upsc

Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at the local level and discuss the pros and cons of merging rural local bodies with urban local bodies.

Introduction The 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Indian Constitution, along with Articles 243G and 243W, respectively provide a constitutional mandate for local self-governance in rural and urban areas. Role of Local Bodies in providing Good Governance: Decentralised Governance and...

“The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety” Comment

Introduction The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is a pivotal constitutional authority who plays a vital role in ensuring financial accountability and transparency in government functioning by acting as a guardian of the public purse. CAG ensuring legality of expenditure...

“The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in marginalization of the parliamentary supremacy”. Elucidate

Introduction  The Cabinet system, adopted from the Westminster model, is a form of government where the Council of Ministers led by the PM exercise executive power and are collectively responsible to the Lower House (Articles 75 and 164 of the...

Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Do they entertain civil as well as criminal cases?

Start with alternative dispute resolution and define Lok Adalat and Arbitration Tribunal. Alternate dispute resolution (ADR) refers to the means by which disputes are settled outside the traditional court system. In India, modes of ADR include arbitration, negotiation, mediation, and...

Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to the “one nation – one election” principle.

Introduction The concept of One Nation, One Election proposes simultaneous elections for all state assemblies and the Lok Sabha, to streamline and synchronise the Indian election cycle. Recently, the Prime Minister called for the need of simultaneous elections which was...

What is regional disparity? How does it differ from diversity? How serious is the issue of regional disparity in India?

Regional disparities refers to the differences in the equality and uneven distribution of economic, social, and infrastructural development between different geographic regions within a country. This leads to a situation whereby there is a creation of islands of prosperity in...

What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico?

A twister is a violent windstorm, often land based, characterised by a twisting funnel-shaped cloud. In the United States, twister is used a colloquial term for tornadoes. While they occur in many parts of the world,  the United States experiences...

What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered?

Introduction:  Start with Definition Auroras are stunning natural light displays that occur in polar regions. Aurora Borealis: Also known as the Northern Lights, visible in the northern hemisphere,  primarily near the Arctic Circle. (e.g., Alaska, Norway, Canada). Aurora Australis: Also...

The groundwater potential of the Gangetic valley is on a serious decline. How may it affect the food security of India?

Introduction: The Gangetic Valley, part of the Indo-Gangetic Plains, is one of India's most fertile regions, contains vast alluvial tracts with huge shallow aquifers, densely populated and agriculturally productive regions crucial for food production.  Can Add Map Showing Gangetic Valley...

How far was the Industrial Revolution in England responsible for the decline of handicrafts and cottage industries in India?

Introduction:  You can start your answer with the Industrial revolution which began in England in the late 18th century, revolutionised manufacturing processes and economic structures.  Its impact reached far beyond England, significantly affecting colonial economies, particularly India, where traditional handicrafts...