GS2 Final

INSIGHTSIAS
IA SIMPLIFYING IAS EXAM PREPARATION
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

MAINS MISSION - 2022
GS- 1I
APRIL 2022
www.insightsactivelearn.com | www.insightsonindia.com
NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They
are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is
content that both meets demand of the question and at the same time gives you
extra points in the form of background information.
Table of Contents
Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant
provisions and basic structure. .......................................................................................................... 7
Marital rape has no place in modern social jurisprudence and is inconsistent with the
constitutional rights of women. It is long overdue to criminalise martial rape in India. Critically
analyse. (250 words) ...................................................................................................................... 7
Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022 which provides legal sanction for police to obtain
physical and biological samples of convicts and detainees for making investigation of crime more
efficient and expeditious raises concerns about privacy and misuse. Critically analyse. (250 words)
.................................................................................................................................................... 10
Explain the importance of parliamentary accountability of the executive and various mechanisms
in the constitution to ensure it. (250 words) ................................................................................ 13
The data proposed to be collected through measurements of convicts and others does not appear
to be disproportionate with the stated objectives of the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act,
2022. The right of an individual will have to be considered in the background of the interests of
society. Critically analyse. (250 words) ......................................................................................... 15
The implementation of Article 44 of the Constitution and would promote social harmony, gender
equality and women’s empowerment. Critically Analyse. (250 words) ......................................... 17
Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and
Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in
the Polity. ........................................................................................................................................ 20
Digitisation of the judiciary offers key benefits in improving efficiency of the courts. However, the
lack of digital expertise is a major hindrance which needs to addressed. Analyse. (250 words) .... 20
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A major area of concern has been the number of pending cases in the courts which not only
hampers justice delivery but also has economic costs. Analyse the causes for huge pendency of
cases and suggest measures to reduce the burden. (250 words) .................................................. 23
Governors at times do not discharge their duties impartially and efficiently leading to politicisation
of the office of governor. Critically analyse. (250 words) .............................................................. 27
There is an urgent need to prepare a mid- to long-term plan to compensate for the learning loss
due to lockdown, with a sufficient focus on overall child development and provide for strategic,
innovative and lasting solutions. Analyse. (250 words)................................................................. 30
Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. ................................................................... 32
Critically analyse the electoral bond scheme as a unique poll funding instrument to achieve the
goal of transparency in political funding. (250 words) .................................................................. 32
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various
Constitutional Bodies. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies. ................................ 36
An independent umbrella body that brings the various investigative agencies under one roof holds
the key to shoring up their credibility and ensuring due diligence in investigation. Critically
analyse. ....................................................................................................................................... 36
Examine the issues that have hindered the performance and autonomy of Central Bureau of
Investigation (CBI) and the role of judiciary in ensuring that CBI does not act as a “caged parrot”.
(250 words) ................................................................................................................................. 37
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of
their design and implementation. .................................................................................................... 40
The relaxation of AFSPA is welcome, but gradual efforts should be made towards its repeal by
ensuring that law and order is maintained by normal means in disturbed areas. Examine. (250
words) ......................................................................................................................................... 40
Critically analyse the role that the Dam Safety Act, 2021, will play in addressing the issues
concerning the safety of major dams all over the country. (250 words) ....................................... 43
Examine the factors behind increasing cases of farmer suicides. What are the policy measures that
are needed to prevent them? (250 words) ................................................................................... 46
Critically analyse the role that the Dam Safety Act, 2021, will play in addressing the issues
concerning the safety of major dams all over the country. (150 words, 10 marks) ....................... 48
Examine the factors behind increasing cases of farmer suicides. What are the policy measures that
are needed to prevent them? (150 words, 10 marks) ................................................................... 51
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) aims to develop the backbone necessary to support
the integrated digital health infrastructure of the country. It will bridge the existing gap amongst
different stakeholders of healthcare ecosystem through digital highways. Critically analyse. (250
words) ......................................................................................................................................... 53
The efforts by the Union government to make the north eastern region the main pillar of the Act
East policy have been useful in bringing a sense of political stability that is very crucial for optimal
economic development in the region. Examine. (250 words) ....................................................... 56
In the context of Smart Cities Mission, what are Integrated Command and Control Centres
(ICCCs)? How can they play a part in improving amenities for people and seamless delivery of
services? (250 words) .................................................................................................................. 60
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the
performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the
protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. ................................................................ 62
After 74 years of independence and an array of schemes to meet the basic needs of citizens, it is
only a matter of logical progression that the state should now focus on creating a society of self-
dependent people with adequate livelihood opportunities. Cooperatives can be a key player in
achieving this transition. Comment. (250 words) ......................................................................... 62
Critically examine Mission Antyodaya’s role in creation of a convergence and accountability
framework for optimal utilisation and management of resources for the development of rural
areas. (250 words) ...................................................................................................................... 65
Role of civil services in a democracy. ............................................................................................... 67
Elaborate upon the importance of civil services in maintaining the unity, integrity and the federal
character of the nation and steering it to a path of prosperity. What reforms are needed to
improve their efficiency and effectiveness? (250 words) .............................................................. 67
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,
Education, Human Resources. ......................................................................................................... 71
The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD) is enormous on the health care system of the
nation. Analyse the role that AYUSH can play in addressing the issue of burgeoning NCDs. (250
words) ......................................................................................................................................... 71
The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD) is enormous on the health care system of the
nation. Analyse the role that AYUSH can play in addressing the issue of burgeoning NCDs. (150
words, 10 marks) ......................................................................................................................... 73
What is anti-microbial resistance (AMR)? What are the factors that lead to AMR? Evaluate India’s
preparedness in dealing with it. Do you think one health approach is a better way forward to deal
with it? (250 words) ..................................................................................................................... 75
Despite its huge population, India eradicated polio with strong commitment and consistent
efforts. Elucidate. What steps should India take to remain vigilant that no future outbreaks
happen? (250 words) ................................................................................................................... 79
Issues relating to poverty and hunger. ............................................................................................. 81
Alleviation of poverty remains a major challenge of economic development in the country.
Evaluate the various measure taken by the government to overcome poverty in India. (250 words)
.................................................................................................................................................... 81
India and its neighborhood- relations. ............................................................................................. 84
India-Nepal relations are in need of a rebalancing. This can be achieved by India emphasising on
Neighbourhood First Policy and Nepal reciprocating India’s efforts. Analyse. (250 words) ........... 84
The economic crisis in Sri Lanka is also having its spill over effect on India. Examine. How can
India’s priority for geo-economics and regional connectivity help Sri Lanka overcome this crisis?
(250 words) ................................................................................................................................. 88
With a special emphasis on fundamental Principles of India’s foreign policy, trace its evolution
since independence. (250 words) ................................................................................................ 90
Over the years, a number of differences have emerged between India and Nepal that need
attention. India needs to be a sensitive and generous partner for the “neighbourhood first” policy
to take root. Comment (250 words) ............................................................................................. 92
India should actively assist Sri Lanka tide over its economic crisis as part of its neighbourhood first
policy. Yet, Chinese propaganda attempting to tarnish India’s image both globally and before the
Sri Lankan masses needs to be proactively guarded against. Comment. (250 words) ................... 96
The future of SAARC remains bleak but it is in India’s interests to take the lead and work
collectively towards a secure and prosperous South Asia. Critically Analyse. (250 words) ............ 98
Resolute diplomacy, coupled with strong military resolve that deters any Chinese misadventures,
are an effective way to deal with border issues with China. Examine. (250 words) ..................... 101
Given Myanmar’s geostrategic significance and the continuing insurgency threat, disturbances in
Myanmar pose a direct and serious policy challenge to India. However, India must continue to
engage with Myanmar to restore democratic processes and prevent violence and conflict in
Myanmar. Analyse. (250 words) ................................................................................................ 104
Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. ........................ 105
For India, BIMSTEC allows the confluence of its Act East and the Neighbourhood Policies. Discuss
the potential of BIMSTEC in a rapidly changing Indo-Pacific region. (250 words) ........................ 105
Critically analyse India’s role with respect to various world affairs as the non-permanent member
of UNSC. Do you think that the UNSC needs reforming? (250 words) ......................................... 108
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s
interests. ....................................................................................................................................... 110
The recently signed Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and U.K has opened new
avenues for cooperation between the two countries which can lead to building of a lasting
partnership. Comment. (250 words) .......................................................................................... 110
India and the US are strategic partners today in the true sense of the term. But a partnership
among mature major powers is never about seeking a complete convergence. It is about
managing differences by ensuring a continuous dialogue and channelling these differences into
crafting new opportunities. Analyse. (250 words) ...................................................................... 113
The global multilateral institutions are inherently politicised and have often failed to represent the
real multinational issues and changing power dynamics within their grouping. Critically comment.
(250 words) ............................................................................................................................... 116
India’s foreign policy must revolve around developing and deepening links in health, space and
digital technologies in Africa for mutual benefits. Comment. (250 words) .................................. 118
India’s engagement with BRICS demonstrates that it retains strategic autonomy and engages with
all major powers irrespective of incongruences. However, BRICS countries need greater
connectivity and more inter-grouping trade to claim their rightful space global economic order
urgently. Analyse. (250 words)................................................................................................... 120
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian
Diaspora. ....................................................................................................................................... 122
The revival of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will be beneficial to all the stake
holders and also to check the proliferation of nuclear weapons. However, for its long-term
sustainability, transparency and mutual trust hold the key. ....................................................... 122
Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments,

significant provisions and basic structure.
Marital rape has no place in modern social jurisprudence and is inconsistent with the
constitutional rights of women. It is long overdue to criminalise martial rape in India.
Critically analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: the Hindu
Why the question: Over the last several months, arguments challenging the constitutionality of the
marital rape exception in Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) had gripped the Delhi High Court.
While the judgment in those petitions is still awaited, in one clean swoop Justice M. Nagaprasanna of
the Karnataka High Court on March 23, 2022, in the case of Hrishikesh Sahoo vs State of Karnataka,
pronounced the end of the marital rape exception.
Key Demand of the question: To write about the need to criminalise marital rape in India.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of
the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is
suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a
balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin the answer by giving context regarding criminalisation of marital rape.
Body:
First, mention the need to criminalise marital rape – against right to dignity under Article 21, Gender
violence, against article 14, marital rape has adverse and long-term consequences on women’s
health and well-being etc.
Next, write about the factors which creates obstacles for criminalisation of marital rape.
Suggest reforms to overcome the above issues.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
Marital rape is the act of sexual intercourse with one’s spouse without the consent of the other
spouse. Although it was once widely unrecognized by law and society as wrong or as a crime, it is
now recognized as rape by many societies around the world. Criminal Law in India has been
amended multiple times for the protection of the women. However, the non-criminalization of
marital rape in India undermines the dignity and human rights of women.
Over the last several months, arguments challenging the constitutionality of the marital rape
exception in Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) had gripped the Delhi High Court. While the
judgment in those petitions is still awaited, in one clean swoop Justice M. Nagaprasanna of the
Karnataka High Court on March 23, 2022, in the case of Hrishikesh Sahoo vs State of Karnataka,
pronounced the end of the marital rape exception.
Body
Current scenario:
 Marital rape has been impeached in more than 100 countries but, unfortunately, India is
one of the only 36 countries where marital rape is still not criminalized.
 In 2013, the UN Committee on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women

(CEDAW) recommended that the Indian government should criminalize marital rape.
 The JS Verma committee set up in the aftermath of nationwide protests over the December
16, 2012 gang rape case had also recommended the same.
 As per the NCRB report, in India, a woman is raped every 16 minutes, and every four
minutes, she experiences cruelty at the hands of her in-laws.
 An analysis of National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2015-16 data indicates that an
estimated 99.1 per cent of sexual violence cases go unreported and that the average Indian
woman is 17 times more likely to face sexual violence from her husband than from others.
Marital Rape: inconsistent with the law as well as the constitutional rights of women:
 Rape laws in our country continue with the patriarchal outlook of considering women to be
the property of men post marriage, with no autonomy or agency over their bodies.
 They deny married women equal protection of the laws guaranteed by the Indian
constitution.
 Lawmakers fail to understand that a marriage should not be viewed as a licence for a
husband to forcibly rape his wife with impunity. A married woman has the same right to
control her own body as does an unmarried woman.
 The concept of marital rape in India is the epitome of what we call an “implied consent”.
 Marriage between a man and a woman here implies that both have consented to sexual
intercourse and it cannot be otherwise.
 The centre argues that criminalising marital rape would destabilise the institution of
marriage and be an easy tool for harassing the husbands.
 It has cited the observations of the SC and various HCs on growing misuse of Section 498A
(harassment caused to a married woman by her husband and in-laws) of IPC.
 The Indian Penal Code, 1860, also communicates the same. Section 375 defines the offence
of rape with the help of six descriptions. One of the exceptions to this offence is “Sexual
intercourse or sexual acts by a man with his own wife, the wife not being under 15 years
of age, is not rape”.
 Earlier, Section 375 (Exception) created a classification not only between consent given by a
married and unmarried woman, but also between married females below 15 years of age
and over 15 years old. This was rightfully struck down by SC and made it 18 years.
Need to criminalize Marital Rape in India
 The SC judgment was only a small step towards striking down the legalisation of marital
rape.
 It is high time that the legislature should take cognisance of this legal infirmity and bring
marital rape within the purview of rape laws by eliminating Section 375 (Exception) of IPC.
 By removing this law, women will be safer from abusive spouses, can receive the help
needed to recover from marital rape and can save themselves from domestic violence and
sexual abuse.
 Indian women deserve to be treated equally, and an individual’s human rights do not
deserve to be ignored by anyone, including by their spouse.
Conclusion
Rape is rape, irrespective of the identity of the perpetrator, and age of the survivor. A woman who is
raped by a stranger, lives with a memory of a horrible attack; a woman who is raped by her husband
lives with her rapist. Our penal laws, handed down from the British, have by and large remained
untouched even after 73 years of independence. But English laws have been amended and marital
rape was criminalised way back in 1991. No Indian government has, however, so far shown an active
interest in remedying this problem.
Value Addition: Important cases and Committee reports
 The government defended exception to marital rape in Independent Thought v. Union of

India (2017) saying it against the institution of marriage.
 However, rejecting this claim, the Supreme Court observed, “Marriage is not institutional
but personal – nothing can destroy the ‘institution’ of marriage except a statute that
makes marriage illegal and punishable.”
 In Joseph Shine v. Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court held that the offence of adultery
was unconstitutional because it was founded on the principle that a woman is her husband’s
property after marriage.
Way forward:
 What constitutes marital rape and marital non-rape needs to be defined precisely before a
view on its criminalisation is taken.
 Defining marital rape would call for a broad based consensus of the society.
 States should intervene in the matter, since criminal law is on the concurrent list and
implemented by states —and given the vast diversity in cultures across states.
 Factors like literacy, lack of financial empowerment of the majority of females, mindset of
the society, vast diversity, poverty, etc., should be considered carefully before taking any
decision.
 The need for “moral and social awareness” to stop such an act.
 The recent privacy judgment by the Supreme Court is also set to play an important role. The
right to bodily integrity is a crucial facet of Article 21.
 Timely medical care and rehabilitation, skill development and employment for facilitating
economic independence of victims.
 Need for undertaking both legal and social reforms to deal with the menace of marital rape
Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022 which provides legal sanction for police
to obtain physical and biological samples of convicts and detainees for making
investigation of crime more efficient and expeditious raises concerns about privacy
and misuse. Critically analyse. (250 words)

Reference: Indian Express
Why the question: On March 28, Minister of State for Home Ajay Kumar Mishra introduced The
Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022 in Lok Sabha. If passed, it will allow police and prison
authorities to collect, store and analyse physical and biological samples including retina and iris scans
of convicted, arrested and detained persons. At the introduction stage, Opposition members opposed
the Bill terming it “unconstitutional” and an attack on privacy.
Key Demand of the question: To analyse the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022, its
positives and concerns associated with it.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by writing about the aims and objectives of Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022
Body:
First write about the important features of the bill which to repeal The Identification of Prisoners Act,
1920 – it would define ‘‘measurements’’ to include “signature, handwriting, iris and retina scan,
physical, biological samples and their analysis, etc, empowers the National Crime Records Bureau of
India (NCRB), under the Union Home Ministry, to collect, store and preserve the record of
measurements for at least 75 years etc.
Next, write about how this will assist in making investigation of crime more efficient and expeditious
– higher convictions rate, easy of data access, coordination among agencies etc.
Next, write about the various concerns with respect to the bills – unfettered powers to law
enforcement agencies to interpret the law as per their convenience, ambiguous wording, scope for
misuse etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to address the above concerns.
Introduction
The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022 was introduced in the Lok Sabha. It seeks to
replace the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920 which regulates how the police can gather data from
convicted or suspected criminals. The objective of the bill is to ensure more efficient and expeditious
investigation of crime by the use of modern technology.
Body
Key Provisions of Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022

 It seeks to repeal the Identification of Prisoners Act 1920. The said Act, in its present form,
provides access to a limited category of persons whose body measurements can be taken.
 It authorises law enforcement agencies to collect, store and analyse physical and biological
samples of convicts and other persons for the purposes of identification and investigation in
criminal matters.
 The Bill also authorises police to record signatures, handwriting or other behavioural
attributes referred to in section 53 or section 53A of the Code of Criminal Procedure,
1973,for the purposes of analysis.
 As per the Bill, any person convicted, arrested or held under any preventive detention law
will be required to provide “measurements”to a police officer or a prison official.
 Any state government of Union Territory administration may notify an appropriate agency
tocollect, preserve and share the measurements of a person of interest in their respective
jurisdictions.
 Resistance to or refusal to allow the taking of measurements under this Act shall be deemed
to be an offence under section 186 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Need for and significance of the Bill:
 The bill makes provisions for the use of modern techniquesto capture and record
appropriate body measurements.
 The Bill states that it is necessary to expand the “ambit of persons” whose measurements
can be taken as this will help investigating agencies gather sufficient legally admissible
evidence and establish the crime of the accused person.
 The Bill will not only help investigation agencies but also increase prosecution. There is also
a chance of an increase in conviction rates in courts through this.
 It is expected to minimise the threat from organised crime, cybercriminals and terrorists
who are proficient in identity thefts and identity frauds.
 The bill will help to check serious national and global threats posed by them.
Shortcomings of the bill
 The proposed law considerably expands its scope and reach.
 It violates Article 20 (3) of the Constitutionthat safeguards the rights of citizens by providing
that “no person accused of an offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself”.
 The Bill implied use of force in collection of biological information, could also lead to narco
analysis and brain mapping.
 The proposed law, that also provides for retaining the people’s measurements for 75 years
from the date of collection, was in “violation of the Right to be Forgottenenshrined in the
Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution”.
 The phrase ‘biological samples’ is not described further, hence, it could involve bodily
invasions such as drawing of blood and hair, collection of DNA samples. These are acts that
currently require the written sanction of a magistrate.
 The Bill proposes to collect samples even from protestors engaged in political protests. It
infringes upon the right to privacy.
Way forward
 The need of the hour is a strong data protection law,with stringent punishment for
breaches, should be in place.
 The bill must be referred to a Standing Committee for deeper scrutinybefore it is enacted
into law, as now pre-legislative consultation was done.
 Measures need to be taken for better implementation of the lawas well.

 There is a need to have more experts to collect measurementsfrom the scene of crime,
more forensic labs, and equipment to analyse them to identify possible accused involved in a
criminal case.
 Thetraining of the investigation officers, prosecutors, judicial officers and collaboration

with doctors and forensic experts need to be prioritised too.
Explain the importance of parliamentary accountability of the executive and various

mechanisms in the constitution to ensure it. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Why the question:
The Monsoon Session of the Indian Parliament in 2021 saw the Lok Sabha clearing over 18 bills with
about 34 minutes of discussion for each. The Essential Defence Services Bill (2021), enabling the
government to prohibit strikes, lockouts and lay-offs in units in the defence industry, saw 12 minutes
of debate in the Lok Sabha, while the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill (2021) had
just five minutes of debate (PRS India, 2021). Not one bill was referred to a parliamentary committee.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the importance of parliamentary accountability and various mechanisms to ensure it.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the
context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant
associated facts.
Introduction:
Define parliamentary accountability.
Body:
First, write about the importance of parliamentary accountability for a democracy – checks and
balances, preventing authoritarian tendencies, ensuring welfare and avoiding corruption etc.
Next, write about the various methods mentioned in the constitution to ensure parliamentary
accountability of the executive.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to uphold and promote parliamentary accountability of the
executive.
Introduction
The Constitution provides for the legislature to make laws, the government to implement laws, and
the courts to interpret and enforce these laws. While the judiciary is independent from the other
two branches, the government is formed with the support of a majority of members in the
legislature. Therefore, the government is collectively responsible to Parliament for its actions.
This implies that Parliament (i.e. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) can hold the government accountable
for its decisions, and scrutinise its functioning. This may be done using various methods including,
during debates on Bills or issues on the floor of Parliament, by posing questions to ministers during
Question Hour, and in parliamentary committees.
Body
Importance of parliamentary accountability
The makers of our constitution made sure that each arm of power could be held accountable for its
actions by the other, by this logic, the executive, is accountable to the legislature for all its actions
involving the implementation of laws or policies.
 The Parliamentary debates on policies and amendments procedures, by which the

legislature gets various points regarding the laws and policies clarified and sometimes
amended if necessary. Land Acquisition Bill was not passed
 The control of the legislature over the spending of government monies, through various
committees set up for this purpose.
 Parliament control over taxes, which cannot be imposed without the consent of the
parliament.
 Control over major moves by the government, like appointment of the president,
amendment of the constitution, declaration of war
 Accountability of the council of ministers to the parliament and the ability of the
parliament to express its loss of confidence in the current government.
Mechanisms in Constitution to ensure executive accountability to the Parliament
 Parliament sessions: The maximum gap between two sessions of Parliament cannot be
more than six months. In other words, the Parliament should meet at least twice a year.
 Question hour: One of the forums of holding the government accountable for its actions is
the Question Hour. During Question Hour, MPs may pose questions to ministers related to
the implementation of laws and policies by the government.
 Motions:
o Privilege Motion: It is concerned with the breach of parliamentary privileges by a

minister. It is moved by a member when he feels that a minister has committed a
breach of privilege of the House or one or more of its members by withholding facts
of a case or by giving wrong or distorted facts. Its purpose is to censure the
concerned minister.
o Calling Attention Motion: It is introduced in the Parliament by a member to call the

attention of a minister to a matter of urgent public importance, and to seek an
authoritative statement from him on that matter.
o No-Confidence Motion: Article 75 of the Constitution says that the council of

ministers shall be collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. In other words, the Lok
Sabha can remove the ministry from office by passing a no-confidence motion.
 Half-an-Hour Discussion: It is meant for discussing a matter of sufficient public importance,

which has been subjected to a lot of debate and the answer to which needs elucidation on a
matter of fact. The Speaker can allot three days in a week for such discussions.
 Parliamentary committees: The functions of the Parliament are varied, complex and
voluminous. Moreover, it has neither the adequate time nor necessary expertise to make a
detailed scrutiny of all legislative measures and other matters. Therefore, it is assisted by a
number of committees in the discharge of its duties. Eg: Finance committee, Departmental
standing committees etc.
Conclusion
Under the Constitution of India, the relationship between the Executive and the Parliament is based
on mutual trust and confidence. Parliament has almost unlimited right of information and criticism
ex post facto and the Executive has likewise unlimited right to initiate and formulate proposals and
policies arid to give effect to the approved policies, unfettered and unhindered.
In essence, Parliament must respect the Executive and the Executive must feet parliamentary
influence all the time. So long as this equilibrium is maintained, there is every reason to believe that
the government of the country will be carried on in accordance with the wishes of the people. The
success of our system lies in our having in fact this happy balance and blending.
The data proposed to be collected through measurements of convicts and others does
not appear to be disproportionate with the stated objectives of the Criminal
Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022. The right of an individual will have to be
considered in the background of the interests of society. Critically analyse. (250
words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022 (now Act), that received the President’s assent on
April 18 and ‘shall come into force on the day of such notification’, has raised eyebrows.
To analyse the Criminal Procedure (Identification) act, its positives and negatives and the need to
balance the rights of individuals and societal interests.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature
of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’
is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a
Introduction:
Begin by writing about the aims and objectives of Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022
Body:
First write about the important features of the bill which to repeal The Identification of Prisoners Act,
1920 – it would define ‘‘measurements’’ to include “signature, handwriting, iris and retina scan,
physical, biological samples and their analysis, etc, empowers the National Crime Records Bureau of
India (NCRB), under the Union Home Ministry, to collect, store and preserve the record of
measurements for at least 75 years etc.
Next, write about how this will assist in making investigation of crime more efficient and expeditious
– higher convictions rate, easy of data access, coordination among agencies etc.
Next, write about the various concerns with respect to the bills – unfettered powers to law
enforcement agencies to interpret the law as per their convenience, ambiguous wording, scope for
misuse etc. Mention about the various constitutional aspects and SC interpretations in various cases.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced opinion forward.
Introduction
The Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022 was introduced in the Lok Sabha. It seeks to
replace the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920 which regulates how the police can gather data from
convicted or suspected criminals. The objective of the bill is to ensure more efficient and expeditious
investigation of crime by the use of modern technology.
Body
Key Provisions of Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022
 It seeks to repeal the Identification of Prisoners Act 1920. The said Act, in its present form,
provides access to a limited category of persons whose body measurements can be taken.
 It authorises law enforcement agencies to collect, store and analyse physical and biological
samples of convicts and other persons for the purposes of identification and investigation in
criminal matters.
 The Bill also authorises police to record signatures, handwriting or other behavioural
attributes referred to in section 53 or section 53A of the Code of Criminal Procedure,
1973,for the purposes of analysis.
 As per the Bill, any person convicted, arrested or held under any preventive detention law
will be required to provide “measurements”to a police officer or a prison official.
 Any state government of Union Territory administration may notify an appropriate agency
tocollect, preserve and share the measurements of a person of interest in their respective
jurisdictions.
 Resistance to or refusal to allow the taking of measurements under this Act shall be deemed
to be an offence under section 186 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Need for and significance of the Bill:

