tribal development projects, including those focused on PVTGs, aimed at their socio-economic empowerment.
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Forest Rights Act (FRA): Implementation of the Forest Rights Act is crucial for securing land and resource rights for tribal communities, including PVTGs, allowing them access to forest resources and improving their livelihoods.
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Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): EMRS aims to provide quality education to tribal children, including those from PVTGs, by establishing residential schools with modern facilities and educational resources.
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Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs): These agencies work on comprehensive development plans for tribal areas, including PVTG regions, focusing on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and livelihood promotion.
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Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) and Tribal Development Blocks (TDBs): These plans and blocks are dedicated to tribal development, including PVTGs, ensuring targeted allocation of funds for their socio-economic upliftment
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For Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
For Mains: General Studies II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
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Previous Year Questions 1. Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: (UPSC 2019)
1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3 B. 2, 3 and 4 C. 1, 2 and 4 D. 1, 3 and 4
Answer: C 2. With reference to the history of India, "Ulgulan" or the Great Tumult is the description of which of the following events? (UPSC 2020) A. The Revolt of 1857
B. The Mappila Rebellion of 1921
C. The Indigo Revolt of 1859 - 60
D. Birsa Munda's Revolt of 1899 - 1900
Answer: D 3. When did the Tana’ Bhagat Movement start? (Jharkhand Civil Service 2015)
A. April 1912 B. April 1913 C. April 1914 D. April 1915
Answer: C
4. Consider the following statements about the Santhal Hool of 1855 - 56: (UPSC CAPF)
1. The Santhals were in a desperate situation as tribal lands were leased out
2. The Santhal rebels were treated very leniently by British officials
3. Santhal inhabited areas were eventually constituted separate administrative units called Santhal parganas
4. The Santhal rebellion was the only major rebellion in mid-19th century India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 C. 1, 3 and 4 D. 1 and 3 only
Answer: D
5. After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government? (UPSC 2018)
1. The territories called 'Santhal Paraganas' were created.
2. It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal.
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: C
6. The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) was formed by insertion of Article ______ in the Constitution of India. (SSC CGL 2020)
A. 328B B. 338A C. 338B D. 328A
Answer: B
7. With reference to the Parliament of India, which of the following Parliamentary Committees scrutinizes and reports to the House whether the powers to make regulations, rules, sub-rules, by-laws, etc. conferred by the Constitution or delegated by the Parliament are being properly exercised by the Executive within the scope of such delegation? (UPSC 2018)
A. Committee on Government Assurances
B. Committee on Subordinate Legislation
C. Rules Committee
D. Business Advisory Committee
Answer: B
8. Justice Madan B Lokur committee was set up to take steps to (Haryana Civil Services 2021)
A. Look into violation of environment rules.
B. Prevent stubble burning
C. Draft new water policy
D. Regulate digital lending
Answer: B
9. Match the pairs - (Committees on Media) (MPSC 2019)
(A) (Name) (B) (Year)
(a) Chanda Committee (i) 1982
(b) Kuldip Nayar Committee (ii) August, 1977
(c) Verghese Committee (iii) March, 1977
(d) P.C. Joshi Committee (iv) 1964
1. (a) – (i), (b) – (ii), (c – (iii), (d) – (iv)
2. (a) – (i), (b) – (iii), (c – (ii), (d) – (iv)
3. (a) – (iv), (b) – (iii), (c – (ii), (d) – (i)
4. (a) – (iv), (b) – (ii), (c – (iii), (d) – (i)
Answer: 3
10. Consider the formation of the following States and arrange these in chronological order : (UPPSC Combined State Exam 2021)
1. Goa
2. Telangana
3. Jharkhand
4. Haryana
Select the correct answer from the codes given below.
A. 1, 2, 3, 4 B. 4, 1, 3, 2 C. 3, 2, 4, 1 D. 4, 3, 1, 2
Answer: 2
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SPEAKER OF LOK SABHA
The constitutional provisions related to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha in India are primarily outlined in the Constitution of India, particularly in Articles 93 to 97.
