In a major boost to exports of Geographical Indications (GI) products from the north-eastern region, a consignment of ‘Raja Mircha’ also referred to as king chili from Nagaland was exported to London via Guwahati by air for the first time.
Raja Mircha
The King chili from Nagaland is also referred to as Bhoot Jolokia and Ghost pepper.
It got GI certification in 2008.
Raja Mircha contains Scoville Heat Units (SHUs) which makes it the world’s hottest chili.
It belongs to the genus Capsicum of the family Solanaceae.
It has been considered as the world’s hottest chili and is constantly on the top five in the list of the world’s hottest chilies based on the SHUs.
Answer this PYQ in the comment box:
Q.Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status?
Banaras Brocades and Sarees
Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
Tirupathi Laddu
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)
The World Intellectual Property Organization defines a GI as “a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin”.
GIs are typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, handicrafts, industrial products, wines, and spirit drinks.
Internationally, GIs are covered as an element of intellectual property rights under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
They have also covered under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
Aspirants for UPSC Examination, 2021 and 2022 are provided with this great opportunity to sharpen their Answer writing skills.
The Daily AWE Program helps you practice 4 answers on a daily basis. If you are a student who wants to simultaneously carry out prelims and mains preparation, then AWE is a perfect course for you.
Let’s keep the momentum going.
Answer writing practices through Civilsdaily’s Daily AWE program can reduce test anxiety and helps you ace the GS Mains answer writing. And what is a better way to practice for UPSC Mains Examinations than attempting Questions which are the closest to the demands of the UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination? The more you are accustomed to sitting for a period of time, answering questions, and pacing yourself, the more comfortable you will feel when you actually sit down to take the real UPSC Mains examinations yourself.
We are working hard to make the program more featureful, highlight the best answers, show the competency levels of students.
Daily 4 questions from General studies 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be provided to you. A sample 2 week schedule is available below.
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The Streak Daily Initiative is aimed to help out UPSC aspirants in their day-to-day preparation. You can follow the monthly, weekly, and daily timetables and continue this streak until you find yourself on the final list.
So, let us look at Today’s activities.
For full-time Aspirants
Parliamentary Committees and Forums
State Legislature
For working Aspirants
Parliament
Target Assignment by Ravi Sir:
Try these Prelims Questions :
Q1. Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament?
a) The Committee on Public Accounts
(b) The Committee on Estimates
(c) The Committee on Public Undertakings
(d) The Committee on Petitions
Q2. Consider the options about Public accounts committee (PAC) and Estimates committee(EC)
1. Both are standing Committees
2. PAC has more members than EC
3. PAC has members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, while EC has only members from Lok Sabha
4. While PAC examines the report of CAG, EC examines the estimates of the budget.
Which of the above statements are true:
1, 2 and 3
2, 3 and 4
1, 3 and 4
All of them
Q3. The Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India:
1. Can be considered by the joint session of both Houses of Parliament
2. Includes examination of income and expenditure of all public sector undertaking
3. Is placed before the Lok Sabha with the comments of the Estimates Committee
4. Constitutes the basis for scrutiny by the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 4
(d) Only 4
Q4. Consider the following statements about Department Standing Committees:
1. They are 24 in number
2. There are 16 such committees in Rajya Sabha and 8 in Lok Sabha
3. Number of members in each is 30
4. They examine demands for grants and can propose cut-motions
Which of the above statements are true:
A. 1,2 and 3
B. 2, 3 and 4
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of them
Q5. Consider the following statements about Joint Parliamentary Committee(JPC)
1. It is a standing committee of parliament
2. It enquires matters of public interest
3. JPC enquired about Bofors scam
Which of the above statements are true?
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 3
D. all of them
Q 6. Consider the following statements about parliamentary forums:
1. The first Parliamentary Forum on Water Conservation and Management was constituted in the year 2005
2. The speaker of Lok Sabha is the ex-officio President of all the Forums
3. Each forum consists of not more than 31 members
4. Provides an informal platform for members to interact with ministers
Which of the above statements are correct?
