INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) 2025 Daily KEY
| Exclusive for Subscribers Daily: Types of Parliamentary Committees and Significance of Road Safety in India for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Types of Parliamentary Committees important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for November 23, 2024 |
🚨 UPSC EXAM NOTES presents the November edition of our comprehensive monthly guide. Access it to enhance your preparation. We value your input - share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments section or via email at Support@upscexamnotes.com 🚨
Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on November 23, 2024
Daily Insights and Initiatives for UPSC Exam Notes: Comprehensive explanations and high-quality material provided regularly for students
The Universal Evolution of Parliamentary Committees
- In his analysis of the British parliamentary system, Walter Bagehot remarked, "A big meeting never does anything," in The English Constitution (1867). The committee system, however, is not unique to the British parliamentary framework. Committees play a pivotal role in legislatures around the world.
- Former U.S. President Woodrow Wilson once highlighted the importance of committees by stating that 'Congress in its committee rooms is Congress at work,' referring to these bodies as 'little legislatures.'
- Parliamentary committees are crucial mechanisms designed to address the limitations of large legislative bodies by tackling complex organisational and technical issues. Independent India adopted the modern committee system from the British model but also developed new approaches to manage the substantial workload of its extensive Parliament effectively.
The Origins of India’s Parliamentary Committee System
- India's parliamentary committee system traces its roots to the British colonial era. The first committee, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), was set up in 1921 under the Government of India Act, 1919, also known as the Montford Reforms.
- After the first Lok Sabha election in 1952, the unelected standing advisory committees were dissolved, leaving the PAC and the Estimates Committee (created in 1950) to operate under the direct authority of the Lok Sabha Speaker. By convention, the chair of the PAC is usually from the opposition.
- In addition to financial committees, the Rules Committee was active in the First Lok Sabha, while innovations such as the Business Advisory Committee (chaired by the Speaker) and the Committee on Government Assurance were established. Another significant milestone was the formation of the Committee on Public Undertakings during the third Lok Sabha.
Expansion of the Committee System
- In the 1990s, the parliamentary committee system in India underwent a significant expansion. The Rules Committee approved the creation of three departmental standing committees—agriculture, science and technology, and environment and forest—in 1989.
- By 1993, this was extended to 17 departmental-related standing committees (DRSCs), each comprising 45 members.
- The goal was to make parliamentary work more efficient, enhance executive accountability, and incorporate expert and public opinion into the legislative process.
- The creation of DRSCs coincided with the rise of coalition politics, frequent disruptions in Parliament, declining legislative oversight, and the expedited passage of legislation through ‘guillotine’ procedures.
- There are two main types of committees: standing committees, which are permanent and reconstituted annually, and ad hoc committees, which are formed for specific tasks and dissolved once their work is completed. Principal ad hoc committees include select and joint committees on bills.
- Parliamentary committee members, referred to as panels of MPs, are appointed or elected by the House or nominated by the Speaker. These committees operate under the Speaker’s guidance and submit reports to either the House or the Speaker. Their authority is derived from Article 105 (regarding MPs' privileges) and Article 118 (allowing Parliament to regulate its procedures and conduct).
Significance of Parliamentary Committees
- The increasing complexity of modern governance has rendered traditional legislative control over the executive inadequate. MPs find it difficult to scrutinise every aspect of government operations in the limited time available during parliamentary sessions. Committees help bridge this gap by allowing members to spend more time on specific issues and examine them in detail.
- Parliamentary committees also enable members to consult experts in relevant fields and engage with stakeholders during deliberations. This process often helps MPs from different political parties reach a consensus on challenging issues.
- Additionally, committees foster collaboration between the two Houses of Parliament, which is rare in other circumstances, and provide opportunities for MPs not included in coalition government cabinets to contribute to governance.
- Since the establishment of DRSCs in 1993, the committee system has proven to be one of the most effective components of India’s parliamentary system, as demonstrated by the frequency of meetings and the number of reports submitted to Parliament
|
Answer (B)
|
The "India Status Report on Road Safety 2024," compiled by the TRIP Centre at IIT Delhi, highlights the country’s slow progress in achieving international targets for reducing road accident fatalities. The report underscores the relationship between road construction, mobility, and the need for a tailored approach to reduce road accidents.
Key Findings of the Report
The report examines road safety in India using First Information Reports (FIRs) from six states, along with audits of state compliance with Supreme Court road safety directives. It reveals disparities in road traffic death rates across states, highlighting the vulnerability of motorcyclists and the high fatality rates in crashes involving trucks. Road traffic injuries continue to pose a significant public health challenge in India, with limited progress in reducing fatalities, despite developments in other sectors. Most Indian states are unlikely to meet the UN’s Decade of Action for Road Safety target of halving traffic fatalities by 2030.