 The bill makes provisions for the use of modern techniquesto capture and record
appropriate body measurements.
 The Bill states that it is necessary to expand the “ambit of persons” whose measurements
can be taken as this will help investigating agencies gather sufficient legally admissible
evidence and establish the crime of the accused person.
 The Bill will not only help investigation agencies but also increase prosecution. There is also
a chance of an increase in conviction rates in courts through this.
 It is expected to minimise the threat from organised crime, cybercriminals and terrorists
who are proficient in identity thefts and identity frauds.
 The bill will help to check serious national and global threats posed by them.
Shortcomings of the bill
 The proposed law considerably expands its scope and reach.
 It violates Article 20 (3) of the Constitutionthat safeguards the rights of citizens by providing
that “no person accused of an offence shall be compelled to be a witness against himself”.
 The Bill implied use of force in collection of biological information, could also lead to narco
analysis and brain mapping.
 The proposed law, that also provides for retaining the people’s measurements for 75 years
from the date of collection, was in “violation of the Right to be Forgottenenshrined in the
Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution”.
 The phrase ‘biological samples’ is not described further, hence, it could involve bodily
invasions such as drawing of blood and hair, collection of DNA samples. These are acts that
currently require the written sanction of a magistrate.
 The Bill proposes to collect samples even from protestors engaged in political protests. It
infringes upon the right to privacy.
Way forward
 The need of the hour is a strong data protection law,with stringent punishment for
breaches, should be in place.
 The bill must be referred to a Standing Committee for deeper scrutinybefore it is enacted
into law, as now pre-legislative consultation was done.
 Measures need to be taken for better implementation of the lawas well.
 There is a need to have more experts to collect measurementsfrom the scene of crime,
more forensic labs, and equipment to analyse them to identify possible accused involved in a
criminal case.
 Thetraining of the investigation officers, prosecutors, judicial officers and collaboration

with doctors and forensic experts need to be prioritised too.
The implementation of Article 44 of the Constitution and would promote social

harmony, gender equality and women’s empowerment. Critically Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate.
Reference: New Indian Express
Why the question:
With the BJP coming to power in several states, many leaders of this party at the state level have
begun campaigning for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country.
To write about analyse the debate regarding introduction of the Uniform civil code.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by defining Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as per article 44.
Body:
First, explaining the aims and objectives behind UCC in India.
Next, discuss in detail the arguments for UCC in India – Mentioned in DPSP, uniformity of laws,
achieving equality, simplification of law, progressive measure etc.
Next, discuss in detail the arguments against the UCC in India – Lack of consensus, against cultural
diversity, right of minorities, tribal customs etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by giving a balanced opinion regarding UCC.
Introduction
A Uniform Civil Code is one that would provide for one law for the entire country, applicable to all
religious communities in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption
etc. It proposes to replace the personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major
religious community in the country with a common set of laws governing every citizen.
Article 44 of the Constitution lays down that the state shall endeavor to secure a Uniform Civil Code
for the citizens throughout the territory of India.
Body
Background
 While delivering a judgment legitimising the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867, the Supreme
Court reportedly described Goa as a “shining example” with a Uniform Civil Code
 The previous Chief Justice of India (CJI) S A Bobde recently lauded Goa’s Uniform Civil Code,
and encouraged “intellectuals” indulging in “academic talk” to visit the state to learn more
about it.
 The Delhi High Court, in a very revolutionary decision, backed the need for a Uniform Civil
Code observing that there is a need for a Code – ‘common to all’ in the country and asked
the central government to take the necessary steps in this matter.
Article 44 benefits:
 Promotion of secularism: One set of laws to govern the personal matters of all citizens
irrespective of religion is the cornerstone of true secularism. A secular republic needs a
common law for all citizens rather than differentiated rules based on religious practices. It
would help end gender discrimination on religious grounds and strengthens the secular
fabric of the nation.
 Protection of Vulnerable & Women’s Rights: It will protect the vulnerable sections of
society. Women have been denied via personal laws in the name of socio cultural-religious
traditions. Therefore UCC could bring all communities together to ensure Women the Right
to a dignified life and control over their life as well as body.
 Gender justice:The rights of women are usually limited under religious law, be it Hindu or
Muslim. Many practices governed by religious tradition are at odds with the fundamental
rights guaranteed in the Indian Constitution. Courts have also often said in their judgements
that the government should move towards a uniform civil code including the judgement
in the Shah Bano case.
 Prevents religion-based discrimination: Personal laws differentiate between people on

grounds of religion. A unified law having the same provisions regarding marital affairs would
provide justice to those who feel discriminated against.
 Ending unjust customs and traditions: A rational common and unified personal law will help
eradicate many evil, unjust and irrational customs and traditions prevalent across the
communities. For example, Law against Manual scavenging. It might have been a custom in
the past but in a mature democracy like India, this custom cannot be justified.
 Indian laws do follow a uniform code in most civil matters –Indian Contract Act, Civil
Procedure Code, Sale of Goods Act, Transfer of Property Act, Partnership Act, Evidence Act
etc. States, however, have made hundreds of amendments and therefore in certain matters,
there is diversity even under these secular civil laws.
 Justice Prathiba M Singh of Delhi HC stated that the modern Indian society was gradually
becoming homogenous, the traditional barriers of religion, community and caste are slowly
dissipating and thus UCC ought not to remain a mere hope.
 Eases Administration: UCC would make it easy to administer the huge population base of
India.
Challenges facing the passage of UCC:
 Violation of fundamental rights:Religious bodies oppose uniform civil code on the ground
that it would be interference into religious affairs which would violate fundamental rights
guaranteed under article 25 of the constitution.
 Reduces diversity:It would reduce the diversity of the nation by painting everyone in one
colour. Tribals have their unique customs and traditions as per their culture. Replacing their
customs and traditions with a unified law may lead to the identity crisis of the tribals. This
may further lead to social tension.
 Communal politics:It would be a tyranny to the minority and when implemented could bring
a lot of unrest in the country.
 Threat to Multiculturalism: Indian society has a unique identity in the form of its being
multiculturalism, and unified law might do away with these unique characteristics of this
nation.
 Affects Majority as well: For example, even Hindus themselves have separate Hindu laws
for themselves. Thus, it is not merely a question for minorities but it also affects the
majority.
 Lacking Political Will: Bigger issues have been resolved by the BJP Government like Ayodhya
Dispute, repeal of Article 370, so with adequate will from the political community, UCC could
also be implemented
 Sensitive and tough task – Such a code, in its true spirit, must be brought about by
borrowing freely from different personal laws, making gradual changes in each, issuing
judicial pronouncements assuring gender equality, and adopting expansive interpretations
on marriage, maintenance, adoption, and succession by acknowledging the benefits that one
community secures from the others. This task will be very demanding time and human
resource wise. The government should be sensitive and unbiased at each step while dealing
with the majority and minority communities. Otherwise, it might turn out to be more
disastrous in a form of communal violence.
 Time is not yet suitable for this reform – Considering a major opposition from Muslim
community in India over this issue overlapping with controversies over beef, saffronization
of school and college curriculum, love jihad, and the silence emanating from the top
leadership on these controversies, there needs to be given sufficient time for instilling
confidence in the community. Otherwise, these efforts towards common will be
counterproductive leaving minority class particularly Muslims more insecure and vulnerable
to get attracted towards fundamentalist and extremist ideologies.
Way forward
 Major sensitization efforts are needed to reform current personal law reforms which should
first be initiated by the communities themselves.
 Current institutions need to be modernized, democratized and strengthened for this change.
Sincere efforts towards women empowerment have to be taken for all women of all
religions.
 UCC can only emerge through an evolutionary process, which preserves India’s rich legal
heritage, of which all the personal laws are equal constituents.
 The social transformation from diverse civil code to uniformity shall be gradual and cannot
happen in a day. Therefore, the government must adopt a piecemeal approach and no knee-
jerk decisions.
 There is need for deliberations and discussions among members of various communities to
reach a common ground.
Conclusion
The guiding principles of the Constitution itself visualize diversity and have tried to promote
uniformity among peoples of different denominations. A uniform law, although highly desirable but
may be counterproductive to the unity and integrity of the nation. Hence, only those elements of
customs and traditions should be brought into a unified law that causes injustice to individuals. In a
democracy and rule of law, a gradual progressive change and order must be brought about.
Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—

Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and
formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
Digitisation of the judiciary offers key benefits in improving efficiency of the courts.
However, the lack of digital expertise is a major hindrance which needs to addressed.
Analyse. (250 words)

Reference: livelaw
Why the question: Dr. Justice Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud joined an event organised by the High
Court of Orissa to inaugurate e-filing 3.0 for the High Court and District and Subordinate Courts of
the State, Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centres with Virtual Courtrooms in District Court
Establishments and Odisha Judicial Workflow Automation System (OJWAS) for paperless office in the
High Court.
Key Demand of the question: To write about the approach that needs to be taken for digitisation of
courts.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the
topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Introduction:
Begin by giving context towards increased Digitisation of the judiciary in the recent times.
Body:
Mention the advantages that the digitisation of judiciary brings. Especially with respect disruptions
caused by the pandemic.
Next, bring out the concerns associated with e-Courts. Need for performance audits and sandboxing
measures to carefully understand and gauge the potential and risks.
Write about additional measures that are required to realise the full potential e-courts
Conclusion:
Introduction
The Covid-19 pandemic continues to challenge traditional services’ delivery, including access to
justice and effective justice delivery. Given the worrying situation in terms of pendency and time
taken for resolution of disputes, the pandemic has led to introspection and an immediate pivot to
fast-tracking innovation led by technology.
Body
Background
Dr. Justice Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud joined an event organised by the High Court of Orissa to
inaugurate e-filing 3.0 for the High Court and District and Subordinate Courts of the State,
Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centres with Virtual Courtrooms in District Court Establishments and
Odisha Judicial Workflow Automation System (OJWAS) for paperless office in the High Court.
Advantages of online dispute resolution to the Indian judiciary:
 The key advantages of establishment of Electronic Courts in India is bringing in a justice

serving mechanism that is transparent, efficient, affordable, time saving, protects the
interests of witnesses, reduces the backlog of pending cases and most importantly reduces
the number of unscrupulous activities.
 Entire information related to a particular case would be available online. It would be

available to the attorneys, parties and the general public through the help of internet.
 Registered attorneys can file their case document directly from their home or office. They do
not have to worry about postage, traffic congestion or messenger services. They can create a
docket sheet and update it immediately, when the documents are filed.
 With the help of internet, the documents of a case can be accessed easily from anywhere at
anytime.
 E-courts would help in the computerization of work flow management in courts. Thus, it
would help to create a better court and case management. Video conferencing facilities
would be installed in every court complex. Evidence of eyewitness, who are unable to attend
the court can be recorded through this method.
 The information would not be misplaced as all the information regarding the case would be
carefully recorded and stored. Data keeping would include maintaining the records of e-file
minute entries, bail orders, warrants etc.
 In many cases, the witnesses are not able to come to the court and make their statement as
the other party is too strong and scares them of the consequences. e-Courts can help in
dealing with such cases.
Limitations of online dispute resolution in judiciary:

 E-courts in India is an endless and complicating process. The process of e-filing a document
is a difficult process. All the evidence cannot be produced in a digital format.
 Lack of techno legal expertise is the main reason for the poor status of e-courts in India.
With the absence of techno legal expertise, electronic courts cannot be established in India.
The country requires more techno legal e-court centers so that the project of e-court can
achieve success.
 The project of e-court involves a lot of expenditure. It involves the use of a lot of computers
and infrastructures. In the long run, e-courts may face the issue of lack of funds.
 Hackers are getting stronger with every passing day. The possibility of e-Courts getting
hacked in such a case cannot be denied.
Measures needed:
 It is critical to draw up a well-defined and pre-decided framework as it can help in laying a

concrete roadmap and direction to the e-courts scheme of India.
 To achieve this, the government must establish an effective task force consisting of judges,
technologists, court administrators, skill developers and system analysts to draw up a
blueprint for institutionalizing online access to justice.
 Such a task force must be charged with the responsibility of establishing hardware, software
and IT systems for courts; examining application of artificial intelligence benefiting from the
data base generated through e-courts projects; establishing appropriate e-filing systems and
procedures.
 Creating skill training and recognition for paralegals to understand and to help advocates
and others to access the system to file their cases and add to their pleadings and documents
as the case moves along.
 Once the blueprint is ready, the High Courts across the country may refer the same to the
Rule Committee of the High Court to frame appropriate rules to operationalise the e-court
system.
 One aspect that needs to be focused on is the deployment of a robust security system that
provides secure access to case information for appropriate parties. The security of e-courts
infrastructure and system is of paramount importance.
 Also, user friendly e-courts mechanism, which is simple and easily accessible by the common
public will encourage litigants to use such facilities in India.
 The government must also make dedicated efforts in the training of personnel to maintain
all the e-data.
 Also, conducting training sessions to familiarize the Judges with the e-courts framework and
procedure can give a huge impetus to the successful running of e-courts.
Way forward for Indian litigation and arbitration:
 In India, a significant amount of time is spent in resolving disputes which has been the real
bane of the Indian judiciary system.
 The e-courts project, if implemented, would go a long way in saving costs and time for the
litigants.
 The present government is taking active steps to establish e-courts all over India. All these
government efforts will result in providing quick and cost effective solutions to the litigants.
 The judiciary system in India with the help of e-courts can overcome the challenges and
make the service delivery mechanism transparent and cost efficient.
 Further, the e-court project also requires the executive and the judiciary to reaffirm their
resolve to support a speedy, efficient and quality justice delivery in the country.
 It is also important to discuss steps required to surmount the various challenges facing the
justice system.
Value addition
e-Courts project as part of virtual judiciary was conceptualized on the basis of the “National Policy
and Action Plan for Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the
Indian Judiciary – 2005” submitted by eCommittee, Supreme Court of India with a vision to
transform the Indian Judiciary by ICT enablement of Courts.
e-Courts objectives:
 To provide efficient & time-bound citizen centric services delivery as detailed in eCourt
Project Litigant’s Charter.
 To develop, install & implement decision support systems in courts.

 To automate the processes to provide transparency in accessibility of information to its
stakeholders.
 To enhance judicial productivity, both qualitatively & quantitatively, to make the justice
delivery system affordable, accessible, cost effective, predictable, reliable and transparent.
A major area of concern has been the number of pending cases in the courts which
not only hampers justice delivery but also has economic costs. Analyse the causes for
huge pendency of cases and suggest measures to reduce the burden. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy.
Why the question:

The retirements in the topmost rung of the judiciary in 2022 would encompass changes in the
powerful Supreme Court Collegium and see two new Chief Justices in a span of months. But the
retirements come at a time when the court is in the process of steadying itself after particularly
brutal waves of the pandemic. Even as the virus refuses to leave for good, the court continues to
grapple with pendency.
To write about the causes for pendency of cases in India, its impact and suggest measures to
overcome.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Describe the current conditions with few vital statistics to substantiate the pendencies.
Body:
First write the causes for it – The cumulative effect of persisting vacancies, strained budgets,
inadequate infrastructure combined with the continuous inflow of cases inevitably impacts mounting
pendency and the time taken for cases to resolve.
Next bring out the impact of it – faith in the justice system, under trial prisoners their due of justice,
impact on Economic reforms and foreign investors, Judiciary becomes overworked and lose its
efficiency.
Suggest measures to overcome the above.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward to ensure speedy delivery of justice.
Introduction
The justice system in any democracy is set up, under the Constitution to serve the public without
“fear or favour, affection or ill-will” as far as judges are concerned. The Indian Judiciary plays an
increasingly important role in the life and the governance of this country. A measure of the justice
delivery system is the pendency of cases in courts across the country. There has been a significant
deterioration in this aspect.
Body
Background
 The retirements in the topmost rung of the judiciary in 2022 would encompass changes in
the powerful Supreme Court Collegium and see two new Chief Justices in a span of months.
 The working judicial strength is 32 against the sanctioned strength of 34.
 The Supreme Court’s statistics show that 70,362 cases are pending with it as on April 1,
2022.
 While 52,110 are admission matters, 18,522 are regular hearing cases.
 The number of Constitution Bench cases (both main and connected matters) total 422.
Causes for huge pendency of cases:
 Shifting role of SC:
o The key reason for the mounting of pending cases can be attributed to shifting the
role of the Supreme Court from adjudicating cases of constitutional significance
into a regular court of appeals.
o According to legal experts, most of the cases that the Supreme Court was handling
daily are either appeals from various high courts or cases of gross violation of
individual’s fundamental rights. But this role was never meant for the apex court.
 Shortage of judges:
o From 1950 to 1921, the number of Supreme Court judges has increased nearly four
times. Even then, case pendency has steadily kept rising.
o Around 5,580 or 25% of posts are lying empty in the subordinate courts, which leads
to poor Judges to Population Ratio, as India has only 20 judges per million
population. Earlier, Law Commission had recommended 50 judges per million.
 Frequent adjournments:
o The laid down procedure of allowing a maximum of three adjournments per case is
not followed in over 50 per cent of the matters being heard by courts, leading to
rising pendency of cases.
 Low budgetary allocation leading to poor infrastructure:
o India spends only about 09% of its GDP to maintain the judicial infrastructure.
o Infrastructure status of lower courts of the country is miserably grim due to which
they fail to deliver quality judgements.
o A 2016 report published by the Supreme Court showed that existing infrastructure
could accommodate only 15,540 judicial officers against the all-India sanctioned
strength of 20,558.
 Burden of government cases:
o Statistics provided by LIMBS shows that the Centre and the States were responsible
for over 46% of the pending cases in Indian courts.
 Special leave petition:
o cases in the Supreme Court, currently comprises to 40% of the court’s pendency.
o It is because of frivolous PILs and various government policies which are challenged
by the people that takes up most of judiciary’s time
 Judges Vacation:
o Supreme Court’s works on average for 188 days a year, while apex court rules
specify minimum of 225 days of work.
 Lack of court management systems:
o Courts have created dedicated posts for court managers to help improve court
operations, optimize case movement and judicial time.
o However, only few courts have filled up such posts so far.
 Inefficient investigation:
o Police are quite often handicapped in undertaking effective investigation for want of
modern and scientific tools to collect evidences.
Measures needed:
 Improving infrastructure for quality justice:
o The Parliamentary Standing Committee which presented its report on

Infrastructure Development and Strengthening of Subordinate Courts, suggested:
o States should provide suitable land for construction of court buildings etc. It should
undertake vertical construction in light of shortage of land.
o Timeline set out for computerization of all the courts, as a necessary step towards
setting up of e- courts.
 Addressing the Issue of Vacancies:
o Ensure the appointments of the judges be done in an efficient way by arriving at an

optimal judge strength to handle the cases pending in the system.
o The 120th Law Commission of India report for the first time, suggested a judge
strength fixation formula.
o Supreme Court and High Courts should appoint efficient and experienced judges as
Ad-hoc judges in accordance with the Constitution.
o All India Judicial Service, which would benefit the subordinate judiciary by
increasing quality of judges and help reduce the pendency.
 Timeframe to dispose of cases:
o Having a definite time frame to dispose the cases by setting annual targets and
action plans for the subordinate judiciary and the High Courts. The judicial officers
could be issued a strict code of conduct, to ensure that the duties are adequately
performed by the officials.
o Strict regulation of adjournments and imposition of exemplary costs for seeking it on

flimsy grounds especially at the trial stage and not permitting dilution of time frames
specified in Civil Procedure Code.
 Better Court Management System & Reliable Data Collection:
o For this categorization of cases on the basis of urgency and priority along with
bunching of cases should be done.
 Use of Information technology (IT) solutions:
o The use of technology for tracking and monitoring cases and in providing relevant
information to make justice litigant friendly.
o All the courts in the country must switch to a hybrid virtual mode immediately and
start disposing cases.
 Process reengineering:
o Involves redesigning of core business processes to achieve dramatic improvements

in productivity and quality by incorporating the use of technology in court rules. It
will include:
o Electronic filing of cases: e-Courts are a welcome step in this direction, as they give
case status and case history of all the pending cases across High courts and
Subordinate courts bringing ease of access to information.
o Revamping of National Judicial Data Grid by introducing a new type of search
known as elastic search, which is closer to the artificial intelligence.
 Alternate dispute resolution (ADR):
o As stated in the Conference on National Initiative to Reduce Pendency and Delay in

Judicial System- Legal Services Authorities should undertake pre-litigation mediation
so that the inflow of cases into courts can be regulated.
o The Lok Adalat should be organized regularly for settling civil and family matters.
o Gram Nyayalayas, as an effective way to manage small claim disputes from rural
areas which will help in decreasing the workload of the judicial institution.
o Village Legal Care & Support Centre can also be established by the High Courts to
work at grass root level to make the State litigation friendly.
Conclusion
The fundamental requirement of a good judicial administration is accessibility, affordability and

speedy justice, which will not be realized until and unless the justice delivery system is made within
the reach of the individual in a time bound manner and within a reasonable cost. Therefore,
continuous formative assessment is the key to strengthen and reinforce the justice delivery system
in India.
Governors at times do not discharge their duties impartially and efficiently leading to
politicisation of the office of governor. Critically analyse. (250 words)
Why the question:
The ongoing standoff between the Tamil Nadu government and Governor R N Ravi is not only the
result of current grievances but also draws from the ideological position of the ruling DMK.
To critically write about the role often played by the Governor in the Indian setup.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Give brief introduction of Governor in Indian Polity.
Body:
Highlight first the significance of the post of Governor as enshrined in the Indian constitution.
Discuss the issues related to abuse of post of Governor in federal polity failing to the functions
impartially and efficiency.
Explain the misuse of Article 356, Power of Reserving bill, Partisan role in Hung assemblies etc. with
examples of recent times.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction
Article 154 of the Constitution envisages Governor as the executive chief of the state. All
executive actions are taken in his name. B R Ambedkar called the office of the Governor as the
“office of dignity”. He is not an agent of the Centre, but the governor’s post in an independent
Constitutional office. His office is the linchpin of Indian Cooperative Federalism.
Body
Background
 Tamil Nadu has passed two Bills proposing to take away the Governor’s powers to appoint VCs
of state universities.
 Chief Minister MK Stalin said the Bills were required as the Governor was disregarding the state
government’s opinion on the appointments of VCs.
 The elected governments have repeatedly accused the Governors of acting at the behest of the
Centre on various subjects, including education.
 Kerala and Odisha have also tried to bring appointments to state universities under its control.
Role of the Governor:
 The Constitution thus assigns to the Governor the role of a Constitutional sentinel and that of a
vital link between the Union and the State.
 The Governor, on occasions, could also play a useful role as a channel of communication
between the Union and the State in regard to matters of mutual interest and responsibility
 India invented the role of state governor after Independence to act as a conduit between the
ceremonial head of state (the president) and the chief minister of each state, as the president’s
eyes and ears in the country’s diverse and far-flung states.
 Their duty is to be neutral guardians of the complex relationship between the federal
government and state governments belonging to different political parties.
 Being the holder of an independent Constitutional office, the Governor is not a subordinate or a
subservient agent of the Union Government.
 The Governor is expected to advance the cause of federalism and democracy in the
contemporary constitutional landscape, which form a part of the basic structure of the
constitution.
 As the distinguished constitutional expert, Nani A. Palkhivala explained it “the Constitution

intended that the Governor should be the instrument to maintain the fundamental equilibrium
of the people of the State and to ensure that the mandates of the Constitution are respected in
the State”.
 In his speech on the constitutional role of Governors, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described how a
Governor should use his discretion not as “representative of a party” but as “the representative
of the people as a whole”
Tyranny of the unelected in recent times
 Gubernatorial powers: Misusing the powers of Governor. E.g.: In Maharashtra, Governor Bhagat
Singh Koshyari has stalled the election of Speaker since the post fell vacant in February 2021. He
had refused to accept the recommendation of the Council of Ministers on the nomination of 12
members to the Legislative Council, until the matter reached the High Court.
 Locking horns with Government: E.g.: West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar has made
allegations of impropriety in welfare schemes, questioned Government claims about
investments in the State, and taken up the cudgels for the Opposition BJP. He has been
summoning the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police on a regular basis, and when
they do not turn up, taking to Twitter and often tagging the Chief Minister.
 Governor’s appointment: Article 155 says that governor should be appointed (not elected) from
amongst persons of high status with eminence in public. The elected government at the state is
not even consulted while making appointment of the Governors. Further successive
governments have reduced this important constitutional office to a sinecure and resting place
for loyal and retired / about to retired / about to retire politicians apart from docile bureaucrats.
 Appointment and dismissal of the Chief Minister: Governor appoints Chief Minister, other
ministers, Advocate General, Chairmen and members of the State Public Service Commission in
the state. After elections in the state, there is a convention to invite the largest party to form
government in the state. This convention has been flouted many times at the whim of the
governor. E.g.: The recent episode Maharashtra where Governor inducted a new government
at 5:00 am without ascertaining the requisite numbers for the government.
 Reservation of Bills for Consideration of President: As per Article 200 of the Constitution, the
governor can reserve certain types of bills passed by the State Legislature for the President’s
consideration. Centre, through the governor in case of different parties ruling, used this
provision to serve partisan interests. E.g. In Tamil Nadu, Governor R.N. Ravi has not acted upon
the T.N. Admission to Undergraduate Medical Degree Courses Bill, adopted by the Assembly in
September 2021. the indefinite delay in taking a decision amounts to undermining the
legislature, and is unjustifiable.
 Misuse of Article 356: Article 356 is the most controversial article of the Constitution. It
provides for State emergency or President’s rule in State if the President, on receipt of report
from the Governor of a State. But since the SR Bommai case, this has been sparsely used.
 Removal of the Governor: Article 156 says that the governor will hold office during the pleasure
of the President for five years. The governor has no security of tenure and no fixed term of
office. This prevents to uphold neutrality of the governor, fearing retribution. E.g.: The mass
changing of the governors of state whenever a new government comes to power at Centre.
Need for codification of powers of the Governor
Below committee recommendations must be codified to remove any ambiguity.
 Rajamannar Committee: Consultation of the CM must become mandatory before the

appointment of the Governor.
 Punchhi Commission: The phrase “during the pleasure of the President” should be deleted from
the Constitution.
o Governor should be removed only by a resolution of the state legislature.
o Qualification for the post must be laid down in Constitution while giving security of
tenure. This will enable the Governor to take impartial and neutral decisions.
 Sarkaria Commission Report (1988): On appointment of Governor: –
o Governor should be an eminent person and not belong to the state where he is to be
posted.
o State chief minister should have a say in the appointment of governor
o Governor should be a detached figure without intense political links or should not have
taken part in politics in recent past.
o Governor should not be a member of the ruling party.
 Other recommendations: Governor must act at all times in aid and advise of CM, unless as given
specifically in the Constitution.
o He or she must not overpower or assume the role of state government.
Conclusion
In a federal structure, the states cannot function as vassals of the Centre. Governors are a relic of the
British past and many of them have downgraded themselves to mere agents of the Centre with utter
disregard to constitutional provisions, conventions, precedents and even court verdicts. It is perhaps
time to take a re-look at the post of governor itself or at least codify their powers to ensure that
tyranny of the unelected does not triumph over popular governments.
There is an urgent need to prepare a mid- to long-term plan to compensate for the
learning loss due to lockdown, with a sufficient focus on overall child development
and provide for strategic, innovative and lasting solutions. Analyse. (250 words)
Reference: Indian Express , The Hindu
Why the question:
A joint report by UNESCO, UNICEF and the World Bank, ‘The State of the Global Education Crisis: A
Path to Recovery’, released in early December 2021 had estimated that in the first 21 months of the
pandemic, schools in countries around the world were either partially or fully closed for an average of
224 days.
To bring out the impact of Covid-19 on school education in India and to find a way forward to prevent
long term adverse impact.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start by giving the context regarding the impact of covid-19 on education sector.
Body:
First, elaborate on the disruptions caused and present some statistics and figures that captures the
gravity of the situation. Write about the potential negative consequences of the above.
Next, In detail, explain the steps that are needed to prevent it. Relaxing the detention policy is a
welcome step but much more is needed. Prioritizing students who are unable to return, negating the
negative economic consequences on the families, achieving convergence in various government
schemes and special emphasis on the girl child education etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
The pandemic has thrown a harsh light on the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by the
world in education. There is an immense learning gap due to existing inequalities. Unless we
mobilise learning resources and institutions at the government level, the divides will continue to
expand and learners will continue to fall between the cracks. The government, both at the Centre
and state levels, to invest in learning systems. This will help address poverty and bring in gender
equality.
Body
Learning Loss due to closure of schools
 Lack of funds to send to schools: Parents have refrained from sending their children back to
school due to a lack of funds.
 As a result of the pandemic, opportunity gaps have widened, as families do not have
the financial capacity to support the education of their children.
 Digital Divide: The concern is that online learning will create greater inequality, not only in
the global South but even in the most well-resourced corners of the planet. Online learning
is not the way forward.
 Skills: The New Education Policy 2020 stressed the need to give foundational skills high
priority. Now, as never before, this is the urgent need of the hour, for young children and for
all age groups in the elementary stage.
 Learning deficit: In their most pessimistic scenario — school closures for 7 months —
globally children will lose almost a year of learning adjusted years of schooling, with long-
lasting effects on lifelong earnings.
 In most government schools, teachers had to re teach basic mathematics and

science as children had forgotten most of it during pandemic and lockdown.
Urgent reforms needed
 Quality in government schools: Radical reforms have to be implemented to restructure

government schools and ensure quality.
 The government, both at the Centre and in the states, should build good-quality
primary, middle and high schools and provide facilities that the best private schools
have to offer.
 Revive public education: Parents have realised the multiple roles that schools play. They
provide for the wellbeing of children, health and nutrition along with academic learning. This
increased awareness will serve as the basis for a revival of public education.
 Health and education synergy: We cannot allow the government health system and
government education to be opposed to one another. Their synergies must overlap.
Governments have to be involved with the lifelong learning of people.
 Vaccination for school children must be given as in western nations and they must
be inoculated at war footing. This will prevent closure of schools.
 Focussing on young children: It is important to highlight the situation of the youngest

children (those currently in Std I and II).
 These cohorts have had no prior schooling experience and most likely not much
exposure to pre-schooling either.
 Once schools open, for these children, starting with Std I or II curriculum or
textbooks will be a big mistake.
 In fact, they need to spend the rest of the year engaged in readiness activities. It
will be essential to enable them to build a breadth of skills in cognitive and socio-
emotional domains with structured exposure to and participation in language
acquisition and pre-math activities.
 Putting aside the grade-level curriculum for now and steadfastly focusing on basics will help
children to not only “catch up” on what they have lost, but it may even be possible to go
ahead with a stronger foundation than before.
Conclusion
Public education is crucial to societies, communities and individual lives. It is the only thing that will
enable us to live with dignity and purpose. We have arrived at a moment, however unexpectedly,
where we need to revisit the purpose of schooling and how we organise it. How we thrive should not
be a continuation of the world as it was, but of the world that should be: A more sustainable one.
Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

