Directive word/s: Critically Examine: One has to look at good and bad of a situation and give a fair judgement with suitable examples.

Demand of the question:

• Need to talk about reasons behind the not effective functioning of rural local self government institutions.
• Need to provide our views for better functioning of (or) to improve the situation

Structure of your answer:

• Introduction: Talk about the evolution of Panchayat from Ancient time to till 73^rd and 74^th constitutional amendment acts. Talk about Ashok Mehta committee and Article 40 of DPSP.
• Problems faced by Panchayat systems include Autonomy, financial dependence, Gap in governance and infrastructure, proxy presence and others
• Suggestions to devolve more financial powers, addressing digital divide and addressing corruption and governance issues.

Answer: Rural local self government has been in existence in India since Ancient times. However post independence they provided an explicit mention under Article 40 of Directive Principles, which has to be implemented by State governments. However the development position of them has not improved which forced the union government to gave them constitutional position and made 73^rd and 74^th constitutional amendment act as per the recommendations of Ashok Mehta committee.

Reasons for the Panchayat system not affectively delivering its duties include:

• Missing Autonomy: As 73^rd and 74^th constitutional amendment acts had some mandatory provisions, however it left many subjects to the discretion of state governments as “Local Governance” being a state subject. However, the state government has not making adequate efforts to devolve funds, functions and functionaries as provided in 11^th schedule of Indian constitution.
• Dependency Syndrome: For effective functioning of any institution finance plays a important role. Under the 11^th schedule Panchayats are allowed to tax on land, property, and profession and entertainment tax and sales tax. However many state governments have not devolved these power to Panchayats as evident from the data. As a result Panchayats earn only 1% of revenues through taxes and 85% from Union and 14% from state governments.     
• Gaps in capacity and infrastructure: Infrastructure gaps such as inadequate supporting staff, basic internet services, politicization of local administration, absence of coordination and cooperation among the popular and bureaucratic officials.
• Proxy presence: Many times it is male members in family who exercise control over their female pradhans. The male members took all decision and attend gram Sabha meetings instead of female members. This practise is curtailing the true spirit behind the reservation for women under 73^rd and 74^th constitutional amendments.
• Lack of awareness about governance: Many representatives didn’t know their powers and functions and they just act as a representatives of political parties, this impacts the development aspirations of people. As Nehru once said, “we need Elected Civil Servants/Bureaucrats” at local level rather than just political leaders.

Recommendations to strength the position of Panchayat Raj Institutions in India:

• Ensure regular release of Finance commission grants by state governments: Standing committee on Rural development has noticed that state governments have delayed the release of funds to Panchayats and wherever Panchayat accounts are audited these grants are not released. Hence, the committee suggested that Ministry of Rural Development should monitor the release and expenditure of Finance Commission grants.
• Addressing the digital divide: Only 24% of rural households have access to internet access which impact their contribution to rural development through effective participation in Gram Sabha. Implementation of BharatNet has been going on for years, this has to be completed to bridge this gap.
• Address the corruption and governance issues: As many households in rural areas are not aware of how much funds have been released under what schemes to Panchayat which provide a scope for corruption and mis-governance. Proper display of services available at Panchayat with time scale in Citizen charters and information officers mandated under Right to Information Act: 2005 at every Panchayat will empower rural households to realise the true spirit of Gandhi’s “Grama Swaraj”. 

For us, the Indian people, our independence for the most part lies in strong local governments that are responsive to our needs and wants. Local governments are much more than our garbage collectors and street-light managers. They are our most effective vaccines against the pandemic of big government.

Directive words: Critically examine: One has to look at good and bad of a situation and give a fair judgement with suitable examples.

Demand of the question: Need to talk about the positives and negatives about the Supreme Court judgement with regards to NJAC case

Structure of your answer:

• Introduction: Give brief introduction of National Judicial Appointment Commission, when it was passed and purpose
• Arguments in favour of SC judgement include, Veto power given to non-judicial members, against judicial independence, promote the culture of reciprocity, lack of transparency, create a trust deficit on Judiciary in public
• Arguments against SC judgement include against principle of separation of powers, collegium lacks transparency, may promote favouritism, and against the Article 124 of Indian constitution.

Answer: In August 2014, Parliament passed the Constitution (99th Amendment) Act, 2014 along with the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014, providing for the creation of an independent commission to appoint judges to the Supreme Court and high courts to replace the collegium system.

Arguments in favour of Supreme Court Judgement:

• Veto power given to non-judicial members: The composition of National Judicial Appointment Commission (NJAC), contains 2 non judicial members who can even veto the recommendations made by judiciary, which is against or violates the judicial independence which is basic structure of Indian constitution declared in Kesavananda Bharati vs. Union of India case.
• To preserve/uphold the democratic principles and rights of citizens: In India the expectations from judiciary was to uphold the democratic principles and protect the rights of citizens. It can be affectively ensure only if it is completely insulated from executive or from other organs of the state, as they are the major litigants in majority of cases.
• Create a culture of reciprocity: With NJAC, judges appointed to highest judiciary may have a feeling of paying back to the political executive for considering their name, this may impact the emergence of give and take culture in judiciary, which is upholder  of constitution and protect the rights of citizens.
• Lack transparency: NJAC provides for the power to Chief Justice of India, Prime Minister and Leader of Opposition to appoint two eminent personalities to NJAC, who could potentially veto the recommendations. Thus it also lacks the transparency envisaged by the executive.

Arguments against the Supreme Court Judgement:

• Violating the checks and balances provided in the constitutions: The appointment process through collegium was complete in accessible and opaque and away from public domain. Constitution has provided from checks and balances on each organ of the state to ensure transparency. However the Supreme Court judgement to give itself complete autonomy in appointment violates this basic principle.
• Collegium system may promote favouritism: The collegium system does not provide any guidelines or criteria for the appointment of the Supreme Court judges and it increases the ambit of favouritism
• Against the constitutional principles: NJAC was struck down for its unconstitutionality, but a closer look at the collegium system tells us that even though the collegium system is not mentioned anywhere in the Constitution, rather it has evolved over a period of time from different landmark cases. Nepotism has been often witnessed as lack of criteria in appointment of judges.

After analyzing both NJAC and the collegium system, it can be inferred that neither of the methods is complete and both lack certain aspects. India needs a effective mechanism where judicial independence has to be uphold and executive has also a say in appointment of judges inline with the constitutional provisions.

Directive word/s: No directive word. It is straight forward question.

Demands of the question:

• First part: Need to talk about how simultaneous elections will limit the amount of money and time on elections
• Second part: Need to explain how it is reduces the government’s accountability

Structure of your answer:

• Introduction: Give previous examples such as 1952,57,62,67 and the reasons for the frequent elections further onwards such as dissolution of both Lok Sabha and State legislative assemblies
• Give two benefits in term of cost associated with elections and time it takes. Give statistics i.e ₹ 1.3 lakh crore in recent elections and problems with model code of conduct on implementation of welfare schemes and governance
• Impacts on accountability include reduces frequent electoral feedback, reduce or eliminates the impact of No-Confidence motion, formation of tyrannical government, party affiliations takes over individual merit and accountability to voters.