A. 1,2 and 3
B. 2, 3 and 4
C. 1,3 and 4
D. all of them
Q 7. If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then
(a) the Assembly of the State is automatically dissolved.
(b) the powers of the Legislature of that State shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament.
(c) Article 19 is suspended in that State.
(d) the President can make laws relating to that State.
Q 8. Consider the following statements
1. An amendment to the Constitution of India can be initiated by an introduction of a bill in the Lok Sabha only.
2. If such an amendment seeks to make changes in the federal character of the Constitution, the amendment also requires to be ratified by the legislature of all the States of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q 9. The functions of which of the following bodies in India are limited to advisory nature only?
(a) Legislative Council
(b) Rajya Sabha
(c) Lok Sabha
(d) Legislative Assembly
Q 10. Which of the following statements is incorrect about Legislative Council?
(a) 1/3rd of its members are elected by local bodies
(b) President has the final power to decide about its composition
(c) It is not subject to dissolution
(d) Minimum strength of Legislative Council cannot be less than 40
Video Discussion of Prelims Questions by Santosh Sir:
Try these Mains Questions :
Q: Distinguish between ‘Department-related parliamentary standing committees’ and ‘ Parliamentary forums’. (10)
Q: Discuss the role played by State Legislative Councils. How are they different from the Rajya Sabha? Also, examine their usefulness for Indian states. (15)
Video Discussion of Mains Questions by Sukanya Ma’am:
As the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) end their presence in Afghanistan and set off a churn in the neighbourhood, Central Asia is emerging as a key player.
Challenges India faces in playing a leading role in Afghanistan
Events of the past few years, and the decisions of Russia, the US and China have kept India out of a leading role in Afghanistan.
India’s original hesitation in opening talks with the Taliban has cut India out of the current reconciliation process.
India’s efforts to build on trade with Afghanistan, shore up development projects and increase educational and training opportunities for Afghan youth have been appreciated, but these cannot grow bigger due to a number of factors.
The end of any formal dialogue between India and Pakistan since 2016 and trade since 2019, have resulted in Pakistan blocking India’s over-land access to Afghanistan.
India’s alternative route through Chabahar, though operational, cannot be viable or cost-effective also long as U.S. sanctions on Iran are in place.
India’s boycott of the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2017, and now tensions at the Line of Actual Control make another route to Afghanistan off-limits.
The U.S. has announced a formation of a “Quad” on regional connectivity — U.S.-Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan that does not include India.
Why Central Asian countries are interested in Afghanistan?
The hope is that the Central Asian window, with the “Stans” (five Central Asian republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) will open new possibilities for India.
Calculations of Central Asian neighbours are three-fold:
The first is that prosperity for these land-locked countries can only flow from access through Afghanistan to the closest ocean, i.e. the Indian Ocean.
Second, that all transit through Afghanistan depends on guarantees of safe passage from the Taliban, backed by the group’s mentors in Pakistan.
Third, each of the “Stans” are now a part of China’s BRI, and tying their connectivity initiatives with Beijing’s will bring the double promise of investment and some modicum of control over Pakistan.
Way forward for India
Given the odds, India’s room for manoeuvre with these five countries on Afghanistan appears limited but not without hope.
Work on common concerns: To begin with, India and the Central Asian States share common concerns about an Afghanistan overrun by the Taliban.
Their common concerns are the worries of battles at their borders, safe havens for jihadist terror groups inside Afghanistan and the spill-over of radicalism into their own countries.
Support financially: It is necessary for India to work with them, and other neighbours to shore up finances for the government in Kabul, particularly to ensure that the government structure does not collapse.
Cooperation on anti-terrorism: As part of the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), India must also step up its engagement with the Central Asian countries on fighting terror.
India can support the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) in terms of airpower.
Better ties between neighbours: South Asia must learn from Central Asia’s recent example in knitting together this region more tightly, a task that can only be completed with better ties between India and Pakistan.
India’s furtive discussions with the Taliban leadership in Doha make little sense unless a less tactical and more strategic engagement with Pakistan is also envisaged.