Here are the key constitutional provisions related to the Speaker:
- Article 93(1) states that the Lok Sabha (House of the People) shall choose two of its members to be the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.
- Article 94(1) provides that the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker may resign by writing addressed to the Deputy Speaker or, if the office of Deputy Speaker is vacant, to the President of India.
- Article 94(2) states that before the House of the People first meets after each general election and before the office of Speaker and Deputy Speaker becomes vacant, the President shall appoint from among the members of the House a Speaker pro tem.
- Article 95 provides for the election of a Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha by its members.
- Article 96 outlines the procedure for the removal of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker. It states that they may be removed from office by a resolution of the Lok Sabha passed by a majority of all the then members of the House, after giving not less than 14 days’ notice of the intention to move the resolution.
- Article 97 provides for the vacation of the office of Speaker or Deputy Speaker, stating that their office shall become vacant if they cease to be a member of the Lok Sabha.
In India, both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha are elected by the members of the Lok Sabha (House of the People), as per the provisions laid out in the Constitution of India and the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.
Election of the Speaker:
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Nomination: Any member of the Lok Sabha who is eligible to be elected as Speaker may propose another member as a candidate for the office of Speaker. This proposal must be supported by at least 50 members.
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Voting: Once nominations are completed, voting takes place by a simple majority of members present and voting. The voting is conducted by means of a voice vote or a division (where members physically stand up to indicate their choice).
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Oath: After the election, the newly elected Speaker has to make and subscribe to an oath or affirmation before the President or some person appointed in that behalf by the President.
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Assumption of Office: The Speaker assumes office immediately after taking the oath or affirmation.
Election of the Deputy Speaker:
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Nomination: Similar to the Speaker, any member of the Lok Sabha may propose another member as a candidate for the office of Deputy Speaker. The proposal needs support from at least 50 members.
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Voting: Voting for the Deputy Speaker also takes place by a simple majority of members present and voting. The procedure for voting is the same as for the Speaker.
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Oath: Once elected, the Deputy Speaker has to make and subscribe to an oath or affirmation before the Speaker or some person appointed in that behalf by the Speaker.
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Assumption of Office: The Deputy Speaker assumes office immediately after taking the oath or affirmation.
- The pro-tem Speaker convenes the first meeting of the newly elected Lok Sabha. This includes overseeing the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected members.
- The pro-tem Speaker administers the oath or affirmation to all members-elect of the Lok Sabha.
- During the first meeting, the pro-tem Speaker presides over the House. They ensure that the proceedings are conducted in accordance with parliamentary rules and procedures.
- The primary duty of the pro-tem Speaker is to facilitate the election of the regular Speaker of the Lok Sabha. They oversee the process of nominations and the voting procedure until a Speaker is elected
- Similar to the regular Speaker, the pro-tem Speaker maintains order and decorum in the House. They have the authority to call members to order and ensure that debates and discussions are conducted respectfully
- The pro-tem Speaker decides on points of order raised during the proceedings and interprets parliamentary rules as necessary
- Until the regular Speaker assumes office, the pro-tem Speaker represents the Lok Sabha in ceremonial functions or interactions with the President or other dignitaries.
- Once the regular Speaker is elected by the members of the Lok Sabha, the pro-tem Speaker facilitates the smooth transition of responsibilities and hands over charge to the elected Speaker
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A resolution for the removal of the Speaker can be moved in the Lok Sabha. This resolution must be supported by at least 50 members of the House
- A minimum notice period of 14 days is required before the resolution can be taken up for consideration in the House. This notice period allows for adequate preparation and notification to all members
- The resolution for removal is debated and discussed in the Lok Sabha. Members are given an opportunity to present arguments for or against the removal of the Speaker.
