[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 11 March 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same
General Studies – 2
Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Topic: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
2. The collaboration and openness to constructive criticism among the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are crucial for upholding free and fair elections. Discuss. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu , scroll.in , Insights on India
Why the question: The two vacancies in the Election Commission (EC), created by the surprise resignation of Arun Goel and the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey, are likely to be filled by March 15. Key Demand of the question: To write about the need of EC to work as a cohesive team that values transparency. Directive word: Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by writing about Article 324 to 329. Body: First, write briefly about the mechanism of appointment of election commissioners in India. Write about the features of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners. Next, write about the various issues in the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners. Next, write about the measures to ensure collaboration and cohesion among the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners that contributes to the integrity of the electoral process and strengthens democratic principles. Conclusion: Conclude with a balanced opinion.
Why the question:
The two vacancies in the Election Commission (EC), created by the surprise resignation of Arun Goel and the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey, are likely to be filled by March 15.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the need of EC to work as a cohesive team that values transparency.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by writing about Article 324 to 329.
First, write briefly about the mechanism of appointment of election commissioners in India. Write about the features of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.
Next, write about the various issues in the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners.
Next, write about the measures to ensure collaboration and cohesion among the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners that contributes to the integrity of the electoral process and strengthens democratic principles.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a balanced opinion.
Introduction
For the conduct of free and fair elections an independent Election Commission has been provided for in Article 324. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has earned public trust due to its exemplary work as an independent and neutral authority. This achievement has been made possible because as a constitutional authority, the ECI’s autonomy is guaranteed and its functioning insulated from the interference of the executive and judiciary.
The two vacancies in the Election Commission (EC), created by the surprise resignation of Arun Goel and the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey, are likely to be filled by March 15.
Powers of CEC & EC
• The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) of India have the authority to direct, superintend, and control the elections to the Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President of India.
• They function as a multi-member body with decision-making power by majority vote.
• The CEC can be removed only through impeachment by Parliament, while the ECs can be removed on the CEC’s recommendation.
• Their powers are equal, and their decisions in election-related matters are binding.
Appointment of Election Commissioner
• The election commission shall consist of the Chief Election Commissioner and a such number of other election commissioners, if any, as the president may from time to time fix.
• The appointment of the chief election commissioner and other election commissioners shall be made by the President of India.
• The President makes the appointment on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
• They have tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
Issues with the appointment
• The Constitution does not lay down a specific legislative process for the appointment of the CEC and ECs.
• Appointments to the Election Commission are currently the central government’s prerogative.
• Currently, the Executive enjoys the power to make appointments that affect the ECI’s independenceand make the process of appointing election commissioners partial and biased.
• There have been instances where ECI’s unwillingness to censure the ruling party’s leadersfor violating the Model Code of Conduct while pulling up Opposition leaders during the 2019 general election.
• The Constitution has neither prescribed the qualification of the members of the ECI nor specified the terms of the members of the ECI.
• The Constitution has not debarred the retiring election commissioners from any further appointment by the government.
Way forward
• A CEC of the calibre of TN Sheshan is required to ensure free and fair elections and to strengthen democracy in India. Though such personalities appear occasionally, appointments based on merit can provide close to one.
• There is no reason to change the arm’s length relationship, which the judiciary has respected and maintained with the ECI previously.
• Allow Parliament to decide and debate whether to include the CJI or the Leader of the Opposition on the appointment panel.
• The ECI should be insulated from political and/or executive interferenceto prevent any kind of manipulation in the selection process.
Conclusion
The ECI ensures the smooth and successful functioning of the democracy. It cannot become arbitrary and partisan as that will lead to the failure of democracy. The ECI needs to continuously reinvent its powers given to it under the Indian Constitution for better functioning. The integrity and independence of the ECI and its process needs to be preserved for a free and fair election in India and to maintain the public’s faith and confidence in the Election Commission of India.