Critically analyse the electoral bond scheme as a unique poll funding instrument to
achieve the goal of transparency in political funding. (250 words)
Why the question:
India’s apex court will hear the petitions challenging the electoral bonds scheme. While this news
should be welcomed, it is noteworthy that Chief Justice of India N V Ramana has not specified any
specific date or set any timeline for arriving at a judgment.
To critically analyse the performance of electoral bonds in improving transparency.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving aims and objectives of introduction of electoral bonds.
Body:
In the first part, mention the functioning and features of electoral bond scheme – can be bought by
any Indian citizen or company incorporated in India. The scheme allows parties to receive these
bonds.
Next, write about how this new instrument of political party funding is aimed to ensure greater
transparency by addressing the issue of anonymous financing. It sought to eliminate black money
from the system.
Next, write about how they have increased opacity instead of increasing transparency.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward to improve transparency with respect to electoral bonds.
Introduction
Electoral bonds will allow donors to pay political parties using banks as an intermediary. Although
called a bond, the banking instrument resembling promissory notes will not carry any interest. The
electoral bond, which will be a bearer instrument, will not carry the name of the payee and can be
bought for any value, in multiples of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1 lakh, Rs 10 lakh or Rs 1 crore.
Body
Background
 India’s apex court will hear the petitions challenging the electoral bonds scheme.
 Two prominent non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in India — Common Cause and

Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) — have legally challenged the scheme that was
started in 2018.
 They, along with several other critics, have been alleging that the introduction of electoral
bonds is “distorting democracy” in India.
Rationale behind the electoral bonds:
 Electoral bonds have been introduced to promote transparency in funding and donation
received by political parties.
 The scheme envisages building a transparent system of acquiring bonds with validated KYC
and an audit trail. A limited window and a very short maturity period would make misuse
improbable.
 The electoral bonds will prompt donors to take the banking route to donate, with their
identity captured by the issuing authority. This will ensure transparency and accountability
and is a big step towards electoral reform.
 The previous system of cash donations from anonymous sources is wholly non-transparent.
The donor, the donee, the quantum of donations and the nature of expenditure are all
undisclosed.
 According to government the system of Bonds will encourage political donations of clean
money from individuals, companies, HUF, religious groups, charities, etc.
 After purchasing the bonds, these entities can hand them to political parties of their choice,
which must redeem them within the prescribed time.
 Some element of transparency would be introduced in as much as all donors declare in their
accounts the amount of bonds that they have purchased and all parties declare the quantum
of bonds that they have received.
 The electoral bonds are aimed at rooting out the current system of largely anonymous cash
donations made to political parties which lead to the generation of black money in the
economy.
Findings on Electoral bonds:
 Since its introduction, electoral bonds have become an essential source of financing for all
major political parties.
 Between March 2018 and January 2021, electoral bonds worth Rs 6,514.50 crore were
redeemed by parties.
 While the ruling BJP has managed to receive the lion’s share (60.17%) of political funding
made through the bonds, over half of the total income of all national and regional parties
too was contributed through this method.
 for both the principal political parties, it seems that the quantum of political donations
channelised through cash donations/non-identifiable sources has decreased substantially.
 Instead, today more funds are channelised through the formal banking system. This was
not the case with the earlier system in which half of the political donations were not
traceable as they were made in cash form.
 Viewed from this angle, the electoral bonds scheme is an improvement over the previous
system.
electoral bonds have only legitimized opacity:
 The move could be misused, given the lack of disclosure requirements for individuals
purchasing electoral bonds.
 Electoral bonds make electoral funding even more opaque. It will bring more and more
black money into the political system. electoral bonds would cause a “serious impact” on
transparency in funding of political parties
 With electoral bonds there can be a legal channel for companies to round-trip their tax
haven cash to a political party. If this could be arranged, then a businessman could lobby for
a change in policy, and legally funnel a part of the profits accruing from this policy change to
the politician or party that brought it about.
 The amendments would pump in black money for political funding through shell companies
and allow “unchecked foreign funding of political parties in India which could lead to Indian
politics being influenced by foreign companies
 Companies no longer need to declare the names of the parties to which they have donated
so shareholders won’t know where their money has gone.
 They have potential to load the dice heavily in favour of the ruling party as the donor bank
and the receiver bank know the identity of the person. But both the banks report to the RBI
which, in turn, is subject to the Central government’s will to know.
Alternative mechanisms for electoral funding:
 According to Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi, an alternative worth

exploring is a National Electoral Fund to which all donors can contribute.
 The funds would be allocated to political parties in proportion to the votes they get. Not
only would this protect the identity of donors, it would also weed out black money from
political funding.
 The total cost of MPLADS funding for all MPs is nearly ₹4,000 crore every year, and
scrapping the scheme even for one year in an MP’s five-year term will be enough to bankroll
state funding of Lok Sabha candidates. This is a legalized way of allowing MPs and MLAs to
shower money on their constituencies at state expense.
 Direct funding of candidates, who will be reimbursed according to their final share of the
votes cast.
 The best way to bring about such transparency in political funding is to put a complete ban
on cash donations by individuals or companies to political parties.
 Making it mandatory for all parties to receive donations only by cheque, or other modes of
money transfer.
 There should be clear provisions for getting tax benefits for all those making such
donations.
 Make it mandatory for political parties to submit details of all donations received with the
Election Commission and also with the income-tax department.
 State funding of political parties can be considered. The Indrajit Gupta Committee on State
Funding of Elections had endorsed partial state funding of recognised political parties.
 The mechanics of this process need to be carefully worked out to establish the allocation of
money to national parties, State parties and independent candidates, and to check
candidate’s own expenditure over and above that which is provided by the state.
 Voters have to be made aware through awareness campaigns about ill effects of money
power during elections. Bringing political parties under the preview of RTI act.
Conclusion
The 255th Law Commission Report on Electoral Reforms observed that opacity in political funding
results in “lobbying and capture” of the government by big donors. Various commissions, including
the Election Commission, have given detailed recommendations on suitable remedies. Public
funding needs to be examined and introduced with proper checks and balances.
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and

responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. Statutory, regulatory and various
quasi-judicial bodies.
An independent umbrella body that brings the various investigative agencies under
one roof holds the key to shoring up their credibility and ensuring due diligence in
investigation. Critically analyse.
Introduction
India has a host of investigative agencies such as CBI, ED, NIA, SFIO etc, adding to
multiplicity and delay in justice delivery. Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana recently called for
immediate need for the creation of an independent umbrella institution, so as to bring various
central agencies like the CBI, Enforcement Directorate and the Serious Fraud Investigation Office
under one roof.
Body
Need for such an umbrella institution:
 Lack of credibility:Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), ED and other central government

investigating agencies had come under deep public scrutiny. Its actions and inactions had
raised questions regarding its credibility.
 To uphold democratic values: All the institutions including the police and the investigative
bodies uphold and strengthen the democratic values.
o The police and the probe agencies need to function within democratic
framework as prescribed under the Constitution. Any deviation will hurt the
institutions and will weaken our democracy.
o The police and the investigative agencies may have de-facto legitimacy, but yet, as
institutions, they still have to gain social legitimacy.
 To ensure legislative oversight: The umbrella body, if created under a statute, clearly
defining its powers, functions and jurisdictions, will ensure parliament upholds effective
accountability of these institutions.
 To end multiplicity of proceedings: A single incident gets investigated by multiple agencies,

often leading to dilution of evidence, contradiction indepositions, prolonged incarceration
of innocents.
 Ensure collaboration: The umbrella body will ensure a harmonious relationship between the
State and Central agencies, given that the goal of all those organisations was to secure
justice.
 To ensure adequate representation of women in the criminal justice system
Possible way forward for an independent investigative institution
 Independent head:The proposed umbrella body should be headed by an independent and

impartial authority, appointed by a committee akin to the one which appointed the CBI
Director. Its head could be assisted by deputies having specialisation in different domains.
 Statutory backing:The body should be created under a statute, clearly defining its powers,
functions and jurisdictions.
 Directions: Once an incident is reported, the organisation should decide as to which

specialised wing should take up investigation.
 Separation of prosecution and investigation wings:was to have separate and autonomous

wings for prosecution and investigation, to ensure total independence.
 Annual audit: A reasonable check and balance would be a provision in the proposed law
for annual audit of the institution’s performanceby the appointing committee.
 Replication by states: Since, the police and public order under the State list, State agencies
must be equipped to deal with increasing challenges in the field of investigation. The
proposed Central law for the umbrella investigative body, can be suitably replicated by the
States.
Conclusion
As the popular adage goes, Justice delayed is justice denied. Thus, an independent investigative
institution will help overcome the delays in investigation and thereby speed-up the delivery of
justice. This will also help achieving our larger goal of socio-economic justice to citizens of India.
Examine the issues that have hindered the performance and autonomy of Central
Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the role of judiciary in ensuring that CBI does not act
as a “caged parrot”. (250 words)
Why the question: While delivering the annual (and the 19th edition) D.P. Kohli Memorial Talk
organised by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the CJI minced no words in condemning the
utter subordination of investigating agencies to the executive and its disastrous consequences for the
cause of justice.
Key Demand of the question: To write about the limitations in the working of CBI and role of judiciary
in monitoring its performance.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect
it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so
we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Introduction:
Begin your answer by giving brief about CBI as the premier investigating agency.
Body:
First, discuss the issues affecting the performance of CBI – political pressure, staff shortage, case
burden, delays in investigation, consent withdrawal by some states and corruption etc.
Discuss the role judiciary has played in reforming CBI and maintaining its autonomy. Suggest reforms
that are needed.
Conclusion:
Comment with a balanced way forward.
Introduction
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigating agency of India. Operating
under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, the CBI is
headed by the Director.
Body
Why CBI was called as caged parrot?
 Politicisationof the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)has been a work in progress for
years.
 It has often been used by the government of the day to cover up wrongdoing, keep coalition
allies in line and political opponents at bay.
 Corruption and politically biased: This was highlighted in Supreme Court criticism for being
a caged parrot speaking in its master’s voice.
 CBI has been accused of becoming ‘handmaiden’ to the party in power, as a result high
profile cases are not treated seriously.
 Since CBI is run by central police officials on deputation hence chances of getting influenced
by governmentwas visible in the hope of better future postings.
Issues that have hindered the working of CBI
 The agency is dependent on the home ministryfor staffing, since many of its investigators
come from the Indian Police Service.
 The agency depends on the law ministryfor lawyers and also lacks functional autonomy to
some extent.
 The CBI, run by IPS officers on deputation, is also susceptible to the government’s ability to
manipulate the senior officers, because they are dependent on the Central government for
future postings.
 Another great constraint on the CBI is its dependence on State governmentsfor invoking its
authority to investigate cases in a State, even when such investigation targets a Central
government employee.
 Since police is a State subjectunder the Constitution, and the CBI acts as per the procedure
prescribed by the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), which makes it a police agency, the CBI
needs the consent of the State government in question before it can make its presence in
that State. This is a cumbersome procedure and has led to some ridiculous situations.
 It has been accused of enormous delays in concluding investigations – For example, the
inertia in its probe against the high dignitaries in Jain hawala diaries case of the 1990s.
 Improving the image of the agency is one of the biggest challenges till now as the agency has
been criticised for its mismanagement of several cases involving prominent politicians and
mishandling of several sensitive cases like Bofors scandal; Hawala scandal, Sant Singh
Chatwal case, Bhopal gas tragedy, 2008 Noida double murder case of Aarushi Talwar.
 CBI is exempted from the provisions of the Right to Information Act, thus, lacking public
accountability.
 A major cause of the shortfall is the government’s sheer mismanagement of CBI’s

workforce, through a system of inefficient, and inexplicably biased, recruitment policies –
used to bring in favoured officers, possibly to the detriment of the organisation.
 The powers and jurisdiction of members of the CBI for investigation are subject to the
consent of the State Govt., thus limiting the extent of investigation by CBI.
 Prior approval of Central Government to conduct inquiry or investigation on the

employees of the Central Government, of the level of Joint Secretary and above is a big
obstacle in combating corruption at higher levels of bureaucracy.
Reforms needed
 Ensure that CBI operates under a formal, modern legal framework that has been written
for a contemporary investigative agency.
 The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2007) suggested that a new law should
be enacted to govern the working of the CBI.
 Parliamentary standing committee (2007) recommended that a separate act should be

promulgated in tune with requirement with time to ensure credibility and impartiality.
 The 19th and 24th reports of the parliamentary standing committees (2007 and
2008)recommended that the need of the hour is to strengthen the CBI in terms of legal
mandate, infrastructure and resources.
 It is high time that the CBI is vested with the required legal mandate and is given pan-India
jurisdiction. It must have inherent powers to investigate corruption cases against officers of
All India Services irrespective of the assignments they are holding or the state they are
serving in.
 Besides appointing the head of the CBI through a collegium, as recommended by the Lokpal
Act, the government must ensure financial autonomy for the outfit.
 It is also possible to consider granting the CBI and other federal investigation agencies the
kind of autonomy that the Comptroller and Auditor General enjoysas he is only
accountable to Parliament.
 A new CBI Actshould be promulgated that ensures the autonomy of CBI while at the same
time improving the quality of supervision. The new Act must specify criminal culpability for
government interference.
 One of the demands that has been before Supreme Court, and in line with international best
practices, is for the CBI to develop its own dedicated cadre of officers who are not bothered
about deputation and abrupt transfers.
 A more efficient parliamentary oversight overthe federal criminal and intelligence agencies
could be a way forward to ensure better accountability, despite concerns regarding political
misuse of the oversight.
Conclusion
Delink the CBI from the administrative control of the government – As long as the government of the
day has the power to transfer and post officials of its choice in the CBI, the investigating agency will
not enjoy autonomy and will be unable to investigate cases freely. Providing statutory status
through legislation equivalent to that provided to the Comptroller & Auditor General and the
Election Commission will help maintain the independence of the institution.
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and

issues arising out of their design and implementation.
The relaxation of AFSPA is welcome, but gradual efforts should be made towards its
repeal by ensuring that law and order is maintained by normal means in disturbed
areas. Examine. (250 words)

Why the question: In what is clearly a nod to the vociferous demand for the repeal of the unpopular
Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from several States in the northeast, especially after 13
civilians were killed in Mon district in Nagaland in December last year, the Union Home Ministry has
decided to considerably reduce the number of “disturbed areas” under the Act in three States.
Key Demand of the question: To write about the reasons to repeal AFSPA completely and steps
needed to achieve it.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must look into the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it,
investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so
Introduction:
Begin the answer by giving context regarding relaxation of AFSPA.

Body:
First, write about the reasons as to why AFSPA considered draconian – AFSPA allows civilian
authorities to call on the armed forces, de facto immunity from prosecution, AFSPA has uncanny
similarities with emergencies and effectively suspends fundamental freedoms etc.
Next, write about the steps that are needed to restore normal law and order mechanism in disturbed
areas.
Conclusion:
Introduction
The Armed Forces Special Powers Act commonly (AFSPA) came in to force decades ago in the
context of increasing violence in the North Eastern states. Passed in 1958 for North East and in 1990
for Jammu and Kashmir , the law gives armed forces necessary powers to control disturbed areas
which are designated by the govt.
AFSPA, which gives sweeping powers to the armed forces, has been fully or partially
withdrawn from parts of three Northeast states — Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. Still, AFSPA
remains in force in parts of these three states as well as in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu &
Kashmir.
Body
AFSPA – a draconian act
 It has been dubbed as a license to kill. The main criticism of the Act is directed against the
provisions of Section 4, which gives the armed forces the power to open fire and even cause
death, if prohibitory orders are violated.
 Human rights activists object on the grounds that these provisions give the security forces
unbridled powers to arrest, search, seize and even shoot to kill.
 Activists accuse the security forces of having destroyed homes and entire villages merely on
the suspicion that insurgents were hiding there. They point out that Section 4 empowers the
armed forces to arrest citizens without warrant and keep them in custody for several days.
 They also object to Section 6, which protects security forces personnel from prosecution
except with the prior sanction of the central government. Critics say this provision has on
many occasions led to even non-commissioned officers brazenly opening fire on crowds
without having to justify their action.
 Critics say the act has failed to contain terrorism and restore normalcy in disturbed areas,
as the number of armed groups has gone up after the act was established. Many even hold it
responsible for the spiralling violence in areas it is in force.
 The decision of the government to declare a particular area ‘disturbed’ cannot be challenged
in a court of law. Hence, several cases of human rights violations go unnoticed.
Should AFSPA be repealed?
 The Army clearly sees AFSPA as a capstone enabling Act that gives it the powers necessary
to conduct counter-insurgency operations efficiently.
 If AFSPA is repealed or diluted, it is the army leadership’s considered view that the
performance of battalions in counter-insurgency operations will be adversely affected and
the terrorists or insurgents will seize the initiative.
 Many argue that removal of the act will lead to demoralising the armed forces and see
militants motivating locals to file lawsuits against the army.
 Also, the forces are aware that they cannot afford to fail when called upon to safeguard the
country’s integrity. Hence, they require the minimum legislation that is essential to ensure
efficient utilization of combat capability.
 AFSPA is necessary to maintain law and order in disturbed areas, otherwise things will go
haywire. The law also dissuades advancement of terrorist activities in these areas.
 Also, extraordinary situations require special handling.
Way forward
 Security forces should be very careful while operating in the Northeast and must not give
any chance to the militants to exploit the situation.
 Indiscriminate arrests and harassment of people out of frustration for not being able to
locate the real culprits should be avoided. All good actions of the force get nullified with one
wrong action.
 Any person, including the supervisory staff, found guilty of violating law should be severely
dealt with.
 The law is not defective, but it is its implementation that has to be managed properly.
 The local people have to be convinced with proper planning and strategy.
Conclusion
The practical problems encountered in ensuring transparency in counter-insurgency operations

must be overcome by innovative measures. The army must be completely transparent in
investigating allegations of violations of human rights and bringing the violators to speedy justice.
Exemplary punishment must be meted out where the charges are proved.
Value addition
Key features of act
 In simple terms, AFSPA gives armed forces the power to maintain public order in “disturbed
areas”.
 They have the authority to prohibit a gathering of five or more persons in an area, can use
force or even open fire after giving due warning if they feel a person is in contravention of
the law.
 If reasonable suspicion exists, the army can also arrest a person without a warrant; enter or
search premises without a warrant; and ban the possession of firearms.
 Under the provisions of the AFSPA armed forces are empowered with immunity from being
prosecuted to open fire , enter and search without warrant and arrest any person who has
committed a cognizable offence.
 As of now this act is in force in Jammu and Kashmir , Assam , Nagaland and parts of
Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.
Expert recommendations
 A committee headed by Justice Jeevan Reddy was appointed in 2004 to review AFSPA.
Though the committee found that the powers conferred under the Act are not absolute, it
nevertheless concluded that the Act should be repealed.
 However, it recommended that essential provisions of the Act be inserted into the Unlawful
Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967.
 The Second Administrative Reforms Commission headed by then Union law minister M
Veerappa Moily also recommended that AFSPA should be repealedand its essential
provisions should be incorporated in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Critically analyse the role that the Dam Safety Act, 2021, will play in addressing the
issues concerning the safety of major dams all over the country. (250 words)

Why the question: The Central Water Commission (CWC)’s proposal to let the Mullaperiyar dam’s
Supervisory Committee continue for a year essentially means status quo continues. The proposal
makes the Chief Secretaries of Tamil Nadu and Kerala accountable and provides for the participation
of technical experts as panel members.
Key Demand of the question: To write about the potential of Dam Safety Act, 2021 in improving Dam
Safety and issues regarding the act.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by writing the aims and objectives of the Dam Safety Act, 2021.
Body:
First, mention the various features of the Damn safety act – National Committee on Dam Safety
(NCDS), National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), State Dam Safety Organization (SDSO) and State
Dam Safety Committee (SDSC) etc.
Next, write about the ways in which the above will improve safety of the dams.
Next, write about the various issues in the act which have acted as hindrance with regards to dam
safety.
Conclusion:
Introduction
The Dam Safety Act, 2021 provides for the surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of
all specified dams across the country. It aims to interfere and regulate the entire functioning of dams
including its safety.
Body
Extra information: Provisions of the bill
 Surveillance of dams:
o The Bill provides for the surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of all
specified dams across the country.
o These are dams with height more than 15 metres, or height between 10 metres to 15
metres with certain design and structural conditions.
 The National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS):
o Its functions include evolving policies and recommending regulations regarding dam
safety standards;
o It will be chaired by the National Water Commissioner.
 The National Dam Safety Authority:
o Its functions include implementing policies of the National Committee, providing

technical assistance to State Dam Safety Organisations (SDSOs), and resolving
matters between SDSOs of states or between a SDSO and any dam owner in that
state.
 A State Committee on Dam Safety & State Dam Safety Organisation.
o These bodies will be responsible for the surveillance, inspection, and monitoring the
operation and maintenance of dams within their jurisdiction.
 Hazard classification
o The Bill provides for regular inspection and hazard classification of dams. It also
provides for drawing up emergency action plans and comprehensive dam safety
reviews by an independent panel of experts. There is provision for an emergency
flood warning system to address the safety concerns of downstream inhabitants.
 Obligation of Dam Owners:
o Dam owners are required to provide resources for timely repair and maintenance of
the dam structure along with related machinery.
 Penal Provisions:
o The Bill has penal provisions involving offences and penalties, for ensuring
compliance with the provisions.
Pros of the act
 The Bill will help all the States and Union Territories of India to adopt uniform dam safety
procedures. These procedures will not only protect the dams but also human life, livestock
and property.
 Dam owners will have to provide a dam safety unit in each dam.
 The dam safety unit will be required to inspect the dam before and after the monsoon
session, and also during and after natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.
 The bill requires dam owners to prepare emergency action plans. Risk-assessment studies
will also have to be undertaken by owners, regularly.
 At specified, regular intervals, and in the event of either a modification to the dam’s
structure or a natural event that may impact the structure, dam owners will have to produce
a comprehensive safety evaluation by experts.
Issues in the act

 Huge workload: National Dam Safety Authority will have to look after more than 5,000 dams
across all over India. So it will face a huge workload.
 Water is a state subject: Many states view the Dam safety bill as encroaching upon the
States domain to manage their dams, and violating the principles of federalism enshrined in
the Constitution.
 Against federalism: Act is a legislation passed by the Union through brute majority to
blatantly usurp the States’ power.
 Centre’s control: Act usurped the power of the State governments and placed the operation
of specified dams under the control of the Centre.
 Specified dam: Certain terms including the word ‘dam’ in the Act, had been deliberately
defined vaguely to give unbridled power to the Centre to treat any dam as a ‘specified dam’.
If this definitions were followed, almost all dams in the country would fall under the purview
of the Act.
 Entry 56 of Union list: The power of the Centre under Entry 56 of Union list was only with
respect to inter-State rivers or river valleys and nothing more. Entry 56 cannot be stretched
to include dams and embankments exclusively within the control of the States.
 Power over the subject ‘interstate river and river valley’ cannot be confused with the control
over dams.
Way Forward
 Dam safety is dependent on many external factors. So, the government has to consult
environmentalists and take the environmental angle for the Dam Safety Bill.
 The government should consider the selection of a dam on the basis of age, as this is the
major issue.
 The government has to strengthen the functioning and coordination of state irrigation
departments and the Central Water Commission.
 Considering climate change, the government has to think about the issue of water carefully
and proactively. So, local factors, such as climate and catchment areas, need to be taken into
consideration. Further, there is a need to integrate urban-rural planning with dam safety.
 A Standing Committee recommended a penal provision for dam failures on authorities. The
government has to incorporate this into law. Along with that, the government has to
increase the capacity building of locals and associated institutions.
Examine the factors behind increasing cases of farmer suicides. What are the policy
measures that are needed to prevent them? (250 words)
Reference: new Indian Express
InstaPedia
Why the question: Farmer suicides have always been a highly debated issue in the public discourse on
agriculture sector performance in India. According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data,
3,58,164 people engaged in the farming profession have committed suicide in India from 1995 to
2019.
Key Demand of the question: To write about causes of farmer suicides and measures needed to
prevent them.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving statistic regarding farmer suicides in India.
Body:
First, write about the causes of farm suicides – Low per capita land, indebtedness, high loan rates,
high costs of production and labour, inability to pool up resources, need for hiring labor due to
shortage of time, low agriculture products prices and low MSPS, decreasing water tables and
increasing costs of pumping water out, economic exploitation by dealers selling agriculture
equipment, seeds, fertilizers etc.
Next, write about the steps that are needed to prevent farmer suicides.
Conclusion:
Introduction
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data reveals that 3,58,164 people engaged in the
farming profession have committed suicide in India from 1995 to 2019. Several socio-economic
factors have enabled an environment vulnerable to distress in the agricultural belts of the nation.
Unable to cope with mounting debt and the inability to take care of their families, many choose to
end their lives.
Body
Factors behind increasing cases of farmer suicides
 Plummeting incomes, mounting debt, and high interest rates (particularly of non-
institutional sources) have pushed the peasantry towards deprivation
 The high debt burdenwas the primary reason behind 75% of farmer suicides.
 Large chunk of persons were underemployed or disguisedly unemployedduring 2016–17 in

