Current Affairs

Model Answer

Introduction

The Collegium system serves as the mechanism for appointing judges to India’s higher judiciary, ensuring that the process remains insulated from external influences. This system holds significant importance in maintaining judicial independence, a cornerstone of democracy.

Structure of the Collegium System

The Collegium system comprises the Supreme Court Collegium, which includes the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the four senior-most judges, and the High Court Collegium, led by the Chief Justice of the respective High Court along with its two senior-most judges. The constitutional provisions under Articles 124 and 217 outline the appointment process, where judges are appointed by the President in consultation with the CJI and other relevant authorities.

Key Benefits of the Collegium System

One of the primary benefits of the Collegium system is its ability to uphold judicial independence, safeguarding the judiciary from executive and legislative interference. This autonomy is crucial in ensuring that the judiciary acts as a countermajoritarian institution, protecting constitutional values and fundamental rights. Furthermore, the selection of judges by their peers promotes a meritocratic system, ensuring that those with judicial acumen and integrity are appointed. This is particularly evident in complex legal cases, where the expertise of senior judges is invaluable.

Key Challenges of the Collegium System

Despite its advantages, the Collegium system faces several challenges. A significant concern is the lack of transparency in its functioning, with decisions often shrouded in secrecy. This opacity raises questions about accountability and favoritism, undermining public confidence. Additionally, nepotism remains a critical issue, with many judges being related to existing or former judges, which can create barriers for first-generation lawyers.

Executive delays in approving Collegium recommendations further exacerbate the problem, leading to judicial vacancies while over 60 lakh cases remain pending in High Courts. Moreover, the system has been slow to address diversity issues, with a limited representation of women and marginalized communities in the judiciary, as evidenced by statistics showing that only 13.4% of High Court judges and 9.3% of Supreme Court judges are women.

Suggested Reforms

To address these challenges, reforms are necessary. Codifying the procedures of the Collegium can enhance transparency and accountability. Implementing enforceable timelines for the executive to process recommendations can mitigate delays. Additionally, promoting diversity through affirmative action in judicial appointments will ensure that the judiciary is more representative of society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Collegium system has played a crucial role in safeguarding judicial independence, it must evolve to address its inherent challenges. Balancing judicial autonomy with accountability is essential for restoring public trust and ensuring effective justice delivery in India.

Model Answer

Introduction

Core technologies, such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, are crucial for driving innovation and economic growth in India. Despite its significant capabilities in developing these technologies, India faces challenges in effectively commercializing them. This gap not only hinders economic progress but also affects national security and competitiveness on a global scale.

Reasons for the Gap

One of the primary reasons for this gap is the inadequate investment in research and development (R&D), which stands at only 0.65% of GDP. This underfunding limits innovation, especially in critical fields like AI and robotics.

Additionally, there is a shortage of skilled workforce; only 51% of graduates are employable, which restricts industrial innovation. The dependence on imports for essential technologies, such as semiconductors, further hampers self-reliance and exposes the economy to global supply chain disruptions.

Furthermore, policy inconsistencies and bureaucratic delays discourage investments, leading to stalled projects in critical areas. Lastly, there is a weak collaboration between academia and industry, resulting in isolated research efforts that lack commercial viability.

Suggested Measures

To address these challenges, India must increase its R&D funding to at least 2% of GDP, aligning with global leaders. Establishing a National Core Technology Fund could facilitate advanced research in areas like AI and semiconductor technology.

Developing a national talent strategy focusing on skilling and reskilling is essential to meet the demands of emerging technologies. Additionally, boosting domestic manufacturing through targeted investments in high-tech sectors will help reduce import dependency.

Creating a unified innovation ecosystem by fostering collaborations among academia, startups, and industries will promote effective technology transfer and commercialization. Lastly, strengthening the intellectual property (IP) framework will encourage innovation and attract foreign investments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing the critical gaps in the commercialization of core technologies is vital for India to realize its vision of becoming a technology-driven developed economy. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government and significantly increasing investment in R&D, India can establish a thriving innovation ecosystem that drives economic growth, national security, and global competitiveness.

Model Answer

Introduction

The tension between developmental aspirations and environmental sustainability is a significant concern for India, particularly in light of ambitious projects like the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project. This initiative aims to address water scarcity and boost agriculture but raises critical questions about its ecological impact.

Key Challenges

One of the foremost challenges is deforestation and habitat loss. The clearing of forests for infrastructure development disrupts ecosystems and threatens biodiversity, as seen in the Hasdeo Aranya forest case. Additionally, air and water pollution from industrial activities have severe public health implications. In 2023, India was home to 39 of the world’s 50 most polluted cities, highlighting the urgent need for cleaner practices.

Water stress is another pressing issue, with 600 million Indians facing extreme water scarcity due to over-reliance on groundwater. Unsustainable agricultural practices exacerbate this problem. Furthermore, India generates 62 million tonnes of waste annually, with insufficient management leading to urban waste crises, exemplified by the Ghazipur landfill fire.

Finally, climate change is a looming threat, with greenhouse gas emissions rising by 6.1% in 2023, contributing to extreme weather events that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

Strategies for Balance

To address these challenges, India must pursue several strategies. First, a renewable energy transition is crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while meeting energy demands. The Green Hydrogen Mission, for instance, exemplifies this shift towards sustainable energy.

