| PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2020] Discuss the geophysical characteristics of Circum-Pacific Zone.
Linakge: This question is about a region known for earthquakes and volcanoes. The article mainly talks about quakes caused by human activity but also mentions that these usually happen in places already on fault lines or where tectonic plates are shifting—areas like the Circum-Pacific. So, it’s important to understand these natural zones when looking at how human actions might trigger earthquakes. |
Mentor’s Comment: Human-induced earthquakes are increasingly drawing scientific and public attention, as research shows that human activities like groundwater extraction, dam construction, and fracking can trigger or accelerate seismic activity, particularly in tectonically sensitive regions such as Delhi-NCR, the Western Ghats, and parts of Maharashtra and Kerala.
Today’s editorial analyses the Issues related to Human-induced earthquakes in India. This topic is important for GS Paper I (Geography), GS Paper II (Governance) and GS Paper III (Disaster Management) in the UPSC mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recent studies in India have highlighted a correlation between excessive groundwater depletion and increased seismic events, especially in Delhi.
What are human-induced earthquakes?
- These are earthquakes triggered by human activities rather than natural tectonic movements. Activities like mining, groundwater extraction, building dams, and fracking disturb the earth’s crust, causing seismic activity. Over 700 human-induced quakes have been recorded globally in the last 150 years.
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How do activities like groundwater extraction and dams trigger quakes in India?
- Groundwater Depletion Weakens Crustal Stability: Excessive extraction of groundwater reduces pore pressure, leading to a shift in stress within the earth’s crust. Eg: In Delhi-NCR, increased seismic activity between 2003–2012 has been linked to excessive groundwater loss.
- Reservoir-Induced Seismicity (RIS): The weight of large reservoirs exerts additional pressure on underlying faults, triggering quakes. Eg: The 1967 Koynanagar earthquake (magnitude 6.3) was linked to the Koyna Dam in Maharashtra.
- Water Infiltration into Fault Zones: Water from reservoirs or excessive irrigation can seep deep into fault lines, lubricating them, and making them more likely to slip. Eg: Seismic tremors near Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala are suspected to be induced due to water infiltration in a seismically sensitive region.
- Load Variation Due to Filling and Emptying of Dams: Rapid filling or draining of reservoirs changes the stress distribution, causing small or moderate tremors. Eg: In the Himalayan region, such stress changes are a concern for dams like Tehri Dam.
- Ground Subsidence from Overuse of Aquifers: Excessive groundwater extraction leads to land subsidence, altering the natural equilibrium of stress in the crust. Eg: Regions in North Gujarat have experienced subsidence, making them more vulnerable to fault reactivation and quakes.
Why is Delhi-NCR prone to quakes from groundwater loss?
- Rapid Groundwater Depletion Alters Stress Fields: Excessive groundwater extraction reduces the hydrostatic pressure underground, disturbing the natural stress balance in fault zones. This stress redistribution can reactivate dormant faults, triggering seismic activity. Eg: Studies from 2003–2012 show increased microseismic activity in parts of Gurgaon and Faridabad, correlated with falling water tables.
- Aquifer-Related Land Subsidence: Continuous overuse of aquifers causes the land to sink (subsidence), which can strain the Earth’s crust and disturb nearby fault lines. In Delhi-NCR, land sinking has been recorded in Dwarka, Kapashera, and parts of Noida, increasing quake risk. Eg: A 2021 study by IIT-Kanpur showed that excessive aquifer use led to ground subsidence and elevated seismic hazard.
- Built-Up Pressure on Seismically Active Faults: Delhi-NCR sits near the Mahendragarh-Dehradun fault and Delhi-Haridwar ridge, making it naturally earthquake-prone. When groundwater is extracted, it weakens the structural resistance of rocks, making nearby active faults more vulnerable. Eg: Minor tremors in Rohini and West Delhi (2020-21) were suspected to be linked to combined stress from tectonics and human activity.
How does climate change contribute to seismic risks?
- Melting Glaciers Increase Uplift Pressure: Rapid glacial melt in the Himalayas (due to rising temperatures) reduces surface weight. This triggers isostatic rebound — the crust rises and shifts, which can activate faults beneath. Eg: In Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand), increased seismic activity has been observed near retreating Gangotri Glacier, linked to glacial thinning and uplift.
