UPSC Mains 2024 General Studies Paper 2

1 . Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation – one election” principle. (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction:

• Electoral reforms in India have been proposed by various committees to address issues like corruption, the influence of money, and the constant cycle of elections. One of the key suggestions is the “One Nation – One Election” principle.

Body:

Need for Electoral Reforms:

• Frequent Elections: India’s frequent elections, with overlapping state and general elections, disrupt governance, leading to the Model Code of Conduct that stalls development projects.
• High Election Costs: Separate elections increase costs for the Election Commission and political parties, straining the public exchequer.
• Political Instability: Repeated elections lead to short-term, populist measures, instead of long-term policy-making.

Key Committee Recommendations:

• The Law Commission (170th Report) and the NITI Aayog have emphasized the need for synchronized elections to ensure stability and reduce election-related costs.
• The Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990) recommended reforms for free and fair elections, addressing issues like candidate qualifications, election funding, and political transparency.

One Nation – One Election:

• This principle advocates for synchronizing Lok Sabha and state assembly elections to reduce costs and disruptions. While logistically challenging, it promises political stability, streamlined governance, and efficient use of resources.

Conclusion:

• Electoral reforms, particularly the “One Nation – One Election” model, could improve governance, reduce costs, and foster long-term policy-making, but they require careful planning and consensus-building.

2. Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases? (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction:

• Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals are alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms aimed at delivering speedy justice, but they differ in their processes and scope of cases.

Lok Adalats:

• Lok Adalats are organized under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, and aim to provide informal, conciliatory settlements. They handle civil cases like property disputes, family disputes, motor accident claims, and minor criminal cases (compoundable offenses).
• Decisions are binding, but there is no formal appeal process. However, parties can take the case to regular courts if no settlement is reached.

Arbitration Tribunals:

• Arbitration is governed by the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, and involves resolving disputes outside the court by an appointed arbitrator. It primarily deals with civil disputes like commercial contracts, real estate issues, and business disputes.
• The decision (arbitral award) is binding, but appeals can be made in specific cases.

Civil and Criminal Case Jurisdiction:

• Lok Adalats handle both civil and criminal (compoundable offenses).
• Arbitration Tribunals only entertain civil disputes and do not handle criminal matters.

Conclusion:

• While both Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals offer alternatives to the formal judicial process, Lok Adalats can entertain minor criminal cases, whereas Arbitration Tribunals are confined to civil matters.

3. “The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy.” Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction:

• The cabinet system, central to parliamentary democracies like India and the UK, has evolved in a way that often marginalizes parliamentary supremacy, concentrating power in the hands of the executive.

Body:

Cabinet Dominance:

• The cabinet, composed of the Prime Minister and key ministers, wields substantial authority, controlling the formulation of policies, legislation, and the administration. Since the ruling party or coalition typically holds a majority in the legislature, the cabinet can dominate parliamentary proceedings.
• Party discipline ensures that members of the ruling party largely vote according to the government’s direction, limiting meaningful parliamentary debate and scrutiny.

Marginalization of Parliament:

• Frequent use of ordinances, bypassing parliamentary debate, and the guillotine method (passing bills with limited discussion) further undermine parliamentary authority.
• The executive’s control over the legislative agenda means that the parliament’s role as a watchdog is weakened, reducing its ability to hold the government accountable.

Conclusion:

• While parliament remains a critical institution in theory, the growth of the cabinet system has shifted real power to the executive, leading to the marginalization of parliamentary supremacy in practice.

4. “The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety.” Comment. (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction:

• The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India is responsible for auditing government accounts and ensuring financial accountability. While legality checks compliance with laws, propriety goes beyond to assess whether public funds are used wisely and efficiently.

Body:

Ensuring Legality:

• The CAG’s primary duty is to ensure that government expenditures comply with legal frameworks, constitutional provisions, and budgetary allocations. This involves verifying that funds are spent for the purposes approved by the legislature.