Punjab.
 The mismatch between farm inputs and output prices, crop failures, and unfavourable
terms of trade between prices paid and received by the farmers have contributed fairly to
declining farm incomes.
 Cost of cultivation:
o The MSP of wheat and paddy increased at the rate of 2% per annum while the cost
of cultivation increased at the rate of 7.9% during the last one and a half decades.
 With a growth rate of around 1.6% (during 2012–17) and the stress on natural resources,
thefarm sector is trapped in a vicious circle of crisis. Expectedly, small farmers are the
worst sufferers.
 Due to the declining water table, the cost of irrigation structures has increased as the
farmershave to replace centrifugal pumps by costly submersible pumps.
 The farmers are being exploited by tradersand dealers providing them spurious seeds and
agrochemicals.
 Agriculture in Punjab suffers from mono-crop culture of mainly wheat and paddy.With this
cropping pattern, farming itself is becoming an unviable occupation, due to rising fixed and
variable input costs, and low remuneration leading to falling profit margins.
 Cost of inputs:
o Variable costs increase due to rising prices of inputs like fertilisers, pesticides,
weedicides, diesel etc.
o Fixed costs like installation and deepening of submersible pumps due to the dipping
water table increase the financial woes of farmers.
o For a small and marginal farmer, it is economically unviable to make such

investments, especially by borrowing from informal sources at high rates of interest
 Data Anomaly:
o Existing studies have analysed the intensity of farmer suicides in isolation, i.e.
without comparing farmer suicides with those by other professionals
Policy measures needed to prevent farmer suicides
 The “Scheme for Debt Swapping of Borrowers” should be made more effective for
converting the non-institutional debt into institutional debt.
 The AMSCs should be set up at every village to provide custom-hiring services to small
farmers on a priority basis.
 Quality farm inputslike seed, fertilisers, and pesticides must be supplied to the farmers at
subsidised prices.
 Rationalisation of subsidies, especially in favour of small farmers may control appreciating

farm costs and making small farming viable.
 For alternative employment, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee
Scheme should be effectively implementedby ensuring stipulated annual employment of
100 days, rather than the existing 30 days, to each family in the state.
 Identifying and developing crop niches that will encourage allied activities in appropriate
agro-climatic zones of the state, and developing cooperative primary processingand
marketing units for crops and activities in these zones can help improve the economic well-
being of the farmers.
 Effective irrigation facilities should be provided. Drip and sprinkle irrigation should be
popularized. Canals should be built to reach deep into villages.
 Using Information technologies and electronic media (like DD Kisan channel) to spread
awareness about government schemes and monsoon predictions.
 Skill Development of farmers, so that they can develop alternative sources of income.
Government should initiate alternative employment generation programmes.
 Land pooling, where lands of small farmers can be pooled into a larger piece, and benefits
can be maximized.
 Effective implementation of various government schemes like pradhan Mantri Krishi
sinchai yojana, pradhan Mantri fasal bima yojana and Soil Health Card scheme
Critically analyse the role that the Dam Safety Act, 2021, will play in addressing the
issues concerning the safety of major dams all over the country. (150 words, 10
marks)
Introduction
The Dam Safety Act, 2021 provides for the surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of
all specified dams across the country. It aims to interfere and regulate the entire functioning of dams
including its safety.
Body
Extra information: Provisions of the bill
 Surveillance of dams:
o The Bill provides for the surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of all
specified dams across the country.
o These are dams with height more than 15 metres, or height between 10 metres to 15
metres with certain design and structural conditions.
 The National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS):
o Its functions include evolving policies and recommending regulations regarding dam
safety standards;
o It will be chaired by the National Water Commissioner.
 The National Dam Safety Authority:
o Its functions include implementing policies of the National Committee, providing

technical assistance to State Dam Safety Organisations (SDSOs), and resolving
matters between SDSOs of states or between a SDSO and any dam owner in that
state.
 A State Committee on Dam Safety & State Dam Safety Organisation.
o These bodies will be responsible for the surveillance, inspection, and monitoring the
operation and maintenance of dams within their jurisdiction.
 Hazard classification
o The Bill provides for regular inspection and hazard classification of dams. It also
provides for drawing up emergency action plans and comprehensive dam safety
reviews by an independent panel of experts. There is provision for an emergency
flood warning system to address the safety concerns of downstream inhabitants.
 Obligation of Dam Owners:
o Dam owners are required to provide resources for timely repair and maintenance of
the dam structure along with related machinery.
 Penal Provisions:
o The Bill has penal provisions involving offences and penalties, for ensuring
compliance with the provisions.
Pros of the act
 The Bill will help all the States and Union Territories of India to adopt uniform dam safety
procedures. These procedures will not only protect the dams but also human life, livestock
and property.
 Dam owners will have to provide a dam safety unit in each dam.
 The dam safety unit will be required to inspect the dam before and after the monsoon
session, and also during and after natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.
 The bill requires dam owners to prepare emergency action plans. Risk-assessment studies
will also have to be undertaken by owners, regularly.
 At specified, regular intervals, and in the event of either a modification to the dam’s
structure or a natural event that may impact the structure, dam owners will have to produce
a comprehensive safety evaluation by experts.
Issues in the act
 Huge workload: National Dam Safety Authority will have to look after more than 5,000 dams
across all over India. So it will face a huge workload.
 Water is a state subject: Many states view the Dam safety bill as encroaching upon the
States domain to manage their dams, and violating the principles of federalism enshrined in
the Constitution.
 Against federalism: Act is a legislation passed by the Union through brute majority to
blatantly usurp the States’ power.
 Centre’s control: Act usurped the power of the State governments and placed the operation
of specified dams under the control of the Centre.
 Specified dam: Certain terms including the word ‘dam’ in the Act, had been deliberately
defined vaguely to give unbridled power to the Centre to treat any dam as a ‘specified dam’.
If this definitions were followed, almost all dams in the country would fall under the purview
of the Act.
 Entry 56 of Union list: The power of the Centre under Entry 56 of Union list was only with
respect to inter-State rivers or river valleys and nothing more. Entry 56 cannot be stretched
to include dams and embankments exclusively within the control of the States.
 Power over the subject ‘interstate river and river valley’ cannot be confused with the control
over dams.
Way Forward
 Dam safety is dependent on many external factors. So, the government has to consult
environmentalists and take the environmental angle for the Dam Safety Bill.
 The government should consider the selection of a dam on the basis of age, as this is the
major issue.
 The government has to strengthen the functioning and coordination of state irrigation
departments and the Central Water Commission.
 Considering climate change, the government has to think about the issue of water carefully
and proactively. So, local factors, such as climate and catchment areas, need to be taken into
consideration. Further, there is a need to integrate urban-rural planning with dam safety.
 A Standing Committee recommended a penal provision for dam failures on authorities. The
government has to incorporate this into law. Along with that, the government has to
increase the capacity building of locals and associated institutions.
Examine the factors behind increasing cases of farmer suicides. What are the policy
measures that are needed to prevent them? (150 words, 10 marks)
Introduction
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data reveals that 3,58,164 people engaged in the
farming profession have committed suicide in India from 1995 to 2019. Several socio-economic
factors have enabled an environment vulnerable to distress in the agricultural belts of the nation.
Unable to cope with mounting debt and the inability to take care of their families, many choose to
end their lives.
Body
Factors behind increasing cases of farmer suicides
 Plummeting incomes, mounting debt, and high interest rates (particularly of non-
institutional sources) have pushed the peasantry towards deprivation
 The high debt burdenwas the primary reason behind 75% of farmer suicides.
 Large chunk of persons were underemployed or disguisedly unemployedduring 2016–17 in

Punjab.
 The mismatch between farm inputs and output prices, crop failures, and unfavourable
terms of trade between prices paid and received by the farmers have contributed fairly to
declining farm incomes.
 Cost of cultivation:
o The MSP of wheat and paddy increased at the rate of 2% per annum while the cost
of cultivation increased at the rate of 7.9% during the last one and a half decades.
 With a growth rate of around 1.6% (during 2012–17) and the stress on natural resources,
thefarm sector is trapped in a vicious circle of crisis. Expectedly, small farmers are the
worst sufferers.
 Due to the declining water table, the cost of irrigation structures has increased as the
farmershave to replace centrifugal pumps by costly submersible pumps.
 The farmers are being exploited by tradersand dealers providing them spurious seeds and
agrochemicals.
 Agriculture in Punjab suffers from mono-crop culture of mainly wheat and paddy.With this
cropping pattern, farming itself is becoming an unviable occupation, due to rising fixed and
variable input costs, and low remuneration leading to falling profit margins.
 Cost of inputs:
o Variable costs increase due to rising prices of inputs like fertilisers, pesticides,
weedicides, diesel etc.
o Fixed costs like installation and deepening of submersible pumps due to the dipping
water table increase the financial woes of farmers.
o For a small and marginal farmer, it is economically unviable to make such

investments, especially by borrowing from informal sources at high rates of interest
 Data Anomaly:
o Existing studies have analysed the intensity of farmer suicides in isolation, i.e.
without comparing farmer suicides with those by other professionals
Policy measures needed to prevent farmer suicides
 The “Scheme for Debt Swapping of Borrowers” should be made more effective for
converting the non-institutional debt into institutional debt.
 The AMSCs should be set up at every village to provide custom-hiring services to small
farmers on a priority basis.
 Quality farm inputslike seed, fertilisers, and pesticides must be supplied to the farmers at
subsidised prices.
 Rationalisation of subsidies, especially in favour of small farmers may control appreciating

farm costs and making small farming viable.
 For alternative employment, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee
Scheme should be effectively implementedby ensuring stipulated annual employment of
100 days, rather than the existing 30 days, to each family in the state.
 Identifying and developing crop niches that will encourage allied activities in appropriate
agro-climatic zones of the state, and developing cooperative primary processingand
marketing units for crops and activities in these zones can help improve the economic well-
being of the farmers.
 Effective irrigation facilities should be provided. Drip and sprinkle irrigation should be
popularized. Canals should be built to reach deep into villages.
 Using Information technologies and electronic media (like DD Kisan channel) to spread
awareness about government schemes and monsoon predictions.
 Skill Development of farmers, so that they can develop alternative sources of income.
Government should initiate alternative employment generation programmes.
 Land pooling, where lands of small farmers can be pooled into a larger piece, and benefits
can be maximized.
 Effective implementation of various government schemes like pradhan mantri krishi sinchai
yojana, pradhan mantri fasal bima yojana and Soil Health Card scheme
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) aims to develop the backbone
necessary to support the integrated digital health infrastructure of the country. It will
bridge the existing gap amongst different stakeholders of healthcare ecosystem
through digital highways. Critically analyse. (250 words)

Reference: Financial Express
Why the question: The National Health Authority (NHA), the implementing agency for the Ayushman
Bharat Digital Mission, has invited expressions of interest in developing innovative solutions that will
help build a national digital health ecosystem.
Key Demand of the question: To write about the potential and limitations of Ayushman Bharat Digital
Mission.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start by writing about Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission’s aims and objectives.
Body:
First, write about the various features of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission – seamless online
platform, information and infrastructure services, interoperable, longitudinal health records of
citizens and health ID for every citizen etc.
Next, write about the potential of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission – Accessibility, Quality
healthcare, Reach, Benefits to hospitals etc.
Next, write about the limitations – privacy and security issues, awareness, role of private players etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward to ensure maximisation of potential while minimising the risks.
Introduction
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), launched by Prime Minister, aims to create a
seamless online platform that will enable interoperability within the digital healthcare ecosystem.
The mission has been conceptualized as a set of ‘digital building blocks’. Each building block is seen
as a ‘digital public good’ that can be used by any entity in the digital health ecosystem and provides
key capabilities that enable the ABDM vision
Body
Features
 The key components of this scheme, which is also called the National Digital Health Mission
or the PM Digital Health Mission, are a health identity card for every citizen, a
healthcare professionals registry, and healthcare facilities registries.
 It will also help ensure security, confidentiality and privacy of health-related personal
information.
 The health ID for every citizen will also work as their health account, to which personal
health records can be linked and viewed with the help of a mobile application.
 Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR) and Healthcare Facilities Registries (HFR) will act as
a repository of all healthcare providers across both modern and traditional systems of
medicine.
 Currently, the project is being implemented in the pilot phase in six Union Territories.
 The nationwide rollout of the project coincides with National Health Authority (NHA)
celebrating the third anniversary of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
(AB PM-JAY).
Potential of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
 The mission will enable access and exchange of longitudinal health records of citizens with
their consent.
 Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission will play a big role in eliminate problems in medical
treatment of poor and middle class.
 The new programme will help create interoperability within the digital health
ecosystem, similar to the role played by the UPI in revolutionising the payments.
 It will ensure ease of doing business for doctors and hospitals and healthcare service
providers.
 Furthermore, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Sandbox, created as a part of the
mission, will act as a framework for technology and product testing that will help
organisations, including private players to be a part of the National Digital Health Ecosystem
to become a health information provider
Possible challenges
 The mission still does not recognize ‘Health’ as a justiciable right. There should be a push
draft at making health a right, as prescribed in the draft National Health Policy, 2015.
 One of the biggest concerns is regarding data security and privacy of patients. It must be
ensured that the health records of the patients remain entirely confidential and secure.
 Potential misuse of information by the insurance companies can affect, people’s ability to
buy insurance.
 The companies may charge high premium if health details are known or even deny in few
cases.
 In addition, the failure of a similar National Health Service (NHS) in the United
Kingdom must be learnt lessons from and the technical and implementation-related
deficiencies must be proactively addressed prior to launching the mission on a pan India
scale.
Conclusion
The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission would be playing a huge role in solving the issues faced in
medical treatment by different classes of Indians, mainly the poor. It can be done by connecting
people via technology that is connecting the healthcare workers, hospitals to patients etc. This has a
revolutionary potential like never before for the health sector, but caution must be taken that the
information is not inadvertently shared.
Value Addition: Ayushman Bharat
 Launched as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision
of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
 This initiative has been designed on the lines as to meet SDG and its underlining
commitment, which is “leave no one behind”.
 Aim: to undertake path breaking interventions to holistically address health (covering

prevention, promotion and ambulatory care), at primary, secondary and tertiary level.
 Includes the on-going centrally sponsored schemes – Senior Citizen Health Insurance
Scheme (SCHIS) and Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY).
 Ayushman Bharat adopts a continuum of care approach, comprising of two inter-related

components, which are:
o Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs).
o Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY).
Key Features of PM-JAY:
 The world’s largest health insurance/ assurance scheme fully financed by the government.
 It provides cover of 5 lakhs per family per year, for secondary and tertiary care
hospitalization across public and private empanelled hospitals in India.
 Coverage: Over 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable entitled families (approximately 50 crore
beneficiaries) are eligible for these benefits.
 Provides cashless access to health care services for the beneficiary at the point of service.
Eligibility:
 No restrictions on family size, age or gender.
 All pre–existing conditions are covered from day one.
 Covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days post-hospitalization expenses such as

diagnostics and medicines.
 Benefits of the scheme are portable across the country.
 Services include approximately 1,393 procedures covering all the costs related to treatment,
including but not limited to drugs, supplies, diagnostic services, physician’s fees, room
charges, surgeon charges, OT and ICU charges etc.
 Public hospitals are reimbursed for the healthcare services at par with the private hospitals.
The efforts by the Union government to make the north eastern region the main pillar
of the Act East policy have been useful in bringing a sense of political stability that is
very crucial for optimal economic development in the region. Examine. (250 words)
Why the question:
On March 29, the Assam and Meghalaya chief ministers signed an agreement to resolve the five-
decade-old border dispute in the presence of the Union home minister. Two days later, the Union
home ministry (MHA) decided to reduce the disturbed areas under the Armed Forces (Special Powers)
Act (AFSPA) in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur after decades. Both these developments are significant
for restoring normalcy and enabling perception changes about the north eastern region.
To write about the importance of north east to India’s act east policy and role of political stability for
the regions development.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving role played by the north east in India’s act east policy.
Body:
First, write about various impediments to development of north east regions – political instability,
insurgency, high tribal population, lack of funds and security concerns etc.
Next, write about the steps that are needed in the north east apart from making it a crucial element
in India’s act east policy to achieve higher levels of development.
Conclusion:
Introduction
India’s North Eastern Region is a rainbow country, known for its diversity. It stretches from the
foothills of the Himalayas in the eastern range and is surrounded by Bangladesh, Bhutan, China,
Nepal and Myanmar. The region is rich in natural resources, covered with dense forests, has the
highest rainfall in the country, with large and small river systems nesting the land and is a treasure
house of flora and fauna. Marked by diversity in customs, cultures, traditions and languages, it is
home to multifarious social, ethnic and linguistic groups.
Body
Background
 Recently, the Assam and Meghalaya chief ministers signed an agreement to resolve the five-
decade-old border dispute in the presence of the Union home minister.
 Two days later, the Union home ministry (MHA) decided to reduce the disturbed areas
under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Assam, Nagaland and Manipur after
decades.
 Both these developments are significant for restoring normalcy and enabling perception
changes about the north eastern region.
Issues hindering the growth of Northeast India
 Geographical Challenges:
o Very high rainfall, shifting river courses, poor drainage system and narrow valleys
are regularly causing severe floods, erosion, landslides and sand deposition in the
North East causing loss of huge areas of valuable agricultural land.
o Hilly, inaccessible and undulating terrain has led to underdeveloped transport links.
o Large area of land is under ‘Jhum cultivation’ which leads to large scale
deforestation resulting in soil erosion and loss of soil fertility.
 Disaster Proneness of North East:
o High rainfall and large river basins of the Brahmaputra and the Barak along with
their narrow valleys regularly cause severe floods, erosion, landslides and sand
deposition leading to loss of huge areas of valuable agricultural land and thereby
reduction of the average size of land holdings in the region.
o The region is highly prone to Earthquakes and post the great earthquake of intensity
of 8.5 in Richter scale of 1950 in Assam, flood and erosion have increased in the
state and till date about5000-6000sq.km of land has been lost due to erosion by
rivers. This has made lakhs of people landless and homeless in the state.
 Historical Challenges:
o Despite the above mentioned challenges, the North-eastern region was at par with
rest of the country at independence but post-independence events have retarded
the development of the region.
o Partition of the country: When the major road, rail and river routes connecting
North East to the rest of the country suddenly got snapped.
o The Bangladesh Liberation was of 1971: When crores of people from Bangladesh
entered some states of North East as refugees which changed the demographic
situation in some state of North-East bordering Bangladesh.
o Insurgencies: From the end of the seventies of the last century problems of
insurgency started in states like Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Manipur, Insurgency
affected the present day Nagaland and Mizoram in the fifties and sixties of the last
century. Now, of course, due to various actions taken by the Central and State
governments, insurgency in this region is no longer a matter of great concern.
 Infrastructural Factors:
o NER has about 6 per cent of the national roads and about 13 percent of the national
highways. However, their quality is not good due to poor maintenance.
o The prominent indicators of shortfalls in infrastructure in this region are:

increasingly congested roads, power failures, shortage of drinking water etc.
 Political challenges:
o Chinese Aggression on Arunachal Pradesh (called NEFA at that time) in 1962,

apparently refrain large scale investment from private player in North East.
o Large scale Migration from Bangladesh led to various socio-economic- political

problem
o The culture of ‘bandhs’ is peculiar problem of NER, widely prevalent in Assam,

Manipur and Nagaland.
o Three fourth of NER have no proper land records and Individual ownership of land is
not well established
 Social Challenges:
o Remarkable growth of migration from the North East to different parts of the
country mostly in search of education and job opportunities gives big blow to the
local society.
o Drug abuse is a serious problem among youth of North east with more than 30% of
its youth being drug abusers.
o The pandemic of HIV/AIDS, spreading fast in Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram, is
also a matter of grave concern.
o Migration from surrounding areas of NERs (Bangladesh and states of Bihar and
Bengal) reduced the average size of land holding to about one hectare.
 Lack of Social Infrastructure:
o Inadequate number of polytechnics and higher institutions for engineering, medical

and nursing studies etc.
o Teachers’ Training is poor thereby leading to poor standards of education
Measures needed:
 Proper Demarcation of Borders
o There is a need for a legitimate ‘Centre led’ initiative to resolve the border issues.
o The Centre can decide to maintain the status quo in the region or find a ‘common
rationale’ to demarcate the border.
 People to People Engagement
o All ethnic majority and minority tribes residing in the region, must be respected and
developed.
o The concept of a ‘shared’ North East Identity could bring the people together.
Education can be an effective tool to facilitate people-to-people connect.
 The Act East Factor
o Maintaining a peaceful North East is vital for India’s ‘Act East Policy’ as the NorthEast
Region is the doorway to the ASEAN regions.
o All the states gain by being connected to one another and for this peaceful border to
ensure ‘free’ movement of people and trade are essential.
 Empowerment of the people by maximizing self-governance and participatory

development through grass-roots planning. Such planning will help to evolve development
strategy based on the resources, needs and aspirations of the people.
 Rural development with a focus on improving agricultural productivity and the creation of
non-farm avocations and employment.
 Development of sectors with comparative advantage agro-processing industries,

modernization and development of sericulture, investment in manufacturing units based on
the resources available in the region, harnessing the large hydroelectric power generation
potential and focus on developing services such as tourism that will help to accelerate
development and create productive employment opportunities.
 Capacity development will have to address the issue of imparting skills among the people to
enhance their productivity, generating a class of entrepreneurs within the region willing to
take risks.
 Augmenting infrastructure, including rail, road, inland water and air transportation to
facilitate a two-way movement of people and goods within the region and outside,
communication networks including broadband and wireless connectivity, and harnessing of
the vast power generation potential, all of which will open up markets for produce from the
region, attract private investment, create greater employment opportunities and expand
choices for people of the region.
 Ensuring adequate flow of resources for public investments in infrastructure, implementing

a framework for private participation in augmenting infrastructure and creating an enabling
environment for the flow of investments to harness the physical resources of the region for
the welfare of the people.
Conclusion
Innovation, Initiatives, Ideas and Implementation–all the four needs to go together. Inclusive growth
is possible through improved governance, doing away with the draconian laws and ensuring the local
communities are empowered to implement basic services. For this, all the stakeholders need to
formulate a comprehensive realistic plan for the overall development of North East.
Value addition
Government Initiatives for NE Region
 Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER):A Department of Development

of North Eastern Region (DoNER) was established in 2001. It was elevated to a full ministry in
2004.
 Infrastructure Related Initiatives:
o Under Bharatmala Pariyojana (BMP),road stretches aggregating to about 5,301 km

in NER have been approved for improvement.
o The North East has been kept as a priority area under RCS-UDAN(to make flying
more affordable).
 Connectivity Projects:Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project (Myanmar) and Bangladesh-

China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Corridor.
 For Promoting Tourism:Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism,
projects worth Rs.1400.03 crore have been sanctioned for the NER in the last five years.
 Mission Purvodaya:Purvodaya in the steel sector is aimed at driving accelerated

development of Eastern India through the establishment of an integrated steel hub.
o The Integrated Steel Hub, encompassing Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West

Bengal and Northern Andhra Pradesh, would serve as a torchbearer for socio-
economic growth of Eastern India.
 North-East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS):In order to promote employment in the

North East States, the Government is incentivizing primarily the MSME Sector through this
scheme.
 The National Bamboo Missionhas a special significance for the Northeast.
 North Eastern Region Vision 2020:The document provides an overarching framework for the
development of the NE Region to bring it at par with other developed regions under which
different Ministries, including the Ministry of DoNER have undertaken various initiatives.
 Digital North East Vision 2022:It emphasises leveraging digital technologies to transform
lives of people of the north east and enhance the ease of living.
In the context of Smart Cities Mission, what are Integrated Command and Control
Centres (ICCCs)? How can they play a part in improving amenities for people and
seamless delivery of services? (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Why the question:
The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri recently announced that
Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) have been established in 80 cities selected as part
of the Smart Cities Mission, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
To write about the ICCCs role in improving urban amenities.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by writing about ICCCs in regard to Smart Cities Mission.
Body:
First, mention the various components of ICCCs – first is bandwidth; second, the sensors and edge
devices which record and generate real-time data; third, various analytics which are software that
draw on data captured by end devices to generate “intelligence”; fourth is data storage; fifth, the
ICCC software.
Next, write about how ICCCs can ensure seamless delivery of services and improving public amenities.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward to ensure optimal utilisation of ICCCs.
Introduction
A 'smart city' is an urban region that is highly advanced in terms of overall infrastructure,
sustainable real estate, communications and market viability. It is a city where information
technology is the principal infrastructure and the basis for providing essential services to residents.
The Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCC) of a smart city acts as a “nerve centre” for
operations management. It processes a complex and large pool of data sets at an aggregated level.
For example, it is now the go-to source for integrated traffic management monitoring.
Body
About Smart Cities Mission
 The National Smart Cities Mission is an urban renewal mission launched on June 25, 2015, to
promote cities to provide core infrastructure, a clean and sustainable environment, and a
decent quality of life to their citizens through the application of ‘smart solutions’.
 The purpose of the Smart Cities Mission is to drive economic growth and improve the quality of
life of people by enabling local area development and harnessing technology, especially
technology that leads to Smart outcomes.
 The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is the implementing ministry in
collaboration with the respective state governments.
 It is a centrally sponsored scheme that initially included 100 cities to be covered between 2019
and 2023.
Integrated Command and Control Centres: Features and role in seamless delivery of services
 The aim of ICCC is to aggregate information across multiple applications and sensors deployed
across the city and provide actionable information with appropriate visualization for decision-
makers
 The centres comprise video walls for real-time monitoring, emergency response system,
operations planning to include critical ones and 24x7 manual maintenance.
 The centres are being established to enable smart living, smart environment, smart economy,
smart governance, smart population and smart mobility.
 The centre will also provide valuable insights by processing complex data sets at an aggregated
level to derive intelligence for improved planning and policymaking.
 The ICCCs are now also linked to the CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and
Systems) network under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
 Out of the 100 municipalities in the Smart Cities Mission, the ICCCs of 70 cities are online or
operational.
 These ICCCs were converted into CoVID-19 war rooms during the peak of coronavirus pandemic
for public areas surveillance, tracking positive cases and health workers, heat mapping, virtual
training, etc.
Use cases of ICCC and case studies
 Raise alarms of circumstances among civic authorities by working up the required software
 It can put together all the data from various departments of a government for better efficiency
on results
 It can make decisions that are result-oriented in the time of emergency or even on regular days
 It connects with the supporting labour to handle the grassroot level grievances
 Processes are regulated to manage emergencies
 For any emergency or usual operation, the ICCC creates an opportunity of decision making which
is data-driven.
 As COVID-19 War Rooms, the Integrated Command and Control Centers are implementing
initiatives such as CCTV Surveillance of Public Places, GIS Mapping of COVID Positive cases, GPS
Tracking of Healthcare workers.
 Smart Cities of Pune, Surat, Bengaluru and Tumakuru are using the Integrated data
dashboards, developed by the data analysts and data experts working with their ICCCs (also
functioning as COVID-19 War Rooms in many cities) to provide up-to-date information about the
status of Coronavirus in different administrative zones of their cities.
 Pune Smart City Development Corporation Limited (PSCDCL) has collaborated with Pune
Municipal Corporation (PMC) to develop an Integrated data dashboard in the city’s efforts to
fight the global pandemic of Coronavirus.
Conclusion
The Command and Control Centre Solutions can gain acceleration through Audio & Video technology
which work as monitoring systems. Other processes that can boost its results are the mix of value-
added services. Besides all of these, the expertise of dedicated professionals is always needed to get
the best efficiency out of ICCC systems
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and
States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions
and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable
sections.
After 74 years of independence and an array of schemes to meet the basic needs of
citizens, it is only a matter of logical progression that the state should now focus on
creating a society of self-dependent people with adequate livelihood opportunities.
Cooperatives can be a key player in achieving this transition. Comment. (250 words)
Reference: Live Mint