- After the debate, the resolution is put to vote. The resolution for removal of the Speaker requires a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha (i.e., a simple majority of members present and voting is not sufficient)
- If the resolution for removal is passed by a majority of all the then members of the Lok Sabha, the Speaker ceases to hold office from the date of the passing of the resolution
- Upon the removal of the Speaker, the office of the Speaker becomes vacant. The Deputy Speaker or, in their absence, any other member of the Lok Sabha presides over the House until a new Speaker is elected
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For Prelims: Indian Polity
For Mains: GS-II: Governance, Constitution and Polity
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Previous Year Questions
1.With reference to the Speaker of Lok Sabha, consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2024)
While any resolution for the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha is under consideration 1. He/She shall not preside. 2. He/She shall not have the right to speak. 3. He/She shall not be entitled to vote on the resolution in the first instance. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer (a)
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RCEP
1. Context
2. Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
- The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a significant free trade agreement (FTA) that was signed on November 15, 2020.
- It is a comprehensive trade pact involving 15 countries from the Asia-Pacific region, including 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and five of ASEAN's trading partners: China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
- The purpose of the deal is to create an “integrated market” spanning all 16 countries. This means that it would be easier for the products and services of each of these countries to be available across the entire region.
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3. Key features of the RCEP:
- Economic Scope: RCEP is the largest free trade agreement in the world in terms of economic significance. It covers a vast region, comprising approximately 30% of the global population and accounting for about 30% of the world's GDP. This agreement aims to promote economic integration and facilitate trade and investment among member countries.
- Tariff Reductions and Market Access: RCEP seeks to eliminate or reduce tariffs and other trade barriers among its member nations. This reduction in trade barriers is expected to create more opportunities for businesses to access larger markets and promote economic growth.
- Rules of Origin: RCEP establishes rules of origin to determine the country of origin of goods. This is crucial to prevent non-member countries from benefiting from the preferential trade provisions and ensures that only products manufactured within the RCEP member countries can avail of the agreed-upon trade benefits.
- Trade in Services: The agreement also addresses trade in services, promoting greater access and liberalization in sectors such as telecommunications, finance, professional services, and e-commerce, among others.
- Intellectual Property Rights: RCEP includes provisions related to the protection of intellectual property rights, which is important for fostering innovation and creativity within member countries.
- Investment: The agreement aims to improve investment opportunities and create a more predictable and secure investment environment among member countries. This includes provisions related to investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanisms.
- Economic Cooperation: RCEP promotes economic cooperation in various areas, such as customs procedures, trade facilitation, technical barriers to trade, and economic and technical assistance for less-developed member countries.
4. Outstanding issues in RCEP
- Tariff Reductions: Agreeing on tariff reduction schedules is another significant challenge. Each member country may have different priorities and sensitivities regarding the products they want to protect or liberalize. Negotiating tariff reductions requires balancing the interests of all parties involved to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome.
- Services and Investment: The liberalization of trade in services and investment is a contentious issue in many trade agreements. RCEP member countries have different levels of development and varying domestic regulations. Negotiating how much to open up services and investment sectors to foreign participation while safeguarding national interests can be challenging.
- Intellectual Property Rights: Balancing intellectual property rights protection with access to affordable medicines and technologies is a delicate matter. RCEP countries need to find a middle ground that promotes innovation while ensuring access to essential medicines and technologies for their populations.
- Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) Mechanism: The inclusion of ISDS in trade agreements has been a contentious issue globally. RCEP member countries need to agree on the scope and limitations of ISDS to protect investor rights while safeguarding the government's right to regulate in the public interest.
- Data Protection and E-commerce: With the increasing importance of digital trade and e-commerce, addressing data protection, privacy, and cross-border data flows is a crucial issue for RCEP members. Negotiating agreements on these issues requires balancing economic interests with the need to protect individual privacy and national security.
5. Concerns of India Including Civil Society, and Political Opposition regarding RCEP:
- Impact on Domestic Industries: India's domestic industries have expressed concerns that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) could lead to increased competition for goods and services imported from other member countries. There are fears that cheaper imports could negatively affect certain sectors, potentially leading to job losses and economic challenges for domestic industries.
- Trade Deficit: India has had a persistent trade deficit with several RCEP member countries, especially China. Critics worry that the agreement may exacerbate the trade imbalance, leading to an influx of cheaper Chinese goods that could further widen the deficit and harm domestic manufacturing.
- Agriculture Sector: India's agricultural sector has raised concerns over the potential impact of RCEP on farmers. They fear that cheaper agricultural imports from other member countries could harm domestic farmers by reducing the prices and competitiveness of Indian agricultural products.
- Impact on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) form a significant part of India's economy. Some worry that increased competition from larger corporations in other RCEP member countries might pose challenges for Indian SMEs, limiting their growth prospects.
- Safeguarding Agriculture and Dairy: India's dairy and agricultural sectors have been vocal about protecting their interests in any trade agreement. They fear that certain provisions in RCEP could adversely affect the livelihoods of farmers and the dairy industry.
6. Why did India withdraw from the RCEP?
- The free trade agreement with the member countries might force them to dump cheap and low-quality products from countries like China, Thailand, South Korea, and Japan, etc., This will result in the occupation of the Indian market by foreign products while the Indian products will be out of the market.
- It will increase the number of imports and exports simultaneously, resulting in a decrement in the forex reserves in India.
- India's concern about its country of origin has not been seriously entertained by the RCEP.
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For Prelims: Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanism, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
For Mains: 1. Discuss the significance of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as a major free trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific region. Analyze its potential impact on trade, investment, and economic cooperation among member countries. (250 words).
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Previous year Questions1. The term 'Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership; often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as (UPSC 2016)
A. G20
B. ASEAN
C. SCO
D.SAARC
Answer: B
2. Consider the following statements about Regional Comprehensive Economic Programme (RCEP). (WBCS 2019)
1. It is an economic cooperation for China-led free trade.
2. It is a counter-cooperation for the America-led trans-Pacific partnership.
3. In the countries involved in this cooperation Indian Professionals will have a job market.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A. 1 and 2
B. 1 and 3
C. 2 and 3
D. All of the above
Answer: D
3. Recently launched Regional Comprehensive economic partnership, RCEP is the largest regional trading block at present. Which of the following countries is NOT a member of this free trade agreement? (Haryana Civil Services, 2021)
A. Australia
B. New Zealand
C. Brunei
D. Bangladesh
Answer: D
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ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINE (EVM)
- An electronic voting machine (EVM) serves as a portable device utilized in the electoral process for parliamentary, legislative, and local body elections, including panchayats and municipalities.
- The EVM operates on microcontroller technology, aiming to modernize the election process while ensuring the elimination of invalid votes and maintaining the utmost secrecy of voting data. Additionally, it expedites the counting process, ensuring accuracy. The recorded voting data within EVMs can be stored for extended periods and retrieved when necessary.
- This technological system is dependable for conducting elections where a single candidate must be elected from multiple options, as it is configured for one position and one vote per voter. Utilizing the EVM, voters can cast their ballots for their preferred candidate or select the "None of the Above" (NOTA) option, which is provided in each machine for voters who opt not to support any contestant.
- In 1989, India's Election Commission (EC), in collaboration with two central government entities — the Electronics Corporation of India (ECIL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) — developed the nation's own Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). These machines saw their inaugural use during the 1999 Goa State Assembly elections
3. How does it work?
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To indicate their choice, a voter must press the button corresponding to the preferred candidate, prompting a red light to illuminate next to the candidate's name and symbol. Additionally, a prolonged beep will sound, confirming the successful casting of the vote.
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Inside the polling booth, the presiding officer will activate the ballot unit once the voter enters the designated compartment.
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To select a candidate, press the blue button adjacent to their name and symbol on the ballot unit.
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Upon selection, the candidate's name or symbol will be highlighted by a glowing red light, accompanied by an audible beep.
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Subsequently, the voter will receive a printed ballot slip featuring the selected candidate's name, symbol, and a serial number
- An Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) comprises two components: a control unit and a balloting unit, interconnected by a five-meter cable.