Ensuring Propriety:

• CAG’s role extends to examining the propriety of expenditure, which involves assessing whether spending decisions are reasonable, prudent, and in the public interest. It ensures that public resources are not wasted or misused, even if technically legal.
• For example, the CAG might question expenditures that, while authorized, seem extravagant or inefficient, ensuring that public funds are used optimally.

Conclusion:

• The CAG’s mandate to scrutinize both the legality and propriety of expenditure ensures comprehensive financial oversight, promoting not only compliance but also responsible governance and efficient use of public resources.

5. Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons comparing the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies. (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction:

• Local bodies play a crucial role in providing good governance at the grassroots level by ensuring decentralized administration, citizen participation, and delivery of essential services. These include Panchayats in rural areas and municipalities in urban regions.

Role in Governance:

• Local bodies are responsible for local infrastructure, sanitation, water supply, education, and healthcare services, ensuring that governance is responsive to local needs and promotes participatory democracy.

Pros and Cons:

Rural Local Bodies (Panchayats):

• Pros: Promote participatory decision-making; address local agricultural needs and rural development through schemes like MGNREGA; focus on rural infrastructure and poverty alleviation.
• Cons: Limited financial autonomy; often lack capacity and expertise for planning and implementation; influenced by local elites or traditional hierarchies.

Urban Local Bodies (Municipalities):

• Pros: Handle complex urban issues like waste management, public transportation, and infrastructure development; greater access to resources and funding; better technical expertise.
• Cons: Often face overpopulation and resource strain; issues of urban governance like slums and pollution are more complex; bureaucratic inefficiencies and lack of political will sometimes delay reforms.

Conclusion:

• Both rural and urban local bodies are crucial for good governance. However, rural bodies need enhanced capacity and resources, while urban bodies require innovative solutions to complex urban challenges.

6. Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India’s development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment. (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction:

• Public charitable trusts in India play a vital role in addressing critical social issues such as education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability. Their contributions can make India’s development more inclusive by reaching marginalized communities.

Body:

• Addressing Social Inequality: Public charitable trusts work in areas often underserved by government schemes, such as rural education, women’s empowerment, and healthcare in remote areas. This helps reduce the gap between different socio-economic groups.
• Focus on Vulnerable Groups: These trusts target marginalized communities like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, and the differently-abled, offering them better opportunities for growth and inclusion.
• Catalyst for Innovation: Trusts often pioneer innovative solutions in areas like renewable energy or vocational training, contributing to long-term, sustainable development.

Challenges:

• However, the lack of regulation and transparency in some trusts raises concerns about misuse of funds. Strengthening accountability mechanisms is essential for maximizing their impact.

Conclusion:

• Public charitable trusts have significant potential to make India’s development more inclusive by addressing vital public issues and serving marginalized groups. Ensuring better governance and transparency can further enhance their role in inclusive growth.

7. Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle? (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction:

• Poverty and malnutrition are interlinked, creating a vicious cycle where malnourished individuals struggle to achieve their full potential, leading to low productivity and perpetuating poverty. Breaking this cycle is essential for human capital formation and national development.

Body:

Steps to Break the Cycle:

1. Nutrition Interventions:
   • Strengthen programs like Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to ensure children receive adequate nutrition.
   • Promote food fortification and supplementary nutrition programs targeting vulnerable groups, especially pregnant women and children.
2. Poverty Alleviation:
   • Enhance livelihood opportunities through skill development, MGNREGA, and promoting microfinance for small businesses, which can provide economic stability to poor families.
3. Healthcare Access:
   • Improve access to healthcare services, especially in rural areas, to prevent disease-related malnutrition.
   • Implement preventive health measures like vaccination, sanitation, and clean drinking water.
4. Education and Awareness:
   • Promote education on nutrition, hygiene, and family planning to empower communities to make healthier choices.

Conclusion:

• By integrating nutrition, health, and livelihood programs, and ensuring access to basic services, the cycle of poverty and malnutrition can be broken, enabling the formation of a healthier, more productive human capital.

