La ex Mains Program 2019

Free Micro schedule for 107 days with 3 Questions per day@ La Excellence Bangalore

Date-23.06.2019

Day-19

Test-16

GS2 syllabus: India and its neighborhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and
agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests

Questions and approach

1. Relationships with India’s big as well as small neighbors need constant diplomatic
attention amid the emerging regional dynamics. Comment (150W|10M)

Approach:

1. Underlying theme: India’s relations with its neighbors in the contemporary times
2. Keyword: ‘Comment’: Expects you to have an opinion on the topic while supporting
your opinion with facts and examples. One can also point out extremities that do not fall
in line with the given opinion
2. Introduction: Keep you introduction simple. Example: ‘Neighborhood first’ policy holds
a significant place in the present government’s international policy making. It has the
potential to further shared interests and growth which would be beneficial to all the
countries involved.
3. Body:
 Give a historical perspective of the statement given in the question. For example,
India was accused in the past of neglecting its relations with some of its
neighboring countries which resulted in India’s influence decreasing in the
region.

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  The ‘Neighborhood first’ policy can play a prominent part in reversing the trend,
particularly in the context of emerging trends.
 What are the emerging trends? China’s rise (Belt and Road initiative); US pullout
from Afghanistan; Pakistan and the issue of terrorism emanating from its
territory, improving infrastructure which has hampered economic growth,
dealing with issues such as Doklam; Rohingya crisis etc
 Give measures on how engaging diplomatically with all countries can help in the
context of emerging trends.
1. Selective engagement with Pakistan on few issues could be explored.
Example: Kartapur corridor.
2. An unofficial blockade by India in the past has created negative feeling about
India. Engaging with the Nepal in this particular aspect could be beneficial for
India, particularly in combating growing Chinese influence.
3. Engaging constructively with all the countries in Afghanistan peace process,
even if it means engaging with Pakistan
4. Similar such points can be made with other neighbors also. For example-
Engaging with Bangladesh on the issue of Rohingya and also National
Registry of Citizens (NRC), Bhutan on the issue of connectivity, resolving
border issues etc
4. Conclusion: Summarize all the arguments you have made before in a few statements.
Example: ‘Neighborhood policy’ should not just remain words on the paper but should
be prioritized through appropriate and concrete actions

2) What is Blue Economy? How has Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) helped in
achieving objectives of the blue economy? (250W|15M)
Approach:

1. Underlying theme: Blue Economy and Indian Ocean Rim Association

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 2. Introduction: Give a definition of Blue Economy in your introduction in a simple manner
or you can also give a relevant data or example in this regard.
3. Body:
 Explain why the discourse around blue economy is increasing in recent times.
Example: Oceans protect biodiversity, provide jobs, food, drive economic
growth, keep the planet cool, and absorbs about 30% of global CO2 emissions. 
At least 3-5% of global GDP is derived from oceans—but their overall health is
reaching a tipping point.
 What would happen if blue economy objectives are ignored? It will have
negative environmental and social impacts, which are expected to
disproportionally affect vulnerable groups of the population, particularly women
and girls.
 You can talk about Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in the second part of
your answer. You can give some background to the regional organization, its
basic mandate in a brief introduction to IORA
 Six priority pillars identified by IORA to improve blue economy

1. Fisheries and Aquaculture

2. Renewable Ocean Energy
3. Seaports and Shipping
4. Offshore Hydrocarbons and Seabed Minerals
5. Marine Biotechnology, Research and Development
6. Tourism

 You can highlight the role of India in IORA. Example: India has identified key areas in
certain areas for cooperation of members, such as- maritime safety and security, trade
and investment facilitation, fisheries management, disaster risk management, academic
research etc

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  You can also talk about India’s SAGAR policy (Security and growth for all in the region)
for Indian ocean
4. Conclusion: You can end it on an optimistic note or even give your opinion on how to
further improve the objectives of blue economy

3. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security
Council. (150W|10M)

Approach:

1. Underlying theme: Understanding the basic goal of India for permanent seat in UNSC
and roadblocks on its path.
2. Introduction: directly start with UNSC as the principal organ of UN and give basic
mandate then link it with India.
3. Body: Start with why India wants to a permanent member of UNSC and what are
driving forces behind it then write the impediments on its path.
 Why India wants permanent seat?
 Largest democracy in the world.
 Major contributor to UN peace keeping force.
 Veto power
 It membership can affect the new world order.
 In Post-colonial era India’s representation could be the voice of newly
independent countries.
 Driving force
 Mention about India’s partnership with other countries like strategic
partnership with US, relief works done by India, Role of India in Asia and
Indian Ocean region etc.

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  Impediments
 Divide it into Global and domestic impediments.
 Global impediments: veto of china, China related issues ,India’s
proximity to US and Japan threatens China as it does not want its
competitors from Asia to get veto, coffee club etc
 Domestic impediments: less budgetary support, own domestic issues to
look at, etc.
4. Conclusion: End with positive note with some suggestions to overpower the
impediments.

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