Why the question:
A two-day national conference on India’s Cooperation Policy inaugurated by the home and
cooperation minister took place earlier this week. The programme was attended by several officials
of the Centre and states along with other national institutes and cooperatives.
To write about role of cooperatives in making the society self-dependent and creating opportunities
for livelihood.
Directive word:
Comment– here we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall
opinion thereupon.
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning the various measures taken by the state since independence to improve the
accessibility to basic needs of its citizens.
Body:
First, mention various success stories and benefits associated with cooperatives. Amul, IFFCO etc.
Next, mention different problems associated with cooperatives – institutional financial lacunae,
policy hurdles, administrative issues, sources of credit, capital equipment, and state-of-the-art
technology for producers.
Next, suggest steps for overcoming the above.
Conclusion:
Introduction
A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common

economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically
controlled. The need for profitability is balanced by the needs of the members and the wider interest
of the community
Body
Importance of cooperatives:
 India is an agricultural country and laid the foundation of World’s biggest cooperative
movement in the world.
 For instance, Amul deals with 16 million milk producers, 1,85,903 dairy cooperatives; 222 district
cooperative milk unions; marketed by 28 state marketing federations.
 There are over 8 lakh cooperatives of all shapes and sizes across sectors in India
 In India, a Co-operative based economic development model is very relevant where each
member works with a spirit of responsibility.
 It provides agricultural credits and funds where state and private sectors have not been able to
do very much.
 It provides strategic inputs for the agricultural-sector; consumer societies meet their
consumption requirements at concessional rates.
 It is an organization for the poor who wish to solve their problems collectively.
 It softens the class conflicts and reduces the social cleavages.
 It reduces the bureaucratic evils and follies of political factions;
 It overcomes the constraints of agricultural development;
 It creates a conducive environment for small and cottage industries.
For women in particular:
 Increased Income: A study conducted on Women Dairy Cooperative Society (WDCS) members
across Rajasthan showed that with the income generated through dairying, 31% of the women
had converted their mud houses to cement structures, while 39% had constructed concrete
sheds for their cattle.
 Provides Leadership lessons: Importantly, women-led cooperatives also provide fertile ground
for grooming women from rural areas for leadership positions.
 Breaks barriers: In many instances, this becomes the first step for women in breaking free from
traditional practices.
 Defeats Information Asymmetry: The presence of collectives in the form of cooperatives and
milk unions plays a significant role in enhancing the knowledge and bargaining power of women
 Set up business chain: Cooperatives enhance backward and forward linkages in the dairy value
chain, paving the way for freeing small farmers from the clutches of middlemen, and guaranteed
minimum procurement price for milk.
 A study by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) indicates that 93% of women
farmers who receive training alongside financial support succeed in their ventures, compared to
the 57% success rate of those who receive financial aid alone.
 According to latest data, there are more than 1,90,000 dairy cooperative societies across the
country, with approximately 6 million women members.
Reasons for the success of cooperative movement in India
 Economic growth and the increase in disposable incomes have played an important role in the
growth of cooperatives in India.
 Focus on quality means that the product quality is better. This helps in building customer
confidence and makes customer retention easier.
 Cooperatives, being democratic entities in nature, have the opportunity to elect a professional
and experienced management. The most successful cooperatives in India are run by a
professional management.
 Innovation plays a crucial role in the success of Indian cooperatives. For instance, Amul has
added 102 new products in the past four years. The increased adoption of drones is expected to
help save farmers’ time and energy and increase their income.
 Branding and effective marketing have played an important role in the success of cooperatives.
Amul is famous for its Amul Girl mascot
 cooperatives have remained socially relevant even after five decades. dairy cooperatives
participate in community affairs such as festivals, donate food, contribute monetarily and non-
monetarily in cultural and social functions in villages and help farmers in distress through loans.
 The Government has initiated various reforms to help the Indian cooperatives. Such reforms
include forming the Ministry of Cooperation, reducing compliance burden, providing training,
and so on.
 Further, the Government has organised training programmes through various entities, to help
cooperatives become more eficient in conducting their operations. Among such entities are the
National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
Way forward:
 Principle of the cooperative movement is to unite everyone, even while remaining anonymous.
The cooperative movement has the capacity to solve people’s problems.
 The pandemic seems to have increased the significance of community effort.
 Reducing vaccine hesitancy, providing food to those waiting outside hospitals and, most
importantly, looking after orphaned children are imperatives crying out for the cooperative
model.
 Implementing the steps provided by the Vaidyanathan committee on credit cooperative

societies.
 The idea of cooperatives must take the agenda beyond agriculture, milk, credit and housing
cooperatives
 New areas are emerging with the advancement of technology and cooperative societies can play
a huge role in making people familiar with those areas and technologies.
 There is a need to create more cooperatives with women at the helm of it.
 The irregularities in cooperatives need to be checked and the need of the hour is to have rules
and stricter implementation of same.
Critically examine Mission Antyodaya’s role in creation of a convergence and

accountability framework for optimal utilisation and management of resources for the
development of rural areas. (250 words)
Why the question:
The ‘Mission Antyodaya’ project of the Government of India launched in 2017-18 (and cast in a
convergence framework avowedly to eradicate poverty in its multiple dimensions among rural
households) bears great promise to revive the objectives of these great democratic reforms.
To write about the achievements and limitations of Mission Antyodaya and to suggest measures to
improve its performance.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by writing about the aims and objectives of Mission Antyodaya.
Body:
First, write about the various features of Mission Antyodaya.
Next, write about the role played by Mission Antyodaya in poverty alleviation, enhancing livelihoods
and rural development.
Next, write about the shortcomings of the Mission Antyodaya and suggest measures to overcome
them.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Adopted in Union Budget 2017-18, Mission Antyodaya is a mission mode project envisaged by the
Ministry of Rural Development. It is a convergence framework for measurable effective outcomes
on parameters that transform lives and livelihoods.
The main objective of Mission Antyodaya is to ensure optimum use of resources through the
convergence of various schemes that address multiple deprivations of poverty, making gram
panchayat the hub of a development plan.
Body
Role played by Mission Antyodaya
 It is a convergence and accountability framework aiming to bring optimum use and management
of resources allocated by 27 Ministries/ Department of the Government of India under various
programmes for the development of rural areas.
 It is envisaged as state-led initiative with Gram Panchayats as focal points of convergence

efforts.
 It is carried out coterminous with the People’s Plan Campaign (PPC) of Ministry of Panchayat Raj
and its’ purpose is to lend support to the process of participatory planning for Gram Panchayat
Development Plan (GPDP).
 The Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Rural Development act as the nodal agents to
take the mission forward.
However, challenges exist
 India’s decentralisation reforms have failed to take the decentralisation process forward in
delivering social justice and progress in rural India.
 The traditional poverty line linked to the calorie-income measure lacked sense and failed to
serve as a purposive policy tool.
 From the findings of the ‘Mission Antyodaya’ survey 2019-20 i.e. gap report and the composite
index has exposed the fact that we have not achieved ‘economic development and social
justice’ so far.
 The gap report and the composite index show in unmistakable terms that building ‘economic
development and social justice’ remains a distant goal even after 30 years of the
decentralisation reforms and nearly 75 years into Independence.
 The missing link or connection between the Gram Panchayat Development Plans
(GPDPs) prepared and the gaps emerging from the Mission Antyodaya (MA) Survey findings
has hindered the process of preparing comprehensive GPDP.
Way Forward
 The need of the hour is a serious effort to converge the resources - the Mahatma Gandhi
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, the National Rural Livelihood Mission, National
Social Assistance Programme, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, etc.
 The government should reduce the growing rural-urban disparities across primary health care,
literacy, drinking water supply and other issues.
 The data can be deployed to India’s fiscal federalism. It can improve the transfer system and
horizontal equity in the delivery of public goods in India at the sub-State level.
 The strong policy interventions can help in the attainment of the constitutional goal of planning
and implementing economic development and social justice in India.
Role of civil services in a democracy.

Elaborate upon the importance of civil services in maintaining the unity, integrity and
the federal character of the nation and steering it to a path of prosperity. What
reforms are needed to improve their efficiency and effectiveness? (250 words)
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
Two recent articles on the failure, or otherwise, of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) have
attracted public attention. D. Subbarao argues for true meritocracy, faults the system of incentives
and disincentives that rewards mediocrity, and makes it clear that the failure is not all due to political
context and interference.
To write about the importance of civil services and reforms that are needed in them.
Directive word:
Elaborate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must
be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Introduction:
Begin by writing a few introductory lines about the Civil services in India.
Body:
Discuss in points the role played by civil services in a democracy and try to connect them with Indian
civil services – Role in Governance, Role in provision of public goods and services, Economic policy
improvement and implementation, Role in fiscal sustainability, Role in institutional development etc.
Next, mention the various drawbacks and limitations with respect to civil services in India and the
various reforms that are needed in this regard.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Public Servants are the glue between the State and the people. They have a wide array of
responsibilities from formulation, implementation of various rules, policies to service delivery to
citizens. They are granted with sufficient powers to carry on their work in an unhindered manner.
When India attained independence, Sardar Vallabhai Patel was the first to envision civil services as
the ‘steel frame’ of Independent India. Today, more than six decades later, the Indian bureaucracy is
both celebrated and reviled. Far from what Patel had warranted, his vision of a “steel frame” is now
derided as “babudom”.
Body
Importance of civil services
 In a democracy, the civil services play an extremely important role in the administration, policy
formulation and implementation, and in taking the country forward towards progress and
development.
 Civil servants by maintaining law and order protect the life and liberty of the people.
 Due to their administrative expertise, they are the “think tank” of the Government. They collect
data and information related to core issues.
 They assist the ministers in formulating policy and are responsible for implementing these
policies wherein ministers are accountable to parliament and civil servants are accountable to
ministers.
 It is also the responsibility of the civil servants to check the feasibility of the proposals in relation
to the Constitutional provisions. They also take up the task of implementing the laws and
policies of the Government.
 The civil service is present all over India and it thus has a strong binding character.
 It offers non-partisan advice to the political leadership of the country, even in the midst of
political instability.
 Since citizens are the main focus point of the administrative system, the civil servant has become
a connecting bridge between the State and the society.
 Formulation of appropriate developmental goals and programs in order to secure the support of
the people and for the development of the nation is the responsibility of the civil servants.
 The service gives effective coordination between the various institutions of governance, and also
between different departments, bodies, etc.
 It offers service delivery and leadership at different levels of administration.
Measures needed:
 Personal self-interest should be secondary to the common good in all situations, especially when
such circumstances give rise to conflict of interest.
 A dilemma should be dealt appropriately by considering and reformulating all the options in a
systematic and coherent manner.
 To resolve ethical dilemmas, an order or a sequence of logical reasoning is must to integrate and
rearrange the process of dealing with ethical dilemmas.
 The decisions should be guided by following principles:
 The provisions of Indian Constitution.
 Democratic accountability of administration.
 The rule of law and the principle of legality.
 Professional integrity.
 Impartiality and neutrality.
 Larger public good.
 Responsiveness to civil society.
 The bureaucracy should be loyal to the country and its people while decision making considering
consequences of such decisions.
 It is fundamental ethical duty of civil servants to show a spirit of neutrality and discretion and
keep their own personal preferences out in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.
Conclusion
A bureaucracy must be an enabler and not a hinderer that clogs the decision-making pipeline.
Honest and competent civil servants—and there are many—need to initiate human capital reform to
create high-performing machinery that does fewer things but does them better.
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services

relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD) is enormous on the health care
system of the nation. Analyse the role that AYUSH can play in addressing the issue of
burgeoning NCDs. (250 words)
Reference: the Print
INSIGHTSONINDIA
Why the question: On the Occasion of World Health Day celebrated on Thursday, Ministry of AYUSH
organized Yoga Utsav- a health awareness programme for the International Day of Yoga, at Red
Fort.
Key Demand of the question: To write about how India can cope up to the huge burden of NCDs and
role of AYUSH in this regard.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the
topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Introduction:
Begin by giving statistic regarding NCD’s in India.
Body:
Mention about NCD’s, the burden of NCD’s and the reasons as to why they also need to addressed
along with the pandemic. Bring out its impact.
Write the measures that are needed in this hour to tackle NCD’s and the rule AYUSH can play in
promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing NCDs. Mention the role it can play in its treatment.
Conclusion:

Introduction
Non communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, tend to be of long duration
and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behaviours
factors. The main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancers,
chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and
diabetes.
Body
Burden of NCDs
 Rise of deaths during productive years (30-70 years)
 Loss of demographic dividend
 NCDs can become bigger problem than being malnourished
 NCDs threaten progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which
includes a target of reducing premature deaths from NCDs by one-third by 2030.
 Poverty is closely linked with NCDs. The rapid rise in NCDs is predicted to impede poverty
reduction initiatives in low-income countries, particularly by increasing household costs
associated with health care.
 Vulnerable and socially disadvantaged people get sicker and die sooner than people of
higher social positions, especially because they are at greater risk of being exposed to
harmful products, such as tobacco, or unhealthy dietary practices, and have limited access
to health services.
 In low-resource settings, health-care costs for NCDs quickly drain household resources.
The exorbitant costs of NCDs, including often lengthy and expensive treatment and loss of
breadwinners, force millions of people into poverty annually and stifle development.
Role that AYUSH can play in addressing the issue of burgeoning NCDs
 Unlike modern medicine, AYUSH follows a more holistic approach, with the objective of
promoting overall well-being instead of focussing on curing illness alone.
 Such an approach assumes greater significance in the case of non-communicable

diseaseswhich are difficult to treat once they have developed into chronic conditions.
 Internationally, greater scientific evidence is becoming available regarding the health impact
of alternative systems of medicine, especially Yoga.
 It has been proved beyond doubt that timely interventions in pre-diabetic and pre-
hypertensive conditions with alternative medicines can result in regression of diseases
and restoration of health.
 Yoga is effective not only in prevention and control but also in the treatment of diseases.
The whole world today is adopting Yoga for a healthier lifestyle.
Way forward
 It is important to gather scientific evidence for the safety and efficacy of AYUSH medicines
and practices.
 Work towards capacity building and developing a critical mass of competent professionals in
the AYUSH sector through quality education and training at national and international levels.
 True integration of traditional and modern systems is the need of the hour. This would
require a concerted strategy for facilitating meaningful cross-learning and collaboration
between the modern and traditional systems on equal terms.
 The Chinese experience of integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western medicine
makes for a good example.
 An Indian parallel could envision the integration of education, research, and practice of both
systems at all levels. This can include training of AYUSH practitioners in modern medicine
through curriculum changes and vice versa.
 Need to ensure substantial groundwork with respect to the prerequisites of an effective

integration.
 Building a strong traditional medicine evidence corpus.
 Standardizing and regulating AYUSH practices and qualifications.
 Delineating the relative strengths, weaknesses, and role of each system in an integrated
framework.
 Negotiating the philosophical and conceptual divergences between systems.
 Addressing the unique issues associated with research into AYUSH techniques.
 An integrated framework should create a middle path — fusing the two systems, while still
permitting some autonomy for each.
 Accordingly, a medium- and long-term plan for seamless integration should be developed
expeditiously in view of the massive drive for achieving universal health care already
underway in the country and considering the vast potential of AYUSH to contribute to this
cause.
Conclusion
The strategies to tackle the covid pandemic and Non-communicable disease burden need to evolve.
Increasing testing and tracing capabilities, lowering the load of the healthcare system; all of us have
to play our part and put efforts individually as well as in a community.
The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD) is enormous on the health care

system of the nation. Analyse the role that AYUSH can play in addressing the issue of
burgeoning NCDs. (150 words, 10 marks)
Introduction
Non communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, tend to be of long duration
and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behaviours
factors. The main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), cancers,
chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and
diabetes.
Body
Burden of NCDs
 Rise of deaths during productive years (30-70 years)
 Loss of demographic dividend
 NCDs can become bigger problem than being malnourished
 NCDs threaten progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which
includes a target of reducing premature deaths from NCDs by one-third by 2030.
 Poverty is closely linked with NCDs. The rapid rise in NCDs is predicted to impede poverty
reduction initiatives in low-income countries, particularly by increasing household costs
associated with health care.
 Vulnerable and socially disadvantaged people get sicker and die sooner than people of
higher social positions, especially because they are at greater risk of being exposed to
harmful products, such as tobacco, or unhealthy dietary practices, and have limited access
to health services.
 In low-resource settings, health-care costs for NCDs quickly drain household resources.
The exorbitant costs of NCDs, including often lengthy and expensive treatment and loss of
breadwinners, force millions of people into poverty annually and stifle development.
Role that AYUSH can play in addressing the issue of burgeoning NCDs
 Unlike modern medicine, AYUSH follows a more holistic approach, with the objective of
promoting overall well-being instead of focussing on curing illness alone.
 Such an approach assumes greater significance in the case of non-communicable

diseaseswhich are difficult to treat once they have developed into chronic conditions.
 Internationally, greater scientific evidence is becoming available regarding the health impact
of alternative systems of medicine, especially Yoga.
 It has been proved beyond doubt that timely interventions in pre-diabetic and pre-
hypertensive conditions with alternative medicines can result in regression of diseases
and restoration of health.
 Yoga is effective not only in prevention and control but also in the treatment of diseases.
The whole world today is adopting Yoga for a healthier lifestyle.
Way forward
 It is important to gather scientific evidence for the safety and efficacy of AYUSH medicines
and practices.
 Work towards capacity building and developing a critical mass of competent professionals in
the AYUSH sector through quality education and training at national and international levels.
 True integration of traditional and modern systems is the need of the hour. This would
require a concerted strategy for facilitating meaningful cross-learning and collaboration
between the modern and traditional systems on equal terms.
 The Chinese experience of integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western medicine
makes for a good example.
 An Indian parallel could envision the integration of education, research, and practice of both
systems at all levels. This can include training of AYUSH practitioners in modern medicine
through curriculum changes and vice versa.
 Need to ensure substantial groundwork with respect to the prerequisites of an effective

integration.
 Building a strong traditional medicine evidence corpus.
 Standardizing and regulating AYUSH practices and qualifications.
 Delineating the relative strengths, weaknesses, and role of each system in an integrated
framework.
 Negotiating the philosophical and conceptual divergences between systems.
 Addressing the unique issues associated with research into AYUSH techniques.
 An integrated framework should create a middle path — fusing the two systems, while still
permitting some autonomy for each.
 Accordingly, a medium- and long-term plan for seamless integration should be developed
expeditiously in view of the massive drive for achieving universal health care already
underway in the country and considering the vast potential of AYUSH to contribute to this
cause.
Conclusion
The strategies to tackle the covid pandemic and Non-communicable disease burden need to evolve.
Increasing testing and tracing capabilities, lowering the load of the healthcare system; all of us have
to play our part and put efforts individually as well as in a community.
What is anti-microbial resistance (AMR)? What are the factors that lead to AMR?
Evaluate India’s preparedness in dealing with it. Do you think one health approach is a
better way forward to deal with it? (250 words)
Reference: Down to Earth
Why the question:
The strategic framework published in a report April 6, 2022 to advance a One Health response to
AMR at the global, regional and country levels is a joint effort by the World Health Organization
(WHO), Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and
United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
To write about concerns surrounding AMR, its causes, measures to deal with it and role of one health
approach in this regard.
Directive word:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of
the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of
the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.
Introduction:
Define AMR and its causes.
Body:
First, write about the why there is global cause of concern – Superbug, Multi drug resistance to
bacterium and viruses, Increased cost of treatment, prolonged hospitalisation, increased mortality
and less effective inoculation.
Next, write about the various initiatives to tackle AMR – Global Action Plan on AMR, World Anti-
microbial awareness week, Delhi Declaration on AMR, National Action Plan on Antimicrobial
Resistance etc. Evaluate its efficacy.
Next, write about the one health approach and the initiatives it offers in dealing with AMR.
Conclusion:
Introduction
The WHO defines antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a condition wherein microbes survive when
exposed to the drug which would have normally caused them to die. It is the resistance acquired by
any microorganism like bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasite, etc. against antimicrobial drugs (such as
antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimalarial, and anthelmintic) that are used to treat infections
and is regarded as a major threat to public health across the globe.
Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”. As

a result, standard treatments become ineffective, infections persist and may spread to others.
Body
Reasons for the spread of AMR:
 Antibiotic consumption in humans
o Unnecessary and injudicious use of antibiotic fixed dose combinations could lead to
emergence of bacterial strains resistant to multiple antibiotics.
 Social factors
o Self-medication.
o Access to antibiotics without prescription.
o Lack of knowledge about when to use antibiotics.
 Cultural Activities
o Mass bathing in rivers as part of religious mass gathering occasions.
 Antibiotic Consumption in Food Animals
o Antibiotics which are critical to human health are commonly used for growth
promotion in poultry.
 Pharmaceutical Industry Pollution
o The wastewater effluents from the antibiotic manufacturing units contain a

substantial amount of antibiotics, leading to contamination of rivers and lakes.
 Environmental Sanitation
o Untreated disposal of sewage water bodies – leading to contamination of rivers with

antibiotic residues and antibiotic-resistant organisms.
 Infection Control Practices in Healthcare Settings
o A report on hand-washing practices of nurses and doctors found that only 31.8% of
them washed hands after contact with patients.
Efforts to control AMR in India:
 Burden of infectious disease (Bacterial infections) is high and healthcare spending is low.
 The National Health Policy 2017 highlights the problem of antimicrobial resistance and calls
for effective action to address it.
 The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) identified AMR as one of the top 10
priorities for the ministry’s collaborative work with WHO.
 In 2012, India’s medical societies adopted the Chennai Declaration, a set of national
recommendations to promote antibiotic stewardship.
 India’s Red Line campaign demands that prescription-only antibiotics be marked with a red
line, to discourage the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics.
 National Policy for Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance 2011.
 National Action Plan on AMR resistance 2017-2021.
 India has instituted surveillance of the emergence of drug resistance in disease causing
microbes in programmes on Tuberculosis, Vector Borne diseases, AIDS, etc.
 Since March 2014 a separate Schedule H-1 has been incorporated in Drug and Cosmetic
rules to regulate the sale of antimicrobials in the country.
 The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) banned the use of antibiotics and
several pharmacologically active substances in fisheries.
 The government has also capped the maximum levels of drugs that can be used for growth
promotion in meat and meat products.
“One Health” to control AMR
 One Health is the collaborative efforts of multiple disciplines working locally, nationally, and
globally, to attain optimal health for people, animals and our environment, as defined by the
One Health Initiative Task Force.
 One Health model facilitates interdisciplinary approach in disease control so as to control

emerging and existing zoonotic threats.
 India’s ‘One Health’ vision derives its blueprint from the agreement between the tripartite-
plus alliance comprising the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO),
the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the World Health Organization (WHO) and
the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), a global initiative supported by the
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Bank under the overarching goal of
contributing to ‘One World, One Health’.
 To achieve targets under the ‘One Health’ vision, efforts are ongoing to address challenges
pertaining to veterinary manpower shortages, the lack of information sharing between
human and animal health institutions, and inadequate coordination on food safety at
slaughter, distribution, and retail facilities.
 These issues can be remedied by consolidating existing animal health and disease
surveillance systems., the Information Network for Animal Productivity and Health, and the
National Animal Disease Reporting System developing best-practice guidelines for informal
market and slaughterhouse operation (e.g., inspections, disease prevalence assessments),
and creating mechanisms to operationalise ‘One Health’ at every stage down to the village
level.
Way forward
 In addition to developing new antimicrobials, infection-control measures can reduce

antibiotic use.
 It is critical to ensure that all those who need an antimicrobial have access to it.
 To track the spread of resistance in microbes, surveillance measures to identify these

organisms need to encompass livestock, wastewater and farm run-offs.
 We need sustained investments and global coordination to detect and combat new resistant
strains on an ongoing basis.
 International alignment and coordination are paramount in both policymaking and its
implementation.
 Solutions in clinical medicine must be integrated with improved surveillance of AMR in

agriculture, animal health and the environment
Conclusion
Anti-Microbial Resistance is not a country specific issue but a global concern that is jeopardizing
global health security. Antimicrobial resistance is one of the major public health problems. Reducing
the incidence of infection through effective infection prevention and control. As stated by WHO,
making infection prevention and hand hygiene a national policy priority is need of the hour.
Value addition
International Efforts
 A multi-sectoral $1 billion AMR Action Fund was launched in 2020 to support the
development of new antibiotics.
 Peru’s efforts on patient education to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
 Australian regulatory reforms to influence prescriber behaviour.
 Denmark’s reforms to prevent the use of antibiotics in livestock have not only led to a
significant reduction in the prevalence of resistant microbes in animals, but also improved
the efficiency of farming.
 India proposed laws to curb the amount of active antibiotics released in pharmaceutical
waste
Despite its huge population, India eradicated polio with strong commitment and
consistent efforts. Elucidate. What steps should India take to remain vigilant that no
future outbreaks happen? (250 words)
Why the question:
The recent news of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in Malawi imported from Pakistan and of polio
outbreak in Israel caused by ‘circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 3’ (cVDPV3) are visible signs
of floundering polio eradication.
To write about the reasons for success in India’s polio eradication and steps needed to prevent future
outbreaks.
Directive word:
Elucidate – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must
be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Briefly explain about India’s achievement of eradicating polio against all odds.
Body:
First, write about the challenges India faced in eradicating polio – huge population, improper health
care set up, hesitancy, lack of awareness etc.
Next, write about the steps taken the by the government, civil society and NGO’s which helped India
eradicate polio.
Next, write about the need to be vigilant and steps that re needed in this regard to ensure that no
outbreaks are seen in the future.
Conclusion:
Conclude with significance and relevance of such efforts in our fight against covid-19.
Introduction
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease which invades the nervous system and can cause irreversible
paralysis within hours. Polio spreads in vulnerable populations in areas where there is no immunity
and sanitation is poor. There are three individual and immunologically distinct wild poliovirus strains:
wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), wild poliovirus type 2 (WPV2) and wild poliovirus type 3 (WPV3).
Body
Polio eradication in India: Measures
 Polio free India: India received polio-free certification by the WHO in 2014, after three years
of zero cases.
o This achievement has been spurred by the successful Pulse Polio Campaign in which
all children were administered polio drops.
o The last case due to wild poliovirus in the country was detected on 13th January
2011.
 Pulse Polio Programme: It was started with an objective of achieving hundred percent
coverage under Oral Polio Vaccine.
 Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0: It was a nationwide immunisation drive to mark the
25 years of Pulse polio programme (2019-20).
 Universal Immunization Programme (UIP):It was launched in 1985 with the modification to
‘Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI).
o The objectives of the Programme include: Rapidly increasing immunization

coverage, Improving the quality of services, Establishing a reliable cold chain system
to the health facility level, Introducing a district-wise system for monitoring of
performance, Achieving self-sufficiency in vaccine production.
Futuristic vigilance to prevent polio outbreak
 Maintaining community immunity through high quality National and Sub National polio
rounds each year.
 An extremely high level of vigilance through surveillance across the country for any
importation or circulation of poliovirus and VDPV is being maintained.
o Environmental surveillance (sewage sampling) have been established to detect

poliovirus transmission and as a surrogate indicator of the progress as well for any
programmatic interventions strategically in Mumbai, Delhi, Patna, Kolkata Punjab
and Gujarat.
 All States and Union Territories in the country have developed a Rapid Response Team
(RRT) to respond to any polio outbreak in the country.
o An Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (EPRP) has also been developed
by all States indicating steps to be undertaken in case of detection of a polio
case.
o This must continue and be strengethened.
 To reduce risk of importation from neighbouring countries, international border vaccination

is being provided through continuous vaccination teams (CVT) to all eligible children round
the clock.
o These are provided through special booths set up at the international borders that
India shares with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan Nepal and Myanmar.
 Government of India has issued guidelines for mandatory requirement of polio vaccination
to all international travellers before their departure from India to polio affected countries
namely: Afghanistan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Syria and Cameroon.
 A rolling emergency stock of OPV is being maintained to respond to detection/importation

of wild poliovirus (WPV) or emergence of circulating vaccine derived poliovirus (cVDPV).
 National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) has recommended Injectable