In 2021, road traffic injuries ranked as the 13th leading cause of death in India and the 12th leading cause of health loss, measured by Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). In six states (Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh), these injuries were among the top 10 causes of health loss.
Why Crash Surveillance is Crucial
India's road safety data systems are inadequate for shaping effective policy. The country lacks a national database of individual crash data. Current road safety statistics are aggregated from police station records at various levels before being published, allowing for only basic analysis, which hinders the creation of effective interventions. Additionally, comparisons with other datasets, such as the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study and the Sample Registration System (SRS), show inconsistencies, particularly concerning the mode of transport involved in accidents—a critical element in road safety management.
Due to the absence of a comprehensive crash surveillance system, the report relied on FIRs from six states and road safety governance audit reports.
State-Level Road Safety Performance
The report highlights significant variations in road safety across India, with death rates per capita differing by more than threefold between states. In 2021, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh recorded the highest fatality rates, with 21.9, 19.2, and 17.6 deaths per 100,000 people, respectively, while West Bengal and Bihar had the lowest rates, at 5.9 per 100,000. Six states—Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu—accounted for almost half of all road fatalities in India.
The report also notes that pedestrians, cyclists, and motorized two-wheeler riders are the most frequent victims of road accidents, while trucks are responsible for the majority of collisions. Despite the proven effectiveness of helmets in reducing fatalities, helmet usage among motorized two-wheeler riders exceeds 50% in only seven states. Additionally, many states lag in basic road safety measures, such as proper signage, road markings, and traffic calming techniques. Rural areas suffer from low helmet usage and inadequate trauma care facilities, necessitating region-specific strategies to address these issues.
Global Comparison and India’s Road Safety Challenges
When compared to developed nations like Sweden and other Scandinavian countries that have excelled in road safety, India fares poorly. In 1990, an Indian was 40% more likely to die in a road accident than a person in these countries; by 2021, this disparity had increased to 600%, highlighting the sharp rise in road fatalities. The report questions whether better vehicle safety features alone can address this issue, as two-wheeler riders and cyclists constitute the majority of road fatalities.
The Path Forward
The report calls for central and state governments to scale up road safety initiatives. Establishing a national database for fatal crashes would provide crucial insights into the risks faced by road users and the effectiveness of various interventions across states. Public access to this data could further improve road safety measures and policy implementation
The Universal Evolution of Parliamentary Committees
- In his analysis of the British parliamentary system, Walter Bagehot remarked, "A big meeting never does anything," in The English Constitution (1867). The committee system, however, is not unique to the British parliamentary framework. Committees play a pivotal role in legislatures around the world.
- Former U.S. President Woodrow Wilson once highlighted the importance of committees by stating that 'Congress in its committee rooms is Congress at work,' referring to these bodies as 'little legislatures.'
- Parliamentary committees are crucial mechanisms designed to address the limitations of large legislative bodies by tackling complex organisational and technical issues. Independent India adopted the modern committee system from the British model but also developed new approaches to manage the substantial workload of its extensive Parliament effectively.
The Origins of India’s Parliamentary Committee System
- India's parliamentary committee system traces its roots to the British colonial era. The first committee, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), was set up in 1921 under the Government of India Act, 1919, also known as the Montford Reforms.
- After the first Lok Sabha election in 1952, the unelected standing advisory committees were dissolved, leaving the PAC and the Estimates Committee (created in 1950) to operate under the direct authority of the Lok Sabha Speaker. By convention, the chair of the PAC is usually from the opposition.
- In addition to financial committees, the Rules Committee was active in the First Lok Sabha, while innovations such as the Business Advisory Committee (chaired by the Speaker) and the Committee on Government Assurance were established. Another significant milestone was the formation of the Committee on Public Undertakings during the third Lok Sabha.
Expansion of the Committee System
- In the 1990s, the parliamentary committee system in India underwent a significant expansion. The Rules Committee approved the creation of three departmental standing committees—agriculture, science and technology, and environment and forest—in 1989.
- By 1993, this was extended to 17 departmental-related standing committees (DRSCs), each comprising 45 members.
- The goal was to make parliamentary work more efficient, enhance executive accountability, and incorporate expert and public opinion into the legislative process.
- The creation of DRSCs coincided with the rise of coalition politics, frequent disruptions in Parliament, declining legislative oversight, and the expedited passage of legislation through ‘guillotine’ procedures.
- There are two main types of committees: standing committees, which are permanent and reconstituted annually, and ad hoc committees, which are formed for specific tasks and dissolved once their work is completed. Principal ad hoc committees include select and joint committees on bills.
- Parliamentary committee members, referred to as panels of MPs, are appointed or elected by the House or nominated by the Speaker. These committees operate under the Speaker’s guidance and submit reports to either the House or the Speaker. Their authority is derived from Article 105 (regarding MPs' privileges) and Article 118 (allowing Parliament to regulate its procedures and conduct).
Significance of Parliamentary Committees
- The increasing complexity of modern governance has rendered traditional legislative control over the executive inadequate. MPs find it difficult to scrutinise every aspect of government operations in the limited time available during parliamentary sessions. Committees help bridge this gap by allowing members to spend more time on specific issues and examine them in detail.
- Parliamentary committees also enable members to consult experts in relevant fields and engage with stakeholders during deliberations. This process often helps MPs from different political parties reach a consensus on challenging issues.
- Additionally, committees foster collaboration between the two Houses of Parliament, which is rare in other circumstances, and provide opportunities for MPs not included in coalition government cabinets to contribute to governance.
- Since the establishment of DRSCs in 1993, the committee system has proven to be one of the most effective components of India’s parliamentary system, as demonstrated by the frequency of meetings and the number of reports submitted to Parliament
|
Answer (B)
|
Composition:
- The Commission consists of a Chairperson, who is a retired Chief Justice of India, and other members, including judges, former government officials, and experts in human rights matters.
- The current Chairperson and members are appointed by the President of India, based on recommendations from a committee that includes the Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and leaders of the opposition in both Houses.
Functions and Powers:
- Inquiry: Investigates violations of human rights or negligence in preventing such violations by public servants.
- Recommendations: Suggests measures for the effective implementation of human rights protections and policies.
- Judicial Powers: Has powers of a civil court for certain functions like summoning individuals, requiring documents, and examining witnesses under oath.
- Awareness and Education: Promotes human rights awareness through seminars, publications, and collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
- Research: Conducts research and studies human rights issues and problems.
- Intervention in Court Cases: Can intervene in proceedings involving allegations of human rights violations.
Limitations:
- It can only make recommendations; it does not have the power to enforce its decisions.
- It cannot inquire into matters after one year from the date of the alleged violation.
1.Other than the Fundamental Rights, which of the following parts of the Constitution of India reflect/reflects the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)? (UPSC CSE 2020)
- Preamble
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Fundamental Duties
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
|
Answer (d)
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations in 1948, outlines a broad range of fundamental rights and freedoms. These rights are reflected in various parts of the Constitution of India, beyond just the Fundamental Rights.
Thus, all three parts—Preamble, DPSP, and Fundamental Duties—are reflective of the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights |
What is Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?
The ongoing debate between development and environmental conservation centers on the challenge of balancing economic growth with the need to protect natural ecosystems. This is particularly significant in developing countries like India, where efforts to improve living standards must be reconciled with the risks of environmental degradation and climate change.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has emerged as a tool to help countries navigate this delicate balance, ensuring that economic growth is achieved without compromising environmental sustainability. EIA is a structured approach used to assess the potential environmental, social, and economic impacts of a proposed project before it receives approval. Its main goals are to anticipate and evaluate both positive and negative consequences of development, helping decision-makers take informed actions by offering a comprehensive analysis of the project. Additionally, it supports sustainable growth by identifying potential harmful effects early in the planning phase and suggesting alternatives or mitigation strategies.
Public participation is also a key component of EIA, as it allows citizens to voice their concerns through public consultations regarding a project.
Evolution of EIA in India
EIA originated in the U.S. in 1969, but in India, it was first introduced in 1976 when the Planning Commission directed the Department of Science & Technology to evaluate the environmental impacts of river valley projects. Initially, India's EIA process focused on large infrastructure projects like dams and power plants. Over time, it expanded to include a broader range of projects such as industrial operations, mining, and urban development. In 1986, EIA became legally mandatory under the Environment (Protection) Act, requiring large projects to obtain Environmental Clearance (EC).
The Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 provided detailed guidelines for EIA implementation in India and serves as the key legal document for granting environmental approval for projects.
EIA Process in India
The EIA Notification of 2006 classifies projects based on their environmental impact into two categories: Category ‘A’ and Category ‘B’. Category 'A' projects require national-level appraisal and mandatory environmental clearance without undergoing the screening process. These projects are reviewed by the Impact Assessment Agency (IAA) and the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC).
Category ‘B’ projects are subjected to a screening process and are further divided into B1 and B2 categories. Category B1 projects are appraised at the state level by the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the State Level Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC). In contrast, Category B2 projects are exempt from the Environmental Clearance (EC) requirement
1.With reference to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in India, consider the following statements:
- EIA was made statutory in India under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- The EIA Notification of 2006 classifies projects into Category ‘A’ and Category ‘B’ based on their potential environmental impacts.
- Category ‘B’ projects are appraised exclusively at the national level by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC).
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
|
Answer (A)
|
After a strong start to goods exports in the first quarter of 2024-25, momentum has slowed down. Export values dropped by 1.5% in July, hitting an eight-month low, and the decline worsened to 9.3% in August. This decline coincided with a record-high import bill of $64.4 billion in August, resulting in a merchandise trade deficit of $29.7 billion, the second largest after the $29.9 billion gap in October 2023.
Reasons for the widening trade deficit:
- Although exports have declined over the past two months, imports have not followed suit, increasing by 7.5% in July and 3.3% in August. This pushed the trade deficit to a nine-month high of $23.5 billion in July, widening further by $6.2 billion in August.
- While several of India’s top export sectors, such as petroleum and gems and jewellery, experienced significant drops (oil exports fell by 22.2% in July and 37.6% in August, and jewellery exports shrank by over 20% in both months), imports continued to rise.
- In August, slower growth in sectors like pharmaceuticals and electronics was observed. Additionally, with the slowdown in China’s economy, exports of certain goods such as stone, cement, and iron ore declined.
- However, as oil prices fell by $6 per barrel in August, India’s oil import bill dropped by a third to $11 billion, bringing the petroleum deficit to a three-year low, as noted by QuantEco Research economists.
- “The widening trade deficit was mainly driven by gems and jewellery, alongside smaller contributions from miscellaneous products and electronics,” the economists noted.
- While exports of gems and jewellery fell below $2 billion, India’s gold imports more than doubled in August to an unprecedented $10.1 billion.
- This contrasts with a 10.7% drop in gold imports in July and the $3 billion to $3.4 billion range seen since April. Trade officials attributed the surge to a reduction in the gold import duty from 15% to 6% in the Budget, rising gold prices, and jewellers stocking up for the festive season. Economists predict that the full effect of duty cuts on gold and other items will continue to impact the import bill in the coming months.
Could a wider trade deficit pose risks?
- “For a developing economy with high growth, the trade deficit should not be concerning as long as there are no foreign exchange issues,”
- Foreign capital inflows have remained positive in recent months, and India’s foreign exchange reserves reached a record $675 billion as of August 2, which the Finance Ministry noted is enough to cover 11.6 months of imports.
- Although this coverage may decrease if imports stay above $60 billion, strong services exports, which increased by over 10% from April to August, offer some reassurance.
What about foreign trade in goods?
While global trade is expected to grow faster in 2024 compared to 2023, demand remains weak in most developed markets. In addition to geopolitical tensions, the upcoming U.S. elections and increased tariffs on Chinese goods, coupled with China’s struggling domestic economy, pose challenges for countries like India.
As China's import demand weakens, it may seek to offload products in non-U.S. markets at lower prices. Furthermore, these factors are likely to keep oil prices down, negatively impacting India’s oil exports. Overall, concerns about global demand are increasing, and although India aims to increase goods and services exports to a trillion dollars each by 2030, the path forward will likely be challenging
1.The term "Twin Deficit" in the context of an economy refers to which of the following?
- Fiscal deficit and Revenue deficit
- Fiscal deficit and Current account deficit
- Trade deficit and Revenue deficit
- Trade deficit and Primary deficit
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 4 only
|
Answer (b)
The Twin Deficit refers to a situation where a country is facing both a fiscal deficit and a current account deficit. A fiscal deficit occurs when the government's total expenditures exceed the revenue that it generates, excluding money from borrowings. A current account deficit occurs when a country imports more goods, services, and capital than it exports. Both these deficits together can signify deeper economic issues, such as unsustainable borrowing or low competitiveness in international trade
|
| Subject | Topic | Description |
| History | Modern Indian History | Company rule and Crown rule 1773 - 1947 |
| History | Modern Indian History | Fall of Mughals |
| History | Modern Indian History | Establishment of British rule in India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Economic Policies of the British |
|
UPSC EXAM NOTES will be conducting both Prelims and Mains exams every Sunday as part of the Integrated Mains and Prelims (IMPM) Program. This program provides a comprehensive approach to UPSC exam preparation, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for both stages of the exam. Program Highlights:
Duration: The IMPM plan is a one-year program, ensuring continuous and structured preparation over 12 months. With regular testing and consistent study guidance, this program is designed to maximize your chances of success in the UPSC exams |