Conclusion
Countries of Central Asia and South Asia need to find a more unified voice, as they have in recent weeks. Afghanistan’s future will affect both regions much more than it will the distant global powers that currently dominate the debate.
The UPSC exam is undoubtedly the toughest exam in India with a syllabus so vast that most students feel overwhelmed within just a few weeks of starting their preparation.
In fact, the 2 biggest problems students face while preparing for this exam are:
Syllabus Management And
Time Management
FACT: As an aspirant, you can either spend a lot of time and effort trying to figure out how to cope with your syllabus and manage time or you can simply speak with our mentors and get the right study plan and timetable custom-made for you!
So, how can you learn to manage time and your syllabus? Here’s what you can do!
Syllabus Management:
Go through the entire syllabus thoroughly.
Mark the topics you feel comfortable with and those you aren’t familiar with.
Break down the syllabus into small parts and prioritise them in order.
Gather the relevant study material for the syllabus and start studying them in order.
Figure out where you need guidance – Is it with the subject matter? Do you need help with organising your syllabus? Or you just aren’t sure how to begin?
Our guidance program is, in fact, designed specifically to solve this problem. We speak with students personally and understand their concerns on a one-on-one basis. Our mentors spend time understanding the individual requirements of our students and teach students how to break down the syllabus and create a plan they can stick to.
This is what our mentors do after speaking one-on-one with students:
They assess the students and understand their requirements.
They develop a study plan for the students that match their learning abilities.
They break down the syllabus for the student to make it easier for them to cope.
They provide important study material so that the student doesn’t feel lost.
They provide regular feedback to students to help them remain focused.
They handhold the students at every stage of the exam, supporting them with all their needs.
Time Management:
Prioritise your study material
Complete the easier topics first.
Allocate at least one hour to answer-writing
Allocate at least one hour to MCQ practice
Make notes on Current Affairs while reading the newspapermatter?
Allocate at least 2 hours for your optional.
This plan, however, does not suit everyone since every student has a different learning pace and different time available. Our guidance program solves this problem by creating a personalised timetable for you after speaking with you personally. Our mentors understand the requirements of students and they know which topics require how much time. That is why they prepare a customised timetable for you and all you need to do is follow it!
So, if you are starting to prepare for the exam, do not waste your time trying to reinvent the wheel. Just get in touch with us and we will create a study plan that is based around you.
Current Affairs is the heart and soul of the UPSC exam. UPSC ties dynamic Current Affairs topics with static knowledge to test aspirants at all three stages of the exam. A thorough grasp of CA is, therefore, extremely crucial to your success. That is why we, at Civils Daily, have consolidated all the important aspects of CA in Samachar Manthan so that you don’t have to browse through thousands of study materials to be on top of your game. Samachar Manthan is the essence of all you need, in one place. Right here!
In GS Paper 2, 17 out of 20 Questions were asked in UPSC 2020. And the entire GS paper 2 was covered in Samachar Manthan that makes for an 85% Success rate. Let’s take a look at the below mentioned GS Paper 2 paper of 2020, question by question.
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Q.) “Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have a profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission”. Discuss
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Right to Information Act is considered one of the milestones in Indian democracy. In the context of real representation that RTI provided to the public authorities, examine how far the recent amendments may breach the actual contention of the RTI Act?
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Which steps are required for the constitutionalization of a commission? Do you think imparting constitutionality to the National Commission for Women would ensure greater gender justice and empowerment in India? Give reasons. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Seeing the Patriarchal nature of society the Indian Parliament came up with the legislation in the form of the National Commission for Women to work for the betterment of the female section of the society. In such a context, critically analyse the effectiveness of NCW at present. Also, suggest measures to make it work effectively.
UPSC Mains Questions
Q.) How far do you think cooperation, competition and confrontation have shaped the nature of federation in India? Cite some recent examples to validate your answer (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Explain the difference between Competitive vs Cooperative federalism. In the Indian context, what have been the hindrances in achieving competitive federalism. What should be the solution?