Answer: During the first four general election cycles in 1952, 1957, 1962 and 1967, the elections to the Lok Sabha and State legislative assemblies were held simultaneously. However, due to the subsequent premature dissolution of the Lok Sabha on seven occasions and the premature dissolution of legislative assemblies on various occasions, the elections to the Lok Sabha and various State assemblies are held at different times.

Advantages of simultaneous elections to limit the time and money include:

• Reduce the substantial amount associated with elections: It is estimated that Indian elections in 2024 cost around ₹1.35 lack crore which is more than GDP of many countries even more than oldest democracy of the world USA. It is many fold higher when consider expenditure bone by political parties and candidates. Simultaneous elections would substantially reduce this expenditure.
• Long period of model code of conduct impacts governance and welfare: The election commission of India enforces model code of conduct at least 45 to 60 days, during which no new scheme will be announced or any welfare measure to be implemented either by the centre and state government. This impact the governance and welfare of citizens.

Negative impacts of Simultaneous elections on accountability:

• Reduces the chances of electoral effective feedback on party in power: There have been many policies being implemented by various political parties, frequent elections (or) separate elections to both levels of government will promote this feedback mechanism. This a tool of accountability for government in power, which would get impacted with simultaneous elections.
• No confidence motion either to be removed or adjoined with confidence motion: India follows a strict separation of power where each organ of the state is responsible to other organ. No-confidence motion is a tool with the parliament to ensure accountability of executive. If simultaneous election has to be implemented it has to either removed from parliamentary procedure or adjoin with confidence motion to ensure continuity of government.
• Results into formation of tyrannical governments: Once political parities established themselves there is no incentives for them to look after the welfare of people. This would results into the formation of tyrannical/authoritarian governments, thus reduce the accountability to citizens.
• Party affiliation takes over individual merit, thus reduces the accountability of elected representative to votes in his/her constituency.

India being a diverse country with diverse political affiliation is good to preserve and protect its local cultures, resources and resolve the local issues with more ease. This issue will subsumed under greater national issue, if simultaneous elections are implemented. Moreover, apart from benefits of having simultaneous elections, it would have greater negative affect to democratic principle, federalism and accountability of political parties to citizens of this country.

Directive word/s: No directive word. It is a straight forward question

Demand of the question:

• First demand: Need to explain how pressure groups influence Indian political process
• Second part: Need to take a stance about the view that informal pressure groups have become more powerful than formal pressure groups and explain the reasons to support your argument

Structure of your answer:

• Introduction: Importance of pressure groups in political process i.e in influencing policy decisions, shaping public opinion and creating awareness about issues of larger public importance.
• Reasons for rise of informal pressure groups includes use of social media and print media, organising protests, organising protests and spontaneity and flexibility.
• Give two or three examples to substantiate your view such as Arab spring, Pro-Democracy movements in Hong Kong and Anti-Corruption movements in India.

Answer: Pressure groups are vital to the Indian political process, influencing decisions, shaping public opinion, and advocating for specific causes. Formal pressure groups are structured entities, such as trade unions and NGOs, while informal pressure groups are more loosely organized, including social movements and online communities. Both types of pressure groups contribute to a vibrant democracy by ensuring diverse voices are heard in policy-making.

Pressure groups influence the political process in the following ways:

• By organising protests: As Western Ghats are more eco-sensitive areas as far as conservation is concern. Both Gadgil and Kasturirangan committees have gave widespread conservation measures. However, the settlers farmers in fringes of these ecosensitive areas have organised into informal groups and influence the state government to exclude the human settlements and their agriculture fields from the preview of ecosensitive mapping.
• Spread of information: Off late with emergence of internet and mobile communications and social media, many volunteers coming together in short span of time making their demand very strong both on Internet and in public places thus influencing decision making process. For example recent farmer protests in Delhi.
• Active print and social media propaganda: In the age of information, propagation of Information via internet and to some extent by print media helping these informal groups to influence the policy decisions of government as this propaganda can become a internal security challenge.
• Spontaneity and flexibility: Informal pressure groups can respond quickly to emerging issues and adapt their strategies as needed.

Yes, informal pressure groups become more prominent than formal pressure groups as evident from the following examples.

• Arab Spring: Arab Spring which led to regime changes in most North African and West Asian countries was led by informal pressure groups (or) protestors against authoritarian government to install democracy was spread by social media.
• Pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong: Organisers used the platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and instagram to quickly mobilize supporters, disseminate information quickly about protects, places and timings resulted into huge success to the movement.
• Anti-Corruption movement in India: Led by social activist Anna Hazare in 2011, this informal pressure group demanded the enactment of the Jan Lokpal Bill to address corruption. The movement garnered widespread public support and played a crucial role in the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Despite the growing influence of informal pressure groups, it is essential not to undermine the importance of formal pressure groups, which continue to play a crucial role in the Indian political process. Both types of pressure groups contribute to a vibrant democracy by ensuring that diverse voices are heard and considered in the policy-making process.

Directive word/s: Discuss: Debate by going through the details of the topic (or) provide case in favour or against of the issue with carefully selecting the evidences or data or supporting statements

Demand of the question: Need to explain how the public accounts committee establishes the accountability of the government.

Structure of your answer:

• Introduction: Talk about the objective of WASH schemes and the importance of synchronisation in achieving any government schemes to achieve its targets
• Talk about Identification of beneficiaries, targeted infrastructure development, life cycle based approach, effective synchronisation of efforts of various stakeholders and targeted resource allocation to benefit vulnerable sections.

Answer: Legislative control over finances is exercised mainly in two stages. The first is at the time of policy-making and the second while reviewing the implementation of the policy. The financial accountability of the executive to the Legislature is ensured through a system of committees. There are three financial committees, namely the Estimates Committee, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), and the Committee on Public Undertakings (CoPU) which are set up under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha/Vidhansabhas of the States.

Role of Public Accounts Committee in establishing accountability of government include:

• Financial Accountability: PAC access whether the money disbursed were available and applicable to the services to which they had been applied and expenditure is confirmed to that authority that governed it and rules of financial propriety and economy in expenditure is duly followed. For example,  PAC has identified irregularities in Public Distribution System (PDS) where food grains meant for poor were misappropriate or even direverted.
• To examine the efficiency in implementation of projects: The PAC will also examine the efficiency in implementation of projects and schemes and whether the objective is attained or not. For instance PAC has examined the Common Wealth Games scam of 2010 and found the instances of inflated contracts and mismanagement of funds leading to significant financial losses.
• To examine the accounts of autonomous and semi-autonomous govt bodies: PAC also examines the reports of income and expenditure of autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies conducted by CAG.
• Check and nugatory expenditure and financial irregularities: By Scrutinizing, reviewing and holding hearing of government officials and tax officials to ensure the every expenditure is sanctioned by the law. Thus it controls the nugatory expenditure and financial irregularities of the government.
• Oversee the tax administration of government: Committee examines various aspects of the Government’s tax administration, cases involving under-assessments, tax-evasion, non-levy of duties, misclassifications etc., identifies the loopholes in taxation laws and procedures and makes recommendations in order to check leakage of revenue. For example PAC uncovered a major mining scam in Goa in 2012.
• Follow up on Audit Observations: PAC follows up on the implementation of its recommendations and observations made in previous reports. It ensures that corrective actions are taken by the government to address any financial irregularities or shortcomings.

