Day-482 | Daily MCQs | UPSC Prelims | POLITY

Answer: C
Explanation:
● Option C is the exact characterisation and is considered as the most appropriate explanation of the Indian federal polity. It explains the sui generis nature of federal polity, which in normal times, works as federal but in abnormal times, it becomes unitary. This is the most acceptable view supported by B.R. Ambedkar, Sir Ivor Jennings and D.D. Basu.
● Option A is a very generalised reference of Indian federal polity. It was given by KC Wheare. It cannot be the exact character as it doesn’t indicate whether there is federal bias or biases towards centre. It just gives the mixed nature of federal polity.
● Option B is the criticism of Indian federal polity by Morris Jones who gave explanation of Indian federal polity evolution till 1990s.
● Option D is one of the characteristics of Indian federal polity given by Granville Austin so, it cannot represent its main character.

Answer: D
Explanation:
● The ECI is an exception that even if it has a stature equal to CAG/UPSC but still technically it has not been accorded equal status. There is no bar in case of retiring election commissioners or the Chief Election Commissioner not to take any employment under the government of India.
● In case of CAG, UPSC and judges, after retirement, they cannot take up any employment under the government of India. This has been done to maintain independence of the institutions.
● Getting appointed as Governor is not a violation of conditions of services after retirement as the office of Governor is not considered as an employment under the government of India.
● Once it happened that MS Gill after retirement as CEC, became a minister in the UPA government.

Answer: C
Explanation:
● Option C is correct. Demographic performance is the new parameter along with
i. Forest and ecology and
ii. Population census 2011
● Income distance and area are the old parameters
● Tax efforts have remained part of the formula of the FC like 11th, 12th and now 15th FC.
Since the 15th FC was given the 2011 census as the basis for fiscal devolution to states, it has to devise a new formula with different set of parameters to balance north-south divide. Till 14th FC, the practice was about considering the 1971 census as the basis for population. Meanwhile the southern states have achieved a replacement level of population growth but northern states have still not achieved this which gives them advantage in terms of more fiscal shares under the FC recommendations.
To address this anomaly, the 15th FC devised the following formula:

Answer: A
Explanation:
● The correct option is A. Calling Attention Motion does not require 1/10th members support.
● All other Adjournment Motion, Censure Motion and No Confidence Motion require 1/10th support for their introduction in the Lok Sabha. It is due to the substantial nature of motions that such conditions have been placed.

Answer: B
Explanation:
● Option B is incorrect. The conference was established in 1999 first at ministerial level. Later in 2007, it was elevated to the level of Heads of state/government.
● All other options A, C & D are correct.
● The G20 conference to the level of Heads of state/government will be held in Delhi.
● India has assumed the G20 presidency to be held in 2023. It is also for the first time that India will convene the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
Additional information:
● December 1st, 2023 is a momentous day as India assumed the presidency of the G20 forum, taking over from Indonesia.
● As it takes the G20 Presidency, India is on a mission to bring about a shared global future for all through the Amrit Kaal initiative with a focus on the LiFE movement which aims to promote environmentally-conscious practices and a sustainable way of living.
● The G20 group of 19 countries and the EU was established in 1999 as a platform for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss international economic and financial issues. Together, the G20 countries account for almost two-thirds of the global population, 75% of global trade, and 85% of the world’s GDP. In the wake of the global financial and economic crisis of 2007, the G20 was elevated to the level of Heads of State/Government and was named the “premier forum for international economic cooperation.”
● The G20 has two main tracks of engagement: the Finance Track for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors and the Sherpa Track. The G20’s proceedings are led by the Sherpas, who are appointed as personal envoys of the leaders of member nations. These Sherpas are responsible for overseeing the negotiations that occur throughout the year, deliberating on the agenda for the summit and coordinating the substantive work of the G20. Both tracks have working groups to address specific themes with representatives from relevant parties.
India’s G20 Presidency:
● India will convene the G20 Leaders’ Summit for the first time in 2023, as 43 Heads of Delegations- the largest ever in the G20–will participate in the final New Delhi Summit in September later this year. As a nation committed to democracy and multilateralism, India’s presidency will be a significant milestone as it seeks to find practical global solutions for the benefit of all and embody the idea of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” or “the world is one family.”
● Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which translates to “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” is the theme of India’s G20 presidency.
● It is inspired from the Maha Upanishad, an old Sanskrit scripture. The theme fundamentally highlights the importance of all life—human, animal, plant, and microorganism—as well as their interdependence on Earth and across the universe. The theme also exemplifies LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), which highlights the importance of environmentally sustainable and responsible lifestyle choices, both at the individual and national level, in creating a cleaner, greener, and bluer future.
● The G20 Summit is held annually with a rotating presidency, and in 2023, India will hold the presidency. The group does not have a permanent secretariat and is supported by the previous, current, and future holders of the presidency, known as the troika. In 2023, the troika consists of Indonesia, Brazil, and India.
● The G20 Presidency also heralds for India the start of “Amritkaal,” a 25-year period commencing from the 75th anniversary of its independence on August 15, 2022, leading up to the centenary of its independence.