- Changing Rainfall Patterns Cause Landslides and Crustal Stress: Intense rainfall and flash floods (exacerbated by climate change) cause rapid groundwater recharge and erosion, disturbing fault stability. Eg: In Kodagu (Karnataka), unusually heavy rains in 2018 triggered landslides and minor tremors due to destabilized slopes and crustal shifts.
- Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Seismic Pressure: Rising sea levels increase water load on coastal plates, especially in delta regions. This can suppress or activate tectonic stresses near coastlines. Eg: In Sundarbans (West Bengal), changes in sediment load and sea-level rise have raised concerns of future seismic risks in this low-lying, tectonically sensitive zone.
What are the steps taken by the Indian Government?
- Seismic Zoning and Monitoring: India is divided into four seismic zones (II to V) to prioritize risk-based planning. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) monitors seismic activity across the country in real-time.
- Implementation of Earthquake-Resistant Building Codes: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued IS codes for earthquake-resistant construction.
- Capacity Building and Public Awareness: NDMA and NDRF conduct training, mock drills, and awareness programs in vulnerable areas.
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Way forward:
- Integrated Land and Water Management: Promote sustainable groundwater use, recharge practices, and land-use planning to reduce land subsidence and seismic vulnerability.
- Expand Monitoring and Preparedness: Enhance seismic monitoring networks and public awareness programs to improve early warning systems and disaster resilience.
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Why in the News?
The ongoing tensions in West Asia, particularly between Iran, Israel, and the U.S., have reignited concerns about a potential U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, which could have serious geopolitical and economic consequences.
How could a U.S.-Israel-Iran war impact India?
- Energy Security Risk: A war could disrupt oil exports from Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, through which 60% of India’s crude imports pass. Eg: During the 2019 U.S.-Iran tensions, India faced uncertainty in oil supply and had to cut Iranian imports.
- Geopolitical Imbalance: Collapse of Iran may increase U.S. dominance in West Asia, weakening India’s strategic depth and bargaining power. Eg: India’s balancing diplomacy between Gulf countries, Israel, and Iran would face strain, as seen when Chabahar Port talks slowed under U.S. pressure.
- Diaspora and Economic Fallout: War could threaten the safety of 8 million Indians in the Gulf and affect remittances and trade. Eg: During the 1990 Gulf War, India had to evacuate over 1.7 lakh citizens and faced economic shocks.
What is the difference between great power and super power?
The terms “great power” and “superpower” both refer to influential countries, but they differ in scale, reach, and dominance.
- Great Power: A great power is a country with significant regional or global influence, strong economy, capable military, and active diplomacy. Eg: India, France, Germany
- Superpower: A superpower is a country with unmatched global dominance across military, economic, political, and cultural spheres. Eg: United States (Cold War era: USA and USSR were two superpowers).
How does the Iran-Israel conflict impact India’s great power status?
- Challenges to Strategic Autonomy: The conflict pressures India to balance relations with both Iran and Israel, testing its strategic autonomy — a key trait of great powers. India called for restraint without directly criticising either side.
- Limited Global Influence in Conflict Resolution: India’s geopolitical clout is still evolving, and its absence in conflict mediation highlights the gap between global aspirations and actual influence. Eg: India was not part of backchannel diplomacy, unlike the U.S. or China.
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How does multipolarity guide India’s foreign policy?
- Strategic Autonomy: India avoids aligning permanently with any one power bloc, maintaining independent decision-making. Eg: India is a member of both the QUAD and BRICS, balancing ties with the U.S. and China.
- Diversified Partnerships: Multipolarity enables India to build issue-based coalitions with different countries for mutual benefit. Eg: India partners with France on defence, Russia on energy, and U.S. on technology.
- Global Rule-Shaping Role: India promotes a rules-based order and voices the concerns of the Global South in global forums. Eg: India’s presidency of the G20 in 2023 emphasized inclusive development and reform of global institutions.
Why is Iran vital to India’s energy and strategy?
- Energy Security: Iran has vast reserves of crude oil and natural gas, essential for India’s growing energy needs. Eg: Before U.S. sanctions, Iran was among India’s top three crude oil suppliers.
- Strategic Connectivity: Iran hosts the Chabahar Port, offering India access to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and bypassing Pakistan. Eg: The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) runs through Iran, linking India to Europe.
- Regional Balance: Ties with Iran help India maintain a geopolitical balance in West Asia amid U.S., Israel, and Gulf influences. Eg: India engages Iran to counter China’s influence in the region, including at Gwadar Port in Pakistan.
How does India balance ties between major powers?
- Strategic Autonomy: India maintains independent foreign policy decisions without aligning fully with any bloc, ensuring flexibility in global affairs.
- Multi-alignment Approach: India engages simultaneously with the U.S., Russia, China, EU, and others, based on issue-specific interests.
- Issue-based Partnerships: India chooses partners depending on the context — cooperating with the U.S. on defense, Russia on energy, and China on trade, while managing conflicts diplomatically.
How can India promote peace in West Asia? (Way forward)
- Diplomatic Balancing: India can maintain neutral engagement with rival states like Iran, Israel, and the Gulf countries, promoting dialogue over conflict. Eg: India has strong ties with both Iran and Saudi Arabia, enabling it to act as a bridge-builder.
- Economic Cooperation: Promoting trade, energy ties, and infrastructure projects can foster interdependence and reduce regional tensions. Eg: India’s investment in Chabahar Port connects the region economically and supports stability in Afghanistan.
- Cultural and Diaspora Links: Leveraging its diaspora presence and civilizational ties, India can promote people-to-people engagement and soft power diplomacy. Eg: The 8-million-strong Indian diaspora in the Gulf enhances goodwill and mutual trust in the region.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2014] Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the Government is mulling over the proposal for in creased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.
Linkage: Evaluating the “pros and cons” necessitates an understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with foreign investment inflows, reflecting a part of India’s FDI challenge in attracting and managing capital effectively. This question directly related to the implications of increasing FDI in a specific sector.
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Why in the News?
India and the United Kingdom are nearing the finalisation of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that is expected to significantly reshape their bilateral economic relationship. A key area of focus is the expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India.
What are GCCs (Global Capability Centres)?
GCCs are offshore units set up by multinational companies (MNCs) in countries like India to handle critical business functions. |
How can GCCs boost the India-U.K. FTA?
- Enhance Digital Collaboration: GCCs in India offer services like AI, cybersecurity, and R&D that align with the UK’s digital economy goals. Eg: British companies like Barclays use India’s GCCs for advanced analytics and digital banking solutions.
- Support Professional Mobility: GCC operations require movement of skilled professionals between India and the UK, pushing for smoother visa and work policies. Eg: Infosys and TCS facilitate cross-border staff exchanges for UK-based projects.
- Strengthen Global Supply Chains: GCCs act as strategic hubs for managing global operations and reducing dependency on single markets. Eg: Unilever runs global compliance and finance functions from its India GCC, supporting resilience and efficiency.
Why is India a preferred hub for GCCs?
- Cost Advantage: Operating a GCC in India is more cost-effective compared to Western countries, enabling firms to maintain quality while optimizing costs. Eg: Target Corporation runs its Indian GCC in Bengaluru to handle IT services and supply chain support at reduced costs.
- Robust Digital Infrastructure: India’s expanding digital ecosystem and government support through policies like Digital India attract companies to establish innovation hubs here. Eg: Bosch established a smart manufacturing and AI innovation centre in Bengaluru as part of its India-based GCC.
What policy steps support GCC growth in India?
- Digital India Mission: Promotes digital infrastructure and connectivity, enabling a strong foundation for tech-driven operations. Eg: A U.S. retail firm’s GCC in Hyderabad leverages India’s broadband push to manage global e-commerce platforms.
- Startup India & Innovation Support: Encourages collaboration between GCCs and Indian startups for agile solutions and R&D. Eg: A financial GCC in Pune co-develops regtech tools with local fintech startups.
- Special Economic Zones (SEZs) & IT Parks: Offer tax incentives, simplified compliance, and ready infrastructure for foreign firms. Eg: GCCs in Bengaluru’s SEZs benefit from lower operational costs and faster approvals.
- Ease of Doing Business Reforms: Simplified registration, relaxed FDI norms, and labor reforms attract foreign investors. Eg: A healthcare MNC establishes a GCC in Chennai due to smoother FDI entry and single-window clearances.
- Skill Development Schemes: Programs like PMKVY and FutureSkills Prime build a skilled digital workforce for GCCs. Eg: GCCs in Noida hire AI and cybersecurity professionals trained through FutureSkills.
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What are the challenges?
- Talent saturation in Tier-1 cities: Intense competition for skilled tech professionals increases costs. Eg: In Bangalore, GCCs like Walmart Global Tech and Goldman Sachs compete for the same AI/ML talent pool, pushing up salary levels and attrition.
- Infrastructure gaps in Tier-2 cities: Poor connectivity, weak urban infrastructure, and limited office space deter expansion. Eg: Despite interest in Nagpur for cost-effective operations, Deloitte limited its operations due to lack of reliable internet and skilled ecosystem.
- High attrition rates: Rapid job-switching among mid-career professionals disrupts continuity. Eg: JPMorgan Chase’s GCC in Hyderabad faced over 22% attrition in 2023, especially among cybersecurity analysts.
- Regulatory & compliance hurdles: Navigating data protection and labor laws adds to legal burden. Eg: Meta’s GCC in Gurugram had to rework its data storage policies post the DPDP Act, 2023, causing operational delays.
- Limited R&D ownership: Indian GCCs often do not drive core product innovation. Eg: While Apple’s Bengaluru GCC handles app testing, core iOS design decisions remain with teams in California.
Way forward:
- Promote Tier-2 city readiness: Improve digital infrastructure, urban planning, and talent development in emerging tech hubs like Coimbatore, Indore, and Kochi through targeted government-industry partnerships.
- Encourage innovation and R&D ownership: Provide tax incentives, faster IP approvals, and create collaborative platforms with academia to help GCCs move beyond support roles to core product development.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples.
Linkage: The UK wants better access to India’s fast-growing digital economy and aims to strengthen its global services presence. India is becoming more important in global supply chains, especially in digital services and transformation, where Global Capability Centres (GCCs) play a key role.
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Why in the News?
The ongoing Supreme Court hearings on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar have reignited discussions on the legal status of the ‘right to vote’ in India.
About Right to Vote in India:
- Overview: It is also known as suffrage, allows citizens to elect their representatives in democratic institutions.
- Constitutional Basis: Guaranteed under Article 326 of the Constitution of India, which provides for universal adult franchise.
- Eligibility: Every citizen of India aged 18 and above is entitled to vote, unless disqualified by law.
- Supervision: Organised and overseen by the Election Commission of India.
- Supporting Laws:
- Representation of the People Act, 1950: Defines voter eligibility and grounds for disqualification.
- Representation of the People Act, 1951: Governs the procedures for conducting elections.
Judicial Interpretation:
- N.P. Ponnuswami v. Returning Officer (1952): Declared the Right to Vote as a statutory right.
- Jyoti Basu v. Debi Ghosal (1982): Reiterated that the Right to Vote is neither a fundamental right nor a common law right.
- People’s Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India (2003): Recognised the Right to Vote as at least a constitutional right.
- Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006): Held that the Right to Vote continues to be a statutory right.
- Raj Bala v. State of Haryana (2015): Recognised the Right to Vote as a constitutional right.
- Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023):
- Majority View: Right to Vote is a statutory right.
- Dissenting Opinion by Justice Ajay Rastogi:
- Linked the Right to Vote with the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a).
- Considered it essential to free and fair elections and thus part of the basic structure of the Constitution.
Current Legal Status:
- Nature: It is legally a statutory right.
- Constitutional Context: It is shaped by constitutional provisions but does not hold the status of a fundamental right.