Notwithstanding the above , Public Accounts Committee also audit the supplementary and excess grants made by the government to meet the unforeseen emergencies. Through all these audit reports and tools, PAC ensures that public funds are utilised efficiently and effectively to promote transparency and accountability and good governance.

Directive word: Examine: Go into the details of a topic to provide clear picture about the issue to the reader by providing relevant data/statistics or supporting statements

Demand of the question:

• Need to provide details about synchronisation of beneficiaries with objectives or outcomes of a scheme address the problems of water, sanitation and hygiene issues in India

Structure of your answer:

• Introduction: Talk about the objective of WASH schemes and the importance of synchronisation in achieving any government schemes to achieve its targets
• Talk about Identification of beneficiaries, targeted infrastructure development, life cycle based approach, effective synchronisation of efforts of various stakeholders and targeted resource allocation to benefit vulnerable sections.

Answer: The Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) scheme aims to improve public health and well-being by providing access to clean water, adequate sanitation facilities, and promoting good hygiene practices. Ensuring effective implementation of policies addressing WASH needs requires synchronizing the identification of beneficiary segments with the anticipated outcomes.

Synchronisation should involve the following different aspects. Such as

• Identification of beneficiary segment: Identifying the most vulnerable and marginalized populations, such as those living in remote rural areas, urban slums, or areas with high poverty rates, is crucial. These groups often have limited access to WASH facilities and are more susceptible to waterborne diseases and poor hygiene-related health issues. Focusing on these segments allows the WASH scheme to significantly impact overall health and well-being.
• Life cycle based approach: Focusing on needs of beneficiaries based on their gender, age and other factors can ensure that interventions are targeted to fulfil the unique requirements of each group.
• Targeted infrastructure development: The major objective of WASH scheme is to control the water bone diseases among the most vulnerable sections. Achieving this target requires the targeted development of water supply systems, building toilets, and promoting behavioural change through hygiene education and community engagement.
• Collaboration with stake holders: Successful implementation of WASH policies involves various stakeholders, including local governments, NGOs, community-based organizations, and the private sector. This collaborative approach ensures that the needs of the identified beneficiary segments are adequately addressed, and the anticipated outcomes are achieved.
• Targeted resource allocation to vulnerable sections: Directing resources towards the most marginalized populations can help ensure that WASH interventions reach those who need them the most.

Synchronizing beneficiary identification with anticipated outcomes in the WASH scheme is crucial to ensure targeted interventions, efficient resource use, and achievement of desired impacts and ultimately enhancing the wellbeing of vulnerable and marginalised section and to achieve the SDG 6 i.e clean water and sanitation.

Directive word/s: Discuss: Debate by going through the details of an issue (or) to make points in favour and against of a topic (or) give advantage and disadvantages of a given issue by giving proper evidence to your points. Make sure that you arrive a conclusion and provided it in the form of way forward.

Demand of the question: Need to take a stand whether the “The Right of Persons with disabilities Act: 2016” empower or provided for inclusion in the society.

Structure of your answer:

• Introduction: Talk about the 2.68% of Indian are disabled and objective behind the introduction of the Act to promote inclusive development and growth of disable people.
• Provisions to promote education, skill training and employment, legal rights, reproductive rights, to ensure justice delivery and to provide equal opportunities to promote employment
• Conclude by saying what are the loopholes such as lack of implementation, lack of sufficient data, lack of awareness and solutions to include civil society organisations, corporate social responsibilities etc.

Answer: India being the most populous country also being the most populous in term of disable people as 2.68% of Indian population was disabled. India being a signatory to the UN Convention on Rights of Disable, has enacted “The rights of Persons with Disabilities Act: 2016” to remove obstacles to the development and growth of disabled people.

The major provisions of the bill that provides for empowerment and inclusion of disabled people include:

• To provide inclusive education: Section 16 of the act mandates the governments at all level to provide inclusive education to the children with disabilities by making facilities accessible, provide assistive devices and  provided necessary support that maximise the academic and social development consistent with the goal of total inclusion.
• To provide vocational training and employment to ensure inclusivity: Section 19 of the act mandates the government at all level shall formulate schemes and programmes including the provision of loans at concessional rate to facilitate and support employment of persons with disabilities.
• Equal opportunities to remove discrimination: Section 20 and 21 has the provisions to provide for equal employment opportunities in all government establishment without any discrimination and provide for barrier free and conducive environment to employees with disabilities.
• Equal legal rights: Section 13 of the act ensures that persons with disability enjoy on legal capacity an equal status as like any other person in all aspects of life, and also they enjoy the equal right to inherit property, manage their own financial resources and have access to bank loans to make their livelihood.
• Access to justice: Section 12 mandates the governments at all levels to ensure that persons with disabilities to have access to justice without any discrimination and suitable support measures to be provided to those without having any family.
• Recognising their reproductive rights: Section 10 states that the appropriate government shall ensure that persons with disabilities have access to appropriate information regarding the reproduction and family planning and that no person with any disability is subjected to any medical procedure which leads to infertility without his or her free and informed consent.

By looking at all the aforesaid provisions it is clear that “Rights of Persons with disability Act 2016” has provided for inclusion and removal of all forms of discrimination of individuals with disabilities. However, just by having a holistic law is not sufficient to ensure inclusivity but the lack of implementation and clear data and lack of awareness among disable people making the law insufficient in the present context. So, government at all level including civil society and corporate under Corporate Social Responsibility shall come together to address their concerns to ensure a more inclusive society and to achieve SDG 10 to reduce inequalities.

Directive word/s: Evaluate: Estimate the nature or ability and quality of something. Persuade the reader with your arguments with relevant research data.

Demands of the question:

• First part: Need to evaluate the performance of various government programmes over the years to address the problem of hunger and poverty
• Second part: Need to provide your own views or suggestions to remove the problems of hunger and poverty.

Structure of your answer:

• Introduction: Talk about some statistics about the poverty levels and India’s rank in Global Hunger Index to know the present status of poverty and hunger in India
• Give purpose and limitations of various programmes launched by government such as Integrated Rural Development Programme, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Green revolution and Public distribution system

Answer: India being the world’s most populous country has been facing multiple challenges pertaining to poverty, hunger and other social indicators. However, since Independence many successive governments has taken multiple measures to eradicate them. The results are seen for the recent National Sample Survey Data as number of people in extreme poverty line ($1.90 PPP) has dropped from 12.2% in 2011-12 to just 2.2% in 2022-23. However, India has not been performing well to eradicate hunger as per recent Global Hunger Index (GHI) India with 27.3 score has been placed in serious hunger category and at 105^th rank out of 127 countries assessed.

Various Government Measures since Independence to eradicate these problems include:

• Integrated Rural Development Programme 1978: The major objective of the programme is to providing employment and livelihood and self-entrepreneurship opportunities to rural poor. However the programme is not able to life the people out of poverty because of top down approach leading to leakages and inequitable distribution, insufficient funding and lack of preparedness to take skilling activities or employment opportunities.
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNERGA): The act provides for the 100 days of assured employment a year to every rural household and moreover one third of proposed jobs are reserved for women. However in recent time the central government has reduced the budgetary allocations and allegations of large scale deletions and late disbursal of payments are impending the poverty elimination programmes.
• Green Revolution: In the initial days of India’s independence, India has been faced a severe food grain shortage and resulted hunger crisis in the country. To overcome this issue, Green revolution was introduced thus making India self sufficient in food production. However, it has to large extent resolved the hunger problem but it didn’t eliminate it completely and led to micronutrient deficiency related issues in the county.
• Public distribution system (PDS): The Public Distribution System plays a crucial role in ensuring food accessibility for vulnerable populations. This initiative involves subsidized food distribution through fair price shops, providing essential commodities at affordable prices. However the problems of Ghost accounts, leakages and diversions still persists.

