INDIAN POLITY MAINS QUESTIONS

IAS General Studies (M) - Constitution of India and Indian Polity (100 Marks)

QUESTIONS TREND & PATTERN ANALYSIS

2008

1.. Answer any one of the following (in about 250 words):(30)

(a) What is meant by 'Judicial Activism? Evaluate its role in the context of the functioning of

Indian polity.

(b) Discuss the major extra-constitutional factors influencing the federal polity in India.

2. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 words each):(15 × 2 = 30)

(a) Enumerate the Fundamental Duties incorporated in the Constitution after the 42nd

Amendment.

(b) Examine the demand for greater state autonomy and its impact on the smooth functioning of

Indian polity.

(c) Discuss the composition and functions of the Union Public Service Commission.

3. Answer the following (in about 20 words each):

(2 × 5 = 10)

(a) What is a Censure Motion?

(b) Distinguish between the auditing and accounting functions of the CAG of India.

(c) Distinguish between a starred question and an unstarred one asked in the Parliament.

(d) What is contempt of Parliament?

(e) What were the two major considerations to have the Governor appointed and not elected?

4. Answer any one of the following (in about 250 words):(30)

(a) What, in your opinion, are the causes of terrorism? Suggest suitable measures to deal with the

threat of terrorism in India.

(b) Do you think there is a need for a review of the Indian Constitution? Justify your view.

2007

1. Answer anyone of the following questions (in about 250 words): 30

(a) What is a Constitution? What are the main sources of the Indian Constitution?

(b) Bring out the differences between the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy. Discuss some of the measures taken by the Union and State Governments for the implementation of the Directive Principles of State Policy.

2. Answer anyone of the following questions (in about 250 words): 30

(a). What is regionalism ? In which way regionalism has affected the Indian Polity.

(b). what are the Main determination of voting behavior in India?

3. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150 words each): 15x2 = 30

(a) What are the exceptions when the President of India is not bound by the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers?

(b) What is pro tem Speaker?

(c) Under what circumstances, Parliament may legislate on State subjects?

4. Answer the following questions (in about 20 words each): 2 x 5 = 10

(a). What is criminalization of politics?

(b). How president of India elected?

(c). what is casting vote?

(d). what is the difference between council of Minister and Cabinet?

(e). what is the importance of Right to constitutional remedies?

2006

1. Answer any one of the following questions (in about 250 words). 30

(a) What is right to life and personal liberty? How have the courts expanded its meaning in recent years?

(b) On what grounds can a member be disqualified from either House of Parliament?

2. Answer any one of the following questions (in about 250 words). 30

(a) What is the 'strategic partnership' between India and United States of America ? What are its implications for both the partners?

(b) Discuss economic backwardness as a major challenge of Indian democracy. Can democracy and developments go together smoothly?

3. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150 words each). 15x2 = 30

(a) How would you differentiate between the passage of a Constitution Amendment Bill and of an Ordinary Legislative bill?

(b) How does the Inter-state Council establish co-ordination between states?

(c) Is the 'High Courts' power to issue 'writs' wider than that of the Supreme Court of India ?

4. Answer the following questions (in about 20 words each).

(a). Explain the following terms.

i). Dissolution of the House

ii). Prorogation of the House

iii).Adjournment of the business of the house.

(b) What is Consolidated Fund of India?

(c) To what extent can the president withhold his assent to Bill already passed by the parliament?

(d) What is India's 'Look East' Policy?

(e) What is meant by 'empowerment of women' in India?

2005

1. Answer anyone of the following (in about 250 words each) : 30

(a) Comment on the financial relations between the Union and the States in India. Has post-1991 liberalization in any way affected it?

(b) Is it possible to distinguish between judicial review and judicial activism in India? Does the recent behavior of the Indian judiciary partake more of judicial activism? Argue with suitable examples.

2. Answer anyone of the following (in about 250 words): 30

(a) Would you say that the implementation of the Panchayati System in the last ten years has led to a real restructuring of the Indian polity?

(b) Give your views on the right to freedom of religion as enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Do they make India a secular State?

3. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 words each): 15 x 2 = 30

(a) What are the constitutional limitations on the free movements of Indians throughout the country?