8. The Doctrine of Democratic Governance makes it necessary that the public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants becomes absolutely positive. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction:

• The Doctrine of Democratic Governance emphasizes accountability, transparency, and service to the people. The integrity and commitment of civil servants are critical to ensuring that public trust in the government remains strong.

Body:

• Integrity and public trust: Civil servants are the implementers of policy and the bridge between the government and citizens. If their integrity is in question, it undermines the credibility of the government and erodes public confidence in democratic institutions.
• Commitment to public service: Civil servants need to exhibit dedication to public welfare, delivering services efficiently and impartially. Corruption, favoritism, and inefficiency can lead to public dissatisfaction and weaken democratic governance.
• Accountability and transparency: In a democracy, civil servants must be accountable for their actions, and their decision-making processes should be transparent. This ensures that the public perceives them as working for the greater good.

Conclusion:

• A positive public perception of the integrity and commitment of civil servants is essential for the successful functioning of democratic governance. Ensuring ethical behavior, transparency, and accountability in the civil services strengthens public trust and upholds democratic values.

9. “The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.” Explain this statement with examples. (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction:

• The West, particularly the United States and Europe, is increasingly viewing India as a strategic partner to reduce reliance on China’s supply chain and to counter China’s growing political and economic dominance.

Body:

• Supply Chain Diversification: Western nations are looking to diversify supply chains away from China, especially in critical sectors like technology, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. India, with its large labor force and emerging manufacturing capabilities, is seen as a viable alternative. Initiatives like Apple moving production of iPhones to India are examples of this shift.
• Strategic Partnerships: The formation of alliances like QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) between the US, India, Japan, and Australia aims to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Trade and Investment: Western countries are increasingly investing in India’s infrastructure and technology sectors, positioning India as a key economic player and reducing dependence on China for global trade.

Conclusion:

• By fostering India as both a supply chain alternative and a strategic ally, the West seeks to dilute China’s dominance and strengthen global economic and political security in the face of rising Chinese influence.

10 . Critically analyse India’s evolving diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (C.A.R.s) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics. (Answer in 150 words)

Introduction:

India’s diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (C.A.R.s) have evolved significantly in recent years, reflecting their increasing importance in regional and global geopolitics. These relations are driven by shared interests in energy security, connectivity, and regional stability.

Diplomatic and Strategic Relations:

• India has intensified diplomatic engagements through platforms like the India-Central Asia Dialogue and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The strategic location of Central Asia, bordering Afghanistan and near China, makes it crucial for India’s regional security interests.
• India’s involvement in initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) seeks to enhance connectivity with the region, bypassing traditional routes through Pakistan.

Economic Relations:

• The C.A.R.s are rich in natural resources, particularly oil and gas, which are critical for India’s energy needs. Investments in Chabahar Port and energy agreements with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan highlight India’s economic engagement with the region.

Conclusion: The growing significance of Central Asia in energy geopolitics, counterterrorism, and connectivity underscores the evolving nature of India-C.A.R. relations. Continued collaboration can enhance India’s strategic footprint in this increasingly important region.

11. What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act? (Answer in 250 words)

Introduction:

The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 aims to address the growing issue of unfair practices during public examinations in India, safeguarding the integrity of the evaluation system and ensuring merit-based results. The Act was recently passed to combat various forms of examination-related misconduct across the country.

Aims and Objectives:

• Preventing Unfair Means: The primary goal of the Act is to prevent and penalize the use of unfair means such as cheating, impersonation, question paper leaks, and digital fraud during public examinations.
• Maintaining Integrity: It ensures the credibility and fairness of the examination system by implementing stricter regulations and monitoring mechanisms.
• Strict Punishments: The Act includes provisions for stringent penalties for individuals or groups involved in such misconduct, including fines, imprisonment, and the disqualification of candidates.
• Technological Oversight: It mandates the use of advanced technology like surveillance systems and biometric verification to ensure transparency and reduce malpractice.