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
3. The signing of trade agreement between India and EFTA holds promises for economic diversification. However, the actual impact would depend on the details of the agreement, emphasizing the need for careful examination of its provisions. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: deccanherald.com , efta.int
Why the question: India on Sunday (March 10) signed a trade agreement with the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA), an intergovernmental grouping of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Key Demand of the question: To write about the impact of India signing trade agreement with EFTA Directive word: Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by giving context. Body: First, write about the major features of the trade agreement with EFTA. Next, write about major benefits it is expected to bring – significant economic benefits, such as better integrated and more resilient supply etc. Next, write about the major concerns associated with it – geopolitical implications, actual scale of investment etc. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.
Why the question:
India on Sunday (March 10) signed a trade agreement with the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA), an intergovernmental grouping of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the impact of India signing trade agreement with EFTA
Directive word:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
First, write about the major features of the trade agreement with EFTA.
Next, write about major benefits it is expected to bring – significant economic benefits, such as better integrated and more resilient supply etc.
Next, write about the major concerns associated with it – geopolitical implications, actual scale of investment etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
India-European Free Trade Association signeda Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) on 10th March 2024. India has been working on a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with EFTA countries comprising Switzerland, Iceland, Norway & Liechtenstein. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister has approved signing of the TEPA with EFTA States. EFTA is an inter-governmental organization set up in 1960 for the promotion of free trade and economic integration for the benefit of its four Member States.
Key features of the trade deal
• Scope of Agreement: The agreement covers tariff concessions for pharma, chemical products, minerals, and other key sectors, facilitating enhanced bilateral trade relations.
• Binding Commitments: The pact includes a binding commitment to increase FDI from EFTA states into India by $50 billion within the first ten years and an additional $50 billion in the subsequent five years.
• Mechanisms for Investment Facilitation: The agreement outlines mechanisms to facilitate investment flows from the private sector in EFTA countries, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Rebalancing Concessions: Provisions are in place to withdraw tariff concessions if the expected investment commitments are not met, ensuring accountability and adherence to agreed-upon terms.
• Market Access Commitments: The agreement opens avenues for Indian service providers, particularly in audio-visual services, with commitments from EFTA nations to ensure non-discrimination and market access.
• Visa Facilitation: EFTA countries have provided visa categories for intra-corporate transferees and independent professionals, enhancing opportunities for Indian service providers.
• Tariff Reduction: The agreement entails the elimination of tariffs on industrial goods exported to India by EFTA companies, including pharmaceuticals, machinery, watches, and chemicals.
• Agricultural Products Exemption: While agricultural items are largely excluded, meaningful tariff concessions have been granted for both basic and processed agricultural products.
Challenges in India-EFTA Trade Agreement
• Limited Tariff Benefits: Existing zero or low tariffs in EFTA countries limit the potential gains for Indian goods exports, particularly in industrial and agricultural sectors.
• Trade Deficit Concerns: India’s significant trade deficit with EFTA, especially driven by imports of gold and precious metals, raises concerns about the imbalance in trade relations.
• Market Access Limitations: The scope for increasing market access for Indian goods in EFTA remains low, posing challenges for trade expansion efforts.
• Competition from Other Countries: EFTA investment commitments may face competition from other countries like Vietnam and Mexico, potentially impacting India’s ability to attract investment.
• Political Uncertainty: The timing of signing the agreement is crucial due to upcoming elections in many countries, which could delay future trade agreements and geopolitical opportunities.
Conclusion
The forthcoming trade agreement with EFTA signals a paradigm shift in India’s trade dynamics, emphasizing economic diversification and bolstering strategic sectors.
As India navigates evolving global trade landscapes, leveraging investments from EFTA nations presents an opportunity to stimulate growth, foster innovation, and reduce dependency on a single market.
Value addition
Highlights of the Agreement
• EFTA has committed to promote investments with the aim to increase the stock of foreign direct investments by USD 100 billion in India in the next 15 years, and to facilitate the generation of 1 million direct employment in India, through such investments. The investments do not cover foreign portfolio investment.
• For the first ever time in the history of FTAs, a legal commitment is being made about promoting target-oriented investment and creation of jobs.
• EFTA is offering 92.2% of its tariff lines which covers 99.6% of India’s exports. The EFTA’s market access offer covers 100% of non-agri products and tariff concession on Processed Agricultural Products (PAP).