Despite having a multiplicity of programmes and schemes Indian is not able to reap the benefits of these programmes owing to governance issues, digital divide, lack of awareness among beneficiaries, less budgetary allocations etc are making these programme less effective. Hence there is a need to have right based entitlements to reduce poverty and hunger as like MGNREGA and to achieve the sustainable development goals no: 1 and 2.

Directive word/s: Discuss: It is a debate going through the details of an issue (or) give advantages or disadvantages of an issue (or) gives arguments for and against of an issue with suitable examples. Remember to arrive at a conclusion and provide it in the form a ‘way forward’

Demand of the question: Need to provide what are the challenges that India would face because of Chine’s growing influence in terms of economy and military strength in Asia

Structure of your answer:

• Introduction: Talk about India and China historical relations and growing trade deficit with China i.e about $75 billion
• Security concern for India include debt trap diplomacy and taking over Hambantota port in Sri Lanka, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor two front war, Trade deficit and restricting India’s Pharma and IT exports and impact of China+1 strategy

Answer: India and China being neighbours and had a historical trade and civilisation relations. Despite these both have a several issues spanning over trade, security, geo-political diplomatic and cooperation at international arenas. China is India’s largest trading partner and had a trade deficit with China which is around $75 billion. Off-late China has been using its trade surplus and military strength to gain advantage in many countries in India which harming the traditional influence India had in these countries.

Potential Impacts of Chinese growing economic and military strength to India include:

• Debt trap diplomacy and taking over Hambantota port: By giving unsustainable loans and taking over the projects in other countries has been employed by China in Asia countries. One such project is Hambantota, which is a security concern for India as it is very close to India’s strategic naval ports and space ports. Frequently we have been seeing many Chinese submarines and scientific ships has been spotted in Indian ocean to carry out espionage activities in India.
• China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): To overcome its strategic weakness i.e Malacca strait where India can have upper hand in case of war with China, china wants to bypass this with CPEC to ensure its energy security. Under this China has been construction various infrastructure projects which passes through Indian territory and moreover, this infrastructure can be used by both China and Pakistan to quickly deploy their troops in case of war with India, making it as a major security concern for India.
• Restricting India’s IT and Pharma exports: China has been providing various incentives to its industry to promote exports. However it didn’t its strategic weakness such as IT and Pharma industry to be exploited by any other country. India being a global power in these two domains finding it difficult to do business in China.
• Growing India’s image and China’s objections to India to enter NSG and UN Security Council: As post COVID-19 all developed countries has been adopted China+1 strategic where India has been getting advantage and moreover over the past 10 years India has been growing than any other countries as a result many countries are accepting India’s entry to NSG and UN Security Council. However China seen it is a strategic threat to its economic and military dominance and eroding these attempts of India.

Hence it is high time for India to take effective measures to limit the Chinese influence in its neighbours and India can adopt a real politics by increasing its economic and military strength in South China Sea and its neighbours such as Vietnam, Philippines, Laos, South Korea and Japan. Moreover India has to increase its investments in border infrastructure development and capacity building of locals through programmes like “Vibrant Villages” programme.

Directive word: Explain: To make something more clear to the reader to better comprehend.

Demand of the question:

• First part: Need to talk about main functions of United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
• Second part: Need to talk about functional commissions attached to ECOSOC

Structure of your answer:

• Introduction: Give two or three statements about creation of ECOSOC and its objects such as policy coordination to achieve social, economic and environment objects under SDG.
• Talk about 3 functional commissions such as Commission on  population and development, Commission on social development, commission on Human rights and others.
• Functions of ECOSOC such as Policy coordination, Conduction high level meeting, to promote Human rights, monitoring and reporting on achievements towards SDGs, and capacity building of member countries.

Answer: The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations. It is the main body responsible for coordination, policy dialogue, policy review and recommendations on social, economic and environmental issues, and also the implementation of internationally agreed development goals.

Main functions of United Nations Economic and Social Council:

• Policy coordination: It hosts annual sessions where member countries discuss and coordinate on policy matter for socio economic development of the world. And it also works closely with UN Specialized agencies such as world bank, IMF and United Nations Development Programme to ensure that policies of various organisation are aligned and mutual reinforcing each other.
• Organise High Level Meetings on Pressing Social, Economic and Environmental Issues: It brings various governments, political leaders, corporate, civil society and academia to find solutions on pressing global issues such as Climate change, COVID-19, Poverty and Global conflicts and trade wars.
• Monitoring and reporting: It monitors and review the progress in achieving sustainable development goals and gives advices on measures to be adopted to achieve those targets.
• Promotes Human Rights: It works to combat inequality and discrimination based on race, religion, sex, disability and other factors and advocates that economic and social policies should integrate human rights as an integral part them. It also promotes inclusive policies that ensure equal access to opportunities and resources for all individuals.
• Capacity building of member states: It enhances the capabilities of member states in implementation of development strategies and policies by providing technical assistance and training in various fields.

Functional Commissions under ECOSOC:

• Commission on population and development (CPD): It functions to address the issues related to population such as policy development, monitoring and evolution, facilitating dialogue, collection of data and analysis and addressing emerging issues.
• Commission for Social Development: Its major focus is on addressing the issues such as Poverty eradication, Addressing problems associated with aging population, persons with disability and growing inequalities on global scale with the coordination of various UN organs, member countries, NGO and civil society organisations.
• Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice: Identifies and addresses emerging challenges in crime prevention and criminal justice, such as transnational crime and the impact of technology on crime. It also focus on issues such as gender based violence, youth crimes and rights of victims.

The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is a critical organ of the United Nations and plays a pivotal role in promoting international economic and social cooperation. The Commission on Population and Development, the Commission on the Status of Women, and the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, play a vital role in addressing specific issues related to economic and social development. Through its various programs and initiatives, ECOSOC is helping to achieve the United Nations’ sustainable development goals and build a more equitable and prosperous world.

Directive word/s: Explain: To provide more details about something that makes it clear for reader to understand.

Demands of the question:

• First part: Need to explain the salient features of GST Law
• Second part: Need to give our opinion whether the GST law is able to remove the cascading effect of taxes existed in the previous tax regime and able to establish common national market

Structure of your answer:

• Introduction: Talk about the drawbacks in earlier system such as cascading effect etc and the objective of introducing GST such as established “One Nation One Tax” system.
• Salient features: Introduction of GST council, Input tax credit, Exemptions for political reasons, Compensation for revenue loss to states, penalities and fines for violations and increased tax compliance
• Removes cascading effects, Single tax system to eliminate cascading effect and establishment of Single Unified Market. Etc and conclude it by saying reforms that can be achieved.

Answer: The major problems that Business often sight in-case of Indian market is that tax compliance burden. As each state has its own state tax regime. In order to remove this complexity and to introduce “One Nation-One Tax” union government has introduced the 101^st constitutional amendment act, through which it has introduced the Good and Services Tax.

