Daily Answer Writing

मॉडल उत्तर

लोक प्रतिनिधित्व अधिनियम, 1951 (RPA) का उद्देश्य संसद के सदनों और राज्यों के विधानमंडल के चुनावों का संचालन, प्रशासनिक तंत्र की संरचना, सदस्यता हेतु अर्हताएँ और निरर्हताएँ, तथा चुनावों से संबंधित भ्रष्टाचार और विवादों के समाधान के लिए प्रावधान करना है।

इस अधिनियम में संसद या किसी राज्य के विधानमंडल के सदनों के सदस्यों की निरर्हताओं का विवरण दिया गया है, जो निम्नलिखित आधारों पर वर्गीकृत हैं:

आपराधिक आधार:

धारा 8(1) के तहत निम्नलिखित अपराधों के लिए सिद्धदोष ठहराए गए व्यक्ति निरर्हित होंगे:

• विभिन्न समूहों में शत्रुता बढ़ाने वाले कार्य।
• चुनावों में अनुचित प्रभाव डालने या प्रतिरूपण।
• बलात्कार या महिलाओं के प्रति क्रूरता से संबंधित अपराध।
• घृणा या वैमनस्य को बढ़ावा देने वाले कथन।
• धार्मिक पूजा स्थलों पर दुर्भावना बढ़ाने वाले कथन।

भ्रष्टाचार के आधार:

धारा 8(1) के अनुसार, रिश्वतखोरी या भ्रष्टाचार निवारण अधिनियम, 1988 के उल्लंघन के लिए सिद्धदोष ठहराए गए व्यक्ति निरर्हित होंगे।

अन्य अपराध:

कई अन्य अपराध भी हैं, जैसे:

• अस्पृश्यता का प्रचार (सिविल अधिकार संरक्षण अधिनियम, 1955)।
• प्रतिषिद्ध वस्तुओं का आयात-निर्यात (सीमाशुल्क अधिनियम, 1962)।
• विधिविरुद्ध संगठनों का सदस्य होना (विधिविरुद्ध क्रियाकलाप (निवारण) अधिनियम, 1967)।
• स्वापक औषधि अधिनियम का उल्लंघन।

संविदात्मक आधार:

यदि किसी व्यक्ति ने व्यापार हेतु सरकार के साथ अनुबंध किया है।

निर्वाचन व्ययों का लेखा दाखिल करने में विफलता:

निर्वाचन आयोग के समक्ष निर्वाचन व्ययों का लेखा दाखिल करने में विफलता पर भी प्रत्याशी को निरर्हित किया जा सकता है।

उच्चतम न्यायालय का निर्णय:

लिली थॉमस वाद, 2013 में, उच्चतम न्यायालय ने यह निर्णय दिया कि यदि कोई सांसद, विधायक या विधान परिषद का सदस्य, जिसे किसी अपराध के लिए सिद्धदोष ठहराया गया है और न्यूनतम दो वर्ष के कारावास से दंडित किया गया है, तो वह अपनी सदस्यता खो देगा।

उपचार:

धारा 8A (भ्रष्ट आचरण) के तहत निरर्हता को छोड़कर, निर्वाचन आयोग किसी भी निरर्हता को समाप्त या उसकी अवधि कम कर सकता है। कोई भी व्यक्ति राष्ट्रपति के समक्ष याचिका दायर कर सकता है।

इसके अतिरिक्त, भारत के संविधान की 10वीं अनुसूची के तहत दल परिवर्तन के आधार पर सदस्यों की निरर्हता का भी प्रावधान है।

Model Answer

Understanding Pressure Groups

Pressure groups are organized associations or unions of individuals who share common interests and objectives. Their primary goal is to influence decision-makers, including the legislature and executive, to enact policies or regulations that align with their interests. Notable examples of pressure groups include the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), and India Against Corruption.

Techniques Employed by Pressure Groups

1. Manipulating Public Opinion
   Pressure groups often engage in shaping public perceptions about specific issues by providing information to the media and the public. For instance, environmental groups are actively promoting awareness regarding the Kaiga nuclear power project in Karnataka to highlight potential ecological impacts.
2. Lobbying
   Lobbying is a direct method used by pressure groups to influence legislators. For example, ASSOCHAM has lobbied the Indian government to adopt wage support mechanisms and interest subventions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to enhance their competitiveness.
3. Public Interest Litigations (PILs)
   Pressure groups may resort to legal action through PILs to influence government actions. Medha Patkar and her associates have successfully pressured both state and central governments regarding the resettlement of communities affected by the Sardar Sarovar Project on the Narmada River.
4. Demonstrations and Protests
   Non-violent demonstrations are another technique employed by pressure groups to draw attention to their causes. The farmers’ protests in India in 2021, aimed at repealing controversial Farm Laws, exemplify this method.
5. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
   CSOs act as mass pressure groups, advocating for policy implementation in their areas of concern, such as the Chipko and Appiko movements, which focus on environmental protection.
6. Financing Political Parties
   Some pressure groups may financially support political campaigns to gain influence over policy-making processes.
7. Media Engagement
   Pressure groups utilize media to distribute information, issue press releases, and organize discussions to raise public awareness about specific issues.

Given their diverse roles, pressure groups are vital to the democratic process, ensuring that various interests are represented in policy discussions (Sources: FICCI, ASSOCHAM, various news articles on environmental movements).

Model Answer

Unique Characteristics of the Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution, while incorporating elements from various countries, stands out due to its distinctive features and the context in which it was crafted.