Coverage of the Act:

• The Act covers examinations conducted by public institutions, such as competitive exams for government recruitment (e.g., UPSC, SSC) and entrance exams for professional courses (e.g., NEET, JEE).
• University and State Education Board examinations are also included under the Act’s purview, as they are considered public exams with a significant impact on a student’s academic and professional future.

Conclusion:

The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 is a comprehensive law designed to protect the integrity of India’s examination system, covering a wide range of public and academic examinations at both national and state levels.

12 .Right to privacy is intrinsic to life and personal liberty and is inherently protected under Article 21 of the constitution. Explain. In this reference, discuss the law relating to DNA testing of child in the womb to establish its paternity. (Answer in 250 words)

Introduction:

• The Right to Privacy was recognized as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution by the Supreme Court in the Puttaswamy case (2017). It is deemed intrinsic to the right to life and personal liberty, encompassing individual autonomy, dignity, and personal choices.

Right to Privacy under Article 21:

• Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which includes privacy as a key component. This right protects individuals from unwarranted intrusions into their personal lives, whether by the state or private entities.
• Privacy safeguards bodily autonomy, reproductive rights, and decisions concerning family and personal relationships.

DNA Testing and Privacy:

• DNA testing to establish the paternity of a child can potentially intrude upon the right to privacy of both the mother and the unborn child. While such testing may be necessary in specific legal contexts, such as inheritance disputes or child support cases, it raises significant concerns about consent and bodily integrity.
• The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 was enacted to prevent the misuse of prenatal diagnostic techniques for determining the sex of the fetus. The Act prohibits such testing unless explicitly required for medical purposes, limiting the scope of prenatal DNA testing.

Conclusion:

• While DNA testing can be critical for determining paternity, it must be balanced against the right to privacy. The law prohibits its misuse and protects individuals from invasive procedures that may violate their personal and bodily autonomy. Privacy, a core aspect of personal liberty, must always be safeguarded in such sensitive matters.

13. What changes has the Union Government recently introduced in the domain of Centre-State relations? Suggest measures to be adopted to build the trust between the Centre and the States and for strengthening federalism. (Answer in 250 words)

Introduction:

• Recent changes introduced by the Union Government in the domain of Centre-State relations reflect shifts in fiscal management, legislative powers, and administrative coordination. While federalism is a cornerstone of India’s democracy, maintaining a balance between the powers of the Centre and the States is essential for fostering cooperative governance.

Recent Changes in Centre-State Relations:

• GST Reforms: The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has reshaped fiscal federalism. Although it aims at uniform taxation, some states have raised concerns about delays in GST compensation and revenue-sharing imbalances.
• Central Laws on State Subjects: Laws like the Farm Laws (now repealed) and amendments to environmental and land-use regulations have raised questions about the Centre’s interference in state subjects, straining Centre-State trust.
• Increased Central Oversight: Initiatives like One Nation, One Ration Card and central control over state borrowing limits under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act have also impacted state autonomy.

Measures to Build Trust and Strengthen Federalism:

1. Strengthen Institutional Mechanisms: Revitalizing platforms like the Inter-State Council and NITI Aayog to foster continuous dialogue between the Centre and States can improve cooperation.
2. Equitable Resource Allocation: Ensuring timely GST compensation and transparent financial devolution through the Finance Commission can address fiscal grievances.
3. Decentralization of Powers: The Centre should respect the state list and avoid legislation that undermines state autonomy, promoting true cooperative federalism.
4. Regional Autonomy: Empowering states to make region-specific policies that account for local needs can strengthen federalism and build trust.

Conclusion:

• To ensure federal stability, the Centre and States must engage in open dialogue, respecting their respective domains and fostering trust through equitable resource sharing and policy cooperation.

14. Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result of it, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world’s most powerful judiciary? (Answer in 250 words)

Introduction:

• Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India has emerged as a powerful judicial tool for addressing issues affecting the broader public interest, especially in cases where marginalized groups or social justice concerns are involved. This unique form of litigation allows any individual or organization to file petitions on behalf of others, leading to a significant expansion of judicial activism.