- The control unit is assigned to a polling officer, while the balloting unit is placed within a compartment for voters to cast their votes. EVMs are adaptable even in areas lacking electricity, as they can operate using alkaline batteries.
- In the polling station, the control unit remains under the supervision of the Presiding Officer and is positioned inside the voting compartment, responsible for tallying the votes. Conversely, the balloting units are stationed within the voting compartment to facilitate voters in casting their ballots.
- The balloting unit offers voters blue buttons labeled horizontally with party symbols and corresponding candidate names. In contrast, the Control Unit provides the officer-in-charge with a 'Ballot' marked button, allowing them to proceed to the next voter without issuing a physical ballot paper
5.Controversy around the use of EVMs
The employment of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) has stirred controversy in various regions due to concerns over their reliability, security, and transparency. Some of the controversies surrounding EVMs include:
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Security Concerns: Critics argue that EVMs are susceptible to tampering and hacking, which could compromise the integrity of election results. There have been allegations of EVM manipulation through malicious software or physical tampering, raising doubts about the fairness of elections.
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Lack of Transparency: The opaque nature of EVMs, particularly regarding the inner workings of the software and hardware, has been a point of contention. Critics argue that without a paper trail or verifiable audit mechanism, it's challenging to ensure the accuracy of election outcomes and detect any potential malfunctions or manipulation.
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Limited Accessibility: EVMs may pose challenges for certain demographics, such as elderly voters or those with disabilities, who may find it difficult to operate the electronic interface. This raises concerns about the inclusivity and accessibility of the electoral process.
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Trust and Confidence: Public trust in EVMs is crucial for the legitimacy of election results. However, controversies surrounding EVMs, including allegations of malfunctioning or tampering, can undermine trust in the electoral process and lead to doubts about the validity of election outcomes.
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Legal Challenges: In some cases, legal challenges have been filed questioning the legality or constitutionality of using EVMs in elections. These challenges often revolve around issues such as the absence of a paper trail, the reliability of electronic systems, and the potential for manipulation
Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) is a mechanism introduced to enhance the transparency and credibility of electronic voting systems, particularly Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). VVPAT provides a physical paper trail that allows voters to verify that their vote has been accurately recorded by the EVM.
Here's how VVPAT works:
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Paper Record: When a voter casts their vote using an EVM, the VVPAT system prints a paper slip containing the details of the vote, including the name and symbol of the candidate selected by the voter. This paper slip is visible through a transparent window for a few seconds before being automatically cut and dropped into a sealed box.
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Verification by Voter: The voter can visually inspect the printed paper slip to confirm that it accurately reflects their chosen candidate. This allows voters to verify that their vote has been cast as intended.
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Audit Trail: The paper slips collected in the sealed box serve as a physical audit trail of the electronic votes recorded by the EVM. In case of any dispute or recount, these paper slips can be used to verify the accuracy of the electronic results.
- The Representation of the People Act, 1981 is a significant legislation in India that primarily deals with the conduct of elections and the qualifications and disqualifications for membership of Parliament and State Legislatures. However, there is no such legislation by the name "Representation of the People Act, 1981."
- Instead, the primary legislation governing elections in India is the Representation of the People Act, 1951. This Act has been amended several times, including in 1981, to accommodate changes in electoral processes, procedures, and to address emerging issues related to elections.
- The Representation of the People Act, 1951, covers various aspects of elections, including the preparation of electoral rolls, delimitation of constituencies, qualifications and disqualifications for membership of Parliament and State Legislatures, conduct of elections, election offences and disputes, and the powers and functions of the Election Commission of India.
- It's important to note that while the Representation of the People Act, 1951, remains the primary legislation governing elections, there have been amendments and additions made over the years to address evolving electoral practices and challenges
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For Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance For Mains: Governance, Constitution and Polity. |
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Previous Year Questions
Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2017) 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. 2. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections. 3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 3 only Answer (d) The election commission has three election commissioners, one Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.Election commission decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections. Hence statement 2 is incorrect. It also decides the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognized political parties. Hence only statement 3 is correct. Mains In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India? (2018) |