(b) How has the Indian State tackled the trade-off between environment and development?

(c) What are the steps that the Election Commission may take if a recalcitrant State Government wants to put off Assembly Elections?

4. Answer the following questions (in about 20 words each) 2 x 5 = 10

(a) What is meant by 'double jeopardy'?

(b) What are the protections afforded to Scheduled Tribes in the Fifth Schedule of the Indian Constitution?

(c) In what ways can the President of India ascertain the views of the Supreme Court on a particular bill?

(d) What is the common point between Articles 14 and 226 of the Indian Constitution?

(e) Who and what does the Indian Parliament consist of?

2004

1. Answer anyone of the following (in about 250 words each) : 30

(a) What is the significance of a preamble to a constitution? Bring out the philosophy of the Indian polity as enshrined in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.

(b). Discuss the meaning of "breakdown of constitutional machinery". What are its effects?

2. Answer anyone of the following (in about 250 words): 30

(a) Discuss how the Constitution of India provides equal rights.

(b) How does the Indian Constitution seek to maintain independence of the Public Service Commission?

3. Answer any two of the following (in about 150 words each) : 2 x 15 = 30

(a) Define Money-bill. Discuss how it is passed in the Parliament.

(b) What is a Finance Commission? Discuss the main functions of the State Finance Commission.

(c) Discuss how state governments can exercise control over panchayats.

4. Answer the following (in about 20 words each): 5 x 2 = 10

(a) What is Habeas Corpus?

(b) What are the constitutional restrictions imposed upon the power of borrowing of the state governments?

(c) What is the special facility provided to the linguistic minorities under Article 350 A ?

(d) How can a judge of the Supreme Court be removed?

(e) How is the Election Commission of India constituted?

2003

1. Answer any one of the following: (about 250 words) 30

a) Discuss the question of death sentence and Presidential clemency.

b) Explain the discretionary powers of the Governor of a State.

2. Answer any One of the following ( about 250 words ) 30

a). Discuss parliamentary control over the executive.

b). Identify the major obstacles in the smooth functioning of parliamentary democracy in India.

3. Answer any two of the following: (about 150 words) 2 X15=30

a) Highlight the significance of Forty Fourth Amendment to the Constitution of India

b) Identify the major Fundamental Duties

c) Explain the relevance of Rajya Sabha as a second chamber in the federal set up of Indian Parliamentary System.

4. Answer the following: (about 20 words) 2 X5=10

a) What is a point of order? When can it be raised?

b) What is a Privilege Motion?

c) State the difference between Council of Ministers and the Cabinet.

d) How is the Vice President of India elected?

e) What is meant by ‘sine-die’ adjournment?

2002

1. Answer any one of the following (about 250 words): 30

(a) “The issue of a hung Parliament adversely affects the stability of Indian Government”. Discuss the statement and point out how far changing over to the Presidential form of govt. will be a solution to this problem.

(b) Why does the Constitution of India provide different forms of Oaths for the President, the Ministers, the legislators and the members of the judiciary? Discuss their significance.

2. Answer any one of the following (about 250 words) : 30

(a).What is the position of the Supreme Court under the Constitution of India? How far does it play its role as guardian of the Constitution?

(b).How is the Constitution of India amended? Do you think that the procedure for amendment makes the Constitution a play-thing in the hands of the Centre?

3. Answer any two of the following (about 150 words) : 2x15=30

(a)Discuss the constitutional provisions relating to the non-justifiable directives binding upon the states.

(b) Describe the methods of delimiting constituencies for parliamentary elections in India.

(c ) .Explain the role of the Public Accounts Committee.

4. Answer the following (about 20 words) : 5x2=10

a) What is the import of the 84th Amendment of the Indian Constitution?

b) Under what Article of the Constitution can the Union govt. play its role in settling inter-state water disputes?

c) What is the role of the protem speaker?

d) What is meant by the ‘lame-duck session’ of the legislature?

e) What is meant by the ‘fringe areas ‘ in the sphere of local govt. in India?

2001

1. Answer any one of the following (about 250 words): 30

(a). Discuss the administrative relations between the center and the states in the light of recent controversies.

(b) Bring out the aberrations of the parliamentary system of government in India.