Reasons for Growth of PIL in India:

1. Access to Justice: PILs were introduced to ensure justice for the marginalized and vulnerable sections of society who might not have the resources to approach courts.
2. Judicial Activism: The judiciary, especially since the 1980s, has taken an activist role in governance issues, addressing matters like environmental protection, human rights, and corruption.
3. Expanding Interpretation of Fundamental Rights: The Supreme Court’s broad interpretation of Articles 14, 19, and 21 has allowed the judiciary to address a wide range of social and governance issues through PILs.
4. Media Influence and Civil Society: Growing media awareness and an active civil society have encouraged more individuals and organizations to use PILs as a tool for advocacy.

Has the Indian Supreme Court Emerged as the World’s Most Powerful Judiciary?

• The rise of PILs has expanded the Supreme Court’s influence over executive and legislative actions, allowing it to act as a protector of public rights and social justice. In cases like Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan and MC Mehta cases, the Court has issued directives influencing policy.
• While this judicial activism has empowered the Court significantly, it has also raised concerns about judicial overreach and encroachment on the domain of other branches of government.

Conclusion:

• The Indian Supreme Court, through PILs, has become a powerful institution, actively shaping public policy and protecting fundamental rights. However, the balance between judicial activism and overreach remains crucial for the health of India’s democracy.

15. Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US constitution. (Answer in 250 words)

Introduction:

• Secularism in India and the US ensures that the state maintains a separation from religion. However, the nature of secularism in the two countries differs in its approach and practice, rooted in their unique historical and cultural contexts.

India as a Secular State:

• Constitutional Secularism: India’s secularism, enshrined in the Preamble and Articles 25-28 of the Constitution, guarantees freedom of religion and mandates equal treatment of all religions by the state.
• Equal Respect for All Religions: India’s model is not one of strict separation but of equal respect for all religions (sarva dharma sambhava). The state can intervene in religious matters to ensure social justice, as seen in cases like the abolition of untouchability or Shah Bano case.
• State’s Role: The Indian state actively engages in religious affairs by managing religious institutions and reforming practices to ensure constitutional morality, as seen in temple administration or Haj subsidies.

Secular Principles in the US Constitution:

• Strict Separation: The US Constitution, through the First Amendment, enforces a strict separation of church and state. The state cannot promote or interfere with religious practices (Establishment Clause), nor can it prohibit the free exercise of religion (Free Exercise Clause).
• No State Intervention: Unlike India, the US government does not involve itself in religious institutions or practices, ensuring a clear boundary between religious and governmental spheres.

Comparison:

• India’s secularism is inclusive and accommodative, allowing for state intervention to promote social reform, while the US follows a strict separation model.
• In India, religion is seen as a public matter, requiring engagement for harmony, while in the US, religion remains a private matter, with minimal state involvement.

Conclusion:

• Both India and the US embody secularism, but India’s version is contextual and flexible, whereas the US adopts a rigid separationist approach. This reflects their distinct socio-political environments and historical developments.

16. The Citizens’ charter has been a landmark initiative in ensuring citizen-centric administration. But it is yet to reach its full potential. Identify the factors hindering the realisation of its promise and suggest measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words)

Introduction:

• The Citizens’ Charter, introduced in India in 1997, aims to make public services more accountable, transparent, and citizen-centric. It sets clear expectations for service delivery, ensuring responsiveness from public agencies. However, it has not fully realized its potential due to various challenges.

Factors Hindering the Realisation of the Citizens’ Charter:

1. Lack of Awareness: Citizens are often unaware of the existence of these charters or their rights under them, limiting their utility.
2. Poor Implementation: Many public agencies do not adhere to the standards mentioned in their charters, with delays and inefficiency still prevalent.
3. Vague Commitments: Some charters have vague or unrealistic promises, making it hard to hold agencies accountable for service delivery.
4. Lack of Accountability Mechanisms: There is often no clear mechanism for redressal if the promises made in the charters are not fulfilled, leading to weak enforcement.
5. Bureaucratic Resistance: Resistance from within the bureaucracy, due to fear of increased accountability or change in working culture, often hinders the effective implementation of the charters.