Polio Vaccine (IPV) introduction as an additional dose along with 3rd dose of DPT in the
entire country in the last quarter of 2015 as a part of polio endgame strategy.
Conclusion
The Pulse Polio Initiative was started with an objective of achieving hundred per cent coverage
under Oral Polio Vaccine. It aimed to immunize children through improved social mobilization, plan
mop-up operations in areas where poliovirus has almost disappeared and maintain high level of
morale among the public. It must be continued with same enthusiasm to maintain the Polio free
status in India.
Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

Alleviation of poverty remains a major challenge of economic development in the
country. Evaluate the various measure taken by the government to overcome poverty
in India. (250 words)
Why the question:
The release of two new working papers, one from the World Bank and the other from the IMF, has
led to a renewed debate on poverty in India. Both papers claim that extreme poverty in the country,
based on the international definition of $1.90 per capita per day (in purchasing power parity (PPP),
has declined substantially.
To write about the challenges associated with poverty and to evaluate the performance of various
measures taken to alleviate poverty.
Directive word:
Evaluate – When you are asked to evaluate, you have to pass a sound judgement about the truth of
the given statement in the question or the topic based on evidence. You must appraise the worth of
the statement in question. There is scope for forming an opinion here.
Introduction:
Describe the giving statistic regarding the current status of poverty in India.
Body:
First, write about the various challenges associated with eradication of poverty in India.
Next, evaluate the pros and cons of the various poverty alleviation measures in India – Swarnjayanti
Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY), National Social Assistance Programme, Land Reforms, MGNREGA
and various PDS initiatives etc.
Suggest measures to overcome the above the limitations of the above.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Poverty is a state or condition in which a person or community lacks the financial resources and
essentials for a minimum standard of living. Poverty means that the income level from employment
is so low that basic human needs can’t be met. In India, 21.9% of the population lives below the
national poverty line in 2011.
The release of two new working papers, one from the World Bank and the other from the IMF, has
led to a renewed debate on poverty in India. Both papers claim that extreme poverty in the country,
based on the international definition of $1.90 per capita per day (in purchasing power parity (PPP),
has declined substantially.
Body
Alleviation of remains a major challenge of economic development in the country due to
 Rapid growth of population: The growth of population exceeds the rate of growth in
national income. Population growth at a faster rate increases labor supply which tends to
lower the wage rate.
 Outdated Social institutions: The social structure of our country is full of outdated traditions
and customs like caste system, laws of inheritance and succession. These hamper the growth
of economy.
 Social customs: The rural people spend a large percentage of annual earnings on social
ceremonies like marriage, death feast etc. As a result, they remain in debt and poverty.
 Growing indebtedness: In the rural sector most of the rural people depend on borrowings
from the money-lenders and land-lords to meet even their consumption expenses.
Moneylenders, however, exploit the poor by charging exorbitant rates of interest and by
acquiring the mortgaged land in the event of non-payment of loans.
 Unequal distribution of land and other assets: Land and other forms of assets constitute
sources of income for the rural people. But, unfortunately, there has been unequal
distribution of land and other assets in our economy. The size-wise distribution of
operational holdings indicates a very high degree of concentration in the hands of a few
farmers leading to poverty of many in the rural sector.
 Decline of village industries: At present consequent upon industrialization new factories and
industries are being set up in rural areas. Village industries fail to compete with them in
terms of quality and price. As a result, they are closed down. The workers are thrown out of
employment and lead a life of poverty.
 Immobility of labor: Immobility of labor also accounts, for rural poverty. Even if higher
wages are offered, laborers are not willing to leave their homes. The joint family system
makes people lethargic and stay-at-home. The rural people are mostly illiterate, ignorant,
conservative, superstitious and fatalistic. Poverty is considered as God-given, something
preordained. All these factors lead to abysmal poverty in rural India.
 Unemployment and under employment: Due to continuous rise in population, there is

chronic unemployment and under employment in India. There is educated unemployment
and disguised unemployment. Poverty is just the reflection of unemployment.
 Increase in Price: The steep rise in prices has affected the poor badly. They have become
more poor.
 Low agricultural productivity: Poverty and real income are very much interrelated. Increase
in real income leads to reduction of the magnitude of poverty. So far as agricultural sector is
concerned, the farmers even today are following the traditional method of cultivation.
Hence there is low agricultural productivity resulting in rural poverty.
 Lack of Skilled Labour: In India, unskilled labour is in abundant supply but skilled labour is
less due to insufficient industrial education and training.
 Gender imparity: This has led to poor participation of women in economic activities and
labour force, thereby aggravating poverty in many families.
 Ethnic discrimination: leads to non-diversification of jobs especially at the village levels.

Incidences of communal riots have further discouraged people from migration leading to
poverty.
 Climatic factors: Climatic conditions constitute an important cause of poverty. The hot
climate of India reduces the capacity of people especially the rural people to work for which
production severely suffers. Frequent flood, famine, earthquake and cyclone cause heavy
damage to agriculture. Moreover, absence of timely rain, excessive or deficient rain affect
severely country’s agricultural production.
Various poverty alleviation programs in India since Independence:
 Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP)
 Jawahar Rozgar Yojana/Jawahar Gram Samriddhi Yojana
 Rural Housing – Indira Awaas Yojana
 National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS)
 Sampoorna Gramin Rozgar Yojana (SGRY)
 Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 2005
 The Public Distribution System (PDS)
 The National Food Security Act (NFSA)
 National Rural Livelihood Mission: Ajeevika (2011)
 National Urban Livelihood Mission
 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
 Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
Issues surrounding poverty alleviation policies and programmes:
 However, none resulted in any radical change in the ownership of assets, process of
production and improvement of basic amenities to the needy.
 Scholars, while assessing these programmes, state three major areas of concern which
prevent their successful implementation. Due to unequal distribution of land and other
assets, the benefits from direct poverty alleviation programmes have been appropriated by
the non-poor.
 Compared to the magnitude of poverty, the amount of resources allocated for these
programmes is not sufficient. Moreover, these programmes depend mainly on government
and bank officials for their implementation.
 Since such officials are ill motivated, inadequately trained, corruption prone and vulnerable
to pressure from a variety of local elites, the resources are inefficiently used and wasted.
There is also non-participation of local level institutions in programme implementation.
 Government policies have also failed to address the vast majority of vulnerable people who
are living on or just above the poverty line. It also reveals that high growth alone is not
sufficient to reduce poverty.
 Without the active participation of the poor, successful implementation of any programme is
not possible
Conclusion
Poverty can effectively be eradicated only when the poor start contributing to growth by their active
involvement in the growth process. This is possible through a process of social mobilization,
encouraging poor people to participate and get them empowered. This will also help create
employment opportunities which may lead to increase in levels of income, skill development, health
and literacy. Moreover, it is necessary to identify poverty stricken areas and provide infrastructure
such as schools, roads, power, telecom, IT services, training institutions etc.
India and its neighborhood- relations.

India-Nepal relations are in need of a rebalancing. This can be achieved by India
emphasising on Neighbourhood First Policy and Nepal reciprocating India’s efforts.
Analyse. (250 words)
Why the question: The visit of Nepal’s Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to India, beginning April 1
— four years after a Nepali leader visited New Delhi — is significant. It is the first bilateral visit
abroad for Mr. Deuba who leads an election government
Key Demand of the question: To bring out the changing landscape of Indo-Nepal relation in light of
recent developments between the two countries and need for rebalancing,
Directive word:
Introduction:
In brief, give a historical perspective of Indo-Nepal relations.
Body:
Present a timeline that depicts major events between India and Nepal and highlights the
controversies around their relations. Elaborate upon the recent boundary issue as well he internal
strife being witnessed in Nepal.
Discuss the underlying factors responsible for unchanging perspectives for each other. Bring out their
impacts on the relations of the both countries. Discuss ties at different levels between the two –
people to people ties, government to government ties, the China factor etc.
Bring out the present picture of the Indo-Nepal ties.
Conclusion:
Mention a way forward to recalibrate the ties and ensure mutual prosperity between the two
countries.
Introduction
Nepal is an important neighbour of India and occupies special significance in its foreign policy
because of the geographic, historical, cultural and economic linkages/ties that span centuries. India
and Nepal share similar ties in terms of Hinduism and Buddhism with Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini
located in present day Nepal. Over the past few years, we have been witness to the deteriorating
India-Nepal relations. Reserves of goodwill which India had accumulated is fast depleting in Nepal.
The visit of Nepal’s Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to India, beginning April 1 — four years after
a Nepali leader visited New Delhi — is significant. It is the first bilateral visit abroad for Mr. Deuba
who leads an election government
Body
Need of a rebalancing India Nepal ties

 Nepal shares borders with 5 Indian states- Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim
and Bihar and with free movement of people and thereby acting as an important point of
cultural and economic exchange in India-Nepal relations.
 Nepal unveiled a new political map that claimed strategically important land Kalapani,
Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh of Uttarakhand as part of its sovereign territory.
 The misunderstanding created during the constitution framing / Madhesi agitation changed
the entire gamut of relations between India and Nepal.
 Internal Security is a major concern for India; Indo-Nepal border is virtually open and lightly
policed which is exploited by terrorist outfits and insurgent groups from North Eastern part
of India eg. supply of trained cadres, fake Indian currency.
 Nepal over the years has witnessed chronic political instability, including a 10-year violent
insurgency, damaging Nepal’s development and economy.
 There is anti-India feeling among certain ethnic groups in Nepal which emanates from the
perception that India indulges too much in Nepal and tinkers with their political sovereignty.
 The establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China and its growing
influence in Nepal has resulted in declining traditional leverage of India in Nepal.
 Overtime trust deficit has widened between India-Nepal because of the Indian reputation
for delaying implementation of various projects.
 The Mahakali agreement has remained in limbo for over two decades. In 2008, the collapse
of Koshi’s embankment unleashed massive flooding, highlighting India’s failure to take
precautionary measures and its refusal to take responsibility.
Prospects of India-Nepal Relations:
 Trade and economy:
o India is Nepal’s largest trade partner and the largest source of foreign investments,
besides providing transit for almost the entire third country trade of Nepal.
o Indian firms engage in manufacturing, services (banking, insurance, dry port), power
sector and tourism industries etc.
 Connectivity:
o Nepal being a landlocked country, it is surrounded by India from three sides and one
side is open towards Tibet which has very limited vehicular access.
o India-Nepal has undertaken various connectivity programs to enhance people-to-

people linkages and promote economic growth and development.
o MOUs have been signed between both the governments for laying electric rail track
linking Kathmandu with Raxaul in India.
o India is looking to develop the inland waterways for the movement of cargo, within
the framework of trade and transit arrangements, providing additional access to sea
for Nepal calling it linking Sagarmath (Mt. Everest) with Sagar (Indian Ocean).
 Development Assistance:
o Government of India provides development assistance to Nepal, focusing on

creation of infrastructure at the grass-root level.
o The areas assistance include infrastructure, health, water resources, and education
and rural & community development.
 Defence Cooperation:
o Bilateral defence cooperation includes assistance to Nepalese Army in its

modernization through provision of equipment and training.
o The Gorkha Regiments of the Indian Army are raised partly by recruitment from hill
districts of Nepal.
o India from 2011, every year undertakes joint military exercise with Nepal known as
Surya Kiran.
 Cultural:
o There have been initiatives to promote people-to-people contacts in the area of art
& culture, academics and media with different local bodies of Nepal.
o India has signed three sister-city agreements for twinning of Kathmandu-Varanasi,

Lumbini-Bodhgaya and Janakpur-Ayodhya.
 Humanitarian Assistance:
o Nepal lies in sensitive ecological fragile zone which is prone to earthquakes, floods
causing massive damage to both life and money, whereby it remains the biggest
recipient of India’s humanitarian assistance.
 Indian Community:
o Huge number of Indians lives in Nepal, these include businessmen, traders, doctors,
engineers and labourers (including seasonal/migratory in the construction sector).
 Multilateral Partnership:
o India and Nepal shares multiple multilateral forums such as BBIN (Bangladesh,
Bhutan, India, and Nepal), BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral
Technical and Economic Cooperation) NAM, and SAARC (South Asian Association for
Regional Cooperation) etc.
Way forward
 On border issue:
o The two countries have managed to settle about 98% of the common border.
o More than 8,500 boundary pillars have been installed reflecting the agreed
alignment.
o As both countries are laying claim to the same piece of land, the time has come for
both countries to sit for talks to solve this issue.
 Completion of the ongoing process of updating the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship:
o India must recognise that as in all other developing economies, Nepal’s aspirational
young population is also looking beyond the open Indian border for opportunities,
and its desire to turn his “land-locked” country into a “land-linked” country with a
merchant navy must be considered positively.
 People-to-people inter-dependence must lead the relationship along with civil society and
business-commercial level interactions.
 India’s major foray should be in innovation and technology transfer, multidisciplinary

dialogues, educational and technical institutions, local and global migration management
and skills and capacity-building.
 India needs to finish the infrastructure projects on time for instance Pancheswar project has
been pending for over 20 years now.
 Nepal could be the fountainhead of climate change knowledge and connect to India’s larger
dynamics of the management of the ecology of hills and mountains.
 Effective delivery on the pending projects, the remaining ICPs, the five railway connections,
postal road network in the Terai and the petroleum pipeline so that connectivity is enhanced
and the idea of ‘inclusive development and prosperity’ assumes reality.
 Negotiate diplomatically to resolve the boundary dispute with Nepal under the aegis
of International law on Trans-Boundary Water Disputes.In this case, boundary dispute
resolution between India and Bangladesh should serve as a model for this.
 India should maintain a policy of keeping away from the internal affairs of Nepal, while at
the same time, in the spirit of friendship, India should guide the nation towards a more
inclusive democracy.
 With its immense strategic relevance in the Indian context as Indian security concern, stable
and secure Nepal is one requisite which India can’t afford to overlook.
 India needs to formulate a comprehensive and long-term Nepal policy.

 India should stop looking at Nepal purely through a security prism, and at bilateral relations
only as transactional and part of a zero-sum game with China.
 Focus on working towards multifaceted relationshipsto the advantage of both nations.
The economic crisis in Sri Lanka is also having its spill over effect on India. Examine.
How can India’s priority for geo-economics and regional connectivity help Sri Lanka
overcome this crisis? (250 words)
Reference: Business Standard
Introduction
Refugees from Sri Lanka are trickling in on India’s southern shores. The effect of Sri Lanka’s
economic crisis is now being felt in India too. Inflation has soared past 17% in Srilanka and there has
been many news regarding fatal incidents of people dying while standing in queues for fuel and
ration. Hospitals are doing only emergency surgeries due to shortage of medicines and other
supplies. Sri Lanka is going through the worst crisis since its Independence.
Driven out by hunger and loss of jobs, people from the island nation are seeking refuge in India,
which is doing its best to help the neighbouring country.
Body
Background
 The island has been facing daily power cuts and double-digit inflation, which hit 17.5% in
February.
 The Sri Lankan central bank allowed the local currency to devalue by 30% in a month.
 Food inflation soared to 25.7% in February. The crisis is now starting to impact Indian
exporters.
Factors that have led to this crisis
 Shortage of foreign exchange reserves: They have plummeted 70% in two years to just
$2 billion at the end of February, which can barely cover two months of imports.
 Foreign debt: Meanwhile, the country has foreign debt obligations of about $7 billion this
year. The forex crisis is the result of several factors.
 Easter sunday attacks: Tourism, which is the country’s third-largest foreign exchange
earner, came to a virtual halt after the 2019 Easter Sunday suicide bombings which killed
more than 250 people.
o Tourist arrivals dropped by as much as 70%.
 Pandemic: And then the pandemic struck, dealing a severe blow to the tourism industry.
 Remittance: Remittances from foreign workers, which is the nation’s biggest source of
dollars, slumped 22.7% to $5.5 billion in 2021.
 Dependence on imports: The country’s heavy dependence on imports for essential goods
like sugar, pharmaceuticals, fuel, pulses and cereals worsened the crisis.
 The government’s ban on chemical fertilizers last April as it looked to become the first
country to fully adopt organic farming backfired. A survey showed that 90% of Sri Lanka’s
farmers used chemical fertilisers for cultivation.
o The move led to a drastic drop in domestic food production, pushing up food
prices.
o The decision was rolled back after months of mass protests by farmers but the
damage was done.
Impact on India
 Thousands of containers sent from India to Sri Lanka, including for its own consumption as
well as trans-shipment cargo, have been lying uncleared at Colombo port as authorities
can’t afford to transfer containers between terminals.
o This, in turn, has led to some build-up of cargo intended for Sri Lanka at Indian ports.
 Any disruption in Colombo port operations makes India vulnerable to an increase in costs
and congestion issues. India also relies considerably on Colombo port for global trade given
it is a transhipment hub.
o 60% of India’s trans-shipment cargo is handled by the port. India-linked cargo, in

turn, accounts for 70% of the port’s total trans-shipment volume.
 A number of leading companies from India have invested and established their presence in
Sri Lanka. They have been affected.
 India is also one of the largest contributors to Foreign Direct Investment in Sri Lanka. FDI
from India amounted to about $1.7 billion from 2005 to 2019.
Ways India is helping Srilanka
 India has extended financial assistance to the tune of $2.4 billion in the last three months
to Sri Lanka, which includes a $400 billion RBI currency swap, deferral of a $500 million loan
and a $1.5-billion credit line for importing fuel, food and medicines.
 Modernisation Project: An early modernisation project of the Trinco oil farms that India
has been pursuing for several years.
o The Trincomalee Harbour, one of the deepest natural harbours in the world, was
developed by the British during World War II.
o In particular, the projects to develop oil infrastructure in Trincomalee have been

hanging fire since 2017.
 India’s approach: A four-pronged initiative has been decided that included
o Lines of Credit (LoC) towards the import of fuel, food and medicines
o Currency swap
o Debt deferrals from India to Sri Lanka
Conclusion
New Delhi’s assistance might address some problems in the complex relations between India and Sri
Lanka. It is important to note that in times of peril, New Delhi and Colombo have established a
robust channel of communication and demonstrated an ability to act on promises quickly. Nurturing
the Neighbourhood First policy with Sri Lanka is important for India to preserve its strategic interests
in the Indian Ocean region.
With a special emphasis on fundamental Principles of India’s foreign policy, trace its
evolution since independence. (250 words)
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of
Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
To write about the key features of India’s foreign policy since its inception and its gradual evolution.
Introduction:
Begin by giving context towards development of foreign policy in its nascent stages..
Body:
First, write about the fundamental Principles of India’s foreign policy – Panchsheel, pragmatism,
constructive engagement over aggression, global consensus on issues of global dimensions, non-
alignment etc.
Next, bring out the evolution of India’s foreign policy.
Conclusion:
Conclude by mentioning the present situation.
Introduction
India’s foreign policy is shaped by several factors including its history, culture, geography and
economy. Our first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, gave a definite shape to the country’s foreign
policy. The thrust of foreign policy keeps on changing according to changing international
conditions. Article 51 of the Indian Constitution also lays down some Directive Principles of State
Policy on Promotion of International Peace and Security.
Body
The principles of Indian foreign policy are as follows
 Panchsheel
 The policy of Non-Alignment
 Policy of Resisting Colonialism, Imperialism, Racism
 Peaceful settlement of International Disputes
 Support to UN, International Law and a Just and Equal World Order
Evolution of India’s foreign policy
 The era of Optimistic Non-alignment (1946-1962)
o 1946-62 was an era of optimistic non-alignment, whose setting was very much in the
bipolar world, led by the US and USSE.
o At that time India’s objectives were to resist the constraining of choices and dilution
of its sovereignty as it rebuilt its economy and consolidated its integrity.
o Its parallel goals as first of the decolonised nations was to lead Asia and Africa in a
quest for a more equitable nation.
 The Decade of Realism and Recovery(1962-1971)
o During this decade India made pragmatic choices on security and political challenges
despite a paucity of resources.
o India looked beyond non-alignment in the interest of national security, concluding a

now largely forgotten defence arrangement with the United States in 1964.
o External pressure on Kashmir mounted in this period of vulnerability.
 The phase of Regional Assertion(1971-1991)
o In the third phase, India has major ‘regional assertion’ and it started with the
creation of Bangladesh and ended with Indian peacekeeping force ‘misadventure’ in
Sri Lanka.
o It was a particularly complex phase as the US-China-Pakistan axis which came into
being at this time seriously threatened India’s prospects.
o The collapse of USSR, its close ally, and the not unconnected economic crisis in 1991
compelled us to look again at the first principles of both domestic and foreign policy.
 Quest for Strategic Autonomy(1991-1998)
o The dissolution of USSR in 1991 led to the emergence of the unipolar world led by
the United States,
o These events led to the beginning of the fourth phase of Indian foreign policy.
o It encouraged a radical rethink in India on a broad range of issues and it shifted

focus safeguarding strategic autonomy.
o It was also a period Indian reached out to the US more intensively.
 Balancing Power(1998-2014)
o After 1998 Indian entered the fifth phase of foreign policy and acquired attributes to
balancing power.
o It is reflected in India-US nuclear deal as well as better understanding with the West
at large.
o During this phase, India was successful in making common cause with China on trade
and climate change, along with this that it was able to consolidate further ties with
Russia.
 Energic Diplomacy(2014-Present)
o In this phase of transitional geopolitics, India’s policy of Non-Alignment has turned

into Multi Alignment.
o Moreover, India is now more aware of its own capabilities and the expectations that
the world has of India.
o To begin with China gathered more momentum, during this period India has chosen
to turn to very energetic diplomacy.
o It did so by recognising that we are entering the world of convergences and issue-
based arrangements.
Conclusion
We are living in a dynamic world. India’s foreign policy is therefore geared up to be proactive,
flexible as well as pragmatic so as to make quick adjustments to respond to evolving situations. In
the implementation of its foreign policy India, however, invariably adheres to a set of basic principles
on which no compromise is made. In the light of the changing actualities of the international
situation, India must cautiously play foreign policy, if it wants to emerge as a global rather than an
aspirational player.
Over the years, a number of differences have emerged between India and Nepal that
need attention. India needs to be a sensitive and generous partner for the
“neighbourhood first” policy to take root. Comment (250 words)
Why the question:
To bring out the changing landscape of Indo-Nepal relation in light of recent developments between
the two countries and need for rebalancing,
Directive word:
opinion thereupon.
Introduction:
In brief, give a historical perspective of Indo-Nepal relations.
Body:
Present a timeline that depicts major events between India and Nepal and highlights the
controversies around their relations. Elaborate upon the recent boundary issue as well he internal
strife being witnessed in Nepal.
Discuss the underlying factors responsible for unchanging perspectives for each other. Bring out their
impacts on the relations of the both countries. Discuss ties at different levels between the two –
people to people ties, government to government ties, the China factor etc.
Bring out the present picture of the Indo-Nepal ties.
Conclusion:
Mention a way forward to recalibrate the ties and ensure mutual prosperity between the two
countries.
Introduction
Nepal is an important neighbour of India and occupies special significance in its foreign policy
because of the geographic, historical, cultural and economic linkages/ties that span centuries. India
and Nepal share similar ties in terms of Hinduism and Buddhism with Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini
located in present day Nepal. Over the past few years, we have been witness to the deteriorating
India-Nepal relations. Reserves of goodwill which India had accumulated is fast depleting in Nepal.
Recently Nepal’s Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba visited India, four years after a Nepali leader
visited New Delhi. It is the first bilateral visit abroad for Mr. Deuba who leads an elected
government.
Body
Need of a rebalancing India Nepal ties
 Nepal shares borders with 5 Indian states- Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim
and Bihar and with free movement of people and thereby acting as an important point of
cultural and economic exchange in India-Nepal relations.
 Nepal unveiled a new political map that claimed strategically important land Kalapani,
Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh of Uttarakhand as part of its sovereign territory.
 The misunderstanding created during the constitution framing / Madhesi agitation changed
the entire gamut of relations between India and Nepal.
 Internal Security is a major concern for India; Indo-Nepal border is virtually open and lightly
policed which is exploited by terrorist outfits and insurgent groups from North Eastern part
of India eg. supply of trained cadres, fake Indian currency.
 Nepal over the years has witnessed chronic political instability, including a 10-year violent
insurgency, damaging Nepal’s development and economy.
 There is anti-India feeling among certain ethnic groups in Nepal which emanates from the
perception that India indulges too much in Nepal and tinkers with their political sovereignty.
 The establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China and its growing
influence in Nepal has resulted in declining traditional leverage of India in Nepal.
 Overtime trust deficit has widened between India-Nepal because of the Indian reputation
for delaying implementation of various projects.
 The Mahakali agreement has remained in limbo for over two decades. In 2008, the collapse
of Koshi’s embankment unleashed massive flooding, highlighting India’s failure to take
precautionary measures and its refusal to take responsibility.
Prospects of India-Nepal Relations:
 Trade and economy:
o India is Nepal’s largest trade partner and the largest source of foreign investments,
besides providing transit for almost the entire third country trade of Nepal.
o Indian firms engage in manufacturing, services (banking, insurance, dry port), power
sector and tourism industries etc.
 Connectivity:
o Nepal being a landlocked country, it is surrounded by India from three sides and one
side is open towards Tibet which has very limited vehicular access.
o India-Nepal has undertaken various connectivity programs to enhance people-to-

people linkages and promote economic growth and development.
o MOUs have been signed between both the governments for laying electric rail track
linking Kathmandu with Raxaul in India.
o India is looking to develop the inland waterways for the movement of cargo, within
the framework of trade and transit arrangements, providing additional access to sea
for Nepal calling it linking Sagarmath (Mt. Everest) with Sagar (Indian Ocean).
 Development Assistance:
o Government of India provides development assistance to Nepal, focusing on

creation of infrastructure at the grass-root level.
o The areas assistance include infrastructure, health, water resources, and education
and rural & community development.
 Defence Cooperation:
o Bilateral defence cooperation includes assistance to Nepalese Army in its

modernization through provision of equipment and training.
o The Gorkha Regiments of the Indian Army are raised partly by recruitment from hill
districts of Nepal.
o India from 2011, every year undertakes joint military exercise with Nepal known as
Surya Kiran.
 Cultural:
o There have been initiatives to promote people-to-people contacts in the area of art
& culture, academics and media with different local bodies of Nepal.
o India has signed three sister-city agreements for twinning of Kathmandu-Varanasi,

Lumbini-Bodhgaya and Janakpur-Ayodhya.
 Humanitarian Assistance:
o Nepal lies in sensitive ecological fragile zone which is prone to earthquakes, floods
causing massive damage to both life and money, whereby it remains the biggest
recipient of India’s humanitarian assistance.
 Indian Community:
o Huge number of Indians lives in Nepal, these include businessmen, traders, doctors,
engineers and labourers (including seasonal/migratory in the construction sector).
 Multilateral Partnership:
o India and Nepal shares multiple multilateral forums such as BBIN (Bangladesh,
Bhutan, India, and Nepal), BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral
Technical and Economic Cooperation) NAM, and SAARC (South Asian Association for
Regional Cooperation) etc.
Way forward
 On border issue:
o The two countries have managed to settle about 98% of the common border.
o More than 8,500 boundary pillars have been installed reflecting the agreed
alignment.
o As both countries are laying claim to the same piece of land, the time has come for
both countries to sit for talks to solve this issue.
 Completion of the ongoing process of updating the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship:
o India must recognise that as in all other developing economies, Nepal’s aspirational
young population is also looking beyond the open Indian border for opportunities,
and its desire to turn his “land-locked” country into a “land-linked” country with a
merchant navy must be considered positively.
 People-to-people inter-dependence must lead the relationship along with civil society and
business-commercial level interactions.
 India’s major foray should be in innovation and technology transfer, multidisciplinary

dialogues, educational and technical institutions, local and global migration management
and skills and capacity-building.
 India needs to finish the infrastructure projects on time for instance Pancheswar project has
been pending for over 20 years now.
 Nepal could be the fountainhead of climate change knowledge and connect to India’s larger
dynamics of the management of the ecology of hills and mountains.
 Effective delivery on the pending projects, the remaining ICPs, the five railway connections,
postal road network in the Terai and the petroleum pipeline so that connectivity is enhanced
and the idea of ‘inclusive development and prosperity’ assumes reality.
 Negotiate diplomatically to resolve the boundary dispute with Nepal under the aegis
of International law on Trans-Boundary Water Disputes.In this case, boundary dispute
resolution between India and Bangladesh should serve as a model for this.
 India should maintain a policy of keeping away from the internal affairs of Nepal, while at
the same time, in the spirit of friendship, India should guide the nation towards a more
inclusive democracy.
 With its immense strategic relevance in the Indian context as Indian security concern, stable
and secure Nepal is one requisite which India can’t afford to overlook.
 India needs to formulate a comprehensive and long-term Nepal policy.