The salient features of Good and Services Tax include:

• Establishing GST Council: The 101st Constitution Amendment Act also inserted Article 279A, which proposed the power to the president to constitute a GST council. This GST council consists of ministers from both union and state governments. This council may make recommendations, procure, or modify any rule and regulation concerning goods and services tax.
• Exclusion of Some Products: However some products were kept away from the preview of GST on which Union has been given special power to levy taxes they are petroleum crude, high speed diesel, motor spirit, natural gas and aviation turbine fuel.
• GST Compensation to States: If the state suffers revenue loss due to the implementation of the GST, it can seek relief in compensation from the centre. It is valid for up to 5 years and governed by the Goods and Services (Compensation to States) Act, 2017.
• Input tax credit: Every taxpayer while paying taxes on outputs may take credit for taxes paid earlier by the supplier on inputs. This is to ensure that cascading of taxes will not take place which is the main drawback in the earlier tax regime.
• Prosecution and appeal: For offences such as mis-reporting of good and services supplied, detailed furnished in invoices, a person may be fined, may be imprisoned or both. Such orders can be appealed against Good and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal.

GST has removed the cascading effect and provided for common national marker by the following provisions:

• Removing cascading effect: By subsuming multiple indirect taxes, such as excise duty, service tax, and value-added tax, into a single tax, the GST has significantly reduced the cascading effect of taxes, leading to a more transparent and simplified tax structure.
• Single Tax Structure: GST replaces multiple indirect taxes like excise duty, VAT, service tax with a single tax. This simplification reduces the chances of tax-on-tax situation as there is only one tax to consider at each transaction.
• Facilitating a common market:  By harmonizing tax rates and eliminating state-level barriers, the GST has facilitated the creation of a common national market, making it easier for businesses to trade across state borders and improving economic efficiency.

Notwithstanding these many reforms in taxation system, multiple tax slabs and higher tax rates on essential items became a major problems in the successful implementation of GST in India and to realise the dream of “One Nation One Tax” system in India.

Directive word/s: Examine: Go into the details of an topic to provide clear picture about the issue to the reader by providing relevant data/statistics or supporting statements

Demands of the question:

• Need to talk about the details of Supreme Court Judgement in K.S Puttasmay judgement to know why it recognised Right to Privacy as a fundamental right
• Impact of recognising right to privacy as fundamental right on other rights

Structure of your answer:

• Details of Right to Privacy and its applications by adopting the test of legality, legitimate aim and test of proportionality.
• Introduction: Need to provide historical background about right to privacy from Dhramasashtra to Manusmriti and recognition in post independence as fundamental right in Puttaswamy judgement
• Application or scope of right to privacy such as right against self incrimination, privacy against sex orientation, Mental privacy and right to be forgotten be extended as part of right to privacy

Answer: The concept of privacy can be traced back to the Dharmashastras and ancient texts like the “Hitopadesha”, where it is specifically mentioned that certain matters in relation to worship, family, and sex should be protected from disclosure. There is famous saying that “Every Man is a king in his own house” which essentially indicating the difference between public and private. In independent India “Right to Privacy” was evolved through plethora of cases where by the Supreme Court before it finally declared as fundamental right in 2017 in “K.S. Puttaswamy case”.

Right to privacy as a fundamental right:

• Justice KS Puttaswamy (retd.) v Union of India: In a landmark judgment delivered in 2017, the Supreme Court cleared the confusion regarding the status of the right to privacy by ruling that it is a fundamental right emanating from Article 21 of the constitution.
• The court expanded the meaning of privacy to include privacy of body, mind, decisions, and information. However, the court laid down that the right is not absolute and it can be intruded upon by the state by passing the test of legality, a test of a legitimate aim, and a test of proportionality as enumerated by the court through this judgment

Scope of this judgement on other fundamental rights:

• Privacy against search and seizure: In P.Sharama v Satish Chandra: In this case search warrant was issued against the Dalmia grop which was later challenged by Dalmia group and the court has stated that search can’t be held to be self-incrimination.
• Mental Privacy: In Selvi v. State of Karnataka: 2010: In this case, techniques such as narco-analysis, polygraph examination, and the Brain Electrical Activation Profile (BEAP), that force an individual to incriminate themselves, were challenged. The court held that these tests can’t be allowed when an individual hasn’t accord his consent to such tests and any forceful administration of these tests would violative of his right to privacy.
• Right to Sexual orientation: In Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India: The Supreme Court decriminalised consensual sex between two adults by observing that sexual orientation is an integral part of privacy which is a fundamental right.
• Right to be forgotten: Jorawer Singh Mundy v Union of India: In this case, an American citizen was acquitted in a case registered against him under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act, 1985, but was facing troubles in employment because his name was still being presented in judgment delivered by means of a simple Google search.

The court invoked the right to be forgotten emanating from the privacy and ordered Google and Indian Kanoon to take down the judgments, as they were causing great harm and prejudice to the petitioner 

The Puttaswamy judgment is a testament to the living nature of the Indian Constitution, adapting to the contemporary needs of society. By embedding the right to privacy within the realm of fundamental rights, the Supreme Court has re-emphasized the Constitution’s commitment to human dignity, personal autonomy, and individual freedom. However, this is just the foundation. The efficacy of this right hinges on robust legislative frameworks, effective enforcement mechanisms, and, importantly, a vigilant citizenry aware of their entitlements.

Directive word/s: Enumerate: List of out the points in a sequential order to make the point clear

Demands of the question:

• First part: Need to provide occasions when the joint sitting of the two houses of parliament would happen with reasons
• Second part: Need to provide when the joint session of Indian parliament will not happen with reasons

Structure of your answer:

• Introduction: Give two or three statements about the origin of and objective behind the introduction of joint session of Indian parliament
• Occasions, when it can be applied include when one house passes the bill, other rejects it (or) Both houses are in disagreement over amendments (or) Other house didn’t act upon it for more than 6 moths.
• Occasions, when it can’t be applied include over money bills, constitutional amendment bills, passing ordinances, passing a impeachment resolution etc.

Answer: India has adopted the parliamentary form of government from British system, thus the source for this provision i.e joint session of Indian parliament under Article 108 has taken from there with the objective of clearing the deadlock between the two houses of parliament. This is an extra-ordinary tool available with the president to ensure the smooth functioning of legislative business of the government.

Occasions, when the joint sitting of both houses of parliament can happen include:

• When there is a deadlock on a ordinary bill: The joint sitting of Indian parliament can happen when a bill, after being passed out in one house and the other houses rejects it
• Bill pending for more than 6 months: If a bill passed by one house and the other house doesn’t acted on the bil for more the 6 months, then the president can summon a joint sitting of both houses.
• Disagreement over amendments proposed by other house: If one house passed the bill and send to other house, however the other house proposed amendments which are not agreeable by other house then president can call upon joint sitting to remove the deadlock over those amendments.

Occasions, when the joint sitting of both houses is not applicable include:

• Over money bills: According to the constitution, the money bills or annual financial statements requires the authorisation of Lok Sabha or House of the People. Hence in case of these bills there is no provision of joint sitting of both houses of parliament.
• Over Constitutional amendment bills: A Constitutional amendment bill can be passed on through a 2/3rd majority of both the houses and doesn’t have a provision for Joint Sittings in case of disagreement between the houses.
• Impeachment proceedings: A joint session cannot be called for impeachment proceedings against the President of India, as the process requires each house to separately pass a resolution with a two-thirds majority.
• Approval of ordinances: Joint sessions are not applicable for approving ordinances issued by the President when Parliament is not in session. Ordinances must be separately approved by both houses within six weeks of the Parliament’s reassembly.

The Indian Constitution provides for joint sessions of Parliament to resolve legislative deadlocks on non-money bills. However, joint sessions cannot be held for money bills, constitutional amendment bills, impeachment proceedings, no-confidence motions, and approval of ordinances.

Directive word/s: No directive word. It is a straight forward question

Demand of the question:

• First part: Need to list out the measures that ECI has taken to strengthen democracy in India
• Second part: Need to evaluate the performance of these reforms in strengthening democracy in India

Structure of your answer:

• Introduction: Talk about some integrity institutions created by constitution and role of Election Commission of India as part of it and Supreme Court judgement in Mohindar Singh Gill v. Chief Election Commissioner in shaping the role of ECI
• Major reforms such as Model Code of Conduct, Electronic Voting Machine, NOTA, Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail, Limiting the Political Contribution and Cvigil and their significance

Answer: The constitution of India has created some institutions to ensure freedoms and democratic principles of our country are protected and uphold. One such institute was Election of India, which has been working to ensure free and fair elections are conducted in the country. The powers of the ECI has enhanced in Mohindar Singh Gill v. Chief Election Commissioner judgement to achieve its constitutional objective. With this regards, ECI has been taking number of steps to ensure free and fair elections in the country. They are

• Model Code of Conduct: Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has been agreed upon by all stake holders with an objective to ensure that campaigns , polling and counting proceed in orderly, transparent and peaceful manner. Over the last 6 decades, ECI has been implementing the MCC to curb the misuse of state machinery by ruling political parties and financial muscle of political parties and candidates in elections.

• Significance: Through various measures by using technology like cVIGIL app, electronic photo ids, and electronic voting machines and use of social media ECI is able to improved the significance and awareness about MCC.

• Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and NOTA: To remove the doubts over the integrity of elections in India, ECI has introduced EVMs in India and little later NOTA options to give dissenting option to voters to strength democracy.

• Significance: Following the introduction of EVMs in the 2000s, reports of rigging incidents in elections have decreased. For example, in the 2004 and 2009 Lok Sabha elections, there were fewer complaints and allegations of rigging compared to earlier elections.

• Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPAT): As many political parties has been raising concerns over the Electronic Voting Machines, ECI has under taken a major reforms to improve the transparency and verifiability of voting process by introducing VVPAT, through which voter can verify to whom he cast his vote.

• Significance: Voter perception and turnout in various elections after introduction of VVPAT has increased. For example the turnout in Karnataka assembly elections is 73.19% which is higher than the previous elections i.e 67.1%

• Enhance the transparency in political funding: ECI has made it mandatory for political parties  to disclose all political contributions above 20000 to promote transparency in political funding and to ensure fair elections in the country. As these political funds are eligible for income tax exemption s.
• cVIGIL: This app is launched by ECI with multiple objectives such as to report violations of Model Code of Conduct, anonymity  of compliant,  to promote voter engagement in election process and enhancing transparency.

The electoral reforms proposed by the Election Commission of India in 2016 can significantly enhance the quality of democracy in India by promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness. However, the successful implementation of these reforms requires political will, public awareness, and continued vigilance from civil society and citizens.

Directive word/s: No directive word. It is a straight forward question

Demand of the question: Need to take a stance whether you National Commission for women is able to address the problems of women or not. And give examples or reasons in support of your answer.

Structure of your answer:

• Introduction: Give two or three statements about the necessacity of having a national commission and committee on status of women and its suggestion to form a commission to provide for socio-economic development of women.
• I have taken it didn’t live up to its mandate and provided reasons such as lack of enforcing powers, political sway in its appointment, lack of concern about women issues within the commission, defending accused in many cases and sexual harassment within the organisation.
• Conclude by providing two or three of its achievements to take a balanced view such as Bhanwari gang rape case, Digital Literacy Programme launched in association with Meta to tackle cyber crimes against women.

Answer: Since the ancient times, women around the world has been discriminated in all walks of life and seen as a second grade citizens which lead to many socio-economic problems among women. The Committee on the Status of Women in India was setup in 1972 to look into the issues which suggested the setting up of a National Commission for Women to facilitate the redressal of their concerns and work for the socio-economic development of women.

As a result of many efforts, National Commission for Women was setup in 1992 as a statutory body. Over the years it has taken many steps to improve the status, however it largely failed to improve the position of women in India. The reasons are many but the most important among them include

• Lack of enforcing power: Despite it has been given the status of Civil court, the summoning orders issued by the NCM to those involved in a case are not hearing up these notices, since the commissions has no enforcing powers. And in many cases, it depends on investigation done by state polices because it didn’t had its own investigation wing.
• Lack of gender sensitivity among the members of the commission: In few cases the members of the commission including the chairperson has made remarks against the victims which is a cause of concern. For example in Badaun gang rape case in UP, after meeting the victims family, the members has commented that “Even under any circumstance, a women should keep track of time and shouldn’t venture out at night”.
• Political sway in appointment of members to NCM: Over few years, those who prove allegiance to the ruling party at centre became chairperson and members of the commission as member to the commission are appointed by the Union government. For example: Present Chairperson Rekha Sharma was a BJP district secretary and media incharge of Haryana BJP party.
• Silence is meant to defending the accused in many cases: The commission since its inception has not made a single statement against the police and armed police against their misuse of AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) and not a single world aginst the Anti-Conversion laws of UP, MP which violated the rights of women such as right to faith, right to liberty and bodily autonomy.
• Sexual harassment within the commission: Failing to implement the Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prevention and Protection) Act:2016 within its own premise. In 2021, a member had faced a sexual harassment allegation by its former employee.

Notwithstanding the above criticisms against the commission, it had done some good work in the past such as in Bhanwari gang rape case was taken as suo moto and provided all kinds of support including providing security and public prosecutor to fight her case.

Moreover, in response to surge of cyber crimes against women, NCW in collaboration with Facebook launched “Digital Literacy Programme” on safe and responsible use of internet and social media.

Directive word/s: Look in close details and establish key facts and issues surrounding a topic. You should also provide reasons as to why the points you highlighted are most important. After all your points are clearly elaborated provide your way forward in the form of summery.

Demands of the question:

• First part: Need to explain the role of SHG in promoting the development
• Second part: Measures taken by the government of India to promote SHG

Structure of your answer:

• Introduction: Talk about the definition of SHG and their objective and origin from formation of Self Employed Women Association and NABARD’s SHG Bank Linkage Project
• Role of SHG in Economic Development include, Financial Inclusion, Entrepreneurial skills, alternative source of livelihood, social security and female labour force participation in economy
• Measures taken by government of India include, financial incentives, capacity building and training programmes, Micro credit through various schemes etc.

Answer: Self Help Groups of informal association of people to find ways to improve their livelihood conditions. The origin of SHG was traced back to the establishment of Self Employed Women Association in 1972. Ela Bhatt, who formed SEWA, organised poor and self-employed women workers such as weavers, potters, hawkers, and others in the unorganised sector, with the objective of enhancing their incomes. In 1992, NABARD formed the SHG Bank Linkage Project which is today world’s largest microfinance project to finance SHGs to improve their livelihood.

Role of Self Help Groups in Promoting the Development:

• Financial Inclusion: Since governments has been actively promoting the banks to lend to SHG, particularly to poor and marginalised sections of society to promote their wellbeing by opening up of bank accounts. This resulted in financial inclusion in the country and also a step towards formalisation of Indian Economy.
• Alternative Source of Livelihood: SHGs help people earn their livelihood by providing vocational training, and also help improve their existing source of livelihood by offering tools, etc. They also help ease the dependency on agriculture.
• Increase in Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLPR): Economic Survey 2023 has identified an increase in participation of women in Female Labour Force Participation (FLPR) has increased from 19.7% in 2018-19 to 27.7% in 2021-22, as many agriculture labours has shifted from farm labour to some other productive work.
• Social security support: SHG will provide social security net to the members through collective savings and support systems.
• Promoting SHGs into Small Medium Enterprises (SME): By federating the self help groups into clusters on districts basis and providing the market access through e-commerce platforms, Odisha government is able to convert many of these self help groups in SME, which not only empower women but also creates local value chains thereby promote economy from local level.

Government of India initiatives for promotion of Self Help Groups in India include:

• Micro-Credit Facility through various schemes: he government has introduced various micro-credit schemes, such as the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) and the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, to provide affordable credit to SHGs and support their entrepreneurial activities.
• Marketing Support: The government provides marketing support to SHGs by organizing trade fairs, exhibitions, and buyer-seller meets, helping them access wider markets for their products and services.
• Capacity building through training: By making skill development as a component of Self Help Groups, government at all level are actively promoting capacity building and entrepreneurial skills among women to create a women led rural economy.
• Financial incentives: By providing interest subvention on timely repayment and credit guarantees and additional loans in between to members, government is encouraging banks and financial institutions to lend loans to SHG.

By taking measures to support and promote SHGs, the Government of India is working towards creating a synergistic relationship between state-led initiatives and community-based efforts, ultimately contributing to more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable development for all citizens.

Directive word/s: Discuss: Debate by going through the details of the issue (or) give details in support and against of the issue (or) point out the advantages and disadvantages by providing the clear evidences or examples. Remember to arrive at conclusion and write it in the form of “way forward”

Demand of the question: Need to talk about the major poverty alleviation programmes in India and their performance in terms of poverty alleviation.

Structure of your answer:

• Introduction: Define what is poverty as per World Bank and the achievement of government of India’s recent to bring 248 million people out of poverty
• Give 4 government of India’s schemes to uplift people out of poverty such as Pradana Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Ayushman Bharat Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and their challenges

Answer: The World Bank defines the international poverty line at $2.15 (€1.97) per day based on 2017 purchasing power parity (PPP). PPP is a measure of the price of specific goods in different countries and is used to compare the absolute purchasing power of the countries’ currencies. Over the years, Government of India has been implementing various poverty alleviation programmes and moved around 248 million people out of multidimensional poverty in the last nine years.

Major steps taken by government of India to elevate poverty include:

• Pradhana Mantri Garib Kalyan AnnaYojana: (PMGKAY): It is a worlds largest social security scheme aimed at ensuring food and nutrition security over 80 crore poor citizens. This scheme moves the financial burden of poor beneficiaries and ensure nationwide uniformity and effective implementation of National Food Security Act (NFSA)

• Challenge: Despite the food grain under this programme are being provided by Union government, identifying beneficiaries and distribution lies with state government. Some state government are not able to issue ration cards to intended beneficiaries and prevalence of “GHOST ACCOUNTS” making it difficult to ensure food security and pushing them into the un-ended loop of poverty.

• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): One of its kind in the world to have right based employment scheme which provides 100 days of unskilled employment to rural household with 1/3^rd of the beneficiaries would be women along with it legal compensation would be provided if employment is not provided within 14 days of registration.

• Challenge: Recently, government of India has been removing the beneficiaries along with reduction in budgetary allocation and delayed payment and over reliance on technology making it difficult for un-educated rural household to avail employment thereby moving out of poverty.

• Ayushman Bharat Scheme: The scheme provides health coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to over 55 crore individuals. The scheme empowers individuals to seek cashless medical care at empanelled hospitals across the country. This significantly reduces financial burden and ensures timely access to critical treatments, especially for those who were previously unable to afford them.

• Challenges: This health insurance scheme is limited to secondary and tertiary health care, however it is not covered outpatient care, diagnostics and medicine as around 40%-80% medical cost is going to these services. Moreover the penetration of this scheme in second and third grade cities and towns in negligible.

• PM-Awas Yojana: The scheme was started with an objective of “Housing for All” by 2022, however the targets were revised to construct 2.95 crore houses by 2024 as having a own house is a life long objective/goal of many families in India.

• Challenges: The major challenges in implementation include inclusion of ineligible beneficiaries, shortfall in coverage of SC/ST beneficiaries, fraudulent sanction of houses and poor monitoring have not resulted in achieving the objective of the scheme.

Notwithstanding the above measures there are some serious concerns over relevance of data as household consumption expenditure surveys are absent from 2014 onwards and the impact of COVID-19 on poverty numbers has not been included. What is required apart from the multiplicity of schemes and programmes is to have political will and implementation to move India out of poverty and achieve “Vikasit Bharat (Developed Country)” status of 2047.

Directive word/s: Comment: It means express an opinion about an issue in speech or writing. You need to pick out main points of a subject and give your opinion by reinforcing your view with a proper evidence or logical conclusion.

Demands of the question:

• You need to take a view that neutrality and effectiveness of civil services is reduced in the present context by providing different reasons.
• You need to provide reforms that are required in civil services

Structure of your answer:

• Introduction: Talk about civil services as “Steel Frame of Indian Governance” and their role in ensuring neutrality, confidentiality
• Problems with the Indian civil services includes political interference, red tappism, bureaucracy, lack of specialisation, inadequate training etc
• Solutions include implementing standard operating procedures, political neutrality, fixed tenures, anti-corruption, vigilance mechanisms, better training programmes etc.

Answer: Civil Services in India are considered as “Steel Frame of Indian Governance” structure because of their critical role i.e to ensure neutrality, confidentiality and effectiveness in governance. However in recent times concerns have been arisen regarding their ability to maintain these principles, sparking debate on the need for reforms.

Reasons for the prevalence of this perception include:

• Political interference: It is often seen in the Indian executive system, where more sincere officers who do not toe with political executive are getting promotions in the form of transfer and others are getting promotions owing to their allegiance to political leaders.
• Red-tapism and bureaucracy: It is a legacy that Indian civil services acquired from Britishers, where bureaucrats acts as a omnipotent resulted into red-tapism and over bureaucracy
• Lack of specialised knowledge: As these civil servants has been recruited as generalised candidates who have less specialised knowledge in some domain which is required for modern governance structure.
• Corruption: India ranks 93^rd out of 180 countries in corruption perception index which is decreased from previous year by 1 point. Whish shown the large scale prevalence of corruption in Indian political and bureaucratic systems.
• Insufficient and ineffective training: The training and skill development programs for civil servants are often considered inadequate to prepare them for the challenges of modern governance.

Reforms that are required to make them suitable to contemporary governance requirements:

• Independence in working and fixed tenures: As many civil servants are complaining about the political interference in their working and transfers. Hence they need a fixed term in one location and independence to ensure all programmes to be implemented very effectively for the betterment of the society.
• Streamlining procedures: All the operating procedures to be codified to remove all hurdles and also use of technology to free flow of request proposals and adoption of e-governance tools are adopted.
• Anti-Corruption and Vigilance Mechanisms: Off-late corruption rate in the government official has been reduced, however it is still prevalent in many organisations. So, technology, vigilance and grievance redressal mechanisms to be adopted to establish a corruption free bureaucracy.
• Enhancing training and skill development: Upgrading training programs and promoting continuous skill development among civil servants can help prepare them for the challenges of modern governance and ensure their effectiveness in fulfilling their roles.

By addressing the various challenges and implementing the necessary reforms, the civil services can better serve the evolving needs of the nation and contribute to its progress.

Directive word/s: Analyse: Break the issue into constituent parts. Look in death at each part using supporting arguments/data/evidence for and against as well as how these interrelated to each other.

Demands of the question:

• First part: Need to talk about in few points on how energy security is most important part for India’s economic progress
• Second part: Need to talk about how India cooperates with West Asia to ensure its energy security

Structure of your answer:

• Introduction: Role of West Asia in India’s energy basket i.e 40% of oil and 70% natural gas imports and its role in 3E matrix of India with West Asia.
• India’s Energy policy towards West Asia includes Look West policy, bi-lateral trade agreements, strategic petroleum reserves and acquisition of natural resource projects
• Challenges include Regional conflicts, terrorism and India’s equations with USA and Russia making energy security more vulnerable.

Answer: West Asia is India’s extended neighbourhood with deep civilisation and people to people connect. West Asia contributes around 40% of oil and 70% of India’s energy basket thus became instrumental in ensuring our energy security and economic development as India’s total oil import dependency stood at 86%. Hence India has been following 3E matrix with West Asia which include Energy Security, Economic Engagement, and Expatriates of Indian origin and their welfare.

India’s Energy Policy Cooperation with West Asian Countries includes:

• India’s Look West Policy: Notwithstanding India has been importing lot of oils and natural gas from this region, countries in this region are major economic partners of India. For example, UAE is 3^rd largest and Saudi Arabia is India’s 4^th largest trading partners. Hence these countries looking beyond energy cooperation and moving towards strategic partnership build on energy cooperation.
• Bi-lateral Investment Agreements: Under the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement with UAE, India has been assured with continuous supply of oil to meet its energy security needs and also upstream and downstream petroleum networks in the country.
• Strategic Petroleum Reserves and Human Resource Training: Under various MoUs, various West Asian countries has been supplying oils and constructing strategic petroleum reserves in the country and to training our human resources to fill the gap in petro chemical industry. For example UAE and Saudi Arabia has been helping India in both construction and supply oil to these reserves.
• Acquiring natural resource projects in West Asia: India’s ONGC Videsh limited has acquired 100% stake in Black 20 which is 10500 square kilometres, which is West Asia’s largest exploration and development project in Iraq.
• Energy Diplomacy: India has been engaging in energy diplomacy to secure long-term contracts for oil and gas imports. This includes negotiating favourable terms with West Asian nations to ensure energy security.

Challenges for India’s Energy diplomacy in West Asia:

• Regional conflicts among West Asian Countries: The region has been witnessing frequent clashes between Iran and Saudi led blocks on sectarian lines to dominate the region and economy.
• Terrorism: The region is home to many terrorist organisations which aimed from establishing Islamic caliphate to control sea lanes of trade such as Islamic state to Hautis, which posed significant threat to India’s energy security and internal security concerns.
• India’s relations with USA and Russia: As cold war identities are not completely wiped out from West Asia as major global players supporting rival groups as part of their strategic policy tools, India being a non-aligned been at the received end of this rivalry as India’s has forced to zero out its oil imports from Iran.

Notwithstanding the above off late West Asian powers has been adopted the “Look East” policy to diversify their trade relations as major markets for their products are concentrated in India and China as they are world’s largest markets for oil. And growing strategic relations and growing influence of India has led these countries to prioritises their policy to lean towards India.

Directive word/s: Appraise: Given importance of something in the given context by going through the details and by providing relevant examples or data or supporting statements.

Demands of the question:

• Need to talk about Indian diaspora role in South East Asian Economy
• Need to talk about Indian diaspora role in South East Asian Society

Structure of your answer:

• Introduction: Talk about the Indian diaspora in numbers and their role from Look East policy to Act East policy
• Their role in Economic development include major investors in auto and manufacturing industries and major exporters of textile and promoted trade between India and the South East Asia.
• Role in Society include amalgamation of different religions, languages, contribution is polity and policy making, community development and part of education and health care sectors

Answer: Indian diaspora is spread in different parts of the world as well as in South East Asian countries which hosts around 2-3 million Indians. Since India launched the “Look East” and then to “Act East” policy to promote strategic and economic ties with West Asia the role of diaspora has in our relations has increased further.

Role of Indian diaspora in South East Asian Economy:

• Major investors in South East Asian Economies: The Tata Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates, has invested heavily in Southeast Asia and has a presence in industries such as automotive, steel, and hospitality. In Brunei, apart from running businesses, mini-marts and small restaurants, Indians have filled up the human resources vacuum – thus making an important contribution to its economy.
• Major exporters of textile in Philippines and Indonesia: members of the Indian Community have played a prominent role in the export of textile products which has powered their economy in the recent past. Part of Singapore’s IT industry today is being fuelled by Indian expertise. There is also a significant Indian contribution to scientific research including in biotechnology and medicine. 
• Trade: Historically, Indian have been involved in trade between India and South East Asian countries. They are involved in spice, textile and precious stone trades. Indian diaspora established extensive trade networks across South East Asia and established cities like Malacca and Penang.

Role of Indian diaspora in South East Asian Society:

• Be the agents of diverse society of South East Asia: Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia have integrated themselves into diverse societies, contributing to ethnic diversity. The spread of Hinduism and Buddhism is the result of such amalgamation and assimilation of the Indians into that culture.
• Part of politics and policy making: The Indian diaspora has also had a notable impact on the politics of Southeast Asian countries. Many Indian-origin individuals have held high-ranking positions in government and have influenced policy decisions. Some prominent persons of Indian origin include Singapore’s former President S. R. Nathan; & Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs S. Jayakumar, etc.
• Contribution to education and healthcare: Many Indian doctors and healthcare professionals are actively involved in providing medical services and training in local communities and many Indian have established schools and colleges and many Indians has been contributing the scientific development of their societies.
• Community development: Many NGO and Charitable organisations run by Indians have been actively working to eradicate poverty, women empowerment and environment sustainability. For example Asian Foundation and Peace Board SOS’s Children Village

The Indian diaspora has played a crucial role in the economic and social development of South-East Asian countries. Their contributions have helped to build bridges between India and these nations, facilitating trade and cultural exchange. As India continues to expand its economic and political influence globally, the Indian diaspora’s role in South-East Asia is likely to become even more critical in the years to come.