Back2Basics: Other Types of Rights in India
|
Description |
Enforceability |
| Natural Rights |
Inherent and inalienable rights (e.g., life, liberty); not directly enforceable unless linked to fundamental rights. |
Indirectly through Fundamental Rights |
| Fundamental Rights |
Guaranteed under Part III of the Constitution (e.g., right to equality, speech, life). |
Enforceable in Supreme Court under Article 32 |
| Constitutional Rights |
Rights given in the Constitution but outside Part III (e.g., property, trade). |
Enforceable under Article 226 via High Courts |
| Statutory Rights |
Granted by ordinary laws (e.g., MGNREGA, Forest Rights Act, Food Security Act). |
Enforceable as per respective legislations |
| [UPSC 2017] Right to vote and to be elected in India is a:
Options: (a) Fundamental Right (b) Natural Right (c) Constitutional Right* (d) Legal Right |
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Why in the News?
The Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned citing health reasons, creating a rare mid-term vacancy in India’s second-highest constitutional office.
What happens if VP resigns?
- The Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha presides in his absence. No provision exists for an “acting” Vice-President.
- Unlike the President, whose vacancy must be filled within six months, the VP election must be held “as soon as possible.”
- The Election Commission will notify the schedule.
- Election governed by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952.
- The elected candidate will serve a full 5-year term, not the remainder of Dhankhar’s term.
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About Vice-President (VP) of India
- Position: Second-highest constitutional post; deputy to the President.
- Parliamentary Role: Serves as ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
- Succession: Ranks second in order of precedence and first in line to become President.
- Membership: Is a member of Parliament, not directly elected by the people.
- Qualifications:
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of India.
- Age: Minimum 35 years.
- Office of Profit: Should not hold any.
- Parliamentary Eligibility: Must qualify for election to Rajya Sabha (unlike President, who must qualify for Lok Sabha) due to the VP’s role in the Upper House.
- Roles and Responsibilities:
- Rajya Sabha Chairmanship: Presides over sessions and ensures order.
- Bill Classification: Refers money bills to the Lok Sabha Speaker.
- No Independent Powers: Has no executive or legislative powers unless acting as President.
Election Procedure:
- Constitutional Basis: Governed by Article 66.
- Electoral College: Comprises 543 Lok Sabha MPs, 233 elected Rajya Sabha MPs, and 12 nominated Rajya Sabha members.
- Voting Method: Proportional representation by single transferable vote and secret ballot.
- No Whip Allowed: Parties cannot issue voting whips.
- Conduct: Managed by the Election Commission; Returning Officer is the Secretary-General of either House (on rotation).
- Winning Quota: Requires 50% of valid votes + 1; votes are transferred in rounds if no candidate secures majority in the first round.
Resignation and Removal:
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- Article 67(a): VP submits his/her resignation to the President. Parliamentary approval is NOT needed, and the resignation takes effect immediately upon receipt.
- No Acting VP: Constitution doesn’t provide for an acting Vice-President.
- Presiding in Absence: Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha presides in VP’s absence (currently Harivansh Narayan Singh).
- Example: Dhankhar, who took office in 2022, is only the third VP in Indian history to resign before completing his term, after V.V. Giri and R. Venkataraman.
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- Article 67(b): Removal process begins in Rajya Sabha with 14 days’ notice.
- Voting Requirement: Needs effective majority in Rajya Sabha and simple majority in Lok Sabha.
- No Grounds Specified: Constitution doesn’t list specific removal grounds.
- Judicial Immunity: Article 122 bars courts from questioning parliamentary proceedings related to removal.
- No Precedent: No VP has been removed so far.
| [UPSC 2013] With reference to Parliament, consider the following statements:
1.The Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are not the members of that House.
2.While the nominated members of the two Houses of the Parliament have no voting right in the presidential election, they have the right to vote in the election of the Vice President.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
Five strong offshore earthquakes hit Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, the strongest measuring 7.4 in magnitude.
About Kamchatka Peninsula:
- Location: Situated in Far Eastern Russia, bordered by the Sea of Okhotsk (west) and the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea (east).
- Size and Shape: Stretches about 1,200 km north to south and 480 km at its widest point.
- Area: Covers approximately 370,000 square kilometers—comparable in size to New Zealand.
- Ethnic Composition: Majority are ethnic Russians; around 13,000 belong to the indigenous Koryak community.
