Powers and Functions of the Prime Minister

Head of Government: The Prime Minister is the real executive head of the Union and heads the Council of Ministers, providing overall political and administrative leadership.

Council of Ministers: Under Article 75, recommends persons for appointment as ministers, allocates and reshuffles portfolios, presides over Cabinet meetings and coordinates the functioning of ministries.

Link with President: Under Article 78, the Prime Minister communicates decisions of the Council of Ministers and legislative proposals to the President and advises him/her on important constitutional matters.

Parliamentary Role: Advises the President on summoning and proroguing Parliament and dissolution of the Lok Sabha; as leader of the government, he/she also ensures legislative support for government policies.

Policy Leadership: Provides overall direction to economic, social, domestic and administrative policies and acts as the chief political spokesperson of the Union Government.

Diplomatic and Crisis Role: Represents India at major international forums, contributes to foreign policy and provides political leadership during emergencies, wars and national crises.

Chairmanship and Political Leadership: Chairs important bodies such as NITI Aayog and Inter-State Council, while also leading the ruling party/coalition and coordinating the political and administrative machinery.

With reference to the powers and functions of the Prime Minister of India, consider the following statements:

1. The Prime Minister recommends persons for appointment as Union Ministers by the President.
2. The Prime Minister acts as a link between the President and the Council of Ministers.
3. The Prime Minister advises the President regarding the summoning and prorogation of Parliament.
4. The Prime Minister is the constitutional head of the Union executive.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)

 
Artificial Intelligence (AI) 


AI refers to the ability of machines to perform tasks requiring human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning and decision-making.

Key Technologies: AI includes Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Neural Networks, Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Computer Vision.

Machine & Deep Learning: Machine Learning enables systems to learn from data, while Deep Learning uses multi-layered neural networks to identify complex patterns.

NLP & Computer Vision: NLP enables machines to understand human language, while Computer Vision enables interpretation of images and videos.

Types of AI: Narrow AI performs specific tasks; Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) aims at human-like general intelligence; Super AI is a hypothetical form surpassing human intelligence.

Functional Types: AI may include Reactive Machines that respond to current inputs, Limited Memory AI that uses past data, and hypothetical Theory of Mind and Self-Aware AI.

Applications: AI has evolved from rule-based systems to advanced learning systems and is now used in healthcare, agriculture, finance, governance, defence and education, offering opportunities while raising concerns about ethics, privacy and responsible use.

With reference to Artificial Intelligence (AI), consider the following statements:

1. Machine Learning enables systems to learn patterns from data.
2. Deep Learning uses multi-layered neural networks.
3. Narrow AI is designed to perform specific tasks.
4. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has already achieved human-level intelligence across all domains.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)

 
Scheduled Areas — Meaning and Powers of the President

Meaning: Scheduled Areas are areas with significant tribal population that are declared as such under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution.

Constitutional Basis: The administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in states other than those covered by the Sixth Schedule are governed by the Fifth Schedule (Article 244).

Declaration: Under Paragraph 6 of the Fifth Schedule, the President can declare an area as a Scheduled Area or alter its boundaries.

Alteration of Areas: The President may increase, decrease, merge or rescind the designation of Scheduled Areas through an order.

Consultation with Governor: Before making an order regarding Scheduled Areas, the President is required to consult the Governor of the concerned State.

Reports from Governor: Under Paragraph 3 of the Fifth Schedule, the Governor submits an annual report, or whenever required, to the President regarding the administration of Scheduled Areas.

Special Protection: The Fifth Schedule provides special safeguards for tribal communities. The Governor can make regulations regarding peace and good governance in Scheduled Areas, subject to the President’s assent.

With reference to Scheduled Areas under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, consider the following statements:

1. The President can declare an area as a Scheduled Area under Paragraph 6 of the Fifth Schedule.
2. The President is required to consult the Governor of the concerned State before making an order regarding Scheduled Areas.
3. The Governor submits reports to the President regarding the administration of Scheduled Areas.
4. The Sixth Schedule, and not the Fifth Schedule, governs the administration of Scheduled Areas in all States.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)

 
Aravalli Mountain Range 

Ancient Mountain System: The Aravallis are among the oldest surviving fold mountain systems in the world, with geological origins dating back nearly 1.5 billion years.

Geographical Extent: The range extends for about 690 km, running from Gujarat through Rajasthan and Haryana to Delhi, forming an important geographical feature of north-western India.

Desertification Control: The Aravallis act as a natural barrier against the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert, helping control desertification in adjoining regions.

Climate and Water Regulation: The range influences regional climate and rainfall and plays an important role in groundwater recharge and maintenance of local water resources.

Ecological Importance: The Aravallis support tropical dry deciduous forests, diverse flora and fauna, and provide important ecosystem services to surrounding populations.

Delhi-NCR Protection: The hills function as a green buffer against air pollution, particularly benefiting the Delhi-NCR region, while also supporting rural livelihoods.

Major Threats and Conservation: Mining, urbanisation and infrastructure expansion have severely degraded the range. Ambiguities in its legal definition have complicated conservation, leading to interventions by courts and expert committees.

With reference to the Aravalli Mountain Range, consider the following statements:

1. The Aravallis are among the oldest surviving fold mountain systems in the world.
2. The Aravallis help check the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert.
3. The Aravallis play a role in groundwater recharge and regional climate regulation.
4. Mining and urbanisation are among the major threats to the Aravalli ecosystem.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4

(c) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: (b)