Q.1) Health, cyberspace and internet connectivity to rural India are the three most important components for the success of Digital India Mission. In this context, discuss the progress made by India in the above field. (15 marks - 250 words)
Why this question? - The Prime Minister of India announcement of the Digital India projects as part of his Independence Day (74th) speech, has been seen as a reaction to the present situation faced by the country - pandemic, border tensions among others.
Intro - The PM launched the National Digital Health Mission, announced a new cyber security policy and promised optical fibre connectivity to all six lakh villages in 1,000 days.
Body - Discuss each of the above with status of India in digitizing above fields, challenges etc.
Way ahead - How to overcome the above challenges.
Conclusion - Summarize based on above discussion.
Q.2) The Jallianwal Bagh massacre was a turning point in India's freedom struggle. Comment (10 marks - 150 words)
Why this question? - As a run up to the Independence Day Celebrations, the Ministry of Tourism presented a Webinar on Jallianwala Bagh: A turning point in the Freedom struggle under the Dekho Apna Desh Series.
Intro - A brief about the massacre.
Body - Causes and its outcomes that changed the momentum of India’s freedom struggle.
Conclusion - Summarize based on above discussion.
Q.3) The Lt. Governor of Delhi rejected the State government’s list of public prosecutors names for Delhi riots cases. It seems to be a negation of collaborative federalism. Critically examine. (15M, 250 Words)
Why this question?
- The Delhi government recommended names for public prosecutors for Delhi riots cases. The Lt. Governor referred it to the President stating that there is a difference of opinion between him and the government over this matter.
Introduction:
- A brief info about the matter
- Constitutional provisions for Union Territory of Delhi: Article 239 AA and 239AB
Body:
Issues involved in the matters which can be referred by the Lt. Governor to the President:
- Supreme Court guidelines in Government of NCT of Delhi vs. Union of India (2018): SC directed the Lt. Governor not to refer to the President normal administrative matters as that would disturb the concept of Constitutional governance, principles of collaborative federalism and the standards of Constitutional morality.
- SC directed the Lt. Governor not to refer to the President normal administrative matters as that would disturb the concept of Constitutional governance, principles of collaborative federalism and the standards of Constitutional morality.
- However, the Court did not specify the matters which can be referred by the Lt. Governor to the President.
- The Union Government is not empowered to exercise executive authority on a matter which comes within the exclusive jurisdiction of the State government like the appointment of Prosecutors. The only occasion when the Union Government can overrule the decision of the State government is when the Lt. Governor refers a matter to the President under the proviso to clause (4).
Conclusion: Ultimately the top court wants the Lt. Governor and the Council of Ministers to use in full the mechanism provided in the Government of NCT of Delhi Act and the Transaction of Business Rules to thrash out differences.
Q.4) Government is focused on enhancing forest quality and increasing tree cover to maximise carbon stock which requires several transformational changes in policies and programmes. Illustrate. (10M, 150 words)
Why this question?
- Recently the Environment Ministry announced several major initiatives to increase forest cover.
Introduction:
Define forest quality, tree cover and carbon stock
Body:
Discuss the various government initiatives to maximise the carbon stock like Campa, Nagar Van Scheme etc.
Transformational changes in policies:
- The Environment Ministry announced that 80% of the afforestation fund shall be utilized only for afforestation/plantation and the rest 20?n be used for capacity building etc.
- The ministry emphasized that CAMPA funds are not to be used for payment of salary, travelling allowances, medical expenses etc
- Discuss the National Forest Policy
- School Nursery Scheme
- Landscape based catchment treatment major rivers
Conclusion: These efforts are critical to meet our national and international goals under National Forest Policy, Nationally Determined Commitments and restoration of degraded forest land.
Q.5) Contempt jurisdiction of courts should be used sparingly. Elaborate (250 words)
Why this question?
A recent order of the Supreme Court found senior advocate Prashant Bhushan guilty of contempt for his two tweets.
Intro:
Mention recent judgment of SC
Body:
- Background of the recent case
- Details of content of court
- Earlier SC rulings related to content
- Worldwide scenario
- Guidelines set by Lord Denning M.R in 1968
- Thin line separating criticism and contempt
Conclusion:
Quote the judgment by Lord Denning