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Rajya Sabha has been transformed from a ‘useless Stepney tyre’ to the most useful supporting organ in the past few decades. Highlight the factors as well as the areas in which this transformation could be visible. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) How far do you agree with the view that Rajya Sabha has done nothing exceptional in the last 70 years except stalling work and therefore it should be abolished? (10 Marks)
UPSC Mains question
Q.) Indian constitution exhibits centralising tendencies to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation. Elucidate in the perspective of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897; The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and recently passed Farm Acts. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) The Centre has got more powers to raise the resources and states were given more responsibilities. Examine how this dichotomy came under serious scrutiny in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. (10 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of a large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) How far do you agree that the recent judgements pronounced by the supreme court of India border on Judicial overreach. Elaborate with Examples
UPSC Mains Questions
Q.) The strength & sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funs’ to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlight the critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) “Panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure”. Critically analyze. (10 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) “Once a speaker, Always a speaker’! Do you think the practise should be adopted to impart objectivity to the office of the Speaker of Lok Sabha? What could be its implications for the robust functioning of parliamentary business in India? (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Discuss the controversies surrounding the office of the speaker in India. Suggest measures to make the office of speaker impartial and independent. Should it be modelled on the lines of the office of a British speaker? (15)
UPSC Mains question
Q.) The judicial systems in India and the UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Topic Was discussed in the third week of December in our Samachar Manthan lecture
Q.) “Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of Self-Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) In the context of SHGs in India, explain how they can provide benefits amidst the ongoing pandemic. Also, suggest measures to make them more effective and empowered. (10 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) “Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. This context suggests reforms in Civil Service for strengthening democracy.
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Despite being the pivot of Indian democracy, the civil services have performed rather poorly when it comes to administering the routine. Discuss.(10)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) “The New Education Policy is an old wine in a new glass”. Do you agree with this view? Examine. (15 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of the government”. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Digitising India could accelerate its progress towards development but certain factors must be addressed before India could reap the benefits of digitising. Examine such factors and suggest ways to deal with the issues in digitising the country. (10)
Q.) “The incidence and intensity of poverty are more important in determining poverty based on income alone”. In this context analyze the latest United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index Report. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Multidimensional Poverty Index is a measure to assess acute poverty in multiple dimensions. In this respect, state how poverty is leading to loss in Human development and thus making the population as liability than asset. (15 marks)
UPSC Mains question
Q.) To enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) Discuss how marriage age and women’s health are linked with each other?
UPSC Mains questions
Q.) ‘Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD)’ is the transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times – Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) A revival and re-invigoration of the Quad is called for to maintain peace and tranquillity in the Indo-pacific region. Examine. (10)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Answer in 150 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) The global institutional architecture of the 1940s cannot help humanity face the challenges of the 2020s. Discuss. (10)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (Answer in 250 words)
SM weekly Test Question
Q) India is witnessing increased variety in her bilateral/multilateral defence partnerships. Despite this, Russia remains an important ally. Analyse. (15 marks)
UPSC Mains Question
Q.) ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (Answer in 150 words)
Extensively discussed and covered as Burning Issue and SM weekly Video Classes.
Q: Distinguish between ‘Department-related parliamentary standing committees’ and ‘ Parliamentary forums’. (10) Q: Discuss the role played by State Legislative Councils. How are they different from the Rajya Sabha? Also, examine their usefulness for Indian states. (15)
Try these Prelims Questions :
Q1. Which one of the following is the largest Committee of the Parliament?
a) The Committee on Public Accounts
(b) The Committee on Estimates
(c) The Committee on Public Undertakings
(d) The Committee on Petitions
Q2. Consider the options about Public accounts committee (PAC) and Estimates committee(EC)