Sustainable urbanization is another vital strategy, emphasizing eco-friendly urban planning that incorporates green infrastructure and waste management systems. Community-driven forest conservation initiatives can help restore biodiversity while supporting local livelihoods.

Integrated water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation techniques, can mitigate water stress. Finally, promoting a circular economy by encouraging industries to adopt closed-loop production systems will minimize resource extraction and waste generation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, India’s developmental aspirations must align with ecological sustainability to ensure long-term prosperity. Projects like the Ken-Betwa River Linking Project should not only address immediate needs but also safeguard environmental integrity. A comprehensive approach that integrates economic growth with environmental health is essential for a sustainable future.

Model Answer

Introduction

Subsidies are financial assistance provided by the government to promote public welfare, economic development, and social equity. In India, the subsidy system plays a critical role in supporting vulnerable populations, particularly in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and energy. Recent reforms aimed at rationalizing these subsidies are essential for enhancing efficiency and reducing fiscal burdens.

Overview of Recent Reforms

India has seen significant reforms in its subsidy landscape, including the deregulation of fuel prices and the implementation of targeted LPG subsidies. These measures have contributed to a decrease in explicit subsidies from 12.7% of the budget in FY23 to 9.3% in FY24. Such reforms aim to streamline subsidy delivery and minimize wastage.

Challenges Associated with Subsidies

Despite these reforms, various challenges persist. Firstly, subsidies place a heavy fiscal strain on public finances, with the government projected to spend around ₹4.1-4.2 lakh crore in FY25. This often diverts resources from critical sectors like health and education. Secondly, poor targeting leads to inefficiencies, as seen in the National Food Security Act, where undeserving beneficiaries still receive support. Additionally, overuse of subsidized resources like electricity and fertilizers contributes to environmental degradation, while market distortions discourage competition and innovation, undermining long-term economic growth.

Measures for Rationalization

To enhance the efficacy of the subsidy system, several measures can be undertaken. Implementing a comprehensive Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system will ensure that subsidies reach the intended beneficiaries, thereby reducing leakages. Dynamic targeting using updated poverty data will refine the beneficiary selection process. Encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices, such as organic fertilizers, can mitigate environmental harm. Leveraging technology, including GIS and blockchain, will improve monitoring and accountability. Finally, fostering public-private partnerships can enhance the efficiency of subsidy distribution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while India’s subsidy system plays an essential role in providing social security, it faces significant challenges that require urgent attention. A targeted approach, integrating Direct Benefit Transfers and promoting sustainable alternatives, is crucial for ensuring equitable and efficient subsidy delivery without compromising fiscal discipline.

मॉडल उत्तर

परिचय

भारत की अंतरिक्ष प्रौद्योगिकी में प्रगति ने इसे वैश्विक अंतरिक्ष क्षेत्र में एक विशिष्ट समूह में स्थापित किया है। भारतीय अंतरिक्ष अनुसंधान संगठन (ISRO) ने चंद्रयान-3 और आदित्य-1 जैसे सफल मिशनों के माध्यम से विश्व स्तर पर अपनी पहचान बनाई है। SpaDeX मिशन ने भारत को अंतरिक्ष डॉकिंग तकनीक में उन्नति करने की दिशा में महत्वपूर्ण कदम बढ़ाने का अवसर प्रदान किया है।

चुनौतियाँ

हालांकि, आत्मनिर्भरता प्राप्त करने में भारत को कई चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ रहा है। सबसे पहले, भारत का अंतरिक्ष बजट अपेक्षाकृत कम है, जो बड़े पैमाने की परियोजनाओं पर प्रभाव डालता है। इसके अलावा, भारत विदेशी तकनीकी घटकों पर निर्भर है, जिससे स्वदेशी विकास में बाधाएं आती हैं। विनियामक ढांचे की कमी भी एक महत्वपूर्ण चुनौती है, जो निजी क्षेत्र की भागीदारी को प्रभावित करती है।

फिर भी, अवसर भी कई हैं। निजी क्षेत्र में बढ़ती भागीदारी और अंतरिक्ष स्टार्टअप की वृद्धि से भारत की तकनीकी क्षमता में सुधार हो सकता है। इसके अलावा, सामाजिक-आर्थिक विकास में अंतरिक्ष प्रौद्योगिकी का उपयोग जैसे कृषि और आपदा प्रबंधन में भी अवसर मौजूद हैं।

भू-राजनीतिक दृष्टिकोण से, भारत की अंतरिक्ष प्रौद्योगिकी की प्रगति इसे वैश्विक स्तर पर एक प्रमुख शक्ति के रूप में स्थापित कर रही है। भारत की अंतरिक्ष क्षमताओं से न केवल सुरक्षा में सुधार होगा, बल्कि यह अन्य देशों के साथ सहयोग का एक नया मंच भी प्रदान करेगा।

निष्कर्ष

अंत में, आत्मनिर्भरता की दिशा में भारत को बजटीय आवंटन बढ़ाने, स्वदेशी प्रौद्योगिकी विकास को प्राथमिकता देने और सार्वजनिक-निजी भागीदारी को बढ़ावा देने की आवश्यकता है। इस प्रकार, भारत अपनी अंतरिक्ष महत्त्वाकांक्षाओं को साकार कर सकता है और वैश्विक स्तर पर एक प्रभावशाली भूमिका निभा सकता है।