Why do we need a balanced fiscal federalism? Do you think the fiscal space of the states is weaning away at the hands of the Centre?
Answer: Fiscal federalism deals with the division of governmental functions and financial relations among levels of government. In India, fiscal federalism implies distribution of finances and financial powers (power to collect taxes) between the centre, states and local bodies.
Need of Fiscal Federalism
- Regional and local differences can be taken into account by devolution of powers to federal units i.e. states. This takes care of micro level needs and realities.
- Lower planning and administrative costs as the work is distributed at many levels.
- Competition among local governments favours organizational and political innovations
- More efficient politics as grassroots citizens ....
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General Studies Mains Questions And Answers
- 1 Although India has been witnessing one of the highest economic growth rates since few years, the growth has not been inclusive. Explain.
- 2 In the time when world is facing hatred, fear and increasing violence what we need is secular ethics and happiness.What do you mean by secular ethics?
- 3 A civil Servant is expected to be objective as well as compassionate. Explain how it is possible to fit into these criteria with suitable examples.
- 4 At the 14th G20 summit, which was held in June 2019, India backed data localisation laws. Give agreements in favour and against as to why data localization is necessary for India?
- 5 What do you understand by crypto currency? Do you think crypto currencies should be legalized? Critically analyse.
- 6 India is facing an urban water crisis. What are the water challenges in urban India? What can be done to overcome it? Substantiate your answer.
- 7 In recent years, India’s coastal regions have become more vulnerable to multiple risks related to climate change. Intense and more frequent cyclones such as the recent Fani, Gaja and Hudhud as well as severe floods have caused massive devastation to the country’s coastal states. In this regard, examine what is climate resilient infrastructure. Also, highlight its benefits and the Challenges involved in building such infrastructure?
- 8 What is Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery? Examine India’s role in it? Briefly explain the global efforts in reducing disaster reduction?
- 9 What is Mission Gaganyaan? What are its objectives and relevance?
- 10 The second application of the Bonn Challenge Barometer, which tracks global commitments on forest landscape restoration (FLR), found that nearly 44 million hectares (Mha) of land was under restoration in 13 countries in 2018, representing approximately 56% of these countries’ commitments and 29% of the total global Bonn Challenge target. What is a Bonn Challenge? Also explain Forest landscape restoration and principles behind it?
- 11 What are BS Norms? What is the difference between BS – IV norms and the BS- VI? Why there is a need for upgradation of BS norms for reducing pollution? What will be its impact?
- 12 What is a Block chain technology? What is the need for Blockchain technology? Describe its applications.
- 13 A group of more than 1,000 farmers gathered in a village in Akola of Maharashtra to sow seeds of an unapproved, genetically modified variety of cotton, defying government regulations. As this conflicts rises, critically examine the need for GM Crops.
- 14 AI-driven technology will become counterproductive if a legal framework is not devised to regulate it. Examine Ans. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a source of both enthusiasm and skepticism, albeit in different measures. With humans and machines joining forces now more than ever before, AI is no longer confined to innovation labs and is being hailed for its immense transformational possibilities.
- 15 What are the causes of Plastic Pollution? Analyse the effects of Plastic Pollution. As a Consumer, briefly examine the solution to the plastic Pollution.
- 16 Monsoon floods have ravaged India. While the southern states of Karnataka and Kerala are still dealing with the destruction, northern India is now bracing for the worst. There are six states reported to be affected by flood so far - Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Examine the causes behind these floods. What are the practices that can control floods in India? Explain.
- 17 The Indian Sundarbans was accorded the status of ‘Wetland of International Importance’ under the Ramsar Convention. What will be its benefits? Analyze the threats posed to Sundarbans.
- 18 Recently, India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) was launched by Ozone Cell of Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Explain the need to launch this plan. What are the objectives of this plan? Critically examine its effectiveness.
- 19 The stand taken by the quadrilateral (US, China, Russia and Pakistan) on the principles governing Afghan Peace Process differ from those held by India. Being an important stakeholder in the region how do you think India should navigate its course of action?
- 20 The growing proximity between Russia-Pakistan-China poses fresh challenges for India in domestic and international spheres. Critically examine.
- 21 Membership of RCEP presents many opportunities for India but current rounds of negotiations fail to address India’s apprehensions. Comment.
- 22 As per the recent UNDP report, India halved its poverty in last 10 yrs. In this light explain the factors which led to this drop and also highlight the challenges still existing in India’s poverty landscape.
- 23 Do you think the growth model followed by East Asian economies could be suitable in propelling India’s economic growth trajectory?
- 24 India’s rank in global competitiveness has seen a consistent improvement since a few years. In the light of this statement highlight the factors fuelling this growth as well as the areas dragging India behind in global competitiveness.
- 25 How will the recently approved National Mineral Policy, 2019 be effective in ushering in a sustainable mining sector? Examine.
- 26 The stagnant and subdued contribution of ‘manufacturing’ sector in the economy beckons at the need for a new Industrial Policy. Elaborate.
- 27 Difficulties in even some private banks in India suggests that ‘simple’ solutions like privatizing all public sector banks may be no panacea. Comment.
- 28 Lack of affordable and accessible energy sources has resulted in energy poverty in India which acts as a dampener for the economy. What measures could be taken in order to boost India’s per capita energy consumption?
- 29 Advancing blue economy through sustainable management and utilization of ocean’s resources can be a shot in the Indian economy’s arm. Discuss.
- 30 The economics of loan waivers make it inherently antithetical to the long term interests of farmers, agriculture and banking sector. Examine.
- 31 Indian economy has slipped in global GDP rankings which highlights the challenges India has to face in achieving this year’s target of $ 3 trillion economy. What reforms would you suggest in order to provide the required boost to the economy?
- 32 What is smart fencing? Explain the role of technology in Border management.
- 33 Critically analyse the significance of continuous use of Official Secrets act post the enactment of RTI Act 2005.
- 34 Comment on the status of Tribal education in India and suggest measure for improvement.
- 35 Analyse the significance of Witness Protection Scheme in the wake of rising attacks on Witnesses in India.
- 36 Conservation of flora and fauna is a global concern in the light of adverse climate change. At the same time the right to livelihood of forest dwellers is a genuine humanitarian issue. What steps have been taken to strike a balance?
- 37 Enumerate the reasons for the backwardness of PVTGs and the government initiatives for their development.
- 38 Mission Indradhanush is a potential game changer which can produce far reaching gains if the challenges facing it are overcome on time. Critically analyse the statement.
- 39 The issue of curbing fake news gets entangled in Privacy Vs Security debate. Critically analyse the need for balance in regulation and legislation in this dilemma.
- 40 Highlight the challenges faced by lower judiciary and suggest measures to mitigate them.
- 41 Discuss the significance of Ayushman Bharat Scheme in achieving the goal of Universal Health Coverage.
- 42 Analyse Gandhiji’s perspective on Swaraj and its implications on India’s freedom movement.
- 43 Discuss the historical context behind Article 35 A and examine the possible implications of its abrogation on the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
- 44 Indian federalism is an asymmetric federalism. Explain with suitable examples.
