GS SCORE

9th May 2024 (16 Topics)

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9th May 2024

QUIZ - 9th May 2024

5 Questions

5 Minutes

Editorials

A chance to settle a Constitutional Clash

Polity & Governance Governance

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Context

The recent hearings before a nine-judge Bench of the Supreme Court of India in the case of Property Owners Association vs State of Maharashtra revolve around two pivotal questions concerning Article 39(b) of the Constitution and the conflict between fundamental rights and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).

Interpretation of Article 39(b):

Definition of "Material Resources": The hearings focus on elucidating the meaning of the term "material resources of the community" as mentioned in Article 39(b) of the Constitution, which pertains to legislation aimed at securing and distributing resources for the common good.
Legal Immunity for DPSP-based Laws: A central inquiry is whether laws enacted to fulfill the objectives of Article 39(b), which advocate for equitable resource distribution, are immune from challenges based on fundamental rights to equality and freedom, thus highlighting the conflict between Part III and Part IV of the Constitution.

Historical Evolution and Legal Precedents:

Constitutional Amendments and Judicial Interpretations: The discussion traces the evolution of constitutional provisions, particularly the introduction of Article 31C through the 25th amendment in 1971, which aimed to shield certain laws from judicial scrutiny regarding their alignment with
Impact of Landmark Cases: Legal analyses of landmark cases such as Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala (1973) and Minerva Mills vs Union of India (1980) shed light on the judiciary's attempts to reconcile the conflict between fundamental rights and DPSPs, highlighting the intricate constitutional balance.
Pending Clarifications: Despite judicial interventions, uncertainties persist regarding the interpretation and validity of Article 31C, necessitating a definitive ruling by the Supreme Court, as exemplified by the ongoing deliberations in Property Owners Association vs State of Maharashtra.

Mains question:

Examine the constitutional tensions between fundamental rights and Directive Principles of State Policy, with specific reference to Article 39(b) of the Indian Constitution.

Editorials

The Era of the Politics of Performance

Polity & Governance Governance

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Context

The brief delves into the competency of elected representatives in India, highlighting the importance of various skills and qualities beyond educational qualifications for effective governance.

Competencies Required for Elected Representatives:

Behavioural Skills: Effective communication, leadership, and negotiation skills are essential for politicians to engage with stakeholders, unite diverse teams, and drive behavioural change initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Functional Competencies: Representatives must possess a deep understanding of legislative processes, policy implementation, and citizen engagement to influence policy changes through legislative advocacy and ensure efficient allocation of resources.
Domain-based Competencies: Tailored expertise in specific domains like healthcare policy, infrastructure planning, and technological advancements is crucial for addressing constituency needs and making informed policy decisions.

Institutionalization of Competency-based Politics:

Alignment with Karmayogi Competency Model: Incorporating existing competency models like the Karmayogi Competency Model from Mission Karmayogi to identify skill gaps and develop comprehensive capacity-building plans for elected officials.
Utilization of Training Resources: Leveraging central and State training institutions, online platforms, and civil society organizations to provide orientation, workshops, and research support for continuous learning and skill development.
Shift in Public Perception: Encouraging citizens to demand more accountability from elected representatives, focusing not only on promises but also on their ability to deliver results and uphold integrity, thereby making competency a central aspect of political discourse.

Mains question:

Examine the significance of behavioural, functional, and domain-based competencies for elected representatives in India's governance framework.

Editorials

Giving Primacy to Human Development

Economy Growth and Development

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Context

The recent Human Development Report highlights India's development challenges and the need for a comprehensive strategy for progress.

India's Ranking on HDI and Gender Inequality Index:

HDI Ranking: India's ranking on the Human Development Index (HDI) improved slightly in 2022, reaching 134 out of 193 countries, but still lagging behind several neighboring countries like Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Gender Inequality Index: While India's ranking on the Gender Inequality Index improved in 2022, it still faces significant gender disparities, particularly in labor force participation rates, with a substantial gap between men and women.
Global Inequality Trends: The Human Development Report raises concerns about increasing inequality globally, with significant economic concentration in a few countries, exacerbating disparities and limiting agency for marginalized populations.

Concerns about Rising Inequality:

Impact on India: When adjusted for inequality, India's loss in HDI is substantial, highlighting the need to address income disparities, which are higher than those observed in neighboring countries like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Implications of Income Inequality: The World Inequality Lab study underscores the widening income gap in India, with the top percentile earning significantly more than the rest of the population, leading to economic polarization and challenges in aggregate demand, consumption, and human welfare.
Record High Household Debt: India's household debt levels have reached a record high, accompanied by low savings and high debt burdens, necessitating a reevaluation of growth strategies to prioritize human development over short-term gains.