• India is offering 82.7% of its tariff lines which covers 95.3% of EFTA exportsof which more than 80% import is Gold. The effective duty on Gold remains untouched.Sensitivity related to PLI in sectors such as pharma, medical devices & processed food etc. have been taken while extending offers. Sectors such as dairy, soya, coal and sensitive agricultural products are kept in exclusion list.
• India has offered 105 sub-sectors to the EFTA and secured commitments in 128 sub-sectors from Switzerland, 114 from Norway, 107 from Liechtenstein, and 110 from Iceland.
• TEPA would stimulate our services exports in sectors of our key strength / interest such as IT services, business services, personal, cultural, sporting and recreational services, other education services, audio-visual services etc.**
• Services offers from EFTA include better access through digital delivery of Services (Mode 1), commercial presence (Mode 3) and improved commitments and certainty for entry and temporary stay of key personnel (Mode 4).
• TEPA has provisions for Mutual Recognition Agreements in Professional Services like nursing, chartered accountants, architects etc.
• Commitments related to Intellectual Property Rights in TEPA are at TRIPS level. The IPR chapter with Switzerland, which has high standard for IPR,shows our robust IPR regime.India’s interests in generic medicines and concerns related to evergreening of patents have been fully addressed.
• India signals its commitment to Sustainable development, inclusive growth, social development and environmental protection
• Fosters transparency, efficiency, simplification, harmonization and consistency of trade procedures
• TEPA will empower our exporters access to specialized inputs and create conducive trade and investment environment. This would boost exports of Indian made goods as well as provide opportunities for services sector to access more markets.
• TEPA provides an opportunity to integrate into EU markets. Over 40% of Switzerland’s global services exports are to the EU. Indian companies can look to Switzerland as a base for extending its market reach to EU.
• TEPA will give impetus to “Make in India” and Atmanirbhar Bharat by encouraging domestic manufacturing in sectors such as Infrastructure and Connectivity, Manufacturing, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals, Food Processing, Transport and Logistics, Banking and Financial Services and Insurance.
• TEPA would accelerate creation of large number of direct jobs for India’s young aspirational workforce in next 15 years in India, including better facilities for vocational and technical training. TEPA also facilitates technology collaboration and access to world leading technologies in precision engineering, health sciences, renewable energy, Innovation and R&D.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
4. What is Gross Domestic Product (GDP)? Examine the limitations pertaining to GDP as an economic performance measurement framework of the country. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate.
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable. Key Demand of the question: To write about GDP, its limitations in highlighting the nature of India’s economy. Directive word: Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by defining GDP. Body: First, write about various parameters that can be assessed by measuring GDP. Next, write about limitations of GDP – leaves out some production in an economy. Even though GDP is frequently used to capture the wellbeing of a society, it was never intended to do that, and as a result, it leaves out important aspects of well-being like pollution or even happiness. Next. Mention the new measurements which are needed for economic performance measurement and framework. Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about GDP, its limitations in highlighting the nature of India’s economy.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining GDP.
First, write about various parameters that can be assessed by measuring GDP.
Next, write about limitations of GDP – leaves out some production in an economy. Even though GDP is frequently used to capture the wellbeing of a society, it was never intended to do that, and as a result, it leaves out important aspects of well-being like pollution or even happiness.
Next. Mention the new measurements which are needed for economic performance measurement and framework.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
Gross domestic product (GDP) is the total monetary or market value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a specific time period. As a broad measure of overall domestic production, it functions as a comprehensive scorecard of a given country’s economic health.
Samuelson and Nordhaus liken the ability of GDP to give an overall picture of the state of the economy to that of a satellite in space that can survey the weather across an entire continent.
GDP is a poor way of assessing health of our economies
• Simon Kuznets, who developed concept of GDP, warned it was not a suitable measure of a country’s economic development. He understood that GDP is not a welfare measure, it is not a measure of how well we are all doing. It counts the things that we’re buying and selling, but it’s quite possible for GDP to go in the opposite direction of welfare.
• In contemporary times, with the changes brought on by the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the measure is even less of a reflection of the things that really matter.
• GDP counts “bads” as well as “goods.” When an earthquake hits and requires rebuilding, GDP increases. When someone gets sick and money is spent on their care, it’s counted as part of GDP. But nobody would argue that we’re better off because of a destructive earthquake or people getting sick.
• GDP makes no adjustment for leisure time. Imagine two economies with identical standards of living, but in one economy the workday averages 12 hours, while in the other it’s only eight.
• GDP only counts goods that pass through official, organized markets, so it misses home production and black market activity. If people begin hiring others to clean their homes instead of doing it themselves, or if they go out to dinner instead of cooking at home, GDP will appear to grow even though the total amount produced hasn’t changed.
• GDP doesn’t adjust for the distribution of goods. Again, imagine two economies, but this time one has a ruler who gets 90 percent of what’s produced, and everyone else subsists — barely — on what’s left over. In the second, the distribution is considerably more equitable. In both cases, GDP per capita will be the same.
• GDP isn’t adjusted for pollution costs. If two economies have the same GDP per capita, but one has polluted air and water while the other doesn’t, well-being will be different but GDP per capita won’t capture it.
• GDP is unable to fully capture the benefits of technology. Think of a free app on your phone that you rely upon for traffic updates, directions, the weather, instantaneous information and so on. Because it’s free, there’s no way to use prices — our willingness to pay for the good — as a measure of how much we value it.
GDP fails as a measure of human well-being:
• Since the institution of GDP figures and country rankings, other measures of the quality of life have appeared. E.g.:, The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) annually issues a report based on a study of 140 countries, indicating the levels of happiness in those countries. For at least the last decade, European countries such as Denmark, Finland, have ranked at the top and India is nowhere to be seen.
• Economists have focused too narrowly on the economic side of human aspirations, setting aside human yearnings for belonging to social collectives and nations.
• The progress is too unequal. g.: The Oxfam report which shows that 1% of the people own about 60% of the wealth in India.
• GDP is neither a measure of welfare nor an indicator of well-being. That is because it is not set up to recognize important aspects of our lives that are not captured by the acts of spending and investing. There is no room in GDP for volunteering or housework, for example; nor does it recognize that there is value in community or in time spent with families. More measurable things such as damage to our environment are also left out, as is job satisfaction. GDP doesn’t even measure the state of jobs.
• That is because it is not set up to recognize important aspects of our lives that are not captured by the acts of spending and investing.
• There is no room in GDP for volunteering or housework, for example; nor does it recognize that there is value in community or in time spent with families.
• More measurable things such as damage to our environment are also left out, as is job satisfaction. GDP doesn’t even measure the state of jobs.
• Capitalist systems founded on a religion of property rights have treated nature that nurtures as an “externality” to be exploited. Thus, it does not take into account the sustainability of future GDP.
• GDP also ignores important factors like environment, happiness, community, fairness and justice. But these are important aspects of development.
• It does not allow for the health of children, the quality of their education or the strength of marriages; neither wisdom nor learning; neither compassion nor devotion to country which makes life worthwhile.
• GDP also assumes all growth is good growth. g.: savings from energy-efficient devices counts as a negative for GDP growth, even though it is a positive for society.
• GDP does not take into account the value of non-monetized activity. g.: Care activity of women.
• GDP does not differentiate between more or less productive economic activity (i.e. implicitly assumes that economic activity is the desirable ends rather than a means to an end).
• All value additions for self-consumption, which are not put out in the market, are not accounted in the GDP.
Way forward
• Broader, non-monetary measures are required to assess the well-being of citizens.
• Green GDP could be used which attempts to adjust for environmental factors
• The other alternative measures include OECD’s “GDP alternatives,” which adjust for leisure; the “Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare,” which accounts for both pollution costs and the distribution of income.
• The “Genuine Progress Indicator,” which “adjusts for factors such as income distribution, adds factors such as the value of household and volunteer work, and subtracts factors such as the costs of crime and pollution.”
• There are more direct measures of well-being such as the Happy Planet Index, Gross National Happiness and National Well-Being Accounts.
• To make the world better for everyone, consumers must learn to be better citizens and to democratically govern the local systems within which they live.
*Value addition*
*Benefits of GDP as a tool to measure the growth of a nation:*
• GDP consists of consumer spending, Investment expenditure, government spending and net exports.
• It provides an insight to investors which highlights the trend of the economy by comparing GDP levels as an index.