1. Both are standing Committees
2. PAC has more members than EC
3. PAC has members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, while EC has only members from Lok Sabha
4. While PAC examines the report of CAG, EC examines the estimates of the budget.
Which of the above statements are true:
1, 2 and 3
2, 3 and 4
1, 3 and 4
All of them
Q3. The Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India:
1. Can be considered by the joint session of both Houses of Parliament
2. Includes examination of income and expenditure of all public sector undertaking
3. Is placed before the Lok Sabha with the comments of the Estimates Committee
4. Constitutes the basis for scrutiny by the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 4
(d) Only 4
Q4. Consider the following statements about Department Standing Committees:
1. They are 24 in number
2. There are 16 such committees in Rajya Sabha and 8 in Lok Sabha
3. Number of members in each is 30
4. They examine demands for grants and can propose cut-motions
Which of the above statements are true:
A. 1,2 and 3
B. 2, 3 and 4
C. 1 and 3 only
D. All of them
Q5. Consider the following statements about Joint Parliamentary Committee(JPC)
1. It is a standing committee of parliament
2. It enquires matters of public interest
3. JPC enquired about Bofors scam
Which of the above statements are true?
A. 1 and 2
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 3
D. all of them
Q 6. Consider the following statements about parliamentary forums:
1. The first Parliamentary Forum on Water Conservation and Management was constituted in the year 2005
2. The speaker of Lok Sabha is the ex-officio President of all the Forums
3. Each forum consists of not more than 31 members
4. Provides an informal platform for members to interact with ministers
Which of the above statements are correct?
A. 1,2 and 3
B. 2, 3 and 4
C. 1,3 and 4
D. all of them
Q 7. If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then
(a) the Assembly of the State is automatically dissolved.
(b) the powers of the Legislature of that State shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament.
(c) Article 19 is suspended in that State.
(d) the President can make laws relating to that State.
Q 8. Consider the following statements
1. An amendment to the Constitution of India can be initiated by an introduction of a bill in the Lok Sabha only.
2. If such an amendment seeks to make changes in the federal character of the Constitution, the amendment also requires to be ratified by the legislature of all the States of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q 9. The functions of which of the following bodies in India are limited to advisory nature only?
(a) Legislative Council
(b) Rajya Sabha
(c) Lok Sabha
(d) Legislative Assembly
Q 10. Which of the following statements is incorrect about Legislative Council?
(a) 1/3rd of its members are elected by local bodies
(b) President has the final power to decide about its composition
(c) It is not subject to dissolution
(d) Minimum strength of Legislative Council cannot be less than 40
Sukanya madam’s video would be out at 7:00 PM and Santosh sir would provide the video at 9:00 PM.
Watch this space for more updates exclusively for you.
Many developed countries are poised for strong growth. This will compel their respective central banks to begin normalizing the extremely loose monetary policies. This will require a reorientation of India’s stimulus strategy.
Global growth momentum
On the global front, the growth momentum has been strong, particularly in the US and China, although recent data suggest this has peaked or is even stalling.
Post the perceived hawkishness of the last US Federal Reserve policy meeting, the traded interest rate of the benchmark US 10-year treasury bond fell to below 1.3 percent.
The falling rate reflects disquiet about the durability of the recovery once the fiscal stimulus starts waning.
China recently announced a 0.5 percent cut in the required reserves ratio for banks.
Europe’s recovery had begun to inch up, but members of the European Central Bank have begun to push back on market expectations of early tapering.
However, some smaller global central banks have started normalizing their respective Quantitative Easing programs.
Growth momentum in India
The encouraging aspect of the recovery is the resilience of many mid-and large-turnover companies in the face of the debilitating public health crisis
In India, there are signs that the recovery momentum began to strengthen from mid-June, and of demand accelerating, despite capacity utilization in many industries below thresholds needed for the next round of private investments.
In line with the market consensus, we think that 2021-22 growth is likely to be in the 9-10 percent range.
Tax collections, another indicator of activity, even if a bit skewed, support this view.
A revival of retail consumer demand is critical for sustaining the recovery. Reports from industry associations suggest a somewhat mixed picture.
Demand emanating from rural geographies is important for sustaining recovery.
Demand for work under MGNREGA suggests continuing stress.
Monsoons will be a big contributor.
The sowing of Kharif crops stalled in late June but is predicted to pick up again in mid-July.
Renewed government intervention is required.
