CBI is India’s premier central investigation agency which looks into matters of corruption or major criminal matter. The CBI draws its power from the DSPE Act, 1946 which deals with the extension of the power of CBI over states with the consent of the respective government.  CBI and Federalism:  The Police are under List II, i.e., it is exclusively a state subject. So only the state can… Continue reading [Answered]The jurisdiction of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding lodging FIR and conducting probe within a particular State is being questioned by various States. However, the power of the States to withhold consent to the CBI is not absolute. Explain with special reference to the federal character of India.

Gender inequality results in unequal opportunities in terms of access to health, education, nutrition and quality jobs pushing women into poverty and malnutrition.   Microfinancing of women SHGs can target women sitting at the bottom of the poverty pyramid with higher socio-economic inequalities, in the following manner:  Nutritional indicators: Microfinancing of the women SHGs is linked to better nutritional outcomes for the whole family. It is important in breaking… Continue reading [Answered] Can the vicious cycle of gender inequality, poverty and malnutrition be broken through microfinancing of women SHGs? Explain with examples.

Constitution of India provides for a parliamentary form of government, where the Executive is responsible to the Parliament for its policies and acts.  Mechanisms of Parliamentary control over the Executive:   1. Question-hour, zero-hour, half-an-hour discussion, short duration discussion, calling attention motion, adjournment motion, no-confidence motion, censure motion, and other discussions. 2. General Discussion, Voting… Continue reading [Answered] To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India?

The Ministry of Tourism is implementing a Scheme titled ‘Earn While You Learn’. It envisages to inculcate appropriate tourism travel traits and knowledge amongst trainees to enable them to work as ‘student volunteers’.   This scheme provides short term training, dedicated to travel industry, to college-going students pursuing graduation courses or graduates in the age group of… Continue reading [Answered] ‘Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful” Comment

Welfare state is a modern concept of state with special responsibilities for state to improve the socio-economic conditions of the citizens and provide protective measures for their development. In India, the directive principles of state policy (DPSPs) under the Constitution provide the contours of welfare state.  Primary health structure is moral imperative of a welfare state due to following reasons:  Vicious cycle of poverty is created due to high out-of-pocket health expenditure, low productivity, low skills and low income. … Continue reading [Answered]“Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyze.

Finance Commission is constituted by the President under Article 280 of the Constitution, mainly to give its recommendations on the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and the States and amongst the States themselves.  Recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission, enabling fiscal position of states  1. Increased devolution to states from the divisible pool… Continue reading [Answered] How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position?

Pressure Groups are a group of people organized actively to promote and defend their common interests and influence public policy. They act as the liaison between government and its members.  Role of Pressure Groups –   Promote opportunities for political participation without political party  Provide expertise and information to government;   Help in expressing views and needs of… Continue reading [Answered] “Pressure Groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies.

Recently, CJI has called for 50% representation of women in the judiciary. He has also supported the demand to increase gender diversity in legal education  Status of representation of Women in Higher Judiciary  There has never been a women Chief Justice of India.   SC was established in 1950. First female SC judge was appointed in… Continue reading [Answered] Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness

Constitutional morality means the adherence to the norms of the Constitution in a democracy. It is not just limited to following the constitutional provisions in their literal sense, but includes a commitment to an inclusive and democratic political process in which both individual and collective interests of the society are satisfied. It requires a practical percolation of values like… Continue reading [Answered] Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions.