TOPIC: GS 2 Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States, Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure, Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local Levels and Challenges Therein
Supreme Court has boosted independence of State Election Commission in holding local body elections
What is the news?
Goa government asking its Law secretary to hold additional charge as State Election Commissioner as a “mockery of the constitutional mandate”.
Problems in Local Self Government
State Election commission
Problem:
Solution by SC
By invoking article 142 of the constitution, the court has asked all State election commissioners who are under direct control of state government to step down from the post
Way forward
Supreme court order cleared that state government will now have to find a way to appoint to the office only those who are no more serving state government and truly independent and not beholden to any manner
Mains question
State Election commissioners have to be independent person. Discuss
Source:
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/poll-position-on-sc-order-on-local-body-elections/article34077727.ece
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/mar/13/state-election-commissioners-have-to-be-independent-persons-supreme-court-2276190.html
TOPIC: 2 Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
A giant leap forward for QUAD
What is the news?
The productive dialogue and substantive joint statement for the summit show the QUAD grouping’s significance
QUAD –Geopolitics
Five highlights
China prospect on QUAD
The Chinese see India as “negative asset of BRICS and SCO”, and also moving close with US
having bearing effect . The summit has been watched closely by ASEAN capitals and few of them may express cautious
welcome
Way forward
The summit and “The spirit of the Quad” the inspired title of the joint statement represented a giant leap forward.
It is time to back political commitment with strong mix of resolve, energy, stamina, and the fresh ideas of stakeholders and the expert outside of
government to fulfill the promise of the quad
Quad is used as weapon to counter China. Analyze
Source:
https://www.timesnownews.com/international/article/quad-some-nations-trying-to-sow-discord-among-regional-countries-by-hyping-china-threat-beijing/732915
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/quad-summit-small-cliques-will-destroy-international-order-says-china/article34076342.ece
TOPIC: GS Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,
Education, Human Resources.
Global leader in the post Covid era
What is the news?
During the pandemic, India has initiated education reforms and become the
pharmacy of the world
Reforms in health sector
Reforms in education sector
Mains question
Bring out the reform bought post Covid in education and health sector.
Source:
https://www.financialexpress.com/education-2/nep-will-make-indian-universities-global/2212725/
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/global-leader-in-the-post-covid-era/article34076871.ece
1. POSCO
The POCSO Act, 2012 is a comprehensive law to provide for the protection of children
from the offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography, while safeguarding the interests
of the child at every stage of the judicial process by incorporating child-friendly mechanisms for reporting,
recording of evidence, investigation and speedy trial of offences through designated Special Courts. The said
Act defines a child as any person below eighteen years of age, and defines different forms of sexual abuse, It
is gender-neutral and thus looks into the sexual assault of both minor boys and girls.
2. Haryana and Tamil Nadu institutes get national importance tag
National institute of food technology entrepreneurship and management bill 2019 confers the status
of national importance on two food technology institutes at Kundli in Haryana and Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu
All the national policies of national importance would be implemented and reservation would be
applicable in the institute
3. Air bubble or travel corridor
Air bubbles or travel corridors are systems established between two countries that perceive each other to be
safe and allow carriers of both the countries to fly passengers either way without any restrictions. The Baltic
countries of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia were the first ones to create an air bubble, allowing free travel
among themselves, while restricting outsiders
India had initially established travel bubbles with the United States, Germany and France. Since the, India has formed
agreements with 27 other nations — United Kingdom, Canada, the Maldives, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Nigeria, Iraq,
Afghanistan and Japan.
4. Great Indian Bustard
The great Indian bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) or Indian bustard is a bustard found on
the Indian subcontinent. A large bird with a horizontal body and long bare legs, giving it an ostrich like
appearance, this bird is among the heaviest of the flying birds. Once common on the dry plains of the Indian subcontinent.
The species is critically endangered by hunting and loss of its habitat, which consists of large expanses of dry grassland and scrub.
These birds are often found associated in the same habitat as blackbuck. It is protected under Wildlife Protection Act 1972 of India.
The bird is found in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat states of India.
5. India’s arms import down by 33%
India continues to remain the second largest arms importer after Saudi Arabia report from
Swedish think tank Stockholm international peace research institute. Russia is largest arms supplier
in terms but decreased by 53%. The US was the largest supplier that lowered by 46%.
TOP SUPPLIERS
1. Consider the following statement with reference to Great Indian bustard
1. These birds are often found associated in the same habitat as blackbuck.
2. species is endangered by hunting and loss of its habitat, which consists of large expanses of dry grassland and scrub
Select the correct statement using code given below.
(a). 1only (b) 2 only
(c). Both (d). None of the above
Answer : B
The great Indian bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) or Indian bustard is a bustard found on the Indian
subcontinent. A large bird with a horizontal body and long bare legs, giving it an ostrich like appearance,
this bird is among the heaviest of the flying birds. Once common on the dry plains of the Indian subcontinent.
The species is critically endangered by hunting and loss of its habitat, which consists of large expanses of dry
grassland and scrub. These birds are often found associated in the same habitat as blackbuck. It is protected under
Wildlife Protection Act 1972 of India. The bird is found in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat
states of India
1. Consider the following statement with reference to State election commission
1. State Election Commissioner shall not be removed from his/her
office except in like manner and on the like grounds as a Judge of a High Court.
2. State Election Commission consisting of a State Election Commissioner to be removed by the Governor.
Select the correct statement using code given below.
(a). 1only (b) 2 only
(c). Both (d). None of the above
Answer : a