 India should stop looking at Nepal purely through a security prism, and at bilateral relations
only as transactional and part of a zero-sum game with China.
 Focus on working towards multifaceted relationshipsto the advantage of both nations.
India should actively assist Sri Lanka tide over its economic crisis as part of its
neighbourhood first policy. Yet, Chinese propaganda attempting to tarnish India’s
image both globally and before the Sri Lankan masses needs to be proactively guarded
against. Comment. (250 words)

Reference:InstaPedia
Why the question: The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and
mentioned as part of Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question: To write about the challenges posed to India because of the economic
crisis in Sri Lanka and also the opportunities it presents.
Directive word:
opinion thereupon.
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of the economic crisis in Sri Lanka.
Body:
Firstly, account for the crisis in Sri Lanka and then write about the challenges it creates for India –
further alignment Beijing, Strategic Interests of India in SL, Economic ties, Infrastructural investments
in various projects etc.
Next, write how India can use this as opportunity to help SL tide the crisis as part of India’s
‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. Also, mention the cautious approach India must take to offset any
Chinese propaganda in this regard.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Sri Lanka is facing an economic crisis with long queues in front of petrol stations, steep rise in prices
of essential commodities and frequent blackouts. Sri Lanka is in the throes of the worst economic
crisis it has seen in decades, collapsing under the weight of its debt. Although the COVID-19
pandemic precipitated a crisis of trade imbalance, the fundamentals of the Sri Lankan economy
have always had serious issues. Debt, both domestic and foreign, has been a major problem.
Driven out by hunger and loss of jobs, people from the island nation are seeking refuge in India,
which is doing its best to help the neighbouring country.
Body
Background
 The island has been facing daily power cuts and double-digit inflation, which hit 17.5% in
February.
 The Sri Lankan central bank allowed the local currency to devalue by 30% in a month.
 Food inflation soared to 25.7% in February. The crisis is now starting to impact Indian
exporters.
 Sri Lanka, which has been heavily dependent on external debts to run its economy smoothly,
has been bailed out in the past by its competing neighbours – India and China
Impact on India
 Thousands of containers sent from India to Sri Lanka, including for its own consumption as
well as trans-shipment cargo, have been lying uncleared at Colombo port as authorities
can’t afford to transfer containers between terminals.
o This, in turn, has led to some build-up of cargo intended for Sri Lanka at Indian ports.
 Any disruption in Colombo port operations makes India vulnerable to an increase in costs
and congestion issues. India also relies considerably on Colombo port for global trade given
it is a transhipment hub.
o 60% of India’s trans-shipment cargo is handled by the port. India-linked cargo, in

turn, accounts for 70% of the port’s total trans-shipment volume.
 A number of leading companies from India have invested and established their presence in
Sri Lanka. They have been affected.
 India is also one of the largest contributors to Foreign Direct Investment in Sri Lanka. FDI
from India amounted to about $1.7 billion from 2005 to 2019.
 China factor: The country’s increased reliance on Chinese loans has often been depicted as
Sri Lanka falling into their debt-trap. While China’s debt to Sri Lanka kept on rising, help from
India has remained at a constant level.
How India is assisting Sri Lanka
 India, which has followed the “Neighbourhood First policy” to cement bonds with its
neighbours, is ready to walk that extra mile to help Sri Lanka out of the current crisis.
 India has so far committed $1.9 billion to the island nation in loans, credit lines and currency
swaps.
 New Delhi has expressed willingness to give an extra $2 billion in swaps and support to
Colombo, even as Beijing keeps Lanka guessing over loans and credit lines.
 In the last 3 months, India has extended assistance of about $2.5 billion to Sri Lanka,
including credit facilities for fuel and food.
 Since mid-March, over 270,000 metric tonnes of diesel and petrol have been delivered to Sri
Lanka.
 In addition, around 40,000 tonnes of rice have been supplied under the recently extended
$1 billion credit facility. This additional $1 billion will help the country to shore up the
shrinking economy.
 Ahead of the Sinhala and Tamil new year, India sent a shipment of 11,000 MT of rice to help
people of Sri Lanka celebrate one of their biggest festivals.
 In February, $500 billion was given to Sri Lanka by India as a short-term loan to help it
purchase petroleum products through the ministry of energy and the Ceylon Petroleum
Corporation on behalf of the government of Sri Lanka.
 In November 2021, India had given 100 tonnes of nano nitrogen liquid fertilizers to Sri Lanka
as their government stopped the import of chemical fertilizers.
 Besides, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended a currency swap of $400 million.
Conclusion
New Delhi’s assistance might address some problems in the complex relations between India and Sri
Lanka. It is important to note that in times of peril, New Delhi and Colombo have established a
robust channel of communication and demonstrated an ability to act on promises quickly. Nurturing
the Neighbourhood First policy with Sri Lanka is important for India to preserve its strategic interests
in the Indian Ocean region. The present crisis in Sri Lanka presents India an opportunity to limit
Chinese influence and involvement in the island nation.
The future of SAARC remains bleak but it is in India’s interests to take the lead and
work collectively towards a secure and prosperous South Asia. Critically Analyse. (250
words)
Reference: Insigts on India
Why the question:
Mission-2022 Secure timetable
To write about the future of SAARC amidst current uncertainties and to argue for its revival.
Directive word:
Critically analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of SAARC and its present-day scenario.
Body:
In the first part, bring out the current uncertainties which forebode a bleak future for SAARC – Crisis
in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Indo-Pak equation, Covid crisis etc.
Next, mention as to why India should take the lead in reviving SAARC. It will ensure integrated,
connected, secure and prosperous South Asia, and lead economic, technological, cultural, and social
development’ of the region.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward and diplomatic steps needed to re-engage and revive SAARC.
Introduction
SAARC was mooted in 1985, which created the hope that trade, cultural activity and intellectual
exchange would gradually diminish the political legacies of Partition by nourishing a regional
fraternity. The dream is still relevant, but SAARC has remained incapable of responding to the
unabated rise of identity-based aggression and violence. Along with this, a remarkable degree of
indifference to others’ woes has grown.
Body
The Future of SAARC remains bleak:
 The region is beset with unsettled territorial disputes, as well as trans-border criminal and
subversive activities.
 It remains a theatre for ethnic, cultural, and religious tensions and rivalries.
 A current rise in ultra-nationalism is taking place against the backdrop of a bloody history of
repeated inter-state wars and myriad intra-state conflicts.
 Nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan are at loggerheads.
 Cross-border terrorism has again made the region, as former US President Bill Clinton once
deemed it, “the world’s most dangerous place.”
 Allowing SAARC to become dysfunctional and irrelevant greatly distorts our ability to
address the realities and mounting challenges facing SAARC nations.
 The failure of South Asian nations to act in accord will plunge South Asia into a perilous
theatre of discord and escalating tensions with jihadi militias at the forefront, placing the
entire region in turmoil.
SAARC is imperative for South Asian countries:
 SAARC is needed as institutional scaffolding to allow for the diplomacy and

coordination that is needed between member-states in order to adequately address the
numerous threats and challenges the region faces.
 Though SAARC’s charter prohibits bilateral issues at formal forums, SAARC summits provide
a unique, informal window — the retreat — for leaders to meet without aides and chart
future courses of action.
 The coming together of leaders, even at the height of tensions, in a region laden with
congenital suspicions, misunderstandings, and hostility is a significant strength of SAARC
that cannot be overlooked.
 SAARC members are among the top troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping

missions. With the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, a joint peacekeeping force from the
SAARC region under the UN aegis could be explored to fill the power vacuum that would
otherwise be filled by terrorist and extremist forces.
Reviving SAARC is in India’s interests:
 India should take the lead and work with its neighbors to slash the tariff and non-tariff
barriers.
 SAARC should also seek free and preferential trading arrangements with other regional
bodies, notably the EU and the ASEAN. It should also remain fully focused on the SAARC
social charter to spread out its reach to the common man.
 There is a need to focus on small politics instead of big politics to resolve conflict in
conflicting regions. This would mean that they focus on economic cooperation and other
small ways that can create cooperation and more peace
 SAARC cannot be effective unless it places itself on a managerial position to achieve regional
order, forcing all the members to act mutually in making the region a ‘zone of peace’ and
the center for world business.
 All countries should come together to sort out their differences, either multilaterally or
bilaterally. It’s not necessary to sort out the differences but despite that, it is necessary to
work with the differences like that of India-China, Japan and China, Russia and Japan.
 The bilateral issues between member nations should be resolved. Bilateral Issues between
India- Pakistan, India- Sri Lanka, Pakistan- Afghanistan etc. must be improved with serious
engagement and collaboration – working together to bring peace and stability as a common
good in the region.
 Information on terrorism, trafficking, smuggling etc. must be shared and joint exercises must
be conducted to build mutual trust and capability.
 SAARC needs to work on Improving infrastructure and regional connectivity – Collaboration
in scientific research, universities exchange programs, tourism etc. will have a positive effect
on relations among countries.
Conclusion:
SAARC has the potential to transform the South Asian Region. Mutual mistrust and non-cooperation
should not be allowed to undermine this potential. Deeper regional economic integration will create
greater interdependence with India acquiring the central role, which, in turn, would serve India’s
strategic interests too. SAARC should function as an autonomous institution by which driving
principles, strategic actions, and rules of law can be implemented in a way that is relevant to both,
its own members and other rising powers.
Value addition:
Background of SAARC:
 SAARC was set up in 1985 and today it has 8 members: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan,
India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Srilanka. Afghanistan joined SAARC only in 2007.
 SAARC member nations cooperate on a range of issues from agriculture, economy, poverty
alleviation, S&T and culture to encourage people to people contact.
 SAARC aims at integration of south Asian nations for undertaking collective efforts to
achieve common objective of regional stability and prosperity.
 Despite geographical contiguity and historical and cultural links, the SAARC region remains
the most disconnected regions in the world.
Resolute diplomacy, coupled with strong military resolve that deters any Chinese
misadventures, are an effective way to deal with border issues with China. Examine.
(250 words)
Why the question:
To write about the way in which India has to deal with China.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context regarding the Indo-China situation.
Body:
Present Background on recent India-China relations; Continuing stand-off: no signs of resolution,
disengagement has stalled and talks been fruitless. Rupture bilateral relationship: Political relations
are marked by hostility and distrust.
Strategic lessons for India: intensifying strategic competition with China, China more likely to be
deterred with threat of political costs rather than material costs, Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is the
key, rather than LAC.
Conclusion:
Introduction
India-China relationship is dotted with competition, cooperation, and discord. China’s attempt to
raise its economic and political profile in the subcontinent was seen as a challenge to India’s
authority in the region. India’s military engagements with the U.S. and Japan (China’s main strategic
rivals) were seen as a serious challenge to Chinese security.
Likewise, China increased its aggression towards India in recent times, reaching the peak with the
Galwan Valley clash in 2020. The disengagement is still in the work and is ongoing.
Body
Background: Chinese Aggression in recent times and reasons
 Galwan Clash: Chinese soldiers crossed the LAC around the Galwan River valley during May
2020.
 There were reports of Chinese soldiers having moved into Indian territory at
multiple locations in eastern Ladakh across the LAC leading to high levels of tension
between India and China.
 In the events that followed at least 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a clash with
Chinese forces. It was the first deadly clash in the border area in at least 45 years.
 China has been pursuing aggressive behaviour on continental and ocean fronts. Its string of
pearls and South China claim are case in point.
 CPEC corridor through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir violates India’s sovereignity. Hence India
has not endorsed China Belt and Road Initiative.
 Infrastructure Development along the LAC: In the past decade, India has worked hard to
strengthen its position on the border and its presence along the LAC. E.g. Dalut Beg Oldie
(DS-DBO road) in the northern tip of the western sector greatly facilitates the lateral
movement of Indian forces along the western sector, reducing travel time by 40%.
 Shadow of Dokalam Episode: In a broader context, current confrontation is also attributed

to the 2017 China-India standoff at Doklam.
India China border dispute
 The border between India and China is not clearly demarcated throughout and there is no
mutually agreed Line of Actual Control (LAC).
 The LAC is the demarcation that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-
controlled territory. India considers the LAC to be 3,488 km long, while the Chinese consider
it to be only around 2,000 km.
 India used the Johnson Line and claimed Aksai Chin as its own. China, however, do not
recognise it and instead accepts McDonald Line which puts Aksai Chin under its control.
 The disputed boundary in the Eastern Sector (Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim) is over the
McMahon Line (in Arunachal Pradesh) decided in 1914 in a meeting of Representatives of
China, India, and Tibet in Shimla.
 Though the Chinese representatives at the meeting initiated the agreement, they
subsequently refused to accept it.
 The Tawang tract claimed by China was taken over by India in 1951.
Diplomacy and military resolve to deter China
 Indo-pacific diplomacy: India is also stepping up its strategic partnership with like-minded
Indo-Pacific partners like US, Japan, Australia etc.
 Thus, we will see a far greater partnership between India and the United States on
issues of mutual interest—which is likely to have a substantial China component. O
 This is seen in India being vocal about recent QUAD meet.
 Quad-plus: India will also likely look to build greater cooperation through configurations
such as the “Quad plus” (expanding the existing grouping of Australia, India, Japan, and
the United States to include New Zealand, South Korea, and Vietnam).
 Indian ocean is the key: New Delhi must invest in and develop its strategic assets—like the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, for instance—to project power across the Indian Ocean.
 To weather a potential People’s Liberation Army (PLA) attack, India has placed greater
emphasis on infrastructure hardening; base resiliency; redundant command, control, and
communications systems; and improved air defence.
 India has grown closer to the US military in recent years, with Washington calling India a
“major defence partner” while increasing bi- and multilateral training.
 In the event of an India-Chin war, US intelligence and surveillance could help New
Delhi get a clearer picture of the battlefield
Conclusion and way forward
 The big picture is that China could no more afford to take India for granted and that 'checks
and balances' were now recognised as a legitimate instrument for preventing 'military'
conflicts in the post- Cold War era.
 Yet, the crisis unfolding along the LAC appears on one level to be a continuation of the
trends witnessed in foregoing years.
 Also, even if the current tensions were to be resolved in the near term, India’s security
perceptions about China are forcing India to undertake some force restructuring to maintain
constant vigilance along the LAC, especially in the western sector.
 Thus, India must be proactive to resist any Chinese transgressions and at the same time
utilise its diplomatic skills to tone down the tensions.
Value addition
Dispute settlement agreements
 A series of five agreements signed between India and China to address disputes arising over the
LAC:
 1993 Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility along the LAC
 1996 Agreement on Confidence-Building Measures in the Military Field Along the LAC
 2005 Protocol on Modalities for the Implementation of Confidence-Building Measures in

the Military Field Along the LAC
 2012 Agreement on the Establishment of a Working Mechanism for Consultation and

Coordination on India-China Border Affairs
 2013 Border Defense Cooperation Agreement.
These agreements provide a modus operandi for diplomatic engagement at the military and political
levels, as well as a set of “status quo” commitments both sides can return to in case of escalation
Given Myanmar’s geostrategic significance and the continuing insurgency threat,

disturbances in Myanmar pose a direct and serious policy challenge to India. However,
India must continue to engage with Myanmar to restore democratic processes and
prevent violence and conflict in Myanmar. Analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate.
Why the question:
The conviction of Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s deposed State Counsellor and pro-democracy leader,
in a corruption case, shows nothing but the desperation of the junta to silence her. For the military,
which seems determined to destroy the Southeast Asian nation’s popular democracy, Ms. Suu Kyi,
under house arrest ever since the February 2021 coup, remains the enemy number one.
To write about geostrategic significance of Myanmar to India and India’s role in restoring democracy.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
First, Discuss first the significance of Myanmar to India. Explain in detail the factors such as Myanmar
is an immediate neighbour, essential for the development of NES, strategically importance to India,
link between India and ASEAN, India’s gateway to Southeast Asia, Look East Policy.
Next, write about the approach India must take to restore democracy in Myanmar while continuing
engagement with the Junta government.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Myanmar (formerly called Burma) military grabbed power in a coup, third time in the nation’s
history since its independence from British rule in 1948. Military (also called Junta and Tatmadaw)
has alleged that the general elections held in November 2020 were full of irregularities and that
therefore, the results are not valid. This marked the end of Myanmar’s short-lived experience with
democracy which began in 2011, when military implemented parliamentary elections and other
reforms.
Body
Geo-strategic significance of Myanmar for India
 Geopolitical interests: Myanmar sits at the intersection of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and
‘Act East’ policies, and therefore is an essential element in India’s practice of regional diplomacy
in the Indo-Pacific, and serves as a land bridge to connect South Asia and Southeast Asia.
 Strategic location: It serves as a buffer between India and China. Myanmar has coastal access to
the Bay of Bengal. It connects Bangladesh, China and the restive North-eastern states of India. It
is also close to India’s Nicobar archipelago.
 National security: Myanmar-China border has become the epicentre of local armed separatist
groups operating on Myanmar soil, and Indian groups, ranging from ULFA in Assam to the NSCN
(IM) in Nagaland.
 Economic interests: India has interests in natural resources of Myanmar and also developing
certain projects like India–Myanmar–Thailand trilateral highway and Kaladan multi-modal
project which is to link India’s landlocked north-eastern States to the Myanmar Port of Sittwe,
located in the Bay of Bengal. Instability in Myanmar will be a roadblock to these ambitions.
 Countering China: A weakened Myanmar falling into the clutches of China as a satellite state
will pressurize India to do Beijing’s bidding in regional affairs.
Approach to be taken by India
 India faces the most challenging dilemma on how to respond to the military coup in Myanmar.
India supports the process of democratic transition in Myanmar.
 Though India has expressed deep concern over recent developments in Myanmar, cutting off
from the Myanmar military is not a viable option as India has significant economic and strategic
interests in Myanmar and its neighbourhood.
 The dual power centres of the military and the civilian government that existed in Naypyitaw
until recently, suited India.
 While India’s national interests clearly lie in dealing with whoever is in power in Myanmar, India
would find it difficult to openly support the junta given the strong western and American
stance.
 On the other hand, it can ill-afford to offend the junta by actively seeking a restoration of
democracy there.
 India should continue to engage with the present regime in Myanmar working towards mutual
development of people of both the countries while it should support sharing experiences in
constitutionalism and federalism to assist Myanmar in resolving the prevailing stalemate.
Conclusion
India is left with very few clear policy options. And yet, it must continue to maintain relations with
the government in power in Myanmar while discreetly pushing for political reconciliation in the
country. In the meantime, the focus must be on improving trade, connectivity, and security links
between the two sides.
Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

For India, BIMSTEC allows the confluence of its Act East and the Neighbourhood
Policies. Discuss the potential of BIMSTEC in a rapidly changing Indo-Pacific region.
(250 words)
Introduction
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a
regional grouping of seven countries i.e. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and
Thailand that lie in the littoral and adjacent regions of the Bay of Bengal. This sub-regional
organisation came into being on June 6, 1997, through the Bangkok Declaration. The first summit
was held in 2004 and the secretariat established in Dhaka in 2014.Technological and economic
cooperation among South Asian and Southeast Asian countries along the coast of the Bay of Bengal
is the main objective of BIMSTEC
Sri Lanka is gearing up to host the Fifth Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and
Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit.
Body
BIMSTEC allows the confluence of its Act East and the Neighbourhood Policies
 BIMSTEC is the natural platform for India to implement its regional connectivity,
Neighbourhood First and Act East policies.
 BIMSTEC is important for free trade agreement, poverty alleviation, tourism, energy and
climate change, and even counter-terrorism and disaster management.
 BIMSTEC could allow India to push a constructive agenda to counter Chinese investments,
and follow best practices for connectivity projects based on recognised international norms.
 Myanmar and Thailand, have a crucial place for India’s ambitious connectivity plans for
north-eastern region.
 Myanmar is only Southeast Asian country India has a land boundary with.
 India-Myanmar-Thailand highway is one of the key projects that figures in a big way in the
government’s Act East policy.
Potential of BIMSTEC in a rapidly changing Indo-Pacific region
 Connectivity:
o BIMSTEC serves two purposes for India – it makes it easier for India to share a
common regional platform with its neighbours in South Asia (sans Pakistan) and
secondly, BIMSTEC also establishes a linkage between South and Southeast Asia.
o Urgency of promoting regional and sub-regional cooperation via BIMSTEC and BBIN
has to be seen in the context of China’s BRI and the compelling strategic challenge
posed by China’s muscular geo-economic and geo-political interventions in Asia,
particularly in India’s neighbourhood.
o The development of the North-eastern region, by opening up to Bangladesh and

Myanmar, is another incentive for India.
 Regional Co-operation: Regional cooperation under the ambit of SAARC has become difficult
made BIMSTEC more viable:
o Despite India’s keen interest in cooperating and strengthening intra-regional

connectivity by backing the SAARC–Motor vehicle agreement, the agreement was
stalled following Pakistan’s reluctance.
o Similarly, the SAARC satellite project that India proposed was abandoned following
objection from Pakistan in 2016
o SAARC has also faced obstacles in the area of security cooperation. A major
hindrance in this regard has been the lack of consensus on threat perceptions, since
member countries disagree on the idea of threats. Example: cross-border terrorism
emanating from Pakistan.
 Cordial Relationship:
o The member countries have generally cordial relationships, something patently

missing among the SAARC countries.
o BIMSTEC’s major strength comes from the fact that it includes two influential
regional powers: Thailand and India. This adds to the comfort of smaller
neighbours by reducing the fear of dominance by one big power.
 Economic vistas: As a trade bloc, BIMSTEC provides many opportunities.
o The region has countries with the fastest-growing economies in the world. The
combined GDP in the region is around US$2 trillion and will likely grow further.
o Trade among the BIMSTEC member countries reached six percent in just a decade,
while in SAARC, it has remained around five percent since its inception.
o Compared to SAARC, BIMSTEC has greater trade potential as well. Among the
member countries, India’s intra-BIMSTEC trade is around 3 percent of its total
trade.
o BIMSTEC regional grouping happens to have five nations that are also part of SAARC.
The fact that this region is growing at 6.5% per annum, collectively comprises of 1.5
billion people, is the drive behind India’s focus being part of BIMSTEC.
Way Forward:
 The members need to work collectively towards making BIMSTEC a stronger, more effective
and result-oriented organisation for achieving a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Bay of
Bengal Region.
 BIMSTEC secretariat must be significantly empowered with more human and financial
resources.
 BIMSTEC will have to prioritize economic connectivity, which is the prerequisite for regional
integration.
 Need for upgrading cooperation in disaster management, terrorism, maritime security and
transnational crime.
 BIMSTEC weather and climate centre at Noida should be converted into a development
centre on disaster management.
 India can provide training to member states at its disaster management training centre in
Nagpur.
 India will need to take on an informal BIMSTEC leadership role and let its commitments lead
by example.
 Now is the time not just to deliberate, but also to deliver. Now is the time to translate
promises into performance.
Critically analyse India’s role with respect to various world affairs as the non-
permanent member of UNSC. Do you think that the UNSC needs reforming? (250
words)
Why the question:
To write about the role of India at UNSC as the non-permanent member and reforms needed in
UNSC.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context about India’s stint with UNSC as the non-permanent member.
Body:
First, mention the key resolutions and activities that were undertaken during India’s presidency with
a special emphasis on Afghanistan, Palestine and Ukraine. Write about India as proponent of
international law with respect to Afghan crisis, Israel-Palestine issue and efforts to maintain the rules
based international order.
Next, write about the need for reforms in the UNSC – archaic membership structure of the UNSC,
expansion of the UNSC’s permanent membership, structural inequality in the security grouping etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward and diplomatic steps needed to be taken in this regard.
Introduction
India has criticised the slow pace of UN Security Council reform process and opaque methodologies,
non-attribution of assertions and obfuscation of references by the member states which are blocking
the early reform of the UN. What is ironical is, the permanent member of Security Council, Russia
itself has waged a war on Ukraine while it is being given the responsibility to maintain world peace.
Body
India and UNSC
 India has adopted a multi-layered strategy to assume the long-awaited permanent seat in
the Security Council consisting of two components:
o Maximising support in the UN General Assembly and Minimising resistance in

the UN Security Council.
 India hopes that its continued engagement at various Global South forums such as G 77 and
NAM, African Union would garner much needed numbers in the UNGA. This is reflected in
India’s strong defence of the principle of sovereignty and the constant voluble criticism of
the “Responsibility to Protect.”
 India’s growing strategic partnerships with the P5, growing economic strength, including
the nuclear deals with US, Russia paints a favourable picture for Indian Explicit public
declarations supporting India’s candidature as a permanent member in the Council are
reiterated by countries like France, UK.
 India has also formed the G4 with Brazil, Germany, and Japan, its “coalition of the
willing”, and a “collaborative strategy” to negotiate reforms of the Council. The four nations
support each other’s bids for permanent seats on an expanded Security Council.
Need for UNSC reforms
 Membership: The current membership of UNSC reflect post-WWII structure. It doesn’t

actually reflect the changes that have occurred in the international system after the end of
the cold war.
o Emerging nations like India, Brazil, South Africa etc needs representation in the
UNSC as permanent members.
o The existing membership reflects a regional imbalance, with no representation from

Africa or Latin America and Europe being over-represented in the council.
 Changed Geopolitics: The Security Council’s membership and working methods reflect a
bygone era. Though geopolitics have changed drastically, the Council has changed relatively
little since 1945, when wartime victors crafted a Charter in their interest and awarded
“permanent” veto-wielding Council seats for themselves.
 Reforms Long Overdue: It was expanded only once in 1963 to add 4 non-permanent
members.
o Although the overall membership of the UN has increased from 113 to 193 but no
change in the composition of the UNSC happened.
 Inequitable economic and geographical representation: While Europe is over represented,

Asia is under represented. Africa and South America have no representation at al
 Crisis of legitimacy and credibility: Stalled reform agenda and various issues including
its Interventions in Libya and Syria in the name of responsibility have put the credibility of
the institution in jeopardy.
 North South Divide: The permanent UNSC membership of portrays the big North-South
divide in the decision making of security measures.
o For instance, there is no permanent member from Africa, despite the fact that 75%
of its work is focused on Africa.
 Emerging issues: Issues such as transnational threats, deepening economic

interdependence, worsening environmental degradation also call for effective multilateral
negotiations based on consensus yet all critical decisions are still being taken by the veto-
wielding permanent members of the Security Council.
Way forward
 The imbalances in power relationships among P5 and the rest of the world needs to be
corrected urgently.
 Also, it is needed to reform the Security Council through an expansion in permanent and
non-permanent seats to enable the UN organ to better deal with the “ever-complex and
evolving challenges” to the maintenance of international peace and security.
 India as the current one of the non-permanent members of the UNSC can start by drafting
a resolution containing a comprehensive set of proposals for reforming the UNSC.
Value Addition
India’s stature to get permanent membership
 Founding member of UN.

