UPSC Key | Internal Security, Air Pollution, Cabinet Committees, and More

Explained

UPSC Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

Mains Examination: GS-II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

Historical Context: India and the United Kingdom share a long history of bilateral relations, dating back to the colonial era. Post-independence, both nations have maintained diplomatic and economic ties, evolving into strategic partners in various sectors. The proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a significant step in this ongoing relationship, aiming to enhance trade and economic cooperation.

Current Affairs:

India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations: New Delhi and London have been negotiating a proposed FTA for over two years to boost trade between the two nations. The agreement could lead to mutual tariff relaxation on goods such as cars, clothes, alcoholic beverages, and medical instruments. However, a potential landslide victory for the Labour Party in the UK elections could alter the dynamics of these negotiations.

Key Takeaways:

• Since the UK’s unexpected Brexit vote, political instability has hindered a deal with India, which has a high tariff regime.
• A Labour Party victory might provide the political stability needed to finalize the FTA.
• India seeks temporary visas for its service sector workforce, expecting significant gains from the UK’s strong IT and financial services sectors.
• India has also requested a relaxation on the UK’s proposed carbon tax, arguing that the carbon border adjustment mechanism could negate tariff concessions.

Points to Ponder:

• What are the contentious issues in the India-UK FTA negotiations?
• What are the areas of cooperation between India and the UK?
• What is the significance of the UK for India?

Post Read Question: Consider the following countries: (UPSC CSE 2018)

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. China
4. India
5. Japan
6. USA

Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN? (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 (b) 3, 4, 5 and 6 (c) 1, 3, 4 and 5 (d) 2, 3, 4 and 6

Other Important Articles:

• India-UK trade pact: Outstanding issues to be resolved after Britain’s general elections

Smart Cities Mission: The Centre has extended the Smart Cities Mission deadline for a third time, now till March 31, 2025. The remaining funds will be disbursed on a “first come first serve basis” until September 30.

Key Takeaways:

• Of the 100 cities under the Mission, 26 are yet to receive 100% of central funding.
• The Mission was initially set to end on June 30 but has been extended without additional cost.
• States and UTs are urged to expedite their proposals for fund release.

Points to Ponder:

• What are the issues related to urbanization in India?
• What are the challenges associated with the Smart Cities Mission?
• What measures should be taken to strengthen the Smart Cities Mission?

Post Read Question: With a brief background of the quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme’. (UPSC CSE 2016)

Other Important Articles:

• With around 10% of projects left, Centre considers extension of Smart Cities Mission

Cabinet Committees: The Union government has constituted eight Cabinet committees, with the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) getting three new faces. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) and Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) remain unchanged.

Key Takeaways:

• Home Minister Amit Shah is the sole Cabinet member on all panels.
• The eight Cabinet Committees include CCEA, ACC, CCS, and others.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads six committees but is not part of the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs.

Points to Ponder:

• What are the roles and responsibilities of Cabinet Committees?
• What is the significance of Cabinet Committees in parliamentary democracy?
• What are the important parliamentary committees?

Post Read Question: Prime Minister is not part of which among the following cabinet committees?

1. Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs
2. Cabinet Committee on Accommodation
3. Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
4. Cabinet Committee on Security

Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 2 and 4 only

Other Important Articles:

• What are Cabinet committees, and why is the CCS the most important of them all?

Economic Policy and Union Budget: With a new government at the Centre, the economic policy discourse has shifted to speculating about the Union Budget for 2024-25. The RBI’s recent announcement of transferring a sizeable dividend to the government has added a new dimension to the budget discussions.

Key Takeaways:

• Fiscal management should be guided by keeping deficits at prudent levels, ideally around 3% of GDP for the Centre.
• Larger-than-normal deficits should be followed by smaller-than-normal deficits to stabilize government debt.
• The consolidated central and state government deficit is now around 8.5-9% of GDP.
• The RBI announced a transfer of Rs 2.11 lakh crore to the central government as a dividend.

Points to Ponder:

• What is the issue of transfer of surplus or profit of the RBI to the government?
• Why is capital expenditure by a government given so much importance?
• What is the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act?

Post Read Question: Which of the following is/are included in the capital budget of the Government of India? (UPSC CSE 2016)

1. Expenditure on acquisition of assets like roads, buildings, machinery, etc.
2. Loans received from foreign governments
3. Loans and advances granted to the States and Union Territories

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

Other Important Articles:

• Explained: Why and how does the RBI transfer ‘surplus’ to government?

Summary in Bullet Points:

• India-UK FTA negotiations ongoing; potential Labour Party victory could change dynamics.
• India seeks temporary visas for service sector and relaxation on UK’s proposed carbon tax.
• Smart Cities Mission deadline extended to March 31, 2025; remaining funds disbursed on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• Union government constituted eight Cabinet committees; PM Modi heads six.
• Economic policy discourse focuses on Union Budget 2024-25; RBI transfers significant dividend to the government.
• Fiscal management principles emphasize prudent deficit levels and stabilizing government debt.