2. Answer any one of the following ( about 250 words )

a). What is the constitutional provision of direct principle of state policy ? How has it been interpreted by the judiciary after the emergency in 1975-77 ?

b). What are the main differences between the passage of a constitution Amendment Bill and other Legislative Bills ?

3. Answer any two of the following (about 150 words): 2x15=30

(a). Comment on the tenure of ordinance making power of president of India. What safeguards are there against possible misuse.

(b) . Distinguish between cabinet Secretariat and Prime Minister’s Secretariat. Which of these is more important.

(c )Discuss the constitutional provisions regarding the rights of the children.

4. Answer the following: (about 20 words) 2 X5=10

a) Explain the Local Area development Scheme of the Members of Parliament.

b) What is Ethics Committee of Lok Sabha

c). Why is it said the center has absolute veto power over state Legislature.

d). What is call attentions Motions?

e). When is the device of joint sitting of both the house of parliament not available.

2000

1. Answer any ONE of the following (About 250 words):- 30

(a) Examine the need for the review of the Indian Constitution.

(b) Examine the demand for greater State-autonomy and also its impact on the smooth functioning of the Indian polity.

2. Answer any ONE of the following (About 250 words) :- 30

(a) How does Parliament control the Union Executive? How effective is its control?

(b) What constitutes the doctrine of 'basic features' as introduced into the Constitution of India by the Judiciary?

3. Answer any TWO of the following (About 150 words each):- 15 x 2 = 30

(a) Identify, the major electoral reforms which are necessary in the Indian Political System.

(b) Examine the role of Estimates Committee.

(c) Discuss the major extra-constitutional factors influencing the working of federal polity in India.

4. Answer the following (About 20 words each):- 5 x 2 = 10

(a) What is vote on account?

(b) What is a Caretaker Government?

(c) Do you justify the Prime Minister's entry into Parliament through the Rajya Sabha?

(d) What is a Privilege Motion?

(e) What is Contempt of Parliament?

STRATEGY FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Public Administration
Prelims
This subject has become very popular as a prelims optional. The main reasons are:
• Availability of good coaching and study material
• Guidance is easy since many seniors opt for it
• Subject matter is easy to understand
• Syllabus is quite manageable
However, a very good score is required as the competition is tough.The main source for the prelims is the TMH guide by Laxmikanth(But don’t rely completely on it as this proved undependable from 2006 on wards). It is, of course, a very good compilation from various sources in exam orientation. The preparation should be such that any question based on the material in this book should be answered. The study should be thorough including the various questions given in the book.
Since the questions can be factual and can be asked from anywhere, there is need for wide study. But the first effort should be to study TMH thoroughly and the main standard books to gain basic clarity. After that, some time can be spent every day in scanning various material for the additional study matter. Here, you should not spend too much time and also should not read from end to end, but only scan for areas that you have not done before or some new facts.
Books:
• Awasthi and Maheshwari- Public Administration
• Prasad and Prasad - Thinkers
• Ramesh Arora - Indian Administration
• Mohit Bhattacharya - New Horizons in Public Administration.
• Maheshwari - Indian Administration
• IGNOU books.
Practise lots of tests from anywhere you get. Identify the weak areas and focus accordingly.
Note:
• Make a note of the mistakes that you make in the tests and try to rectify them
• If you do not understand the question, look at the Hindi translation and see if you can gain clarity on whats being asked.
• Prepare mnemonics sheets to remember various facts. Read them again and again, especially before the exam date.
Main Examination:
The advantage and disadvantage of this optional is the huge availability of material.
Aspirants waste most of their time searching for the books and material. The secret
for success in this optional is writing practice. Unless well practiced, it is not possible
to score good marks. So writing skills matter a lot in securing good marks. But with
practice it is always possible to improve.
Note:
• The questions might seem indirect and vague, but with good basic clarity any question can be attempted. In recent times, the long questions are being asked directly. The examiner only expects you to write a simple logical answer with clarity.
• Do not try to remember too many quotations as it is difficult to reproduce.
• The introduction and conclusions should be written well
• Do not read all the books from end-to-end. Prepare topic wise in a comprehensive
manner. The main priority should be given to gain the basic clarity.
• Practise the previous years’ papers.
• Use examples, contemporary relevance, case studies, flow diagrams etc.
• Read case studies from The Hindu, Frontline, Kurukshetra, Yojana and EPW.
• While answering Indian Administration questions, answer with respect to Constitution, Preamble, etc and how the issue is in conformity with basic structure.
Introduction chapter is to be studied well as it deals with the basic evolution of the
subject and the trends. The questions might seem difficult. But with good understanding it can be very scoring. The concepts can be used elsewhere also. The material is available on most topics.
The Theories chapter should be done well. This is a very scoring and with welldefined
syllabus preparation can also be comprehensive. The material availability is good.