Measures to Overcome These Challenges:

1. Public Awareness Campaigns: Governments must invest in awareness programs to educate citizens about their rights and entitlements under the Citizens’ Charter.
2. Training for Public Officials: Regular training programs to sensitize public servants to the importance of citizen-centric service delivery are crucial.
3. Clear Accountability Mechanisms: Establish complaint redressal systems and impose penalties on public agencies for non-compliance with the charter.
4. Periodic Reviews: Regularly review and update charters to ensure they are relevant, realistic, and aligned with citizen needs.

Conclusion:

• To fulfill its promise of citizen-centric administration, the Citizens’ Charter needs better implementation, awareness, and accountability. Strengthening these areas will ensure that public services are more responsive and efficient, benefiting the citizens effectively.

17. In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system, the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level. (Answer in 250 words)

Introduction:

• The public healthcare system in India is critical for providing equitable access to health services. However, increasing marketisation of healthcare has led to rising costs and inequality in service delivery. The Indian state must play a proactive role in ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare, especially at the grassroots level.

Measures to Enhance the Reach of Public Healthcare:

1. Strengthening Primary Healthcare:
   • Focus on revitalizing primary healthcare centers (PHCs) and sub-centers in rural areas by improving infrastructure, staffing, and supply of essential medicines. This will ensure basic health services are available in underserved areas.
2. Universal Health Coverage:
   • Expand initiatives like Ayushman Bharat to cover more people, providing free or subsidized healthcare to economically vulnerable sections. This will reduce dependence on costly private healthcare services.
3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP):
   • Implement PPP models where private healthcare providers collaborate with the government to offer affordable services, especially in rural and remote areas. These partnerships can improve service delivery while keeping costs low.
4. Telemedicine and Digital Health:
   • Leverage telemedicine and digital health platforms to increase the accessibility of healthcare in remote regions, where physical infrastructure is limited. This can bridge the urban-rural healthcare gap.
5. Recruitment and Retention of Medical Professionals:
   • Introduce incentives like rural allowances or bonded services for doctors and paramedics to serve in rural areas. Strengthening training programs for community health workers (ASHA) can also boost grassroots healthcare.
6. Health Awareness Campaigns:
   • Conduct widespread public health campaigns to promote preventive healthcare, sanitation, and immunization at the grassroots level, reducing the overall healthcare burden.

Conclusion:

• The Indian state can play a crucial role in expanding the reach of public healthcare by focusing on primary healthcare, universal coverage, technology integration, and partnerships. These steps will help mitigate the adverse effects of marketisation and ensure healthcare is accessible to all, especially the marginalized.

18. E-governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in service delivery process. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context, evaluate the role of the ‘Interactive Service Model’ of e-governance. (Answer in 250 words)

Introduction:

• E-governance involves using digital tools not only to streamline the service delivery process but also to facilitate transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance. The Interactive Service Model of e-governance goes beyond mere digitization by promoting a two-way interaction between the government and the citizens.

Role of the Interactive Service Model in E-Governance:

1. Citizen Engagement:
   • The Interactive Service Model fosters real-time interaction between the government and citizens. Through online platforms, citizens can access information, provide feedback, file grievances, and participate in decision-making, ensuring they play an active role in governance.
2. Transparency and Accountability:
   • By enabling direct communication with government agencies, this model enhances transparency. Citizens can track the status of their applications, monitor public spending, and hold officials accountable for delays or inefficiencies. For example, the Public Grievance Portal in India allows citizens to directly interact with government bodies to resolve issues.
3. Improved Service Delivery:
   • With the integration of AI, chatbots, and digital interfaces, the Interactive Service Model enables efficient, timely service delivery. Citizens can avail of services like e-filing of taxes, online license renewals, and real-time access to welfare schemes without physical interaction.
4. Bridging the Digital Divide:
   • The model offers opportunities for inclusive governance, bringing services to rural areas and marginalized communities via mobile apps and e-kiosks, thereby reducing the urban-rural divide.