- Climate: Harsh with long, snowy winters and wet, cool summers.
- Topography: Highest peak is Klyuchevskaya Sopka, an active volcano in the Eastern Mountain Range.
- Global Recognition: Hosts the “Volcanoes of Kamchatka,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tectonic Significance:
- Geological Setting: Lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it a global hotspot for seismic and volcanic activity.
- Volcanic Density: Contains over 150 volcanoes, 29 of which are currently active.
- Kuril–Kamchatka Trench: Located just offshore, reaches depths of about 10,500 meters and drives regional seismicity.
- Tectonic Cause: Caused by subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate.
| [UPSC 2004] Consider the following geological phenomena:
1. Development of a fault 2. Movement along a fault
3. Impact produced by a volcanic eruption 4. Folding of rocks
Which of the above cause earthquakes?
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 4 (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4* |
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Why in the News?
The Prime Minister will attend a function in Tamil Nadu marking 1000 years since King Rajendra Chola I’s conquest of the Gangetic plains.
About Rajendra Chola I:
- Reign & Dynasty: Ruled from 1014 to 1044 CE, succeeding his father Rajaraja Chola I.
- Titles:
- Gangaikonda Cholan (“Bringer of the Ganges”) – adopted after his victorious northern campaign.
- Kadaram Kondan (“Conqueror of Kedah (Malaysia)”) – earned following his Southeast Asian naval expeditions.
- Capital Foundation: Established Gangaikonda Cholapuram, shifting the capital from Thanjavur to the Kollidam River area.
- Temple Building: Built the Gangaikondacholeshwaram (Shiva) Temple to commemorate his conquests.
- Succession: Succeeded by his son, Rajadhiraja I.
- Religious Policy:
- Devout Shaivite, but practiced religious pluralism—patronised Buddhism, including building stupas in South India and Southeast Asia.
- Diplomacy & Trade: Strengthened international ties with Song Dynasty China and Arab merchants.
- Administration: Pioneered local self-governance, showcasing notable administrative sophistication.
His Legend:
- Northern Conquest: Rajendra led a military campaign to the Gangetic plains, defeating the Pala ruler Mahipala of Bengal and Bihar, and commemorated this victory by bringing Ganga water to his capital.
- Overseas Expeditions: He commanded what is considered the largest blue-water navy in Indian history. Successfully conducted naval expeditions to:
- Srivijaya Empire (covering parts of modern-day Sumatra, Java, and Malaysia)
- Burma, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Maldives, and Pegu Islands
- Extracted tribute from Thailand and the Khmer kingdom of Cambodia.
- First Indian king to undertake large-scale overseas military campaigns.
- Trade and Diplomacy: Established trade and diplomatic links with Song China and Arab merchants.
- Administration: Promoted local self-governance, showcasing the Cholas’ administrative efficiency.
- Wealth and Power: Under his reign, the Chola Empire became one of the wealthiest and most powerful empires of the time.
| [UPSC 2025] Who among the following led a successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya, the powerful maritime state, which ruled the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands?
Options: (a) Amoghvarsha (Rashtrakuta) (b) Prataprudra (Kakatiya) (c) Rajendra I (Chola) * (d) Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala) |
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Why in the News?
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India’s (CAG) audit has flagged ₹573 Crore irregularities in Indian Railways.
About Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India:
- Foundation: Established under Article 148 of the Constitution of India.
- Independence: A constitutional authority, not subject to executive control.
- Appointment: Appointed by the President of India.
- Tenure: Holds office for 6 years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
- Removal: Can be removed by the President in the same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court of India.
- Post-Retirement Bar: Ineligible for further office under the Government of India or any State after demitting office.
- Funding: Administrative expenses are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India, ensuring financial autonomy.
- Parliamentary Independence: No minister can represent the CAG in Parliament.
- Role: Known as the guardian of the public purse and a key pillar of Indian democracy.
Powers and Functions:
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- Fund Audits: Audits expenditures from the Consolidated Fund of India, State Consolidated Funds, and Union Territory funds.
- Other Fund Audits: Audits Contingency Fund and Public Account at both Central and State levels.
- Departmental Audits: Reviews profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and subsidiary accounts of government departments.
- Authority Audits: Audits bodies and authorities substantially financed by the government.
- Company Audits: Examines accounts of government-owned companies and corporations.
- Special Audits: Audits other authorities when requested by the President or Governor.
- Parliamentary Role: Acts as a guide, friend, and philosopher to the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.
- Public Accountability: Exposed major scams such as the 2G spectrum and coal block allocation cases.
- Sectoral Reviews: Highlighted inefficiencies in defence, railways, and other public enterprises.
Issues with the Comptroller and Auditor General:
- Lack of Real-Time Control: Cannot stop or approve withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund; cheques can be issued without CAG’s prior clearance.
- Opaque Appointment: No prescribed qualifications or transparent procedure for selection; appointment is entirely executive-controlled.
- Limited Audit Scope:
- Excludes certain public entities like Life Insurance Corporation and public sector banks.
- Cannot audit public-private partnerships and funds like Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund and Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
- Off-budget borrowings (e.g., through National Investment and Infrastructure Fund) remain outside audit scope.
- Post-Facto Nature: Audits occur after expenditure, limiting preventive or real-time oversight.
| [UPSC 2012] In India, other than ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and for intended purpose, what is the importance of the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)?
1. CAG exercises exchequer control on behalf of the Parliament when the President of India declares national emergency/financial emergency.
2. CAG reports on the execution of projects or programmes by the ministries are discussed by the Public Accounts Committee.
3. Information from CAG reports can be used by investigating agencies to press charges against those who have violated the law while managing public finances.
4. While dealing with the audit and accounting of government companies, CAG has certain judicial powers for prosecuting those who violate the law.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only* (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the great freedom fighter Mangal Pandey on his birth anniversary.
Who was Mangal Pandey?
- Birth: Born on 19 July 1827 in Nagwa village, Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh.
- Military Service: Joined the British East India Company’s army in 1849 as a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry at Barrackpore.
- Trigger of Revolt: Opposed the use of Enfield rifle cartridges greased with cow and pig fat, offensive to religious beliefs.
- Rebellion: On 29 March 1857, attacked British officers and encouraged sepoys to rise in revolt.
- Punishment: Arrested, tried, and executed by hanging on 8 April 1857.
- Legacy: Regarded as the “Hero of the First War of Indian Independence” and a symbol of resistance.
Back2Basics: 1857 War of Independence
- Overview: The First War of Indian Independence or the Great Rebellion of 1857.
- Sepoy Composition: Indians made up over 87% of the British Indian Army but faced severe discrimination.
- Root Causes:
- Military Discontent: Unequal pay, poor promotion prospects, denial of allowances.
- Religious Insensitivity: Use of animal fat-greased cartridges insulted Hindu and Muslim beliefs.
- Economic Hardship: Heavy land taxes, decline in traditional crafts, and rising unemployment.
- Political Grievances: Annexation of Indian states and enforcement of oppressive laws.
- Outbreak:
- Barrackpore: Mangal Pandey’s defiance on 29 March 1857 marked the beginning.
- Meerut: On 10 May 1857, sepoys rebelled after refusing cartridges and were imprisoned.
- Delhi: Rebels marched to Delhi and declared Bahadur Shah II as Emperor.
- Spread of Revolt: Uprising expanded to Kanpur, Lucknow, Jhansi, Bihar, Bareilly, Faizabad, and beyond.
- Mass Participation: Involved sepoys, peasants, landlords, and regional rulers.
Suppression and Its Aftermath:
- Brutal Suppression: Rebellion was crushed by 1859; Delhi was recaptured in September 1857.
- Administrative Shift: British East India Company was dissolved; India came under direct British Crown rule, initiating the British Raj.
- Military Reorganization: Indian representation in the army was reduced and reorganized to prevent future revolts.
- Increased Repression: Racial discrimination and harsh policies intensified post-revolt.
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| [UPSC 2006] Who was the Governor-general of India during the Sepoy Mutiny?
Options: (a) Lord Canning* (b) Lord Dalhousie (c) Lord Hardinge (d) Lord Lytton |
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