The Structure chapter is easy and can be covered quickly. But questions may not be
asked every year. The material availability is good.
The Behaviour chapter is very scoring. The questions are also asked regularly. The
material is also good.
The chapter on Accountability is scoring. This area is important in the contemporary
trend. So questions are asked regularly. There is also scope for lot of innovation. The
material is deficient for some areas. There is also a need to prepare from current
affairs.
The Administrative Law is very short chapter with limited scope. The questions may
not be asked regularly. But it should be attempted if given in exam. It is scoring and
the material is also available.
The administrative reforms chapter is short and easy. It can be scoring with
innovations. The material is also standard. Be open to any information that appears
in the newspapers.
The CPA chapter is scoring. It can be attempted in the exam. But questions may not
come every year. The material availability is problem in some aspects.
The DA chapter is relevant to Indian context. So prepare well for this area. The
questions are asked almost every year. The material availability is a problem for some
areas. Lot of innovation and contemporary relevance can be included.
The Public policy chapter is not asked every year. The material availability is also a
problem.
The personnel chapter is very scoring and should be attempted. The questions are
also asked every year. The material is good. So, do well in this chapter. Check out for
latest information in newspapers.
The Financial chapter is scoring in some areas. There is problem of material in some
topics.
In Indian administration, the scoring areas are: evolution, framework, union, state
govt., reforms, law and order, welfare.
Though a lot of books can be mentioned for this optional but I will mention the
standard ones which should suffice.
PAPER-I BOOKS
1. New Horizons of public administration by Mohit Bhattacharya
2. Administrative thinkers by prasad and prasad (theories part)
3. Public Administration by Sharma and Sadana (read administrative law,
personnel administration, financial administration, development
administration, comparitive administration and other paper-I topics)
4. IGNOU material (read public policy)
5. Public Administration by Avasthi and Maheshwari (read administrative law and
administrative reforms)
PAPER-II BOOKS
1. Indian Administration by Rajini Goyal and Arora (covers most of the
topics of paper II)
2. Public Administration by Avasthi and Maheshwari (read public sector)
3. Indian Administration by Avasthi and Avasthi (read administrative
reforms, administration of law and order)
4. Introduction to the constitution of India by D.D.Basu and last but not least
5. Articles from IIPA Journals (aspirants can get Mr.Minocha’s collection of
articles from IIPA Journals which is sufficient)
Some topics like welfare administration, administration of law and order
should be collected while reading newspapers, India yearbook etc.
Other Books for your interest/reference:
• Ramesh Arora - Indian Public Administration Comparative Public Administartion
• Sachdeva - Social welfare administration
• Public Policy - Sapru
• Rumki Basu - Public Administration
• Maheshwari - Indian Administration
• NCERT books
• IJPA special edition in1998 on the occasion of Golden Jubilee
• Social Theory & Development Administration – Mohit
• CPA – Ramesh Arora

2 MARKERS FOR GS STRATEGY

STRATEGY FOR 20-WORD QUESTIONS

The new pattern of the questions for the last three years shows that there are invariably seventy 20-word questions carrying 140 marks. This pattern calls for a new strategy to focus on the preparation of answers to such questions. Reasons for such a preparation is quite obvious : 1. One can get full marks (that is, 2 out of 2) 2. Easy to prepare 3. Play crucial role in increasing the marks beyond 350-360 level in General Studies Successful attempt at these questions calls for a two-pronged strategy. First aspect of this strategy is to work through adequate, effective and relevant collectionof Facets, Terminologies and concepts related to various sections of the syllabus. Second aspect of this strategy is to develop ability to attempt these kinds of questions on the basis of class lectures. FIRST ASPECT OF STRATEGY 1. Personalities of Indian History 2. Facts related to Indian Culture 3. Political Terminology and Concepts 4. Facts related to Geography & Environmental Issues 5. Persons & Places in News 6. Economic Terminology, Concepts and Programmes 7. Terms related to Information Technology 8. Facts related to India & the World and International Relations. SECOND ASPECT OF STRATEGY For broader understanding, some samples of 20-word questions from various sections of both the papers of General Studies are given below. PAPER — I SECTION — MODERN INDIA Jemini Rai — — — — — — — — — — — (a) A famous painter of Bengal (b) Trained in Calcutta Art School (c) Accepted the elements of folk art against popular Bengali School e.g. Big head, Big eyes etc. (d) Was an Expressionist (e) His painting was a rebellion against delicate drawing and lazy colouring of Bengal School Minoo Masani — — — — — — — — — — (a) Nationalist, Congress leader, socialist and freedom fighter (b) One of the founder members of Congress Socialist Party (c) Colleague of Narendra Dev and Jai Prakash Narain Jamnalal Bajaj — — — — — — — (a) Prominent Congress leader and industrialist (b) Founder of Gandhi Seva Sangh (c) Laid interest in the development of rural industries and Handicraft textile (d) Established Gau Seva Sangh (e) Founder of Sasta Sahitya Mandal (f) Made an efforts for upliftment of Harijans Sister Nivedita — — — — — — — — (a) Born in Ireland (b) Real name - Marget Elizabeth Nobel (c) Follower of Swami Vivekanand, First Western lady to be admitted to an Indian monastic order (d) Influenced Revolutionary Nationalism Thakkar Bapa — —— — — — — — (a) Prominent social reformer (b) Initially associated with Servents of India Society, General Secretary of Harijan Sewak Sangh (c) Founded Sewa Sadan for widows and Depressed Class Mission (d) Established Gond Sewa Sangh (Banwasi Sewa Mandal) in MP (d) Gandhian social worker, who worked for the upliftment of Harijans and tribes (e) Founded an organisation named Bhil Sewa Mandal Verrier Elwin — — — — — — — — (a) Prominent Anthropologist (b) Dedicated his life for the welfare of tribal people especially in central India (c) Established a welfare centre and a leper asylum at Mandla (MP) (d) Started many schools for tribals (e) Appointed as the advisor of tribal affairs in Indian government after independence PAPER — I SECTION — INDIAN POLITY Family Courts Established under the Family Courts Act 1987 to promote conciliation in securing speedy settlement of disputes relating to marriage and family affairs and for matters connected therewith. Gullotine The process which concludes the discussion on demands for grants. On the last day allotted for all the demands, demands, not disposed of so far, are put to vote whether they have been discussed or not. Lame-Duck Session Session held when a new Parliament has been elected but the old Parliament meets for the last time before it is dissolved. The lameducks are the members of the Parliament who have not got re-elected. National Government A government formed by all the major political parites to be represented in the council of ministers in proportion to their strength in the Lok Sabha, subscribing to a common minimum programme. Principle of Harmonious Construction Where two provisions of the constitution appear to be in conflict, the meaning which gives effect to both the provisions and ensures their harmonious operation should be accepted. It has been adopted by the Supreme Court in many of the cases viz. Gopalan Vs state of Madras Case (1950) Point of Order A point relating to the interpretation on enforcement of the Rules of Procedure or such Articles of the constitution as regulate the business of the House, raised in the House for the decision of the Chair. The decision of the Speaker as to whether a point raised is a point of order is final. Snap Vote A vote taken unexpectedly without voters having been briefed in advances. Shadow Cabinet It is usuually described as an official opossition counterpart to the cabinet or the government in waiting. It exists in a parliamentary system of government having a disciplined two party system, e.g., Britain. Social Action Litigation The litigation type in which petitions are made for the enforcement of specific rights of a determinate class or group of people who are primarily injured by the impugned action. In this case injury suffered by the members of this class is direct. Vote of Credit During national emergency funds required by the government to meet unexpected demands are granted by the Lok Sabha without receiving detailed estimates for the same through a vote of credit. PAPER — I SECTION — INDIAN GEOGRAPHY BIOME The major terrestrial ecosystems or distinctive terrestrial areas with their group of plants and associated animals are recognised as biomes. It is the largest terrestrial community. Rainfall, temperature range, nature of soil, barriers, latitude and altitude determine the nature and extent of the biomes. Principal biomes of the world are (a) Tropical rain forest, (b) Tropical Savannah, (c) Mediterranean Scrub Forest, (d) Deciduous Forests, (e) Grassland, (f) Desert, (g) Taiga and (h) Tundra. COUPLE PROTECTION RATE It is defined as the percentage of eligible couples effectively protected against childbirth by one or the other approved methods of family planning. DRIP IRRIGATION It involves frequent slow application of water at low pressure through a network of pipelines. In it water is released near the plant base with the help of emitters or drips, thus ensuring optional moisture condition in the root zone. It enables more productive and efficient utilisation of the scare water resource, specially in arid and semi-arid areas where these are transformed into fold-mountain mass due to orgenic movements. EL-NINO It is the phenomenon involving abnormal warming of the Pacific ocean off south America i.e., near the Per coast. It causes changes in the atmospheric pressure conditions on either side of the pacific and thus influences monsoon. The monsoon is usually below normal in an El Nino year but exacess links are get to be established. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT It is a programme which makes it statutory for many categories of developmental projects (under sectors such as power, transport, mining, industries etc.) to get an assessment of Environment impact likely to be caused by the project and to get an environmental clearances. Depending on the location and nature of the project certain safeguards are recommended during approval. GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) GIS are integrated computer tools for handling, processing and analysing geographical data. They include self-contained software packages for personal computers and workstations, as well as tools for handling and processing geographic information over high-speed network such as Internet. HOT SPOTS Localities on the Earth's surface where greater than average thermal activity takes place often leading to volcanic outbursts. These are thought to be the crustal expression of the plumes in the underlying mantle and are believed to be closely related to the mechanisms of plate tectonics. SOCIAL FORESTRY It means the management and protection of the forests as well as afforestation of barren lands aimed at helping in environmental, social and rural development as against the traditional objective of securing revenue. The main thrust of social forestry is to reduce pressure on the traditional forests by developing plantations of fuelwood fodder & grasses. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT A development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. PAPER — II SECTION — INDIAN ECONOMY CURRENT COMPETITIVENESS INDEX This index aims to identify the factors that under pin high current productivity and hence current economic performance, measured by the level of GDP per person. The index takes into account of a nation's firms operating practices and strategies and the quality of the nation's business environment. GLOBALIZATION INDEX It ranks countries by variables such as openness to trade and investment, creditworthiness and the importance of tourism and transfers from foreign workers. REPLACEMENT RATE This rate indicates the replacement of individuals by others of the same age-group, in the following generation. CAFETARIA APPROACH To adopt various methods of population control such as IUD, sterilization, condoms, oral pills, raising the marriage age, etc. MISERY INDEX An index combining the unemployment rate and inflation rate. The index is used to measure the political significance of the condition of the economy as well as consumer confidence. GREEN GDP It is guideline given by the report to US to renew development of a green GDP indicator which would track economic output and take environmental issues into account. SHADOW-ECONOMY It is that part of the economy in which the transactions are deliberately concealed. Badla A term associated with stock exchange which means postponement of transactions related to sale of shares etc. till next settlement day. In such transactions an amount known as badla charges is payable by one who sells shares to the buyers. Deemed Exports Deemed Exports are those inputs domestically produced but used in producing export products. With a view to reducing import intensity of export products, deemed exports are being encouraged through various incentives. Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme (EPCGs) It is an export promotion scheme under which capital goods can be imported subject to actual user condition against fulfilment of specified export obligation. Under this scheme two windows are available—zero import duty and duty at a concessional rate of 10 per cent. Industry uses this scheme for modernisation and upgradation purposes. Geographical Indications The General Agreement on Tariff and Trade (presently replaced by the World Trade Organisation) defines geographical indications as indications which identify a good as originating in the territory, where a given quality reputation or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographical origin. Some of the Indian goods on which geographical indications applicable are basmati rice, Darjeeling Tea etc. Mukherjee Formula A formula for central plan assistance to the states evolved in the Eighth five Year Plan. Some important criteria to be followed for such assistance under this formula are (a) 60% on the basis of population (b) 20% on the basis of per capita income (Deviation method) and 5% (Distance method) (c) 7.5% on the basis of tax efforts and (d) 7.5% on the basis of special problems. Quantitative Restriction (QRs) These are specific limits on the quantity or value of goods that can be imported or exported during a specific time period. WTO article XI generally prohibits the use of quantitative restrictions except under specified exceptional conditions. PAPER — II SECTION — SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CACHE A special area of primary memory (RAM) set aside to be used as a temporary store for programmes, parts of programmes or data. Cache memory is usually quite small and has very high access speeds (often less that 20 ns). CD-ROM Abbrevation for Compact Disk- Read Only Memory, this is secondary storage that uses optical laser techniques to read/write data. CD-ROM has a reasonable fast access time and vast storage capability. COMPUTER VIRUS It is a destructive programme which can corrupt and erase computer files, alter data, cause the computer to hang and so on. It is so named because it resembles the behavior of a biological virus that is to copy itself, spread through contact from one computer to another etc. DIGITAL CAMERA A digital Camera is basically a camera that produces photographs that can be saved as files on your PC. These cameras do not require a film to be processed. This is an ideal way to get a picture of anything that we need to include in a web page. The alternative is to take an ordinary photograph & use a scanner to scan the image into a file on our PC. ETHERNET The ethernet is a system for connecting computers within a building or premises using hardwares running from machine to machine. It differs from the internet that connects remotely located computers by telephone line, software protocol and some hardware. An ethernet uses some software but the connecting hardware involves newly designed chips and wiring. The patent for ethernet describes it as "a multipoint data communication system with collision detection". As an international computer industry standard ethernet is the most widely installed Local Area Network or LAN. HYBRID COMPUTER These possess the capabilities of both the analog and digital computers. For example, inside intensive care units the analog computer records the heart rate and temperature while the digital part of the machine gives suggestions for treatment. INTERNET TELEPHONY The technology enabling a user to potentially talk in real time to another user on the Internet, with the help of a multimedia-enabled computer and an Internet connection is known as Internet Telephony. It uses Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP). MODEM A telecommunications device used to convert digital signals, typically the output from a computer, into a form (analog signals) suitable for transmission over a communications channel (often part of the telephone network). Two modems are required back to digital at the receiving end. The name modem comes from the processes involved, modulation-demodulation. MULTIMEDIA It refers to presentation that integrate text and graphics with audio and visual and which is all controlled by computer. ROM Abbreviation for Read Only Memory. This is type of integrated circuit, usually mounted on the motherboard, that provide the basic start-up routines and BIOS (Basic Input Output System) of a computer. ROM chips store software (actually firmware) embedded by the manufacturer. PAPER — II SECTION — INDIA & THE WORLD AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS Collective Defence Collective defence operates outside the ambit of regional International Organisation and within the fold of alliances. Doctrine of Deterrence It theoritically means that the most appropriate way to prevent the enemy employ atomic weapons against it is to put a counter threat by also possessing the atomic bomb. Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) 1968 It prohibits not only transfer to but also acquisition by non-nuclear weapon countries of nuclear weapons; ensures access to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and commits the nuclear weapons states parties to pursue in good faith negotiations on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race and to nuclear disarmament. Peace-keeping Peace-keeping has been defined as the use of multinational forces, under UN command, to help contain and resolve conflict between hostile states, and sometimes between antagonistic forces within a single state. It is a technique pioneered by the UN — the soldier as a catalyst for peace rather than as an instrument of war. START Talks START (Strategic Arms Reduction Talks) which started in 1981, pertained to reduction of strategic arms (range : 5000 km and more). However, no agreement could be arrived at due to a highly asymmetrical nature of the strategic weapons possessed by the two Super Powers. TRACK ONE DIPLOMACY The Government to Government efforts at conflict resolution through peaceful means are termed as Track I diplomacy TNCs Trans National Corporations. Refer to the corporations having production activities in a large number of countries.