Conclusion:

• The Interactive Service Model transforms e-governance into a dynamic process, ensuring transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment. By enhancing government-citizen interaction, it fosters trust and enables a more inclusive, responsive governance framework that can adapt to evolving citizen needs.

19. “Terrorism has become a significant threat to global peace and security.” Evaluate the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council’s Counter Terrorism Committee (CTC) and its associated bodies in addressing and mitigating this threat at the international level. (Answer in 250 words)

Introduction:

• Terrorism remains one of the gravest threats to global peace and security, with its transnational nature requiring coordinated international responses. The United Nations Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) and associated bodies play a pivotal role in addressing this threat.

Effectiveness of the CTC and Associated Bodies:

1. Policy and Legal Frameworks:
   • The CTC was established in the aftermath of 9/11 to enhance the ability of UN member states to combat terrorism. It assists in the implementation of Security Council Resolutions (SCRs) like SCR 1373 (2001), which obligates states to prevent terrorism financing, share intelligence, and enhance border security.
2. Capacity Building:
   • The Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED), an arm of the CTC, provides technical assistance to states, improving their legal frameworks, intelligence capabilities, and counter-terrorism practices.
3. Global Cooperation:
   • The CTC fosters international collaboration by encouraging member states to share intelligence, resources, and best practices to combat global terrorism more effectively. It also works with regional organizations like the European Union and African Union.
4. Challenges:
   • Despite its efforts, the CTC faces challenges like lack of enforcement mechanisms, sovereignty concerns, and unequal counter-terrorism capacities across states. Inconsistent compliance and the politicization of terrorist labeling often limit its effectiveness.

Conclusion:

• The UNSC’s Counter-Terrorism Committee has made significant strides in creating a global legal framework and fostering cooperation. However, challenges in enforcement, global coordination, and addressing root causes of terrorism remain. To be more effective, the CTC requires stronger mechanisms for compliance and greater cooperation among member states.

20 Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on bilateral trade and security. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India’s Maritime security and regional stability amidst international Competition (Answer in 250 words)

Introduction:

• The Maldives holds significant geopolitical and geostrategic importance for India due to its proximity to key shipping lanes and its location in the Indian Ocean, a region critical for India’s maritime security and regional influence.

Geopolitical and Geostrategic Importance for India:

1. Proximity and Maritime Security:
   • The Maldives is located about 700 km from the Lakshadweep Islands, placing it near India’s southwestern coast. The Maldivian waters are crucial for safeguarding India’s Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), which are vital for energy and trade.
   • India seeks to counterbalance China’s increasing influence in the Indian Ocean, as part of its broader Indo-Pacific strategy. The Maldives is a key partner in this.
2. Bilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation:
   • India and the Maldives share robust economic ties, with India being one of the largest trading partners. India supplies essential commodities, contributes to infrastructure development, and plays a significant role in tourism and investment.
   • Indian firms have invested in sectors like housing, healthcare, and transport, strengthening economic cooperation.
3. Security Cooperation:
   • India has provided the Maldives with defense equipment and training, enhancing its maritime security through joint exercises like “Ekuverin” and “Dosti”.
   • The Maldives supports India’s security through the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), helping India maintain its dominance in the Indian Ocean amidst growing Chinese influence via the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and String of Pearls strategy.

Impact on India’s Maritime Security and Regional Stability:

• India’s presence in the Maldives is critical for monitoring Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean and securing regional stability. Ensuring a stable and friendly Maldives is key to India’s strategic interests, especially in the face of rising international competition in the region.

Conclusion:

• The Maldives is vital to India’s maritime security, economic interests, and regional stability. Strengthening India-Maldives ties is crucial to countering external influences and securing India’s strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region amidst increasing global competition.