• GDP is used as an indicator for most governments and economic decision-makers for planning and policy formulation.**
• GDP is not the perfect way to measure growth. But among the alternatives, it is the least “inaccurate” method to compute the growth rate of the country.
• GDP is also used as an indicator of a nation’s overall standard of living because, generally, a nation’s standard of living increases as GDP increases.
• If by growth one means the expansion of output of goods and services, then GDP or preferably real GDP which measures growth without the effects of inflation is perfectly satisfactory
• Calculation of GDP provides with the general health of the economy. A negative GDP growth portrays bad signals for the economy. Economists analyse GDP to find out whether the economy is in recession, depression or boom.
• GDP growth over time enables central banks and policymakers to evaluate whether the economy is in recession or inflation. In that sense it is still required.
• GDP has held significance as a universal metric over the years.
• It is inaccurate to say that GDP does not capture wellbeing. It captures at least the wellbeing that results from the production of goods and services. Indeed, when statisticians quantify the goods and services produced, they take into account their utility to the consumer.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
5. What is national income? Throw light on various methods of computing national income. Explain. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable. Key Demand of the question: To write about national income, its importance and methods to compute it. Directive word: Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by defining national income. Body: First, write about the various methods of computation of national income – Product Method, Income Method and Expenditure Method. Next, write about the importance of national income as a macroeconomic parameter – Economic growth, Employment, Government revenue, International trade and Planning and policy-making etc. Conclusion: Conclude by summarising.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about national income, its importance and methods to compute it.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining national income.
First, write about the various methods of computation of national income – Product Method, Income Method and Expenditure Method.
Next, write about the importance of national income as a macroeconomic parameter – Economic growth, Employment, Government revenue, International trade and Planning and policy-making etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
National Income is the total value of all final goods and services produced by the country in certain year. The growth of National Income helps to know the progress of the country. In other words, the total amount of income accruing to a country from economic activities in a year’s time is known as national income. It includes payments made to all resources in the form of wages, interest, rent and profits. However, National income is not the sum of all incomes earned by all citizens, but only those incomes which accrue due to participation in the production process.
The Net National Product at factor cost is known as National Income.
NNP @Factor Cost = National Income = NNP @Market Price – Taxes + Subsidies
However, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation defines National Income of India as Net National Income at Market Price.
Major methods of National Income Calculation
• Production Method This method is also called as Output Method or Value Added Method The production method gives us national income or national product based on the final value of the produce and the origin of the produce in terms of the industry. All producing units are classified sector wise. Primary sector is divided into agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry. Secondary sector consists of manufacturing. Tertiary sector is divided into trade, transport, communication, banking, insurance etc. Then, the net value added by each productive enterprises as well as by each industry or sector is estimated.
• This method is also called as Output Method or Value Added Method
• The production method gives us national income or national product based on the final value of the produce and the origin of the produce in terms of the industry.
• All producing units are classified sector wise.
• Primary sector is divided into agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry.
• Secondary sector consists of manufacturing.
• Tertiary sector is divided into trade, transport, communication, banking, insurance etc.
• Then, the net value added by each productive enterprises as well as by each industry or sector is estimated.
• Income Method Different factors of production are paid for their productive services rendered to an organization. The various incomes that includes in these methods are wages, income of self employed, interest, profit, dividend, rents, and surplus of public sector and net flow of income from abroad.
• Different factors of production are paid for their productive services rendered to an organization.
• The various incomes that includes in these methods are wages, income of self employed, interest, profit, dividend, rents, and surplus of public sector and net flow of income from abroad.
• Expenditure Method The various sectors – the household sector, the government sector, the business sector, either spend their income on consumer goods and services or they save a part of their income. These can be categorized as private consumption expenditure, private investment, public consumption, public investment etc.
• The various sectors – the household sector, the government sector, the business sector, either spend their income on consumer goods and services or they save a part of their income.
• These can be categorized as private consumption expenditure, private investment, public consumption, public investment etc.
Conclusion
In India, National Income is calculated by the combined method. It combines two methods i.e product or output method and the income method. This is done to overcome the problem of deficiency of statistics. The product method endeavours to find out the net contribution to national income of all producing units. The income method adds up income and payments accruing of factors of production. This method is used in the tertiary sector like government services banking etc and also in the commodity sector if output data is not available.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;
6. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)
“States are doomed when they are unable to distinguish good men from bad.” ― Antisthenes
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote and highlighting its core meaning about selflessness. Body: Write about the presence of good and bad people in the country and societies across the world. It is pertinent for the state to identify them. Good people should be encouraged and bad people should be punished. If good people are punished and bad people rewarded, states are bound to be doomed. Substantiate with examples. Conclusion: Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote and highlighting its core meaning about selflessness.
Write about the presence of good and bad people in the country and societies across the world. It is pertinent for the state to identify them. Good people should be encouraged and bad people should be punished. If good people are punished and bad people rewarded, states are bound to be doomed. Substantiate with examples.
Conclusion:
Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.
Introduction
Antisthenes’ quote speaks to the importance of moral discernment in governance. It implies that a state’s survival and prosperity depend on its ability to recognize and elevate individuals of good character. When leaders cannot differentiate between those who are ethical and those who are not, the consequences can be dire.
There are good and bad people in the country and societies across the world. It is pertinent for the state to identify them. Good people should be encouraged and bad people should be punished. If good people are punished and bad people rewarded, states are bound to be doomed. For instance, if corrupt people in government are tolerated perpetually, nation goes into crisis. Sri Lanka’s example is a case in point.
Bad men must be punished and stopped at their roots. The biggest example in history is that of Hitler’s Germany. Hitler’s agenda led to holocaust and genocide of jews which remains one of the worst incidents in history. Likewise, those who encouraged wars due to aggression spelled doom in their nations.
It is important to make a role model out of great personalities who inspire to do good work than glorify those who have an ulterior motive. Gandhiji, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, the world is replete with such personalities.
Positive reinforcement and presenting the tragic history as is without any propaganda can make a nation more resilient against bad intentions of people. As a society one must recognize the bad elements and make the system strong to weed these people out of the society and shun them from their agenda.
Conclusion
Thus, states are the ultimate beneficiary or losers based on their ability to identify good people from the bad. Issues of corruption, cronyism, dictatorship, wars are a result of such bad people taking powerful place in the nation. Only an aware citizenry can prevent such people from gaining seats of power in the society and the country.
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;
7. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)
“To a wise man, the whole earth is open, because the country of a virtuous soul is the entire universe.” ― Democritus
Difficulty level: Tough
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote and highlighting its core meaning about selflessness. Body: Write about the openness’s of the world and how virtuous people do not consider or get hindered by the barriers of boundaries, caste, religion or geography. Substantiate with examples. Conclusion: Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote and highlighting its core meaning about selflessness.
Write about the openness’s of the world and how virtuous people do not consider or get hindered by the barriers of boundaries, caste, religion or geography. Substantiate with examples.
Conclusion:
Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.
Introduction
This profound quote by Democritus suggests that wisdom and virtue transcend physical boundaries and material possessions. To a wise and virtuous person, the concept of ‘country’ is not limited to a geographical area enclosed within borders. Instead, it expands to the entire universe, indicating that a person who is truly wise and good-hearted finds a sense of belonging everywhere.
There are several man-created barriers in this world such as nations, religion, ethnicity, caste, class and many such distinctions. The world becomes a smaller place for such people who create these barriers are become constricted to their own space. For a virtuous soul there is entire universe that is open and the world is their oyster.
Virtuous people can conquer anything and achieve greatness because they are not bothered by small mundane things. Their minds transcend these barriers to solve bigger problems of the world. Abolition of slavery, decolonization, freedom struggles in countries were fought as a result of such enlightened souls.
When you look at art, poetry, literature, these artforms of great people were possible as their unshackled their minds to create something great. Likewise in real life, the world can be a better place when such issues of class and caste can be overcome by all and larger than life problems can be addressed.
World and communities would be devoid of any issues of regionalism, ethnicity, racism, communalism etc if each and every soul was enlightened. But sadly that is not the case in the real world.
Conclusion
With time, progression of thoughts must happen and evolution of minds to achieve greatness will follow. But, sadly in present times, we are becoming more regressive than progressive and whatever little was achieved is being rolled back. Feelings of fraternity, respect for human rights and environment ethics are some of the key things that can help us towards achieving the goal of human progression.
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