Factors deciding the trajectory of recovery
Inflation: Rising inflation could force a monetary policy normalization faster than presently anticipated.
Global recovery: Effects global central banks’ policy tightening will only add to the difficulty of balancing a policy-induced increase in interest rates, moderating financial markets volatility, and maintaining growth incentives.
Access to credit: Access to credit remains a crucial input in the recovery matrix, particularly for small and micro-enterprises.
The Union government’s Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) has reportedly been very effective in stabilizing the solvency (and cash flows) of micro and small businesses.
Way forward
Expansion of subvention scheme: The expansion of subvention (ECLGS) is probably the most effective template to incentivize credit flows, leveraging on the government’s balance sheet to take on the first loss risks.
At the same time, capex proposals of the Centre and states should gradually draw in private sector capex.
Policy intervention to create a level field: Corporate health has improved, with lower debt on balance sheets.
Adoption of technology is widespread; this will boost productivity and competitiveness.
But these factors reinforce trends in consolidation and market power.
It will require policy interventions to create a more level playing field for smaller companies, which is crucial for job creation.
Conclusion
Policy support will thus need to adapt from the “revive” to the “thrive” phase, to place India on a sustained 7 percent-plus growth path.
The government is reportedly planning to re-organise the military into a theatre command under the chief of defence staff (CDS) in which the assets of the Air Force will be split into four and distributed among four operational theatres.
Background of the creation of CDS
In 2012, the Naresh Chandra Committee suggested the creation of a CDS, which would take on overall functions of the chairman, chiefs of committee as well as the responsibilities pertaining to centralised planning, induction, training, intelligence and logistics.
Operations, according to the committee’s suggestion, would continue to be managed by the respective chiefs of staff.
However, sometime in 2016-17, this idea was modified to organise the operational assets of the three services into four theatre commands, all of which are now proposed to be brought under the CDS.
Issues with creating theatre command by dividing Air Force
Professional leadership is critical in support elements: The Air Chief’s professional leadership of the Air Force is crucial to orchestrate a variety of support elements like aerial tankers, AWACS (Airborne Warning And Control Systems), AEW, Heliborne support and UAVs in an “offensive operation”.
Lack of in-dept understanding: A land theatre command, if given power over the air elements, may not have the confidence to launch such a mission because of the lack of in-depth understanding of the organisational complexity and the risks involved.
Dilution of assets may harm effectiveness: Dilution of the combat assets of the Air Force, a 30-squadron force consisting of five or six types of aircraft, might severely affect mission-effectiveness.
Role of CDS: It is extremely doubtful if the CDS can cope with the enhanced responsibilities that include operations, albeit through the theatre commanders.
That would leave only training, maintenance, and support under the chiefs of staff — a gross under-utilisation of the operational leadership built over 40 years.
Resource limitations: Forming a separate air defence command for the air defence of the entire nation seems an impractical idea considering our resource limitations.
Current arrangement functioned effortlessly: The current arrangement of a decentralised air defence organisation managed by Air Force geographical commands has functioned faultlessly.
Flexibility: The existing structures afford better flexibility.
There will be significant expenditure to construct the operational infrastructure of the theatre commands.
Timing: We are trying to effect changes at a time the military is deployed actively.
The Chinese have dug in hard, and we do not yet know their strategy.
To divide the Air Force into four units at this moment is inadvisable.
Way forward
White paper: There is no white paper on the advantages of the theatre commands or one listing the merits of the CDS donning the mantle of the operational head of the entire military operation.
So, a white paper on these aspects could clear the air over the utilities of such moves.
Joint planning is a must, but operations are best undertaken by individual services who know what other services are doing and when.
Conclusion
Splitting the asset of the Air Force would result in dilution of its power and is not advisable at the current juncture.
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Previous Years’ Questions analysed
Google Meet sessions with Parth sir
Trend Analysis and expected questions for this year
Exclusive access to Habitat Club
Discussions and doubt-clearing sessions
All of this and more in 20 Days!
Don’t wait, you can crack this exam in one go and all you need is a focused approach. Get started with the right guidance and you will succeed!