Length and Structure

One of the most notable aspects of the Indian Constitution is its length. Initially consisting of 395 articles and currently expanded to 470, it is the lengthiest written constitution in the world. In contrast, the U.S. Constitution has only seven articles, and the Australian Constitution contains 128 articles. This comprehensive nature reflects India’s diverse socio-political landscape (Source: Indian Constitution).

Constitutional Sovereignty

India’s Constitution embodies the principle of constitutional sovereignty, asserting that the Constitution itself, not Parliament, holds ultimate authority. Unlike the UK, where Parliament is sovereign, the Indian Parliament can amend the Constitution but cannot create a new one, especially without upholding its basic structure (Source: Constitution of India, Article 368).

Fundamental Rights

The Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution are not absolute; they come with restrictions aimed at balancing individual liberties with social interests. This contrasts with the U.S. Constitution, where rights are typically guaranteed without limitations (Source: Constitution of India, Articles 12-35).

Federalism with Unitary Bias

India’s federal system is influenced by Canada but has a unique unitary bias. While states have defined powers, the Centre can assume greater authority during emergencies, illustrating a balance of power that is distinct from other federal systems (Source: Constitution of India, Article 356).

Integrated Judiciary

The Indian judiciary is characterized by its integrated nature, where both central and state laws are enforced under a single judicial framework, headed by the Supreme Court. This differs from the U.S. system, which separates federal and state jurisdictions (Source: Constitution of India, Articles 124-147).

Directive Principles of State Policy

The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) in India encompass a broader scope than in many other countries, addressing economic, social, and administrative rights, thereby reflecting a commitment to socio-economic justice (Source: Constitution of India, Articles 36-51).

In conclusion, the Indian Constitution is not merely a compilation of borrowed elements; it is a unique document crafted with foresight to meet the needs of a diverse nation. Its distinctive features highlight the innovative spirit of its framers, tailored specifically for India’s socio-political context.

Model Answer

Types of Soils in India and Their Characteristics

India has a diverse range of soils classified into eight main types by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Each type has unique characteristics and spatial distribution across the country.

1. Alluvial Soil

• Characteristics: Formed by the silt deposited by Indo-Gangetic-Brahmaputra rivers, it ranges from sandy loam to clay. Rich in potash but poor in phosphorus; colors vary from light grey to ash grey.
• Distribution: Covers about 40% of India, prevalent in northern plains and river valleys, as well as in the deltas of the east coast (Source: ICAR).

2. Black Soil

• Characteristics: Also known as Regur or Black Cotton Soil, it is clayey, deep, and impermeable, rich in lime, iron, and potash, but low in phosphorus, nitrogen, and organic matter.
• Distribution: Predominantly found in the Deccan Plateau, covering parts of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu (Source: ICAR).

3. Red and Yellow Soil

• Characteristics: Develops a reddish color due to iron diffusion; poor in nitrogen, phosphorus, and humus.
• Distribution: Found in eastern and southern Deccan Plateau, parts of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and southern middle Ganga plain (Source: ICAR).

4. Laterite Soil

• Characteristics: Formed by intense leaching in high rainfall areas, poor in organic matter and nutrients; often used in brick-making.
• Distribution: Located in higher areas of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Assam (Source: ICAR).

5. Arid Soil

• Characteristics: Ranges from red to brown, sandy, saline, and low in moisture and nutrients.
• Distribution: Common in western Rajasthan, exhibiting arid topography (Source: ICAR).

6. Saline Soil

• Characteristics: Known as Usara soil, contains high levels of sodium, potassium, and magnesium; infertile.
• Distribution: Found in western Gujarat, deltas of the eastern coast, and Sunderbans of West Bengal (Source: ICAR).

7. Peaty Soil

• Characteristics: Rich in organic matter, heavy, and dark in color, formed in areas of high rainfall.
• Distribution: Occurs in northern Bihar, southern Uttarakhand, and coastal areas of West Bengal, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu (Source: ICAR).

8. Forest Soil

• Characteristics: Varies in structure and texture; loamy and silty in valleys, coarse-grained on slopes.
• Distribution: Found in the Himalayan ranges, Purvanchal, and Sahyadri regions (Source: ICAR).

In conclusion, the diversity of soils in India, each with distinct characteristics, plays a crucial role in agriculture and ecology across the country. Understanding their distribution aids in effective land management and agricultural planning.

Model Answer

Summary of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) originated from the 1st Belgrade Conference in 1961, led by influential figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, Josip Broz Tito, and Gamal Abdel Nassar. Initially composed of 25 members, it has grown to encompass 120 member nations and 17 observers, making it a significant independent global association outside the United Nations.

Key Aspects and Objectives

• Formation Context: NAM emerged in response to the post-World War II division of power between the USA and the Soviet Union.
• Objectives: NAM aimed not for neutrality but for collective stances on global issues, fighting against colonialism, imperialism, racism, and apartheid. It sought to establish a fair international economic order benefiting developing nations.
• Evolution: The end of the Cold War raised questions about its relevance, prompting a shift towards advocating for peace, security, and economic growth in developing countries.

Significance in Today’s Context

• Foreign Policy Influence: NAM principles remain integral to the policies of many developing nations, emphasizing independence from colonization and imperialism.
• South-South Cooperation: NAM addresses issues crucial to the global South, advocating for equality and peace worldwide.
• Dispute Resolution: It serves as a platform for peacefully settling international conflicts, safeguarding the interests of each member.
• Territorial Integrity: NAM reaffirms the importance of preserving state sovereignty, countering the expansionist aims of major powers.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite its relevance, NAM faces obstacles like limited member state cooperation and inaction on emerging security threats such as global terrorism. Strengthening NAM requires renewed dedication from member nations to enhance its effectiveness as a leading force in today’s international landscape.