 World’s largest democracy and both demographically and geographically holds a significant
position.
 One of the fastest growing large economies in the world.
 One of the largest contributors to UN peace keeping missions and India suffered highest
number of fatalities over the years, which is acknowledged time and again.
 India is seen as a responsible power, which adheres to rule of law, global norms. India’s
elevation will make UNSC more credible, representative.
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or
affecting India’s interests.
The recently signed Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and U.K has
opened new avenues for cooperation between the two countries which can lead to
building of a lasting partnership. Comment. (250 words)
Why the question:
The U.K. Foreign Secretary, Elizabeth Truss, visited New Delhi as a part of a wider diplomatic push.
She had visited India last October. Ms. Truss met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and also
participated in the inaugural edition of the India-U.K. Strategic Futures Forum, a Track 1.5 Dialogue.
To write about the historical ties between India and U.K and opportunities created by Comprehensive
Strategic Partnership.
Directive word:
opinion thereupon.
Introduction:
Begin by providing context of India-U.K relations, the historical angle, aftermath of Brexit and global
geo-political turmoil.
Body:
Start by writing about the scale of existing relations with Britain. Mention the changes brought in
Brexit.
Next, write about the opportunities for collaboration between India and Britain in the aftermath of
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Trade, tourism, diaspora, investments and commonwealth.
Mention the obstacles: duty reductions on autos, wines and spirits and wanted India to open
financial sectors such as banking and insurance, postal, legal, accountancy, maritime and security
and retail. India, as always, sought free movement for service professionals.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward as to how these countries sharing a common history can have a win-
win relationship.
Introduction
India and UK are bound by strong ties of history and culture. In 2021, India & UK agreed on
a common vision of a new and transformational Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and adopted
an ambitious India-UK Roadmap to 2030 to steer cooperation for the next 10 years.
The recent visit of U.K. Foreign Secretary to India and participation in the inaugural edition of India-
U.K. Strategic Futures Forum, a Track 1.5 Dialogue, has emphasized that the bilateral relationship is
indeed on an upward trajectory.
Body
New avenues for cooperation between India and the UK
 Democracy power
 countering Russian aggression and reducing global strategic dependence on Moscow by

underlining the importance of democracies working cohesively to deter aggressors.
 Indo-Pacific Initiative
 The U.K. will join India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative and become a major partner on
maritime security issues in Southeast Asia.
 Defence cooperation
o India is a key strategic partner for the U.K. and was underscored by signing of
Defence and International Security Partnership between India and the U.K. in 2015.
 Joint cyber security programme
 A new joint cyber security programme is set to be announced to protect online

infrastructure as both parties attempt to carry out joint exercises to combat threats from
cyber criminals and ransomware.
 Strategic Tech Dialogue
 India and the U.K. plan to hold the first Strategic Tech Dialogue, a ministerial-level summit
on emerging technologies.
 British International Investment funding
 The U.K. has confirmed 70 million euro of British International Investment funding to
support the usage of renewable energy in India.
 India–U.K. Free Trade Agreement
 In January, India and U.K. managed to conclude the first round of talks for an India–U.K. Free
Trade Agreement.
 The negotiations reflected shared ambitions to secure a comprehensive deal between the
fifth and sixth largest economies in the world as both sides covered over 26 policy areas.
 Other areas of cooperation
 Fintech, Market regulation, Sustainable and green finance & Cyber security are some of the
niche areas where India and UK can cooperate.
Way forward
 Indian and UK Government should prioritise trade talks and do more to lay the groundwork
for an eventual deal.
 Starting out with improving access to targeted support for UK businesses in India,
particularly start-ups and smaller businesses – could be the way out to improve the business
environment in India.
 UK and India’s convergence of interests in the Indian Ocean region offers an important
opportunity to increase engagement on defence and security.
 Hence, both nations should promote standards of transparency and sustainability for
infrastructure projects in the region
 With the UK expanding its footprint in the Indo-Pacific and India working toward gaining
prominence as the net security provider in the region, both countries’ aspirations and future
seem to be intertwined. Hence, the imperative for thorough execution.
 New geopolitical realities demand a new strategic and it is time to seize the moment to lay
the foundations of a partnership that can respond adequately to the challenges of the 21st
century.
 India needs to recognise the lack of harmony between different strands of the relationship.
Long joint statements and unreachable ambition are not the answer. Arriving at common
ground on issues troubling India should be the foremost concern
 This relationship has had many beginnings. Just to stay in the game, we have to concede to
geopolitics. Britain (post- Brexit) and India (with the China challenge) need partners. Given
India’s difficulties amid the pandemic, Britain has early advantage
 Hence, the need to bank on the profound ties of culture, history and language to further
deepen relations between India and UK.
India and the US are strategic partners today in the true sense of the term. But a
partnership among mature major powers is never about seeking a complete
convergence. It is about managing differences by ensuring a continuous dialogue and
channelling these differences into crafting new opportunities. Analyse. (250 words)
Why the question:
To write about the aspect’s of convergence and divergence between India and U.S and how to
overcome divergence.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by writing about the deepening India and U.S ties.
Body:
First, mention the various components of India-U.S comprehensive global strategic partnership.
Next, write about the recent developments in trade between the two countries – volume of trade,
India-U.S. Trade Policy Forum and India – U.S. Economic and Financial Partnership Dialogue etc.
Next, write about the recent developments in clean energy cooperation between the two countries –
Strategic Energy Partnership/ Climate & Clean Energy Agenda 2030 etc.
Next, write about the various divergences – Ukraine issue, India’s partnership with Russia, U.S
partnership with Pakistan etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward to further enhance the ties.
Introduction
India USA have seen ascendance of relationship in the 21st century, which was crystalised by 2008
India Nuclear Civil Nuclear Agreement. Various factors, including LPG reforms, rise of China,
increasing influence of Indian community in USA are the factors behind this. Also, the shared values
of democracy, rule of law, human rights, religious freedom bind the countries together
Body
India USA strategic partnership
 Economy: US is India’s largest trading partner and inbound FDI from the US is in excess of
$50 billion. While Indian and U.S. negotiators failed to forge a trade deal, they would work
on a legal framework for a future deal which can become Phase 1 of a comprehensive
bilateral trade agreement.
 Energy cooperation: US India launched Strategic Energy Partnership, in 2018, to enhance

energy security, bolster strategic alignment etc.
o Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and Westinghouse Electric

Company are looking to finalize the techno-commercial offer for the construction of
six nuclear reactors.
o Also, India has started importing crude and LNG from the US in recent years, with
total imports estimated at $6.7 billion — having grown from zero.
 Collaboration in science, technology and innovation: It is one of the strong pillars of

cooperation between two.g. During COVID-19, Indo-US Virtual Networks for COVID-19
were established to provide a platform to enable Indian and American scientists from
academia, to carry out joint research activities.
o Both are set to launch joint mission of NASA and ISRO, the world’s first dual-
frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite in 2022.
 Global partnership: This has been most defining feature of partnership between two.
o Both are part of Quadrilateral security dialogue, and collaborate on forums like East
Asia Summit, G-20.
o Also, US expressed interest to India’s integration to G-7. This has been happening in
the backdrop of rising aggression of China in the region and beyond, which is seen
by the US and India as a common strategic challenge.
o To promote “high quality, trusted standards for global infrastructure development”

India US along with others proposed Blue Dot Network. It is an across-the-board
certification process that aims to bring governments, the private sector and civil
society together. It is seen as counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
 Defence agreement: India and the United States signed the landmark defence pact, Basic
Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) during the third round of 2 + 2 India-US
ministerial dialogue. We have BECA, LEMOA, COMCASA, GSOMIA agreements in defence
with USA.
Divergences with USA
 Trade related Transactionalism of USA: It was manifested in USA policies under former
President Trump, like removal of India from its list of developing countries and taking off
India from list of beneficiary-developing countries under its scheme of Generalised System
of Preferences (GSP) by US.
 Tariffs war: Since 2018 both countries were engaged in tariffs war. g. In 2018, the US
imposed additional tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminium imports from various
countries, including India.
o India’s refusal to remove the 20% tariffs on ICT products caused the trade deal
between India and USA to delay which remains still pending.
 WTO disputes: India USA are involved in WTO disputes on issues like, Capping prices of
medical devices by India, greater Indian market access for American agriculture and dairy
products etc.
 IPR: India is also on U.S.’s “Priority Watch List” which identifies countries posing challenges
to American intellectual property rights. Also, The US wants India to strengthen patent
regulations, and to ease the limitations American companies investing in India face.
 H1B visas: US has ramped up H-1B denials under the executive order “Buy American and
Hire American”. H-4 visas have also been issued at a much lower rate.
 S.’s soft policy towards Pakistan: US President said US’ relationship with Pakistan is a “very
good one” and in 2019, U.S. decided to resume The International Military Education and
Training Programme (IMET) that had been a central pillar of the U.S.-Pakistan military
cooperation for years.
 USA tensions with Iran, Russia: Putting unilateral curbs on Russian and Iranian imports into
India through CAATSA would impinge on India’s relations with Iran, Russia, both relations in
which India has strong stakes
Way forward
 Despite the differences in some areas, the upward trajectory in India USA relations indicates
a sense of greater nuance to the need for institutionalisation of bilateral ties — towards
not only graduating the bilateral dynamic away from over-dependence on chemistry
between the top political leadership, but also design frameworks in a manner that
maximise convergences between the two countries.
 The changing geopolitics, and increased Chinese aggression necessitates closer cooperation
between India USA. Thus, the relationship is two-sided. Just as India benefited from US
inputs during Doklam and recent India China standoff, the US has benefited from Indian
defence spending.
 Differences remain, as between any two countries. But attempts have been made over the
past year to reach accommodations. The consequences of heightened US tensions with Iran
have been managed, with India given time and space to diversify its energy supplies while
receiving a waiver from US sanctions for the port project in Chabaha These show respect
for each other’s interests.
 While US need to be more sensitive towards India’s reservations against its soft policy
towards Pakistan, India needs to prepare itself for a larger security role in Afghanistan in a
big way. Also, India needs US considering the Chinese challenge – on borders, in South Asian
region and the IOR
Conclusion
Regular exchange of high-level political visits has provided sustained momentum to bilateral
cooperation, while the wide-ranging and ever-expanding dialogue architecture has established a
long-term framework for India-U.S. engagement. Today, the India-U.S. bilateral cooperation is
broad-based and multi-sectoral, covering trade and investment, defence and security, education,
science and technology, cyber security, high-technology, civil nuclear energy, space technology and
applications, clean energy, environment, agriculture and health. This momentum must be sustained.
The global multilateral institutions are inherently politicised and have often failed to
represent the real multinational issues and changing power dynamics within their
grouping. Critically comment. (250 words)
Why the question:
To analyse lacunae in the existing multilateral institutions and the need for a course correction.
Directive word:
Critically comment – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature
of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘comment’
is prefixed, we must express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall
opinion thereupon.
Introduction:
Begin by stating the dormant and ineffective nature of functioning of multilateral institutions such as
the UNSC, IMF and world bank in the recent times.
Body:
Mention the changing power dynamics within the multilateral organisations, the dominance of China
and the minimal role of under developed countries in policy frameworks in domains such as
International security, equitable access to different economies, Climate change etc.
Next, mention the increasing debates around the issue and suggestive reforms and a need for a
greater voice of the side-lined countries.
On the other hand, discuss some of the initiatives by these forums to enable relevant functioning in
the current times such as enforcing the developed countries to contribute more to the climate
financing in preserving the small island nations, bringing in mechanisms to ensure access of smaller
economies etc.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stating that new challenges need a new approach to ensure effective functioning of the
International forums to address common issues globally.
Introduction
The covid pandemic was a grim reminder of breaking down of multilateral organizations such as the
WHO, UNSC, IMF and others such organizations, mainly due to high politicization. The instance
where World Health Organization coyly followed the Chinese leadership in responding to the
pandemic and Chinese interference in manipulating World Bank EODB index are few examples of
the same. International institutions are inherently political in nature, but the way our post-1945
global multilateral order has been manipulated by China underscores an underlying power transition
in global arrangements.
Body
Changing power dynamics within the multilateral organisations
 US-China cold war: This weakening of the multilateral system is happening in the context of
the world’s two major powers, the US and China, either unwilling or unable to shape
institutional underpinnings.
o While China wants a multipolar world and a unipolar Asia, the US wants a
multipolar Asia but a unipolar world.
 United Nations: The UNSC has been dysfunctional for many years and is now aligned into P3
and P2 (Russia-China axis).
o International peace and security actions became hostage to UNSC indecisions. E.g.:
Syrian civil war and Yemen civil war
 World Trade: WTO dispute settlement body has become non-functional due to USA’s
blocking of new appointments.
o Due to non-consensus, the Doha Development Agenda has not found any resolution
till date.
o There is a clear developed vs developing country dichotomy that

has hamstrung any agreement like e-commerce, digital trade, sustainable trade etc.
 China’s dominance: China dictating actions of WHO during covid-19 pandemic is one of the
main reasons for the wide spread disease outbreak.
o It’s secrecy over covid-19 outbreak and blocking thorough investigations shows
failure of multilateral bodies to enforce mandate.
 Climate change and financing: Major issues of small island nations like submergence,
displacement are ignored due to dilly-dallying of major powers for climate finance.
o The common but differentiated responsibility has not been acknowledged by major
industrial powers and Conference of Parties on Climate change has failed year after
year to bring about rules to enforce the same under Paris Agreement.
Reforms needed to rejig multilateral bodies to be more equitable
Multilateralism should promote international law, democracy, equity and justice, mutual respect,
right to development and non-interference in internal affairs of any country without double
standards.
 UN reforms long overdue: No reform of the UN would be complete without reform of the
Security Council. Therefore, equitable representation as well as expansion of the UNSC is
the desired reform.
 WTO reforms: Immediate priority in WTO reforms should be to resolve the ongoing impasse
in the Appellate Body to address the unilateral measures as these pose serious existential
challenges for the organisation.
 Climate finance: All nations collectively, should make instruments of global governance
more inclusive, representative and participatory to facilitate greater and more meaningful
participation of developing and least developed countries.
 Reforms in global financial institutions like IMF: Reduce the voting powers of the USA
which holds a virtual veto in the decision-making process of IMF.
 Multilateral bodies need to become more responsive, effective, transparent, democratic,

objective, action-oriented, solution-oriented and credible.
Conclusion
The world is changing rapidly and the US as well as China have little or no interest in shaping the
multilateral order. As a consequence, plurilateral are fast emerging as one of the more important
instruments available to middle powers to fill the void. This way, the US can be cajoled while China
can be pushed back. The calculus of variable geometries is now being shaped by middle powers. For
New Delhi, this a moment to take the lead in shaping the contours of the emerging world order.
India’s foreign policy must revolve around developing and deepening links in health,
space and digital technologies in Africa for mutual benefits. Comment. (250 words)
Why the question:
To write about India’s priority with respect to Africa in its foreign policy and the need for revamping
India-Africa policy to deepen its ties for mutual benefits.
Directive word:
opinion thereupon.
Introduction:
Start with brief background of India’s foreign policy in Africa.
Body:
Briefly discuss the ties between India-Africa from past to present.
Explain that the Covid-19 pandemic has been one of the worst humanitarian and economic crisis
faced by the world, but its effects stand to be much more devastating, particularly for Africa, where
economic and public health conditions are extremely vulnerable
In the 21st century, Africa has transformed from a lost continent to a continent of hope.
Subsequently, in recent years, Africa occupies a central place in the Indian government’s foreign and
economic policy.
In the context of the current crisis, India has demonstrated its willingness and capacity to shoulder
more responsibility in cooperating with Africa to recover from the current crisis and lend support in
its overall growth.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Africa is considered a foreign policy priority by India. The Indian government has designed a forward-
looking strategy to deepen India-Africa relations further. Even during the COVID-19 times, India took
new initiatives to assist Africa through prompt dispatch of medicines and later vaccines.
Body
Background: India Africa bilateral relations and its status
 Economic: Trade between India and Africa has increased more than eight-fold from US$7.2
billion in 2001 to US$63 billion in 2017-18.
o It further has the potential to grow threefold to $150 billion in next five years.
o India is the fifth largest country investing in the continent, with investments over the
past 26 years amounting to $54 billion.
 People to people contact: There has been a welcome surge in people-to-people contacts as
large numbers of African entrepreneurs, medical tourists, trainees and students have started
coming to India and Indian experts and entrepreneurs have headed there.
 Business-to-business: Indian businesses are active across geographic spaces and sectors in
Africa like agri-business, engineering, construction, film distribution, cement, plastics, and
ceramics manufacturing, etc.
 Convergence of interest: Two partners are aligned on the outstanding issues at the World
Trade Organization (WTO) and are in favor of multilateral trading systems.
o At the Bali Ministerial in 2013 too, Africa and India had united in seeking an interim
mechanism for safeguarding minimum support prices to farmers against WTO caps
till a permanent solution is found and adopted.
 Cooperation to tackle terrorism: India strongly advocated stepped-up cooperation through

intelligence exchange and training with 54 African countries.
o There’s a convergence of interest for reforming the Security Council.
o It is imperative for both sides to speak in “one voice” for Security Council reforms.
 Peace keeping operation: India is the largest contributor to UN-mandated peacekeeping and
other operations in Africa, with more than 30,000 personnel involved in 17 of 22 total
missions in the region since 1960
India’s developmental aid to Africa
 Health: As the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to affect the globe, the relatively
developed India has used its economic capacity, medical equipment, and medicine, to
assist African countrie The availability of Indian-manufactured drugs has also been essential
in the fight against the HIV and AIDS pandemic in Africa.
 Capacity Building: Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) that aims at capacity
building, skill development, transfer of technology and sharing of experiences with the
partner countries.
o Around 5000 scholarships have been offered to officials from African countries
under this.
 Development Assistance: In India Africa Forum Summit (2015), India announced a US$ 10
billion line of credit to help financing the projects in African countries, capacity building, IT
education, and higher education.
Conclusion and way forward
 Development partnership guided by Africa’s priorities with focus on building local capacity
and create local opportunities.
 Harnessing India’s experience with the digital revolution to support Africa’s development;
improve delivery of public services; extend education and health etc.
 Partnership on improving agriculture, addressing climate change, strengthening

cooperation and mutual capabilities in combating terrorism and extremism; keeping
cyberspace safe and secure etc.
 Work together to ensure that Africa does not once again turn into a theatre of rival
ambitions, but becomes a nursery for the aspirations of Africa’s youth.
India’s engagement with BRICS demonstrates that it retains strategic autonomy and
engages with all major powers irrespective of incongruences. However, BRICS
countries need greater connectivity and more inter-grouping trade to claim their
rightful space global economic order urgently. Analyse. (250 words)
Why the question:
To write about the role of BRICS in current geopolitical scenario and the need to promote more
connectivity among members despite global uncertainties.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving aims and objectives of BRICS.
Body:
In the first part, bring out the way in which India choses to engage with BRICS on its own terms
despite the global uncertainties.
Next, mention the current limitations of the BRICS bloc and hindrances to achieve its potential.
Mention the role of trade and connectivity that can lead to collective economic benefits to the BRICS
countries especially in the face of global economic turmoil.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward and diplomatic steps needed to be taken in this regard.
Introduction
BRICS is the acronym coined for an association of five major emerging national economies that have
similar economic development. The five countries are Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
Together, BRICS accounts for about 40% of the world’s population and about 30% of the GDP (Gross
Domestic Product), making it a critical economic engine.
It’s an emerging investment market and global power bloc. For India, BRICS is strategic especially in
times where there is lot of geopolitical flux.
Body
Areas of engagement with BRICS
 Economic Cooperation: There are rapidly growing trade and investment flows between
BRICS countries as well as economic cooperation activities across a range of sectors.
o Agreements have been concluded in the areas of Economic and Trade Cooperation;
Innovation Cooperation, Customs Cooperation; strategic cooperation between the
BRICS Business Council , Contingent Reserve Agreement and the New
Development Bank.
 Reform of multilateral institutions: BRICS was founded on the desire to end the
domination of the western world over institutions of global governance (IMF, World Bank,
UN) and strengthen multilateralism.
 Combat Terrorism: Terrorism is an international phenomenon impacting all parts of the

world. Recent developments in Afghanistan stress the need to bridge the gap between
rhetoric and action.
o In this context, BRICS is attempting to shape its counter-terrorism strategy by

crafting the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Action Plan.
o It contains specific measures to fight radicalisation, terrorist financing and misuse of

the Internet by terrorist groups.
 Promoting technological and digital solutions for the Sustainable Development Goals: This
will help to improve governance and will also prove beneficial in the current situations e.g.
Global pandemic response.
 Expanding people-to-people cooperation: This will improve gradually once all the travel
restrictions are eased.
Challenges faced by BRICS
 Relations with other countries: There is a rift between India and China. This is because of
various reasons like Chinese aggression in Eastern Ladakh.
o China and Russia have strained relations with the
o On the other hand, the other BRICS member has a liberal approach with the west.
This is also impacting the functioning.
 Internal challenges of Brazil and South Africa: BRICS countries have not done enough to
assist the Global South to win optimal support for their agenda.
 Trade: Though BRICS seeks to deepen trade ties, Chinese domination of trade creates
apprehensions in the minds of other countries that the Chinese economy may threaten their
economies.
 Maintaining Internal Balance: Current pandemic exposed the over-dependence of value

chains on China and their vulnerability. Thus, there is a need to deepen intra-BRICS
cooperation in areas like agriculture, trade etc. But at the same time, the BRICS have to
ensure there is no critical dependency on anyone partner country.
 China policies: China’s economic rise has created a serious imbalance within BRICS. Also, its
aggressive policy, especially against India, puts BRICS solidarity under exceptional strain.
Conclusion
BRICS nations need to recalibrate their approach and to recommit to their founding ethos. BRICS
must reaffirm their commitment to a multi-polar world that allows for sovereign equality and
democratic decision making by doing so can they address the asymmetry of power within the group
and in global governance generally.
They must build on the success of the NDB and invest in additional BRICS institutions. It will be useful
for BRICS to develop an institutional research wing, along the lines of the OECD, offering solutions
which are better suited to the developing world.
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s

interests, Indian Diaspora.
The revival of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will be beneficial to all the
stake holders and also to check the proliferation of nuclear weapons. However, for its
long-term sustainability, transparency and mutual trust hold the key.
Introduction
The JCPOA was the result of prolonged negotiations from 2013 and 2015 between Iran and P5+1
(China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States). It happened due to the
backchannel talks between the US (President Barack Obama) and Iran, quietly brokered by Oman, in
an attempt to repair the accumulated mistrust since the 1979 Islamic revolution.
Post Trump presidency, USA pulled out of the deal and made it dysfunctional. Recently, the US has
restored sanctions waivers to Iran to allow international nuclear cooperation projects, as indirect
American-Iranian talks on reviving the 2015 international nuclear deal. Once again, Russia-Ukraine
war spells doom on the entire exercise of Vienna talks.
Body
About JCPOA and present status

 Under its terms, Iran agreed to dismantle much of its nuclear program and open its facilities
to more extensive international inspections in exchange for billions of dollars’ worth of
sanctions relief.
 The JCPOA went into effect in January 2016. It imposes restrictions on Iran’s civilian nuclear
enrichment program.
 The deal was proposed so that it would help prevent a revival of Iran’s nuclear weapons
program and thereby reduce the prospects for conflict between Iran and its regional rivals,
including Israel and Saudi Arabia.
 However, the deal has been in trouble since President Donald Trump withdrew the United
States from it in 2018.
 In retaliation for the U.S. departure and deadly attacks on prominent Iranians in 2020,
including one by the United States, Iran has resumed some of its nuclear activities.
Need for revival of JCPOA
 After the U.S.’s withdrawal, Iran started enriching uranium to a higher purity and installing
advanced centrifuges at its nuclear plants.
 Preventing nuclear weapon proliferation: Now, nuclear experts believe Iran is just months
away from having enough high purity uranium to make a nuclear bomb, though the Iranian
leadership has repeatedly claimed that it has no plan to make one.
 Easing rising fuel prices: Removing sanctions on Iran and letting Iran’s oil enter the global
market could also ease oil and gas prices, which shot up after the Russian attack on
Ukraine.
 Boost to Regional Connectivity: Removing sanctions may revive India’s interest in the
Chabahar option, Bandar Abbas port, and other plans for regional connectivity.
o This would further help India to neutralize the Chinese presence in Gwadar port,
Pakistan.
o Apart from Chabahar, India’s interest in the International North-South Transit

Corridor (INSTC), which runs through Iran, which will improve connectivity with five
Central Asian republics, may also get a boost.
 Energy Security: Due to the pressure linked to the US’ Countering America’s Adversaries
Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), India has to bring down oil imports to zero.
Conclusion
Nations must ensure that one nation such as Russia to not jeopardize the whole nuclear deal which
has global repercussions especially in times of low economic growth and post pandemic price
stability. Antagonistic relations in middle east may ease due to lifting of severe sanctions against
Iran. This will also have a direct impact on India-Iran relations. Hence, success of Vienna talks has lot
of leverage for India as well as the whole world.

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INSIGHTSIAS

IA SIMPLIFYING IAS EXAM PREPARATION

INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments,

 In 2013, the UN Committee on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women

Need to criminalize Marital Rape in India

Value Addition: Important cases and Committee reports

 The government defended exception to marital rape in Independent Thought v. Union of

Difficulty level: Moderate

Key Provisions of Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022

Need for and significance of the Bill:

Shortcomings of the bill

 The proposed law considerably expands its scope and reach.

 Measures need to be taken for better implementation of the lawas well.

 Thetraining of the investigation officers, prosecutors, judicial officers and collaboration

Explain the importance of parliamentary accountability of the executive and various

Importance of parliamentary accountability

 The Parliamentary debates on policies and amendments procedures, by which the

Mechanisms in Constitution to ensure executive accountability to the Parliament

o Privilege Motion: It is concerned with the breach of parliamentary privileges by a

o Calling Attention Motion: It is introduced in the Parliament by a member to call the

o No-Confidence Motion: Article 75 of the Constitution says that the council of

 Half-an-Hour Discussion: It is meant for discussing a matter of sufficient public importance,

Key Provisions of Criminal Procedure (Identification) Bill, 2022

Need for and significance of the Bill:

Shortcomings of the bill

 The proposed law considerably expands its scope and reach.

 Measures need to be taken for better implementation of the lawas well.

 Thetraining of the investigation officers, prosecutors, judicial officers and collaboration

The implementation of Article 44 of the Constitution and would promote social

 Prevents religion-based discrimination: Personal laws differentiate between people on

Challenges facing the passage of UCC:

Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—

Difficulty level: Moderate

Advantages of online dispute resolution to the Indian judiciary:

 The key advantages of establishment of Electronic Courts in India is bringing in a justice

 Entire information related to a particular case would be available online. It would be

Limitations of online dispute resolution in judiciary:

 It is critical to draw up a well-defined and pre-decided framework as it can help in laying a

Way forward for Indian litigation and arbitration:

 To develop, install & implement decision support systems in courts.

Why the question:

 The working judicial strength is 32 against the sanctioned strength of 34.

Causes for huge pendency of cases:

 Shifting role of SC:

 Low budgetary allocation leading to poor infrastructure:

 Burden of government cases:

 Special leave petition:

 Lack of court management systems:

o However, only few courts have filled up such posts so far.

 Improving infrastructure for quality justice:

o The Parliamentary Standing Committee which presented its report on

 Addressing the Issue of Vacancies:

o Ensure the appointments of the judges be done in an efficient way by arriving at an

 Timeframe to dispose of cases:

o Strict regulation of adjournments and imposition of exemplary costs for seeking it on

 Better Court Management System & Reliable Data Collection: