GS2 Final

INSIGHTSIAS
IA SIMPLIFYING IAS EXAM PREPARATION
INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

MAINS MISSION 2023
GS- 1I
NOVEMBER 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. .......................................................................................................... 6
The Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) judgment fails to uphold the constitutional values meant
to end the perpetuation of discrimination against the SCs, STs and other backward classes.
Critically Examine. (250 words) ...................................................................................................... 6
Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. ................................................................... 10
The discourse around political finance in India usually revolves around the issue of corruption. Do
you agree with the view that the electoral bond scheme has ‘institutionalised corruption’? (250
words) ......................................................................................................................................... 10
One nation, one election could be a step in the right direction. However, developing political
consensus for it looks difficult to achieve. Examine. (250 words) ................................................. 13
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the
federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. ...... 17
Examine the impact of language and cultural diversity on cooperative federalism between Centre
and State governments. Do you think language is a barrier for achieving the goal of cooperative
federalism?.................................................................................................................................. 17
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various
Constitutional Bodies. ..................................................................................................................... 19
Central Information Commission, the apex body under India’s transparency regime must take
urgent steps to remove hurdles in the citizens quest for accountability. Examine. (250 words) .... 19
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies. ................................................................... 22
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National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a vital cog in environment regulation but it needs to improve its
performance to do full justice to its environmental mandate. Examine. ....................................... 22
Discuss the role of the Law Commission of India in conducting research and advising the
Government of India on legal reform. According to you, what are the major legal reforms that are
needed in the country? (250 words) ............................................................................................ 24
Enumerate the functions of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Do you think that the Enforcement
Directorate is being used to settle political scores? What measures are needed to maintain its
neutrality? (250 words). .............................................................................................................. 26
Throw light on the various quasi-judicial bodies in India. Critically examine the issues in their
functioning and suggest reforms for the efficient functioning of these agencies. (150 words) ...... 28
Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and
Departments of the Government;.................................................................................................... 30
Collegium system of appointing judges has been criticised as “opaque, not accountable” and
involving a “lot of politics”. Examine. (250 words)........................................................................ 30
Provide a discourse on the evolution of the concept of judicial review, with special emphasis on
the ninth schedule of the Indian Constitution. (150 words) .......................................................... 35
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of
their design and implementation. .................................................................................................... 38
Critically analyse the provisions of the draft Indian Telecommunications 2022 bill, which aims to
address the issues in the telecom sector and improve the ease of doing business in the digital
ecosystem, promoting innovation, and incentivising investments. (250 words) ........................... 38
The worsening winter air quality in north India has yet again brought into public focus the harmful
effects of air pollution on our health. This public health emergency has resulted in calls for health
to be made central to air pollution policymaking. Critically analyse. (250 words) ......................... 41
Critically analyse the performance of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana scheme (PMGKAY)
in addressing the food needs of the poor by distributing free foodgrains. Do you think the further
extension of the scheme is a prudent move or an electoral freebie? (250 words) ........................ 43
Critically analyse the proposed Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022, in safeguarding the
privacy of individuals and upholding the right to privacy of the citizens. Compare the proposed bill
with the privacy laws of other countries. (250 words) .................................................................. 45
The multi-sectoral collaborations to achieve a reduction in suicide mortality in the country as
proposed in the National Suicide Prevention Strategy is a much-needed step. Elaborate. (250
words) ......................................................................................................................................... 49
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. ................................................................ 52
Critically examine the performance of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee
Act (MGNREGA), 2005. What are the various issues that need addressing to improve the
performance of MGNREGA? (250 words) .................................................................................... 52
Equal pay for equal work and addressing the asymmetries in the India’s labour market which
prevents access and opportunities are the key to achieving social justice for working women.
Analyse. (250 words) ................................................................................................................... 56
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,

Education, Human Resources. ......................................................................................................... 58
Empowering ASHA workers by giving the dignity and protection they deserve, along with enabling
them to assume a more empowered role in aiding people’s medical needs will make them more
effective. Examine. (250 words) ................................................................................................... 58
To achieve the objective of foundational literacy and numeracy in all primary schools, we need to
especially focus on community connects and parental involvement. Analyse. (250 words) .......... 61
There are multiple issues regarding health facilities, disease burden and cost of treatment in
treating non-communicable diseases (NCD). In this scenario, evaluate the potential of AYUSH in
bridging this gap. (250 words) ...................................................................................................... 63
Digital healthcare can ensure better health outcomes at a reasonable cost. Examine its potential
and limitations. How has Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission contributed to India’s healthcare set
up? (250 words) .......................................................................................................................... 66
Issues relating to poverty and hunger. ............................................................................................. 69
Undernourished children are highly susceptible to serious infections because of poor immunity
which have serious short-term as well as long-term consequences. This requires a coherent policy
response which steers agriculture and food systems towards production and supply of healthier
foods at affordable prices as well as regulation of unhealthy foods. Elaborate. (250 words) ........ 69
The need of the hour is to make addressing child malnutrition the top priority of the government
machinery and plug the gaps in how centrally-sponsored schemes aimed at addressing
malnutrition are funded and implemented across the country. Discuss. (250 words) ................... 73
How is poverty measured in India? Examine the various issues in the measurement of poverty by
the multidimensional poverty index (MPI). Do you think poverty has declined considerably post
2014 in the country? State your opinion. (250 words) .................................................................. 76
Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. .......................... 80
India must adopt a positive role during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) presidency
and use the forum for the betterment of the whole of Eurasia. Analyse. (250 words) .................. 80
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s
interests. ......................................................................................................................................... 83
India and Brazil are natural powerhouses who have their strong relationship based on a common
global vision, commitment to development and shared democratic values. Discuss. (250 words) 83
The Ukraine conflict seems to have reached a deadlock. We are in a new phase in the conflict in
which diplomacy could play a larger role. There might be many modest and practical ways in
which Indian diplomacy could participate and contribute to the peace efforts in the Russia-
Ukraine war. Examine. (250 words) ............................................................................................. 87
The current global environment with its macroeconomic, trade and strategic challenges makes it
all the more compelling for the world’s two largest democracies to deepen their engagement in a
way that is mutually beneficial. Comment in the light Indo-U.S. relations. (250 words) ................ 89
What is a free trade agreement (FTA)? How are FTAs important for India? What are the various
issues that are involved in FTA negotiation? How can the issues be resolved? (250 words) ......... 91
India and Australia share common values, complementary economies and strong people to people
links that make them ideal trade partners as well as strategic allies. Analyse. (250 words)........... 93
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian
Diaspora. ......................................................................................................................................... 98
Discuss the importance of Black Sea Grain Initiative. Do you think this can prevent escalating
global food prices emanating from supply chain disruptions? (250 words) .................................. 98
Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments,

significant provisions and basic structure.
The Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) judgment fails to uphold the constitutional
values meant to end the perpetuation of discrimination against the SCs, STs and other
backward classes. Critically Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Indian Express , The Hindu
Why the question:
The Supreme Court of India’s recent decision, upholding the constitutional validity of the law granting
10% reservation to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of the upper castes, has ignited much
debate. Some pundits have affirmed the judgment marks the death knell of caste as a factor in
reservation, while others argue that it underscores its perpetual relevance.
Key Demand of the question:
To write critically examine the EWS judgement of the SC and give a balanced opinion regarding EWS
reservation.
Directive word:
Critically examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we have to 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 we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the
topic and give a fair judgment.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving the context of 103rd constitutional amendment act and what it introduced.
Body:
First, write about the how the above judgement could adversely affect the members of SC, ST and
OBC communities and how non-discrimination and compensatory discrimination does not violate the
equality code.
Next, write about the need of EWS reservation and the need to move away from caste-centric
definition of backwardness.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced opinion.
Introduction
The Constitution (103 Amendment) Act, 2019 was enacted which provides 10% reservation in jobs
and educational institutions to the economically weaker sections in the general
category. Recently, the Supreme Court has upheld the validity of the 103rd Constitutional
Amendment which provides 10% reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) among
forward castes in government jobs and colleges across India. The SC said that EWS quota does not
violate equality and the basic structure of the constitution. Reservation in addition to existing
reservation does not violate provisions of the Constitution.
The Supreme Court of India’s recent decision, upholding the constitutional validity of the law
granting 10% reservation to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of the upper castes, has ignited
much debate. Some pundits have affirmed the judgment marks the death knell of caste as a factor in
reservation, while others argue that it underscores its perpetual relevance.
Body
Reservation leads to casteless and classless society:
• The 10% quota law is a step towards a classless and casteless society, the Union government
has indicated in the Supreme Court.
• The Centre referred to the court’s past decisions that called for the “attainment of economic
equality as the final and only solution to the besetting problems” of the country. The
Constitution (103rd Amendment) Act, 2019, was meant to benefit the economically weaker
sections of society who were not covered by the existing schemes of reservation.
• It said the law was meant to benefit a large section of the population of 135 crore people,
who are mostly lower middle class and below the poverty line.
• The government quoted the 2010 report of the Commission for Economically Backward
Classes, chaired by Major General S.R. Sinho (retired), which said 18.2% of the general
category came under the below poverty line (BPL).
• The Government took support of the 13-page affidavit quoted from a 1985 Constitution
Bench judgment in K.C. Vasanth Kumar vs Karnataka, which quotes Pandit Jawaharlal
Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi to drive home the point that the economy of a family, and not
its caste, should be the determining factor of social and educational backwardness.
• Article 15(6) and Article 16(6) are enabling provisions for advancement of the economically
weaker sections and are, in fact, in conformity with the principle of reservation and
affirmative action, It argued that a “mere amendment” to an Article would not violate the
basic structure of the Constitution.
• Furthermore, the 50% ceiling applied to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes and
Other Backward Classes. The new provision dealt with the economically weaker sections.
“The limit of 50% is only applicable to reservation under Articles 15(4), 15(5) and 16(4) and
does not apply to Article 15(6).”
The pros of the reservation Act are:
• Alleviation of Poverty: It is expected to help the needy among the higher castes.
• Reduces ghost beneficiaries: In some cases, it is expected to eliminate the desperation of

those who, in the past, would resort to obtaining fake Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled
Tribe (ST)certificates that were used to seek entry into professional courses.
• Removes Prejudice: The reservation will prevent these higher castes from holding
reservations responsible for national disintegration and perpetuation of casteism, as they
widely believe.
• Reduces Unwanted Adoptions: The legislation is also expected to keep savarna-caste

aspirants from seeking adoption into SC/ST families in order to procure SC/ST certificates.
• No deceptive self-characterisation:Ironically, the 10% quota can help these savarnas retain
their authentic caste identity. In this way, they can now avoid facing humiliation in courts of
law on account of being exposed as fake caste certificate holders.
The cons of the reservation are:
• Discredits the moral foundation of the principle of social justice:
o The principle of social justicecalls for ‘equal treatment of equals’ and ‘affirmative
action for less advantage sections’.
o Constitution outlines special provisions for only four classes– SCs, STs, Backward
Classes and Anglo Indians in the Articles 330-342 under Part 16.
o The provision is clearly mentioned as reservation is explicitly for ‘social exclusion and
discrimination’. Notably, the “socially and educationally backward classes” was the
target group in quotas for OBCs.
o Unfairness or an element of injusticeis rooted in the practice of untouchability,

whereas pure economic backwardness is rooted in the systemic inability to provide
jobs to the higher castes.
o The lack of opportunities is not due to untouchability, but due to the inability of
the state and the market to provide enough jobs for the qualified and the needy.
o The new reservation policy has transformed from a policy meant to provide a level
playing field for those suffering from historical discrimination and those who are
weaker sections of the society to a policy meant as a dole for those sections of
society who are poor and lack jobs.
o The Indira Sawhney casehad further held that social backwardness cannot be
determined only with reference to an economic criterion.
• Violation of DPSP:
o The Article 46, which is a non-justiciable Directive Principle, says that the state shall
promote educational and economic interests of “weaker sections”, in particular SCs
and STs, and protect them from “social injustices” and “all forms of exploitation”.
o While the 103rd Amendment mentions Article 46 in its statement and objects, it
seems the government overlooked the fact that upper castes neither face social
injustice nor are subjected to any form of exploitation.
o Moreover, the Constitution makes provisions for commissions to look into matters
relating to implementation of constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Castes
(Article 338), Scheduled Tribes (338A) and Socially and Educationally Backward
Classes (339),but has not created any commission for the economically backward
classes.
• Unavailability of Data:
o The Union or state governments have no such data to prove that ‘upper’ caste
individuals, who have less than Rs 8 lakh annual income, are not adequately
represented in government jobs and higher educational institutions. There is a
strong possibility that they are actually over-represented in these places.
• Arbitrary Criteria:
o The criteria used by the government to decide the eligibility for this reservation is
vague and is not based on any data or study.
o Even the SC questioned the government whether they have checked the GDP per
capita for every State while deciding the monetary limit for giving the EWS
reservation.
o Statistics show that the per capita income in states differs widely – Goa is the state
having the highest per capita income of almost Rs. 4 lakhs whereas Bihar is at the
bottom with Rs.40,000.
• Sincerity of the Government
o Centre did not give enough time for discussion on it before it was tabled in
Parliament for its final approval.
• Lack of objectivity
o an objection is raised about the procedure that the government adopted in order to
fix the criteria for educational and economic backwardness. The government arrived
at the figure of 10%, without any proper and thorough documentation by a duly
constituted commission.
Conclusion:
Thus, the quota for the economically poor among the upper castes has been seen essentially as
a poverty alleviation move dressed up as reservation. It is high time now that the Indian political
class overcame its tendency of continually expanding the scope of reservation in pursuit of electoral
gains, and realised that it is not the panacea for problems.
Instead of giving reservation based on different criteria, the government should focus on quality of
education and other effective social upliftment measures. It should create a spirit of
entrepreneurship and make them job-givers instead of a job seeker.
Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

The discourse around political finance in India usually revolves around the issue of
corruption. Do you agree with the view that the electoral bond scheme has
‘institutionalised corruption’? (250 words)
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
It is important that independent institutions check the growing black hole of electoral bonds with a
minimum level of institutional safeguards.
To critically analyse the performance of electoral bonds in improving transparency or acting as a
mode of institutionalised corruption.
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. Trace changes introduced by it.
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 and has the
potential to be used as mechanism of institutionalised corruption.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
An electoral bond is a non – redeemable debt instrument. Designed to be a bearer financial

instrument in the manner of a promissory note it is much more similar to a bank note which is liquid
able in nature, or generally which is payable to the bearer on demand. This bond can be purchased
by any citizen belonging to our country or any corporation registered or established in India.
Body
About Electoral Bond
• 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.
Critical analysis of electoral bonds
• Since its introduction, electoral bonds have become an essential source of financing for all
major political parties.
o Between March 2018 and January 2021, electoral bonds worth Rs 6,514.50 crore
were redeemed by parties.
• While the ruling government 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.
o 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.
Alternate 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.
One nation, one election could be a step in the right direction. However, developing
political consensus for it looks difficult to achieve. Examine. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
‘One nation, one election’ is not a new concept. Though not explicitly stated in the statute books, it
seems to have been the assumption of the framers of our Constitution. Midterm elections, either in
the states or the Centre, were envisaged to be an exception rather than the rule.
To write about possibility of holding simultaneous elections of the parliament and state legislatures
in the country.
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 by giving context of ‘One Nation, One election’.
Body:
In the first part, write about advantages of simultaneous elections.
Next, write about the feasibility and India’s preparedness to conduct simultaneous election in India –
5 elections to legislatures per year, capability of election commission, growing political will etc.
Next, write about the limitations that hinder conduct of simultaneous elections in India.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced opinion regard the conduct of simultaneous elections.
Introduction
Simultaneous elections refer to holding elections to Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies,
Panchayats and Urban local bodies simultaneously, once in five years. The idea of holding elections
simultaneously is in news after it got a push from Prime Minister and ex-President of India. However,
political parties are divided on the issue of holding simultaneous elections
The political parties of Kashmir recently impressed upon the Election Commission of India (ECI) to
hold the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir simultaneously with the upcoming Lok Sabha
elections
Body:
The Law Commission of India has also proposed holding simultaneous state and general elections
and has sought public opinion on its recommendations regarding the same. Simultaneous elections
were held in India during the first two decades of independence.
Merits of Simultaneous elections:
• Governance and consistency:
o The ruling parties will be able to focus on legislation and governance rather than
having to be in campaign mode forever.
o Parties and workers spending too much time and money in electioneering can make
use of the time for social work and to take people-oriented programmes to the
grassroots.
o To overcome the “policy paralysis and governance deficit” associated with

imposition of the Model Code of Conduct at election time which leads to putting on
hold all developmental activities on that area and also affects the bureaucracy’s
functioning.
• Reduced Expenditure of Money and Administration:
o The entire State and District level administrative and security machinery will be busy
with the conduct of elections twice in a period of five years as per the current
practice.
o Expenditure can be reduced by conducting simultaneous elections.
o It is felt that crucial manpower is often deployed on election duties for a prolonged
period of time. If simultaneous elections are held, then this manpower would be
made available for other important tasks.
o For instance, for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, which was held along with 4 state
assemblies saw the deployment of 1077 in situ companies and 1349 mobile
companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF).
• Continuity in policies and programmes:
o Will limit the disruption to normal public life associated with elections, such as
increased traffic and noise pollution.
o Large numbers of teachers are involved in the electoral process which causes
maximum harm to the education sector.
• Efficiency of Governance:
o Simultaneous elections can bring the much-needed operational efficiency in this

exercise.
o Populist measures by governments will reduce.
• Curbs Vices:
o During frequent elections there is increase in “vices” such as communalism,

casteism, corruption and crony capitalism.
o Simultaneous elections can also be a means to curb corruption and build a more
conducive socio-economic ecosystem.
o The impact of black money on the voters will be reduced as all elections are held at a
time.
Challenges to simultaneous elections:
• Illiteracy:
o Not all voters are highly educated to know who to vote for. They may get confused
and may not know whether they are voting for candidates contesting assembly or
parliament elections.
o IDFC study says that there is 77% chance that the Indian voter will vote for the same
party for both the state and centre, when elections are held simultaneously.
o Evidence from Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Germany, the US and Europe supports the
idea that elections that are held simultaneously produce greater alignment between
national and regional election outcomes.
• Functional issues:
o Frequent elections bring the politicians back to the voters, create jobs and prevent
the mixing of local and national issues in the minds of the voters.
o There is a dearth of enough security and administrative officials to conduct

simultaneous free and fair elections throughout the country in one go.
• Changes in Constitution and Legislations:
o The following constitutional changes need to be made:
o Amendments needed in the following articles:
▪ Article 83 which deals with the duration of Houses of Parliament need an

amendment
▪ Article 85 (on dissolution of Lok Sabha by the president)
▪ Article 172 (relating to the duration of state legislatures)
▪ Article 174 (relating to dissolution of state assemblies)
▪ Article 356 (on President’s Rule).
o The Representation of People Act, 1951 Act would have to be amended to build in
provisions for stability of tenure for both parliament and assemblies. This should
include the following crucial elements:
o Restructuring the powers and functions of the ECI to facilitate procedures required
for simultaneous elections
o A definition of simultaneous election can be added to section 2 of the 1951 act
o Articles 83 and 172 along with articles with articles 14 and 15 of the 1951 act be
appropriately amended to incorporate the provision regarding remainder of the
term i.e.., post mid elections, the new loksabha/assembly so constituted shall be
only for the remainder of the term of the previous loksabha or assembly and not for
a fresh term of five years.
• Constructive vote of no confidence:
o The 170th law commission report suggested a new rule i.e., rule 198-A has to be
added to rules of procedure and conduct of business in Lok Sabha and similar
amendment to such rules in the state legislatures.
o The report suggested introduction of motion of no confidence in the incumbent

government along with a motion of confidence in the alternative government.
o To avoid premature dissolution of the house/state assemble in case of Hung

parliament /assembly and to advance simultaneous elections the rigour of anti-
defection law laid under in tenth schedule be removed as an exception.
• Local and national issues will get mixed up distorting priorities.
• The terms of different state governments are ending on separate dates and years.
• Spirit of Constitution:
o One nation, one election” would make sense if India were a unitary state. So “one
nation, one election” is anti-democratic.
o Simultaneous elections threaten the federal character of our democracy.
o Frequent elections act as checks and balances on the functioning of elected

representatives.
Way forward:
• Any changes must require both a constitutional amendment and judicial approval that they
do not violate the “basic structure” of the Constitution.
• A focused group of constitutional experts, think tanks, government officials and

representatives of political parties should be formed to work out appropriate
implementation related details.
• Other alternatives should be explored to reduce election related expenses like
o State funding of elections
o Decriminalisation of politics
o Bringing in transparency in political funding
o Setting up National Electoral Fund to which all donors can contribute.
• One year one election as suggested by Election Commission can be executed by amending
Section 15 of the RP Act 1951. If the six-month stipulation is extended to nine or 10 months,
elections to all states, whose term is expiring in one year, can be held together.
• The Law Commission of India in its report of 1999 has dealt with the problem of premature
and frequent elections. It had recommended an amendment of this rule on the lines of the
German Constitution, which provides that the leader of the party who wants to replace the
chancellor has to move the no-confidence motion along with the confidence motion. If the
motions succeed, the president appoints him as the chancellor.
o If such an amendment to Rule 198 is made, the Lok Sabha would avoid premature
dissolution without diluting the cardinal principle of democracy that is a government
with the consent of the peoples’ representatives with periodical elections.
o It will also be consistent with the notion of collective responsibility of the

government to the House as mentioned in Article 75 (3) of the Constitution.
Conclusion:
Election Commission’s idea of “one year one election” will better suited as it will require fewer
amendments to the constitution, it will respect the essence of the exercise of popular will,
unlike one nation one election which prioritizes economic costs of elections over the exercise
itself, it will avoid clubbing of national and state issues, it will not disturb federalism much, not much
issues generated by emergencies like need to hold by-election etc. will be addressed by this option.
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges
pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to
local levels and challenges therein.
Examine the impact of language and cultural diversity on cooperative federalism
between Centre and State governments. Do you think language is a barrier for
achieving the goal of cooperative federalism?
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
Language is an essential ingredient of identity. The question of expressing national identity in a
linguistically diverse society anxious to jettison or reduce the use of English as the language of the
colonial power was passionately debated by the Constitution-makers and even linked to ‘national
prestige’. It was an uneasy compromise reflected in the wording of Part XVII (Articles 343-351).
To write about the impact of language and cultural and diversity on cooperative federalism.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by defining cooperative federalism.
Body:
In brief, write about the impact of language and diversity on cooperative between the states and
centre. Write about both the positive impact as well as negative impact of it. Substantiate with facts,
statistics and examples.
Next, write about the language as a barrier to cooperative federalism – write on the both sides of the
argument.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a balanced opinion on the issue.
Introduction
The term ‘federalism’ refers to the constitutionally allocated distribution of powers between two or
more levels of government in the modern nation-state system—one, at the national level and the
other, at the provincial, state or local level.
India has remained uniquely unified despite the infinite multiplicities of its cultures. Language is an
essential ingredient of identity. The question of expressing national identity in a linguistically diverse
society anxious to jettison or reduce the use of English as the language of the colonial power was
passionately debated by the Constitution-makers and even linked to ‘national prestige’.
Body
Provisions of language diversity in Constitution
• Article 345 leaves it to the State to choose its language for official purposes. In actual
practice, several States and Union Territories continue to use English.
• Article 348 stipulates that all proceedings of the Supreme Court and ‘of every High Court’
and of Bills, etc. in Parliament shall be in the English language.
• The Eighth Schedule and the periodic additions to it (now numbering 22) spell out the
diversity and complexity of the language landscape as do the Official Languages Act of 1963
and its Rules made in 1976 and amended in 1987, 2007 and 2011.
• The question of Official Language brought forth ‘passionate dissents’ in the Constituent
Assembly and the drafting of the Constitution.
• It covered language of legislatures; language of the courts and the judiciary, and language of
the official work of the Union. Educational institutions of “national importance” and those of
“scientific and technical education financed by Government of India” were in the Union List
and education “including technical, medical and universities” were in the Concurrent List.
• Some ambiguity inevitably crept into it. Thus Article 351 directs the state, in the
development of Hindi, to draw upon other languages in the composite culture of India.
• These include Hindustani that does not find a mention in the Eighth Schedule.
Impact of language and diversity on cooperative between the states and centre
• Positives: Immediately after independence, there was a popular demand for the creation of
linguistic states, signaling the assertion of regional sentiment over the centralized design of
nation-building.
o This led to creation of linguistic states and improvement in education, literacy and
building of national integrity despite the diverse languages. People felt proud to be
part of their State and as a larger part of nation asserting their own identity.
o After the formation of states on linguistic basis the path to politics and power was
now open to people speaking regional languages rather than the small English
speaking elite or majoritarian hindi speaking northern India.
• Negatives: It has led to several unintended consequences such as regionalism, linguistic

chauvinism and the foundation of the “Sons of the soil” doctrine.
o It has been used for divisive purposes and transformed into disruptive tendencies,
such as communalism, casteism and linguistic or regional exclusiveness.
o The issues of jobs, educational opportunities, access to political power and share in
the larger economic cake has fueled rivalries and conflicts based on religion, region,
caste and language.
o Several issues that are a threat to India’s integrity have also emerged such as
demand for new states based on backwardness such as Marathwada and
Saurashtra, ethnicity in the North East etc.
Language and cooperativr federalism: Way forward
• The constitutional course would be to opt for the language of Article 345, that allows each
Legislature to the use of Hindi, or to choose its language, for all official purposes.
• Electoral success: This would hinge on electoral success in terms of the official programme of
the party in power
• The idea of one official language may not foster the unity of the people: It may give rise to
serious imbalances in regional representation in the all India services in the long run as well as
the personnel structure of the Union government.
• Address the issues: It is more necessary to address the concerns of the people of south Indian
region on account of language.
▪ The public opinion in the south is that English should continue as one of the official
languages.
• Natural development: Efforts should be made to ensure the natural development of Hindi in
non-hindi states, so as to be able to meet the requirements of modern science and technology.
Conclusion
It is important now to rethink the design and structure of a genuine federal partnership, which
should not merely be a race to garner more resources, but a creative attempt to move towards a
vibrant Indian value chain that can catapult India’s growth rate closer to the quest for double-digit
growth.
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and

responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
Central Information Commission, the apex body under India’s transparency regime
must take urgent steps to remove hurdles in the citizens quest for accountability.
Examine. (250 words)
Why the question:
At the centre, it is the Central Information Commission (CIC). Until the 2019 amendment to the RTI
Act, Information Commissioners (ICs) appointed to the CIC were equal in status to the Chief Election
Commissioner, and that of a Supreme Court judge. They had a five-year fixed term and terms of
service. After the amendments of 2019, the Centre gave itself powers to change and decide these
terms whenever it wished, thereby striking at the independence of the commission and those who
man it.
To write about the healthcare challenges and ways to overcome it.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by writing about the aims and objectives of Central Information Commission.
Body:
First, Discuss the issues and constraints faced by CIC in implementing the RTI act. E.g There is no
centralised database of RTI applicants at the centre/ state level, thus resulting in decreased accuracy
of the annual RTI reports submitted by CIC; There is a general public perception that CIC has been
lenient towards the unaccountable PIOs; lack of monitoring and review mechanisms in CIC to make
public officers comply with the provisions of the RTI act; High pendency of cases and delayed
appointments in CIC etc.
Next, write about the changes introduced by the 2019 amendment to the RTI Act and its impact on
the working of CIC.
Next, write about the measures needed to uphold transparency and accountability.
Conclusion:
Introduction
A good 17 years after India got the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the transparency regime in the
country remains a mirage with nearly 3.15 lakh complaints or appeals pending with 26 information
commissions across India.
According to a report by the Satark Nagrik Sangathan, the backlog of appeals or complaints is
steadily increasing in commissions every year.
Body
About Central Information Commission
Objectives
• To receive and inquire into complaints from any citizen as provided in RTI Act.
• To receive and decide upon the second appeal from any citizen as provided in the RTI Act,
and RTI rules 2012.
• To exercise the powers conferred on CIC under the RTI Act.
• To perform the duty of Monitoring and Reporting as provided in Section 25 of the RTI Act.
Powers and Functions
• To receive and inquire into a complaint from any person regarding information requested
under the RTI act.
• It can order an inquiry into any matter if there are reasonable grounds (suo-moto power).
• While inquiring, the Commission has the powers of a civil court in respect of summoning,
requiring documents, etc.
• Adjudication in the second appeal for giving information;
• Direction for record-keeping
• Imposition of penalties and Monitoring and Reporting including preparation of an Annual

Report.
Issues in the working of CIC
• Delays and Backlogs: On average, the CIC takes 388 days (more than one year) to dispose of
an appeal/complaint from the date it was filed before the commission.
o A report released last year has pointed out that more than 2.2 lakh Right to
information cases are pending at the Central and State Information Commissions
(ICs).
• No Penalties: The report found that the Government officials hardly face any punishment
for violating the law.
o Penalties were imposed in only 2.2% of cases that were disposed of, despite
previous analysis showing a rate of about 59% violations which should have
triggered the process of penalty imposition
• Lack of Transparency: The criteria of selection, etc, nothing has been placed on record.
• Amendment and powers to centre: The Right to Information (Amendment) Act, 2019
amended the Right to Information Act, of 2005.
o The RTI Act, 2005 specified the tenure, terms of service, and salaries of the Chief
Information Commissioner (CIC) and Information Commissioners (ICs) at the central
and state levels, in the parent law.
o The RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019 removed these provisions and stated that the
central government will notify the term and quantum of salary through rules.
Way forward and Conclusion
• Democracy is all about the governance of the people, by the people and for the people. In
order to achieve the third paradigm, the state needs to start acknowledging the importance
of an informed public and the role that it plays in the country’s development as a nation. In
this context, underlying issues related to RTI Act should be resolved, so that it can serve the
information needs of society.
• The role of information commissions is crucial especially during Covid-19 to ensure that
people can obtain information on healthcare facilities, social security programs and delivery
of essential goods and services meant for those in distress.
• By its 2019 order, the apex court had passed a slew of directions to the Central and State
governments to fill vacancies across Central and State Information Commissions in a
transparent and timely manner.
• Urgent digitization of records and proper record management is important as lack of

remote access to records in the lockdown has been widely cited as the reason for not being
able to conduct hearings of appeals and complaints by commissions.
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a vital cog in environment regulation but it needs to
improve its performance to do full justice to its environmental mandate. Examine.
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of
Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
To write about the successes and limitations of NGT in upholding its mandate.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving a brief introduction on context for introduction of NGT and its mandate
Body:
First, mention some of the landmark environmental reforms brought in through NGT.
Next, list out its shortcomings such as appeals against NGT rulings in High Court and Supreme Court
leading to long delays through litigation, lack of overall environmental expertise of the members of
tribunal.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward to leverage functional capacity of the NGT and do full justice in its
environmental mandate.
Introduction
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act.
It is a specialized environmental court that deals with cases relating to environmental protection and
the conservation of forests. It has judicial powers that allow it to exclusively decide civil
environmental matters. The tribunal is guided by principles of natural justice and is not bound by the
mainstream code of civil procedure. The Supreme Court has declared the National Green Tribunal’s
(NGT) position as a “unique” forum endowed with suo motu powers to take up environmental issues
across the country.
Body
Performance of NGT
• The NGT has been recognized as one of the most progressive Tribunals in the world.
• This jurisprudential leap has allowed our country to enter a rather exclusive group of nations
which have set up such institutions with broad powers.
• In the Almitra H Patel Vs Union of India case, it directed states to implement Solid Waste
Management Rules and prohibited open burning of waste on lands.
• Many Projects which were approved in violation of the law such as an Aranmula Airport,
Kerala; Lower Demwe Hydro Power Project and Nyamnjangu in Arunachal Pradesh; mining
projects in in Goa; and coal mining projects in Chhattisgarh were either cancelled or fresh
assessments were directed.
Limitations of NGT
• The jurisdiction of NGT is curtailed as Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972and Scheduled Tribes
and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 is not under
its ambit.
• This restricts the jurisdiction area of NGT and at times hampers its functioning as the crucial
forest rights issue is linked directly to the environment.
• The sanctioned strength of 10 each under judicial and expert members are not filled. The
lack of human and financial resources has led to high pendency of cases – which undermines
NGT’s very objective of disposal of appeals within 6 months.
• The option of appeals has nullified the purpose of reducing burden on the higher courts.
• The justice delivery mechanism is also hindered by a limited number of regional benches.
Is endowment of Suo-motu powers to NGT a step in the right direction?
• The Supreme Court recently declared that the National Green Tribunal is vested with suo
motu powers to take cognizance on the basis of letters, representations and media reports
• This could allow the NGT to play a more effective role in environmental protection.
• However, the need for suo moto powers itself reiterates the idea that a judicial body must
‘swoop in’ to protect constitutional values, if the legislature or the executive is ill equipped
to perform their functions.
• The Tribunal would have a direct effect on the functioning of executive bodies, such as the
Municipal Corporation in the present case.
• Unlike orders based on petitions, cases taken up suo moto would allow the tribunal itself to
decide what issues it should consider and to what extent it can infringe on the executive’s
domain.
Way forward
• There is an immediate need to set up new regional benches. Further, these should be based
in a place that has the highest forest cover or large mineral deposit.
• Appeal may be provided against the order of the NGT before a larger Bench of the Tribunal
before the matter reaches to the Supreme Court or High Court.
• Vacancies in NGT, needs to be filled as soon as possible.
• There is a need for the central and state governments to work in collaboration with the NGT
for balancing between environment & economy.
• NGT should also identify institutions and experts who can help it to scientifically estimate
environmental damages/compensation/fines on a case-to-case basis.
Discuss the role of the Law Commission of India in conducting research and advising
the Government of India on legal reform. According to you, what are the major legal
reforms that are needed in the country? (250 words)
Why the question:
The Centre on Monday (November 7) constituted the Law Commission of India with Justice (retd)
Rituraj Awasthi, former Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court, at its head. Law Minister Kiren Rijiju
tweeted that the other five members on the panel would be former Kerala High Court judge Justice K
T Sankaran, M Karunanithi, and law professors Anand Paliwal, D P Verma, and Raka Arya.
To write about the role of the Law Commission of India and major legal reforms that are needed in
the country.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the
details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for
and against arguments.
Introduction:
Begin by writing aim of Law Commission of India.
Body:
First, write about the major functions of Law Commission of India – judicial experts acts as an
advisory body, recommend legislative reforms with a view to clarify, consolidate and codify particular
branches of law where the Government felt the necessity for it etc.
Next, write about major legal reforms that are needed in the country as per you.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
The Law Ministry describes the Law Commission of India as a non-statutory body that is constituted
by a notification of the Government of India, with definite terms of reference to carry out research
in the field of law.
Retired High Court Chief Justice Rituraj Awasthi has been appointed as the chairperson of the
22nd law commission of India which was constituted in 2020. The other five members on the panel
would be former Kerala High Court judge Justice K T Sankaran, M Karunanithi, and law professors
Anand Paliwal, D P Verma, and Raka Arya.
Body
Role of Law Commission
• The Law Commission shall, on a reference made to it by the Central Government or suo
motu, undertake research in law and review of existing laws in India for making reforms and
enacting new legislation.
• It shall also undertake studies and research for bringing reforms in the justice delivery
systems for elimination of delay in procedures, speedy disposal of cases, reduction in cost of
litigation, etc.
• It also suggest such legislations as might be necessary to implement the Directive Principles
and to attain the objectives set out in the Preamble of the Constitution.
• It helps revise the Central Acts of general importance so as to simplify them and remove
anomalies, ambiguities and inequities”.
• The Commission makes recommendations to the Government in the form of Reports as per
its terms of reference.
• The Law Commission was first constituted in 1955, and has so far submitted 277 reports.
Shortcomings of Law Commissions
• The reports and recommendations made by the Law Commission are non-binding, that is, it
is up to the Government’s discretion to accept or reject the recommendations made by the
Commission.
• However, it is estimated that about 45 per cent of its recommendations have been acted
upon or made into law till now.
• The gap between the constitution of two consecutive Law Commissions is usually too long.
For instance, the tenure of the 21st Law Commission ended on 31 August 2018 and the 22nd
Law Commission got approval in 2020.
• The Government has often been accused of practising favouritism while appointing
members to the body.
• It has been observed in recent times that the Commission’s report is less detailed because of
a lack of a research backup team.
Reforms needed
• Changing the status of Law Commission from an advisory body to a statutory or

constitutional one.
• The Law Commission should be brought under a statute with definite terms on
appointments, its functions and powers spelt out.
• Allocation of adequate funds to ensure quality research by experts having in-depth

knowledge on law subjects, especially juristic ones.
• There is also a need to reduce the gap between the constitution of two consecutive
Commissions to ensure continuity.
Conclusion
The Law Commissions of India have made remarkable contributions to law formulation in the
country through their in-depth and dedicated research as well as specialized and well-thought
suggested reforms and reports.
Value addition
Composition:
• Apart from having a full-time chairperson, the commission will have four full-time members,
including a member-secretary.
• Law and Legislative Secretaries in the Law Ministry will be the ex-officio members of the
commission.
• It will also have not more than five part-time members.
• A retired Supreme Court judge or Chief Justice of a High Court will head the Commission.
Enumerate the functions of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Do you think that the
Enforcement Directorate is being used to settle political scores? What measures are
needed to maintain its neutrality? (250 words).
Why the question:
A Special Court dealing with cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in Mumbai
has made some extraordinarily scathing observations about the way the Enforcement Directorate
(ED) functions.
To write about the functions of ED and why it is seen a political weapon and measures needed to
counter its politicisation.
Introduction:
Begin by stating the aims and objectives of ED and its mandate.
Body:
In the first part, write about the functions of ED in fighting economic crimes. Substantiate with facts
and examples.
Next, write about reasons as to why ED is being seen a political weapon against political rival to
settle scores. Mention the impact of the same.
Next, write about the measures that are needed to make it neutral and accountable.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) was established in 1956. ED is responsible for enforcement of
the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) and certain provisions under the Prevention
of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The ED Headquarters is situated at New Delhi.
The Directorate of Enforcement, with its Headquarters at New Delhi is headed by the Director of
Enforcement. There are five Regional offices at Mumbai, Chennai, Chandigarh, Kolkata and
Delhi headed by Special Directors of Enforcement. Zonal Offices of the Directorate are headed by a
Joint Director. The officers are appointed from Indian Revenue Service, Indian Corporate Law
Service, Indian Police Service and Administrative Services.
Body
Background
• The Enforcement Directorate recently searched a dozen locations, including the main office
of the Congress-owned National Heraldnewspaper in Delhi, as part of its investigation into a
money-laundering case,
• The fresh ED raids come days after interim Congress chief Sonia Gandhi was grilled by the
central agency for three days in connection with the National Herald House alleged money
laundering case.
• The Gandhis are being investigated in what is called the “National Herald case” involving the
Young Indian’s takeover of Associated Journals Limited (AJL), the company that runs the
National Herald newspaper founded by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Role of ED
• ED investigates suspected violations of the provisions of the FEMA. Suspected violations

includes, non-realization of export proceeds, “hawala transactions”, purchase of assets
abroad, possession of foreign currency in huge amount, non-repatriation of foreign
exchange, foreign exchange violations and other forms of violations under FEMA.
• ED collects, develops and disseminates intelligence information related to violations of

FEMA, 1999. The ED receives the intelligence inputs from Central and State Intelligence
agencies, complaints etc.
• ED has the power to attach the asset of the culprits found guilty of violation of FEMA.
“Attachment of the assets” means prohibition of transfer, conversion, disposition or
movement of property by an order issued under Chapter III of the Money Laundering Act
[Section 2(1) (d)].
• To undertake, search, seizure, arrest, prosecution action and survey etc. against offender of
PMLA offence.
• To provide and seek mutual legal assistance to/from respective states in respect of
attachment/confiscation of proceeds of crime and handed over the transfer of accused
persons under Money Laundering Act.
• To settle cases of violations of the erstwhile FERA, 1973 and FEMA, 1999 and to decide
penalties imposed on conclusion of settlement proceedings.
• ED is playing a very crucial role in fighting the menace of corruption in the country.
ED as a political weapon
• Tool for Political Vendetta: The governments of the day have been accused of brazenly
using agencies like the ED, CBI to settle their own political scores.
o There are concerns of Enforcement Directorate’s powers being misused to harass

political opponents and intimidating them.
o It is said that “Cases and probe agencies spring out of cold storage before elections,
and turn cold soon after”.
o Many have held the agencies’ moves as motivated, aimed at tilting the scales in
favor of the incumbent government, done also through selective leaks by the
agencies to browbeat political opponents.
• The Investigation by ED is bound within the territory of India, while several high profile
offenders have fled the country.
• There is also a problem of manpower and intelligence gathering in Enforcement Directorate,

that leads to delay in timely identification and prosecution of offenders.
Solution to address the issues:
• Dedicated Fund and Grantfor the agency to ensure its independent functioning.
• Separate Recruitment for Enforcement Directorate on the lines of Civil Services.
• A separate Academy for training the manpower and to instill the right values and virtues in
the functioning is needed.
o To Act without malice, prejudice or bias, and not allow the abuse of power.
• More powers to ED: Under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, ED can now confiscate
properties of offenders outside India, which may not be ‘proceeds of crime’.
• Separate wings within ED for intelligence, surveillance and investigation can bring more
efficiency.
• Standard Trainingfrom time to time, to sharpen the investigative skills, and learning from
global best practices.
Conclusion
As a premier financial investigation agency of the Government of India, the Enforcement Directorate
must function in strict compliance with the Constitution and Laws of India. It must endeavour to
establish and maintain high professional standards and credibility.
Throw light on the various quasi-judicial bodies in India. Critically examine the issues
in their functioning and suggest reforms for the efficient functioning of these
agencies. (150 words)
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
There is a class of quasi-judicial agencies that are not discussed in conversations on the pendency of
cases. These are generally handled by the revenue authorities and largely relate to land, tenancy,
excise, arms, mining, or preventive functions under the Criminal Procedure Code.
To write about quasi-judicial bodies, issues in their functioning and reform required.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by writing a about the quasi-judicial bodies in India.
Body:
First, in general, write about the need of quasi-judicial bodies in India and their major functions.
Next, write about the issues in the functioning of quasi-judicial bodies in India – understaffed. Their
engagement with duties such as law and order, protocol, coordination and other administrative
functions leaves them with much less time for court work. Their access to court clerks and record
keepers is limited. Several of the presiding officers lack proper knowledge of law and procedures etc.
Next, write about the reforms that are needed to overcome the above performance issues.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Quasi-judicial bodies are an entity such as an arbitrator or a tribunal, generally of a Public

Administrative Agency, which has powers and procedures resembling that of a Court of Law or
Judge, and which is obliged to objectively determine facts and draw conclusions from them so as to
provide the basis of an official action. Such actions are able to remedy a situation or to impose legal
penalties, and may affect the legal rights, duties or privileges of specific parties.
Body
Quasi-Judicial bodies in India
• Election Commission of India.
• National Green Tribunal.
• Central Information Commission (CIC)
• Income Tax Appellate Tribunal.
• Lok Adalat.
• National Human Rights Commission
• Nation Commission for Women
• National Green Tribunal and so on
Advantages and benefits of quasi judicial bodies
• Not restrained by rigid procedures: To bring flexibility and adaptability as they are not
restrained by rigid rules of procedure.g., Simplified procedure to apply RTI application under
Central Information Commission. Natural justice followed in NCLT, Lok Adalats.
• Less expensive: They are set up to be less formal, less expensive, and a faster way to
resolve disputes than by using the traditional court system.
• Ease the burden: The system also gives the much-needed relief to ordinary courts of law,
which are already overburdened with numerous suits. E.g. NCLT reduces the burden of
financial cases from judiciary. Lok Adalat resolves minor issues which would otherwise be
long drawn in courts.
• Technical expertise: They play an important role and part in the sphere of the adjudication
of disputes especially when the subject demands technical expertise. g., National Green
Tribunal avail expertise to deal with environmental issues.
• Public Awareness and suo moto powers: They enjoy some of the powers of a civil court,
viz., issuing summons and allowing witnesses to give evidence. Its decisions are legally
binding on the parties, subject to appeal. E.g., National Human Rights Commission can take
suo moto cognizance of human rights violations. It also did awareness campaign for
sensitisation towards LGBTQ community and HIV infected people.
Issues in their functioning
• There is an unfair imbalance between represented and unrepresented parties. It is unfair

to people who are not represented and cannot get legal aid to come up against a rich
corporation. Since richer parties are allowed to employ skilled representation, they are
consequently more likely to win.
• The no-costs rule and lack of legal aid penalize poor litigants, although they do keep costs
down.
• The lack of fees encourages poor applicants, although it may also result in ill-founded
claims.
• Tribunals can become complex over time – as did the courts – rules of procedure grow up
caused by the use of representatives who as a result make representation desirable in
future.
• They may lack some of the perceived independence of the judiciary.
• It can still be difficult for the people who go to tribunals to represent themselves because of
the inherent difficulty in presenting a case in any environment.
• It undermines the celebrated principle of separation of powers.
Conclusion
Government needs to address this issue by enabling sufficient number of appointments at various
Quasi-Judicial Bodies. However, as a fool proof appointment mechanism plays a crucial role in
ensuring quality, the Government is duty bound to provide for the same. Only then can India’s
Quasi-Judicial Bodies expedite not only the resolution of disputes but also dispensation of justice.
Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—

Ministries and Departments of the Government;
Collegium system of appointing judges has been criticised as “opaque, not
accountable” and involving a “lot of politics”. Examine. (250 words)

Why the question:
Justice D Y Chandrachud, who will take over as the 50th Chief Justice of India Wednesday, said
criticism of the Collegium system must be looked at in a “positive light” and attempts made to
improve it.
To write about the process of selection of SC and HC and evolution of the process of the appointment
of Judges to the SC and the reforms that are needed to the existing collegium system.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of collegium system.
Body:
Frist, show evolution of appointment process. Mention, in brief, the three judges’ cases and NJAC act,
2014.
Next, write about the reasons which call for reforms to the existing collegium system. Opaqueness,
lack of accountability, lack of representation from weaker sections, slow pace of appointments and
lack of public faith etc.
Suggest reforms to overcome the above issues that are affecting the collegium system.
Conclusion:
Introduction
The judges of the Supreme Court and High Court in India are appointed by President as per article
124(2) and 217 of the constitution. In such appointment, the President is required to hold
consultation with such of the Judges of the Supreme Court and of the High Courts in the States as he
may deem necessary for the purpose.
Justice D Y Chandrachud, who will take over as the 50th Chief Justice of India, said criticism of the
Collegium system must be looked at in a “positive light” and attempts made to improve it.
Body
Collegium system:
• The Collegium System is a system under which appointments/elevation of judges/lawyers to

Supreme Court and transfers of judges of High Courts and Apex Court are decided by a
forum of the Chief Justice of India and the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.’
• The collegium of judges is the Supreme Court’s invention. It does not figure in the
Constitution, which says judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts are appointed by the
President and speaks of a process of consultation.
• In effect, it is a system under which judges are appointed by an institution comprising

judges.
• After some judges were superseded in the appointment of the Chief Justice of India in the
1970s, and attempts made subsequently to affect a mass transfer of High Court judges
across the country, there was a perception that the independence of the judiciary was under
threat. This resulted in a series of cases over the years.
• The ‘First Judges Case’ (1981)ruled that the “consultation” with the CJI in the matter of
appointments must be full and effective.
• The Second Judges Case (1993)introduced the Collegium system, holding that “consultation”
really meant “concurrence”. It added that it was not the CJI’s individual opinion, but an
institutional opinion formed in consultation with the two senior most judges in the Supreme
Court.
• On a Presidential Reference for its opinion, the Supreme Court, in the Third Judges Case
(1998)expanded the collegium to a five-member body, comprising the CJI and four of his
senior most colleagues.
• The recommendations of the Collegium are binding on the Central Government, if the
Collegium sends the names of the judges/lawyers to the government for the second time.
Procedure followed by the collegium:
• The President of India appoints the CJI and the other SC judges. As far as the CJI is
concerned, the outgoing CJI recommends his successor.
• For other judges of the top court, the proposal is initiated by the CJI. The CJI consults the
rest of the collegium members, as well as the senior most judge of the court hailing from the
High Court to which the recommended person belongs.
• The Chief Justice of High Courts is appointed as per the policy of having Chief Justices from
outside the respective States. The collegium takes the call on the elevation. High Court
judges are recommended by a collegium comprising the CJI and two senior most judges.
Need for reforms in the Collegium system:
• Credibility of the SC:
o Controversial collegium system of judicial appointments undermines the

independence of judges and raises doubts about the credibility of the highest court.
o There is a failure to make an assessment of the personality of the contemnor at the

time of recommending his name for elevation.
o Example: The controversy over the proposed elevation of Justice P.D. Dinakaran of
the Karnataka High Court to the Supreme Court by the collegium of the Chief Justice
and four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court was criticized for overlooking
apparently suitable judges by the collegiums
o The judiciary off late has been caught in many such situations of credibility crisis off
late.
• The executive has little or no role in the appointment of judges as a result.
• Nepotism:
o Unfortunately, in some cases, it has not covered itself with glory. There have been
cases where the nearest relative of Supreme Court judges has been appointed as a
high court judge, ignoring merit.
o During the regime of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, judges far lower in the combined All
India Seniority of High Court judges were appointed to SC, and the reason assigned
was that those selected were found more meritorious.
• Supreme court is overburdened:
o The Supreme Court did not realize the burden it was imposing on the collegium of
selecting judges for the Supreme Court and High Courts and transferring them from
one High Court to another.
o An administrative task of this magnitude must necessarily detract the judges of the
collegium from their principal judicial work of hearing and deciding cases.
• Lack of Transparency:
o The lack of a written manual for functioning, the absence of selection criteria, the
arbitrary reversal of decisions already taken, the selective publication of records of
meetings prove the opaqueness of the collegium system.
o No one knows how judges are selected, and the appointments made raise the
concerns of propriety, self-selection and nepotism.
o The system often overlooks several talented junior judges and advocates.
• NJAC, A Missed Opportunity:
o The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) could guarantee the

independence of the system from inappropriate politicization, strengthen the
quality of appointments and rebuild public confidence in the system.
o The decision was struck down by the SC in 2015 on the ground that it posed a threat
to the independence of the judiciary.
• Lack of Consensus among Members:
o The collegium members often face the issue of mutual consent regarding
appointment of judges.
o The shadow of mistrust between the members of the collegium exposes the fault
lines within the judiciary.
o For instance, recently retired CJI Sharad A. Bobde was perhaps the first chief justice
to have not made even a single recommendation for appointment as SC judge due
to lack of consensus among the collegium members.
• Unequal Representation:
o The other area of concern is the composition of the higher judiciary. While data
regarding caste is not available, women are fairly underrepresented in the higher
judiciary.
• Delay in Judicial Appointments:
o The process of judicial appointment is delayed due to delay in recommendations by

the collegium for the higher judiciary.
Reforms needed in the collegium system:
• The need of the hour is to revisit the existing system through a transparent and
participatory procedure, preferably by an independent broad-based constitutional body
guaranteeing judicial primacy but not judicial exclusivity.
o The collegium members have to make a fresh start and engage with each other.
o A transparent process adds accountability that is much needed to resolve the

deadlock.
o Individual disagreements over certain names will continue to take place, but care
must be taken that the institutional imperative of dispensation of justice does not
suffer.
• The new system should ensure independence, reflect diversity, demonstrate professional
competence and integrity.
• The system needs to establish a body which is independent and objective in the selection
process.
o In several countries of the Commonwealth, National Judicial Appointment

Commissions have been established to select judges.
o Such judicial commissions have worked with success in the U.K., South Africa and
Canada.
• Setting up a constitutional bodyaccommodating the federal concept of diversity and

independence of judiciary for appointment of judges to the higher judiciary can also be
thought of as an alternate measure.
• There should be a fixed time limit for approval of recommendations.
• As of now, instead of selecting the number of judges required against a certain number of
vacancies, the collegium must provide a panel of possible names to the President for
appointment in order of preference and other valid criteria.
• New memorandum of procedure:
o After the Second and Third Judges Cases, a Memorandum of Procedure had been
formulated to govern how the process of how the Collegium would make
recommendations to the Executive.
o The government therefore suggested that a new MOP be drafted and finalized for
appointment of SC judges and the Executive to get a veto over candidates for
national security reasons in this new MOP.
Conclusion
Faced with intense public scrutiny and government pressure, the judiciary’s institutional weaknesses
are being laid bare. These are not simply the moral failings of one individual or the consequences of
the misjudgment of a few. It is another illustration of the institution’s inability to accept its internal
infirmities.
Provide a discourse on the evolution of the concept of judicial review, with special
emphasis on the ninth schedule of the Indian Constitution. (150 words)
Why the question:
In recent times there have been multiple calls for the inclusion of quota laws in the Ninth Schedule of
Indian constitutions. In the present case, the Jharkhand government has issued the such call.
Discuss in detail the evolution of the concept of judicial review in the constitutional history of India.
Directive:
Discourse – Give a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the particular context.
You must be defining key terms where ever appropriate, and substantiate them with relevant
associated facts.
Introduction:
Define what judicial review is and how the 9th schedule is related to it.
Judicial Review is the power of Courts to pronounce upon the constitutionality of legislative and
executive acts of the government which fall within their normal jurisdiction.
Body:
Next, discuss the evolution of the concept of judicial review starting with the 1 st Constitutional
amendment. Also, give a few points on the present EWS SC judgement and quota laws in some states
which they want to be included in the 9th schedule.
The role of Judicial Review in the Indian Constitution is to protect/provide liberty and freedom for the
people. Some Indian thinkers have observed that the scope of Judicial Review in India is very limited,
and the Indian Courts do not enjoy as wide jurisdiction as the courts in America.
Suggest some suggestions to reform issues regarding the 9th schedule as well.
Conclusion:
Conclude with the importance of JR and the 9th Schedule.
Introduction
Judicial review is the power of the Supreme Court and the High Courts to examine the
constitutionality of the Acts of the Parliament and the state legislatures and executive orders both
of the centre and state governments. It is one of the most important features of the judiciary. It is
the power to reject such laws as are held to be it ultra vires. Judicial review is considered a basic
structure of the constitution (Indira Gandhi vs Raj Narain Case).
Body
Provisions in the Constitution:
There are specific and extensive provisions of judicial review in the Constitution of India such
as Articles 13, 32, 131-136, 143, 226, 227, 246 and 372. Though the term judicial review is not
mentioned in these Articles but it is implicit.
Judicial review in India:
• Although the term Judicial Review has not been mentioned in the Constitution, the
provisions of various Articles of the Constitution of India have conferred the power of
judicial review on the Supreme Court.
• Accordingly, the constitutional validity of a legislative enactment or an executive order may

be challenged in the Supreme Court on the following grounds.
o Violation of fundamental rights.
o Outside the competence of the authority which has framed it.
o It is repugnant to the Constitutional provisions.
• The Supreme Court considerably widened the scope of judicial review in India through its
judgement in Maneka Gandhi’s case.
Evolution of Judicial Review in the constitutional history of India:
• In India the power of judicial review was exercised by the courts prior to the
commencement of the constitution of India.
• The British Parliament introduced Federal System in India by enacting the Government of
India Act 1935.
• The constitution of India envisages a very healthy system of judicial review and it depends
upon the India judges to act in a way as to maintain the spirit of democracy.
• In the present democratic setup in India, the court cannot adopt a passive attitude and ask
the aggrieved party to wait for public opinion against legislative tyranny, but the constitution
has empowered it to play an active role and to declare a legislation void, if it violates the
constitution.
• the scope of judicial review before Indian courts has evolved in three dimensions – firstly, to
ensure fairness in administrative action, secondly, to protect the constitutionally guaranteed
fundamental rights of citizens, and thirdly, to rule on questions of legislative competence
between the centre and the states.
• The power of the Supreme Court of India to enforce these fundamental rights is derived
from Article 32 of the Constitution. It gives citizens the right to directly approach the
Supreme Court for seeking remedies against the violation of these fundamental rights.
• With the advent of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and dilution of the concept of locus
standi [the right or capacity to bring an action or to appear in a court] in recent decades,
Article 32 has been creatively interpreted to shape innovative remedies such as a ‘continuing
mandamus’ for ensuring that executive agencies comply with judicial directions.
• It was through the expansive interpretation of Article 21 of the Constitution in Maneka

Gandhi v Union of India (1978), the Court held that the “procedure established by law”
envisaged in the said article had to be just, reasonable and fair to pass the test of
constitutionality.
• In M Nagaraj v Union of India, the Court declared that fundamental right in Articles 14, 19
and 21 “stands atop in constitutional value” in a fulsome recognition that “human dignity,
equality and freedom were conjoined, reciprocal and similar values”.
• Instances of the Court’s intervention to expand the frontiers of these rights to include
redressal for the killing of innocent people in false encounters and relief to the victims of
custodial violence etc, has multiplied in recent times.
• The Court therefore has established the foundational principles for the exercise of its judicial
review jurisdiction traceable to Articles 13, 32, 136, 142 and 147 of the Constitution. The
high court’s judicial review jurisdiction is anchored in Article 226 of the Constitution.
Though one does not deny that power to review is very important, at the same time one cannot also
give an absolute power to review and by recognizing judicial review as a part of basic feature of the
constitutional Courts in India have given a different meaning to the theory of Checks and balances
this also meant that it has buried the concept of separation of powers where the judiciary will give
itself an unfettered jurisdiction to review anything everything that is done by the legislature.
Ninth Schedule and Judicial Review
• The Ninth Schedule contains a list of central and state laws which cannot be challenged in
courts. Currently, 284 such laws are shielded from judicial review.
• The Schedule became a part of the Constitution in 1951, when the document was amended
for the first time.
• It was created by the new Article 31B, which along with 31A was brought in by the
government to protect laws related to agrarian reform and for abolishing the Zamindari
system.
• While A. 31A extends protection to ‘classes’ of laws, A. 31B shields specific laws or
enactments.
• Although Article 31B excludes judicial review, the apex court has said in the past that even
laws under the Ninth Schedule would be open to scrutiny if they violated fundamental rights
or the basic structure of the Constitution.
• While most of the laws protected under the Schedule concern agriculture/land issues, the
list includes other subjects, such as reservation.
• A Tamil Nadu law that provides 69 per cent reservation in the state is part of the Schedule.
Conclusion
While the Court’s jurisdiction as a soldier to protect and advance fundamental rights merits loud
affirmation, the Court however should not to be seen as dismissive or disdainful of the processes of
democratic governance. The presumption that the legislature understands the needs of its people
and that even its discrimination and classifications are based on adequate grounds has also been
acknowledged by the Supreme Court itself. The challenge, therefore, is to find the delicate balance
between the three organs which nurtures and invigorates institutions designed to serve the ideals of
a true republic.
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and

issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Critically analyse the provisions of the draft Indian Telecommunications 2022 bill,
which aims to address the issues in the telecom sector and improve the ease of doing
business in the digital ecosystem, promoting innovation, and incentivising
investments. (250 words)
Why the question:
Indian Telecommunication Bill, which reimagines and reshapes the digital architecture while creating
possibilities for the start-up ecosystem. The proposed draft Bill brings together telecom operators
(providers of physical infrastructure), Over-the-Top service providers (OTTs) and internet-based
communication systems under one roof.
To critically examine the draft Indian Telecommunications 2022 bill, its positives and limitations.
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.
Introduction:
Begin by giving aims and objectives of the draft Indian Telecommunications 2022 bill
Body:
In the first part, mention salient features of the draft Indian Telecommunications 2022 bill
Next, write about how the draft Indian Telecommunications 2022 bill will result in addressing
problems in the telecom sector by generating more revenue, equitable growth etc.
Next, write about the limitation the proposed draft bill.
Conclusion:
Introduction
The draft Indian Telecommunication Bill reimagines and reshapes the digital architecture while
creating possibilities for the start-up ecosystem. The proposed draft Bill brings together telecom
operators (providers of physical infrastructure), Over-the-Top service providers (OTTs) and internet-
based communication systems under one roof.
The draft Bill consolidates three separate acts which currently govern the telecommunication sector
— the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and The Telegraph Wires
(Unlawful Protection) Act, 1950.
Body
Draft Telecommunications 2022 bill: Features
• OTT regulation: The government has included internet-based and OTT communication
servicessuch as WhatsApp calls, Facetime, Google Meet etc under telecom services.
o It was the long-standing demand by telecom operators for creating a level playing
field. At present, whiletelecom companies need a licence to offer services, OTT
platforms do not.
o Further, bringing OTTs under the ambit of telecom services means that OTT
and internet-based communications would require a licence to offer services.
• Consumer protection: To curtail the ever-increasing incidence of spam calls and frauds, the
draft Bill proposes that the identity of the person communicating using any form of
telecommunication services shall be available to the user receiving such communication.
• Role of TRAI:The current draft considerably dilutes TRAI’s position in a number of ways
reducing it from a regulatory to a recommendatory body.
o First, the government would no longer be required to seek recommendations from

the TRAI before issuing licences.
o Second, it also removes the power of the TRAI to requisition from the government
information or documents that are necessary to make such recommendations.
o Moreover, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) will no longer be required

to refer back to TRAI the recommendations for reconsideration — those
recommendations that it does not agree with, as it was required to do previously.
• Internet shutdown: For the first time in the Indian legal framework, a specific provision
enabling the government to order suspension of internet power has been introduced
through the draft Bill.
Challenges being addressed
• Declining Average Revenue Per User (ARPU):ARPU decline now is sharp and steady, which,
combined with falling profits and in some cases serious losses, is prompting the Indian
telecom industry to look at consolidation as the only way to boost revenues.
o In 2019, the Supreme Court allowed the government’s plea to recover adjusted
gross revenue of about Rs 92,000 crore from telcos, that further adds to their stress.
• Limited Spectrum Availability: Available spectrum is less than 40% as compared to

European nations and 50% as compared to China.
• Low Broadband Penetration:Low broadband penetration in the country is a matter of

concern. As per white paper presented on broadband at the last International
Telecommunication Union (ITU), broadband penetration in India is only 7%.
• Over the Top (OTT) applications such as WhatsApp, OLA and so on do not need permission
or a pact with a telecommunications company. This hampers the revenue of
telecommunication service providers.
• Huge fluctuations in the duties on Telecom Equipmentwhich contribute to connecting the

whole system from the central server to the consumer.
Limitations and concerns with the draft bill
• Regulatory overlaps:The broad of the definition of ‘telecommunication services’ include OTT

communication platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal among others, may
potentially lead to regulatory or jurisdictional overlaps.
• Unchecked use of State powers:The Bill gives broad powers to the central government in
prescribed situations without any accompanying checks and balances. The Bill empowers the
central and state government to intercept messages in the interest of public safety and
emergency without the providing clearly defined guardrails for it.
• Undefined National security: The term, national security is left undefined and does not
match constitutional precedent or text which instead uses the phrase,in the interests of the
security of state
• Users Less choice in the privacy and security of their digital footprint:
• Power to prescribe standards under Clause 23, which may result in regulations as recently
issued by the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) that have resulted in the
closure of servers or services by leading, global VPN providers such as Proton and
TunnelBear.
• All of this practically means that users will have less choice in the privacy and security of
their digital footprint, as these powers will lead to requirements to locally register and host
data, and comply with requirements to identify users (KYC requirements).
Conclusion
There should be some reasonable basis or some tangible evidence to initiate or seek approval for
interception by State authorities. Any digression from the ethical and legal parameters set by law
would be tantamount to a deliberate invasion of citizens.
Value addition
India’s telecom industry
• The Telecom industry in India is the second largest in the worldwith a subscriber base of 1.17
billion as of 2022. India has an overall teledensity of 85.11%.
• The industry’s exponential growth over the last few years is primarily driven by affordable
tariffs, wider availability, the roll-out of Mobile Number Portability (MNP), expanding 3G
and 4G coverage,and evolving consumption patterns of subscribers.
• The Telecom sector is the3rd largest sector in terms of FDI inflows, contributing 6.44% of
total FDI inflow, and contributes directly to 2.2 million employment and indirectly to 1.8
million jobs.
• Between 2014 and 2021, the FDI inflows in the Telecom sector rose by 150%to USD 20.72
billion from USD 8.32 billion during 2002-2014.
• 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has now been allowed in the Telecom sector under the
automatic route.
• India is on its way to becoming the second-largest smartphone market globally by 2025
with around 1 billion installed devicesand is expected to have 920 million unique mobile
subscribers by 2025 which will include 88 million 5G connections.
The worsening winter air quality in north India has yet again brought into public focus
the harmful effects of air pollution on our health. This public health emergency has
resulted in calls for health to be made central to air pollution policymaking. Critically
analyse. (250 words)
Why the question:
In India, in 2019, 17.8% of all deaths and 11.5% of respiratory, cardiovascular and other related
diseases are attributable to high exposure to pollution (The Lancet).
To write about the steps taken so far to tackle air pollution and their successes and limitations and
the need for health centric approach in tackling air pollution.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin the answer by giving air pollution statistics in India.
Body:
In brief, write about the impact of air pollution in India.
Next, write about the various policy measures like Air Pollution Act, National Clean Air Programme
(NCAP), Commission for Air Quality Management, Graded Response Action Plan, National Ambient
Air Quality Standard etc. write about the successes and limitations of the above measures aimed at
improving air quality.
Next, write about the need to take an health centric approach to air pollution control policy making.
Mention the advantages it can offer.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward with a way to overcome air pollution.
Introduction
Air pollution is the presence of substances in the atmosphere that are harmful to the health of
humans and other living beings, or cause damage to the climate or to materials. The deterioration of
winter air quality in north India has once again brought to light the negative impacts of air pollution
on health, particularly among the most vulnerable in society.
There are 22 of the 30 most polluted cities in the world are in India according to the World Air
Quality Report, 2020. The India State Level Disease Burden Initiative published in Lancet Planetary
Health in December 2020, indicated 1.7 million deaths in India were attributable to air pollution in
2019.
Body
Background
• A section of farmers, especially in Punjab, burnt the residue after harvesting their wheat
even as fodder prices shot up.
• Several farmers tell that they took to burning stubble as they were in a hurry — the state
had set June 10 as the date to sow paddy.
• According to the Lancet, excessive levels of pollution are responsible for 17.8% of all deaths
and 11.5% of respiratory, cardiovascular and other related diseases in India in 2019.
Government efforts in dealing with air pollution:
• To tackle stubble burning
o Union Government: Under a 100% centrally-funded scheme, machines that help

farmers in in-situ management—by tilling the stubble back into the soil—were to be
provided to individual farmers at 50% subsidy and to custom hiring centres (CHCs) at
80% subsidy.
o While Haryana has set up 2,879 CHCs so far and has provided nearly 16,000 straw-
management machines, it has to set up 1,500 more and has to cover nearly as many
panchayats it has reached so far.
o Similarly, Punjab, which has provided 50,815 machines so far, will need to set up
5,000 more CHCs—against 7,378 set up already—and reach 41% of its panchayats by
October 2020.
• The Centre has launched the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) and Electric
Vehicles (FAME) I India schemein 2015 to reduce pollution caused by diesel and petrol-
operated vehicles and to promote electric and hybrid vehicles in India.
• The FAME phase II scheme has been extended for two years to drive greater adoption of the
scheme.
• The Vehicle Scrappage Policy, launched August 13, 2021, is a government-funded

programme to replace old vehicles with modern and new vehicles on Indian roads. The
policy is expected to reduce pollution, create job opportunities and boost demand for new
vehicles.
• The prime minister in August 2021, announced the enhancement of target to 20 per cent
for ethanol blending in petrol by 2025in order to further lower carbon emissions and
improve air quality.
• In August 2021, the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021were notified,
which are aimed at phasing out single-use plastic by 2022. The Extended Producer
Responsibilityfor plastic and e-waste management has been introduced.
• The implementation of the Green India Mission (GIM)has been undertaken to increase
green cover in India to the extent of five million hectares (mha) and improve the quality of
existing green cover on another five mha.
• The government acknowledged air pollution as a pan–India problem with the drafting of
the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), which was intended to build and strengthen the
institutional capacity to monitor air quality across India, carry out indigenous studies to
understand the health impacts of air pollution and create a national emission inventory.
Gaps in India’s environmental policies:
• Isolated nature of policy-making:Whether it is stubble burning or thermal power plant

emissions, decisions are made without any consideration of their potential effects on health.
• A lack of understanding of health among policymakers:As a result, policies are created and
implemented with little cognisance of the effect it has on society’s health.
• Underrepresentation of health sector representatives in policymaking:As per the

Commission for Air Quality Management, they comprise less than 5% of the members of
State Pollution Control Boards.
Way forward & conclusion
• An exposure-centred view to policy:This means, prioritising initiatives that contribute the

most to reducing exposure and hence generating health benefits.
• Revising National ambient air quality standards (NAAQS): To include not only local
conditions but also the impact of exposure on vulnerable groups.
• This public health emergency has prompted calls for health to be prioritised in the
development of air pollution policies.
• For this, health should be at the core of air pollution policy, rather than one of the several
equally relevant facets.
• Front-line air pollution regulators to be more sensitiveto the health needs of society.
• To primarily focus on health benefits, policymakers must include experts from

epidemiology, environment, energy, transportation, public policy and economics.
• This approach will accelerate climate and air quality measuresto limit emissions from the
industries that cause the most health damage.
Critically analyse the performance of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana
scheme (PMGKAY) in addressing the food needs of the poor by distributing free
foodgrains. Do you think the further extension of the scheme is a prudent move or an
electoral freebie? (250 words)
Why the question:
The extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), a scheme to distribute
free foodgrains to the poor, for another three months, comes as a surprise for many reasons.
To write about the performance PMGKAY and the comment on the decision of its extension.
Directive word:

Introduction:
Begin by writing about the aims and the objectives of PMGKAY.
Body:
First, in brief, write about the major features of PMGKAY.
Next, write about the achievements of PMGKAY since its inception. Cite statistics to substantiate.
Highlight the role of PMGKAY in the pandemic times.
Next, write about the limitations of PMGKAY and suggest ways to improve it.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a balanced view on the extension of PMGKAY.
Introduction
Body
About PMGKAY
• PMGKAY was part of the Centre’s initial COVID-19 relief
• The scheme aimed at providing each person who is covered under the National Food
Security Act 2013 with an additional 5 kg grains (wheat or rice) for free, in addition to the 5
kg of subsidised foodgrain already provided through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
• It was initially announced for a three-month period (April, May and June 2020), covering 80
crore ration cardholders. Later it was extended till September 2022.
• Its nodal Ministry is the Ministry of Finance.
• The benefit of the free ration can be availed through portability by any migrant labour or
beneficiary under the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) plan from nearly 5 lakh ration
shops across the country.
Achievements of NFSA and PMGKAY
• It was the first step by the government when pandemic affected India.
• The scheme reached its targeted population feeding almost 80Cr people.
• It has proven to be more of a safety net to migrant people who had job and livelihood
losses.
• This has also ensured nutrition security to children of the migrant workers.
Limitations of NFSA and PMGKAY
• Expensive: It’s very expensive for the government to sustain and increases the need for an
abundant supply of cheap grains. In 2022, India has had to restrict exports of wheat and rice
after erratic weather hurt harvest, adding to pressure on food prices, and rattling global
agricultural markets.
• Increase Fiscal Deficit: It could pose a risk to the government’s target to further narrow the
fiscal deficit to 6.4% of gross domestic product.
• Inflation: The decision on the program could also affect inflation. The prices of rice and
wheat, which make up about 10% of India’s retail inflation, are seeing an uptick due to lower
production amid a heatwave and patchy monsoon.
Way forward
• Study of scheme: The central authorities should commission a study and make its findings
public. Just as it did in the initial months of the pandemic.
o It should be the basis for updating the database of foodgrain-drawing card holders,
scrutinizing the data critically and zeroing in on the needy.
• Need to go beyond the mandate of the NFSA: as is being done under the PMGKAY, the
government can supply the foodgrains at a reasonable price.
• Ration on regular basis: Centre should consider providing 1 kg pulses free to States on a
regular basis, or at least at highly subsidized rates.
• Rules on quota: To keep the budgetary allocation under control, rules on quota
for rice or wheat can be changed suitably.
• Diversion from PDS: central and State authorities need to ponder over the scheme’s
continuance, given the chronic problem of diversion from the Public Distribution System
(PDS).
Conclusion
There should be an all-encompassing database for migrant workers and their family. This should
accurately capture the data on migration. The One Nation One Ration Card should be implemented
in true spirit by all the states. Along with food security, there should be a sustainable income support
through schemes like MGNREGS accompanied by free vaccines in nearest future. The leakages in
PDS should be minimized through modernize PDS. To avoid leakages, there should be food-token
system.
Critically analyse the proposed Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022, in
safeguarding the privacy of individuals and upholding the right to privacy of the
citizens. Compare the proposed bill with the privacy laws of other countries. (250
words)
Reference: Live Mint , Indian Express
Why the question:
The latest draft of the data protection law — the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022 (DPDP
Bill, 2022) — has now been made open for public comments and the government is expected to
introduce the Bill in Parliament in the budget session of 2023.
To analyse the proposed Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022, its potential and limitations in
upholding right to privacy.
Directive word:

Introduction:
Begin by writing about the aims and objectives of Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022.
Body:
In the first part, write about the major provisions of Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022.
Next, write about the positives of the bill in ensuring adequate safeguards in upholding the right to
privacy.
Next, write about the major shortcomings of the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022.
Next, compare the bill with the privacy of laws of the major countries like E.U, China, U.S and suggest
major things that can be incorporated from them.
Conclusion:
Introduction
The new Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022 released on Friday (November 18) is focused on
personal data, as compared to an earlier unwieldy draft. The personal data protection bill has been
in the works for about five years. The first draft of the Bill was presented by an expert panel headed
by Justice B.N. Srikrishna in July 2018, after a year-long consultation process.
Body
Features of the bill
• Data Principal and Data Fiduciary: The bill uses the term “Data Principal” to denote the
individual whose data is being collected.
o The term “Data Fiduciary” the entity (can be an individual, company, firm, state
etc.), which decides the “purpose and means of the processing of an individual’s
personal data.”
o The law also makes a recognition that in the case of children –defined as all users
under the age of 18— their parents or lawful guardians will be considered their
‘Data Principals.’
• Defining personal data and its processing: Under the law, personal data is “any data by
which or in relation to which an individual can be identified.”
o Processing means “the entire cycle of operations that can be carried out in respect
of personal data.”
o So right from collection to storage of data would come under processing of data as
per the bill.
• Individual’s informed consent: The bill also makes it clear that individual needs to give
consent before their data is processed.
o Every individual should know what items of personal data a Data Fiduciary wants to
collect and the purpose of such collection and further processing.
o Individuals also have the right to withdraw consent from a Data Fiduciary.
o The bill also gives consumers the right to file a complaint against a ‘Data Fiduciary’
with the Data Protection Board in case they do not get a satisfactory response from
the company.
• Language of information: The bill also ensures that individuals should be able to “access
basic information” in languages specified in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution.
o Further, the notice of data collection needs to be in clear and easy-to-understand

language.
• Significant Data Fiduciaries: The bill also talks of ‘Significant Data Fiduciaries, who deal with
a high volume of personal data.
o The Central government will define who is designated under this category based on
a number of factors ranging from the volume of personal data processed to the risk
of harm to the potential impact on the sovereignty and integrity of India.
• Data protection officer & Data auditor: Such entities will have to appoint a ‘Data protection
officer’ who will represent them.
o They will be the point of contact for grievance redressal.
o They will also have to appoint an independent Data auditor who shall evaluate their
compliance with the act.
• Right to erase data, right to nominate: Data principals will have the right to demand the
erasure and correction of data collected by the data fiduciary.
o They will also have the right to nominate an individual who will exercise these rights
in the event of death or incapacity of the data principal.
• Cross-border data transfer: The bill also allows for cross-border storage and transfer of data
to “certain notified countries and territories.”
o However an assessment of relevant factors by the Central Government would

precede such a notification.
• Financial penalties: The draft also proposes to impose significant penalties on businesses
that undergo data breaches or fail to notify users when breaches happen.
o Entities that fail to take “reasonable security safeguards” to prevent personal data
breaches will be fined as high as Rs 250 crore.
o As per the draft, the Data Protection Board — a new regulatory body to be set up by
the government — can impose a penalty of up to ₹500 crore if non-compliance by a
person is found to be significant.
Positives of the current Bill
• Gender neutrality: Significantly, and for the first time in the country’s legislative history, the
terms ‘her’ and ‘she’ have been used irrespective of an individual’s gender. This, as per the
draft, is in line with the government’s philosophy of empowering women.
• Imbibes best global practices: To prepare it, best global practices were considered, including
review of data protection legislations of Australia, European Union (EU), Singapore, and a
prospective one of the USA.
• Comprehensiveness: The draft has outlined six ‘Chapters’ and a total of twenty-five points.
The ‘Chapters’ are: ‘Preliminary,’ ‘Obligations of Data Fiduciary,’ ‘Rights and Duties of Data
Principal,’ ‘Special Provisions,’ ‘Compliance Framework,’ and ‘Miscellaneous.’
• Special emphasis for child protection: If personal data is likely to cause harm to a child, its
processing will not be allowed.
• Widening the scope of data: Narrowing the scope of the data protection regime to personal
data protection is a welcome move, as it resonates with the concerns of various
stakeholders.
• Harnessing economic potential: Now non-personal data could be used to unlock social and
economic value to benefit citizens, businesses, and communities in India with appropriate
safeguards in place.
• Doing away with aggressive push for Data localisation: Relaxing data localisation provisions
to notify countries to which data can flow, could aid India in unlocking the comparative
advantage of accessing innovative technological solutions from across the globe, which in
turn helps domestic companies.
• Free flow of data: In addition, the free flow of data will help startups access cost-effective
technology and storage solutions, as our research shows.
• Allowing data transfers: This will also ensure that India is not isolated from the global value
chain, helping businesses stay resilient in production and supply chain management and
fostering overseas collaboration.
Issues with the current Bill
• Wide-ranging exemptions to the Centre and its agencies with little to no safeguards, and
reduced independence of the proposed Data Protection Board are among the key concerns
flagged by experts.
o It is also worth noting that the new Bill has just 30 clauses compared to the more
than 90 in the previous one, mainly because a lot of operational details have been
left to subsequent rule-making.
• The central government can issue notifications to exempt its agencies from adhering to
provisions of the draft law for national security reasons.
o In an explanatory note accompanying the proposed legislation, the government

argued that “national and public interest is at times greater than the interest of an
individual”, while justifying the need for such exemptions.
• The draft law leaves the appointment of the chairperson and members of the Data
Protection Board entirely to the discretion of the central government. While the Data
Protection Authority was earlier envisaged to be a statutory authority (under the 2019 Bill),
the Data Protection Board is now a central government set up board.
Privacy laws of other countries
• China model : New Chinese laws on data privacy and security issued over the last 12 months
include the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL), which came into effect in November
2021.
o It gives Chinese data principals new rights as it seeks to prevent the misuse of
personal data.
o The Data Security Law (DSL), which came into force in September 2021, requires
business data to be categorized by levels of importance, and puts new restrictions
on cross-border transfers.
o These regulations will have a significant impact on how companies collect, store, use
and transfer data, but are essentially focused on giving the
government overreaching powers to collect data as well as to regulate private
companies that collect and process information.
• US Model: Privacy protection is largely defined as “liberty protection” focused on the

protection of the individual’s personal space from the government. It is viewed as being
somewhat narrow in focus because it enables collection of personal information as long as
the individual is informed of such collection and use.
o The US template has been viewed as inadequate in key respects of regulation.
• GDPR EU: The GDPR focuses on a comprehensive data protection law for processing of
personal data.
o It has been criticised for being excessively stringent, and imposing many obligations
on organisations processing data, but it is the template for most of the legislation
drafted around the world.
Conclusion
The reworked version of the data protection Bill, released three months after the Govt withdrew an
earlier draft, eases cross-border data flows and increases penalties for breaches. But it gives the
Centre wide-ranging powers and prescribes very few safeguards. A thorough stakeholder
consultation is required before the Bill is tabled.
The multi-sectoral collaborations to achieve a reduction in suicide mortality in the

country as proposed in the National Suicide Prevention Strategy is a much-needed
step. Elaborate. (250 words)
Why the question:
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday announced a National Suicide Prevention
Strategy, the first of its kind in the country, with time-bound action plans and multi-sectoral
collaborations to achieve reduction in suicide mortality by 10% by 2030.
To write about the features of the National Suicide Prevention Strategy and its role in preventing
suicide.
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 giving context of the launch of National Suicide Prevention Strategy and its objectives.
Body:
In brief, write about the major features proposed by the National Suicide Prevention Strategy in order
to prevent loss of life due to suicides.
Next, write about the ways the above will help in achieve reduction in suicide mortality.
Next, write about the shortcomings of the above policy and steps that are needed to make it more
robust.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has announced
the “National Suicide Prevention Strategy”. It is the first of its kind in the country, with time-bound
action plans and multi-sectoral collaborations to achieve reduction in suicide mortality by 10% by
2030. The strategy is in line with the World Health Organisation’s South East-Asia Region Strategy for
suicide prevention.
Body
Statistics
• India has the highest suicide rate in the Southeast Asian region.
• A total of 1,34,516 cases of suicide were reported in 2018 in India, according to the National
Crime Records Bureau.
• While the rate of suicide was 9.9 in 2017, it increased to 10.2 in 2018.
National Suicide Prevention Strategy
• The strategy broadly seeks to establish effective surveillance mechanisms for suicide within
the next three years.
• It seeks to establish psychiatric outpatient departments that will provide suicide prevention
services through the District Mental Health Programme in all districts within the next five
years.
• It also aims to integrate a mental well-being curriculum in all educational institutions within
the next eight years.
• It envisages developing guidelines for responsible media reporting of suicides, and

restricting access to means of suicide.
Measures taken by Government of India
• Mental Healthcare Act, 2017:
o MHA 2017 aims to provide mental healthcare services for persons with mental
illness.
• Kiran:
o The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched a 24/7 toll-free
helpline “KIRAN” to provide support to people facing anxiety, stress, depression,
suicidal thoughts and other mental health concerns.
• Manodarpan Initiative:
o Manodarpan is an initiative of the Ministry of Education under Atmanirbhar Bharat

Abhiyan. It is aimed to provide psychosocial support to students, family members
and teachers for their mental health and well-being during the times of Covid-19.
• Decriminalisation: Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) states whoever attempts to
commit suicide and does any act towards the commission of such offence, shall be punished
with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or both.
o Section 115 (1) of the Mental Healthcare Act 2017 of the Act
provides, “Notwithstanding anything contained in section 309 of the IPC, any
person who attempts to commit suicide shall be presumed, unless proved
otherwise, to have severe stress and shall not be tried and punished under the said
Code.
o However, this law applies only to those suffering from mental illness. There is
presumption of severe stress in case of an attempt to die by suicide.
Conclusion and way forward
• Limiting access to the means of suicide, such as highly hazardous pesticides and firearms.
• Educating the media on responsible reporting of suicide.
• Fostering socio-emotional life skills in adolescents.
• Early identification, assessment, management and follow-up of anyone affected by suicidal

thoughts and behaviour.
• These needed to go hand-in-hand with foundational pillars like situation analysis, multi-
sectoral collaboration, awareness raising capacity building, financing, surveillance and
monitoring and evaluation.
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.
Critically examine the performance of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005. What are the various issues that need addressing
to improve the performance of MGNREGA? (250 words)
Why the question:
An internal study commissioned by the Ministry of Rural Development has argued for
decentralisation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
(MGNREGS), allowing for more “flexibility” at the ground level.
To critically write about the performance of MGNREGA and ways to improve its performance.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Give brief introduction of aims and objectives of MGNREGA.
Body:
First, in brief, write about the salient features of NGNREGA.
Next, write about the successes and limitations of MGNREGA since its inception. Cite examples and
statistics to substantiate.
Next, write about the measures that are needed to overcome the above-mentioned limitations.
Conclusion:
Conclude with way forward.
Introduction
The MGNREGA was launched in 2006 in order to provide at least 100 days of guaranteed
employment to rural households. It is the largest scheme run by the Ministry of Rural Development
(MoRD).
An internal study commissioned by the Ministry of Rural Development has argued for
decentralisation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
(MGNREGS), allowing for more “flexibility” at the ground level.
Body
How has MGNREGA fared so far?
• MGNREGA works have demonstrably strong multiplier effects are yet another reason to
improve its implementation.
• It is a labour programme meant to strengthen participatory democracy through community

works. It is a legislative mechanism to strengthen the constitutional principle of the right to
life.
• It has helped in increasing rural household income.
• It has not only helped in increasing groundwater table in the last one decade, but also
agriculture productivity, mainly cereals and vegetables and fodders.
• The water conservation measures, including farm ponds and dug wells, have made a
difference to the lives of the poor.
• While the scheme was earlier focused on creation of community assets, in the last three
years, individual assets have also been emphasised.
• It has provided goat, poultry and cattle shed as per the need of poor households.
• One national study found that MGNREGS has created valuable public goods which have
augmented rural incomes.
• Another national study found that, even after deficiencies in implementation, MGNREGS
may have improved nutrition outcomes.
• Even consumption has been shown to improve if MGNREGS is implemented well. A 2018
study of a better-implemented version of MGNREGS in Andhra Pradesh, where there was
significantly less leakage or payment delays, estimated that MGNREGS increased income
households’ earnings by 13% and decreased poverty by 17%
• MGNREGS can smoothen food consumption of rural poor by providing them with an
alternate source of income during the agricultural lean season.
• According to a study conducted by New Delhi-based Institute of Economic Growth.
o there has been an 11 per cent increase in rural household income,
o 5 per cent increase in cereal productivity and
o 32 per cent increase in vegetable productivity,
Challenges to MGNREGA
• Low Wage Rate: These have resulted in a lack of interestamong workers making way for
contractors and middlemen to take control. Currently, MGNREGA wage rates of 17 states
are less than the corresponding state minimum wages. The above study also noted that the
MGNREGS wages were far below the market rate in many States, defeating the purpose of
acting as a safety net.
• Case study:At present, the minimum wage of a farm labourer in Gujarat is ₹324.20, but the
MGNREGS wage is ₹229. The private contractors pay far more. In Nagaland, the wage is
₹212 per day, which does not take into account the difficult terrain conditions. Similarly, in
Jammu and Kashmir, the rate is ₹214 per day. This, the study noted, “is lower than what is
offered by private contractors which can go up to to ₹600-₹700 per day”.
• Insufficient Budget Allocation: The funds have dried up in many States due to lack of
sanctions from the Central government which hampers the work in peak season.
• Payment Delays: Despite Supreme Court orders, various other initiatives and various
government orders, no provisions have yet been worked out for calculation of full wage
delays and payment of compensation for the same. The internal study also flagged the
frequent delay in fund disbursal, and to deal with it suggested “revolving fund that can be
utilised whenever there is a delay in the Central funds”.
• Case study: In Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, for example, the surveyors
found that because of the delay in the material component the beneficiaries ended up
buying the construction material themselves to complete the projects. In Himachal Pradesh
and Gujarat, the delay in wages was by three or four months and the material component
was delayed by six months.
• Corruption and Irregularities:Funds that reach the beneficiaries are very little compared to
the actual funds allocated for the welfare schemes.
• Discrimination:Frequent cases of discrimination against the women and people from the
backwards groups are reported from several regions of the country and a vast number goes
unreported.
• Non-payment of Unemployment Allowance: There is a huge pendency in the number of

unemployment allowances being shown in the Management Information System (MIS).
• Lack of Awareness: People, especially women, are not fully aware of this scheme and its
provisions leading to uninformed choices or inability to get the benefits of the scheme.
• Poor Infrastructure Building: Improper surveillance and lack of timely resourcesresult in

the poor quality assets.
• Non Purposive Spending: MGNREGA has increased the earning capacity of the rural people
but the spending pattern of the workers assumes significance because there ishardly any
saving out of the wages
• Workers penalised for administrative lapses: The ministry withholds wage payments for
workers of states that do not meet administrative requirements within the stipulated time
period.
• Too much centralisation weakening local governance: A real-time MIS-based

implementation and a centralised payment system has further left the representatives of
the Panchayati Raj Institutions with literally no role in implementation, monitoring and
grievance redress of MGNREGA schemes.
Way forward
• It is evident that the jobs under MGNREGS can only be revived through:
o Adequate allocation of Budget funds
o Timely payment for workers
o Complete decentralisation of the implementation
o Improving entitlements (wages, compensations and worksite facilities)
o Allocation for a year should include pending liabilities of previous years.
• It should also respect the idea of the decentralised planning processes through Gram Sabhas
across the country and allow adequate fund allotment as per labour budgets provided by
each Gram Panchayats.
• The government should come up with only one delay-payment report that accounts for the
entire time taken and delays during the closure of muster roll and wages credited to
workers’ accounts.
• Also, the MGNREGA payment procedures should be simplified to ensure transparency and
accountability.
• Better coordination must be ensured among various government departments involved.
• Better mechanism must be provided to allot and measure work.
• Gender gap in wages under this scheme must be addressed. In this scheme, women earn
22.24% less than their male counterparts.
• MGNREGA has been implemented for more than a decade now. It is necessary
to understand its performance through output indicators like the number of workers, person
days of work generated, quantum of assets completed etc.
• The data collected can be used to compare inter-state and inter-district differences in
performance.
• In addition, MGNREGA must encompass provision for safe working conditions for the
beneficiaries, like temperature checks, masks, hand washing facilities, proper hydration etc.
Conclusion
MGNREGA is playing a critical role in providing economic security for the rural population post the
COVID-19 crisis. Therefore, the government must take steps to ensure that it is made use of to its
fullest extent to address the current economic problems and bringing the economy back on track.
Value addition
Importance of MGNREGA
• MGNREGA is vital for addressing India’s current problems.
• It boosts rural demand and ensure economic development of the rural population
• It seeks to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.
• This Act aims to improve the purchasing powerof the rural population by providing them
primarily the semi-skilled or unskilled work, especially to those living below the poverty line.
• This can help solve rural poverty, farmer suicides, unemployment crisis in rural areas etc.
• Furthermore, it is a scheme that has the potential to undertake progressive measureslike

infrastructure development in rural India, improving agricultural productivity through labour-
intensive, supportive projects related to water conservation, drought relief measures, flood
control etc.
• This Act is also highly significant because it allows for grass-root level developmentas it is
implemented mainly by the Gram Panchayats. It does not allow the involvement of
contractors so that the workers under this scheme are not exploited.
• It also stands out in its worker-centric legislationwith a high emphasis

on transparency and accountability.
• If the government supports this Act, then it can become the solution to the present-day
problems like water scarcity, climate change etc.
• It is demand-driven wage employment schemethat provides additional 50 days of unskilled

wage employment during drought/natural calamities.
• Section 3(4) of the Act allows states/Centre to provide additional days beyond the
guaranteed period from their own funds.
Equal pay for equal work and addressing the asymmetries in the India’s labour market
which prevents access and opportunities are the key to achieving social justice for
working women. Analyse. (250 words)
Why the question:
When the Indian cricket board (BCCI) announced equal pay for its contracted women cricketers, the
world lauded it as a harbinger of change. It’s a novel initiative that might have repercussions
elsewhere, especially in corporate houses where the disparity in male and female workers’ pay is still
stark.
To critically write about the role equal pay and access can do in achieving social justice for the
women.
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.
Body:
First, write about the gender pay gap and lack of opportunities – The primary industries in the state
and the opportunities they create; Demographics such as race/ethnicity, age, and education level;
Regional differences in attitudes and beliefs about work and gender; and Differences in the scope and
strength of state pay discrimination laws and policies.
Next, write about the measures that are needed to overcome the above-mentioned limitations –
policy actions, government efforts, awareness, education for women, state-led facilitation for equal
pay etc.
Conclusion:
Introduction
When the Indian cricket board (BCCI) announced equal pay for its contracted women cricketers, the
world lauded it as a harbinger of change. It’s a novel initiative that might have repercussions
elsewhere, especially in corporate houses where the disparity in male and female workers’ pay is still
stark.
However, The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2020 says men and women will
have pay equality in 257 years. Of the 153 countries studied for the report, India ranks 112th on the
overall Global Gender Gap Index. The economic gender gap runs particularly deep and has gotten
significantly wider.
Body
Gender inequality in India
• India scores quite low in when it comes to gender inequality, according to latest UNDP
Human development report, India is ranked 125 of 159 countries in the Gender Inequality
Index (GII).
• Labour participation: In terms of labour participation only 23.3% of women (79.1% men)
above 15 years are part of India’s labour force.
• Wage gap: Research from India’ leading diversity and inclusion consulting firm Avtar Group
shows that women are paid 34% less than men for performing the same job with the same
qualifications.
• Lack of Economic Empowerment: Women are underrepresented in senior managerial

position and overrepresented in low paying jobs. Oxford Survey shows that globally only
19% firms have a female senior manager.
• Access to productive capital: It is harder for women to access funds and capital for farming,
starting a business or for other developmental works.
• Secondary Education for women is lower than man in majority of countries while this stands
at less than 80% in India.
• Social norms and stereotypes: Classifying men as “bread winners” and women pursuing jobs
as “career women” was reported by Oxford University Survey. It also highlighted that most
of the unpaid work is seen as a women’s job.
Measures needed to bridge the gap and empower women
• Behavioral Nudge: For instance, by using taxes to incentivize fairly sharing child-care
responsibilities, or by encouraging women and girls to enter traditionally male-dominated
sectors such as the armed forces and information technology. Eg Supreme Court in India
declared that women could now hold commanding positions in Army.
o Paternity leaves for men, to share the responsibility of child rearing.
o Incentivizing companies to employ women, and reach 50% target.
• Strong laws and policies wrt equal pay for equal work, maternity benefits are needed to
promote women’s representation in economy.
• Maternity and paternity: An amendment to the Act in 2017 increased paid maternity leave
from 12 to 26 weeks. Though well-meaning, this unfortunately fortifies notions of care-
giving being primarily the onus of the woman, and thus reinforces and raises the risk of
women being subject to the motherhood penalty.
o An explicit law for mandatory paternity benefits will go a long way towards
equalizing gender roles and reducing employer bias
• Better work conditions: The provision and strengthening of childcare facilities for working
mothers are very important.
o The Maternity Benefit Act mandates the setting up of creche facilities for
organizations with over 50 employees.
o A better policy measure would be to provide mothers in need of childcare with a

monthly allowance. This will also help mothers working from home.
• Political Representation: India has provided 33% reservation for women in the Panchayats
and Local Bodies. Capacity Building and training can increase their capabilities further.
Conclusion
Gender equality is a human right which entitles all persons irrespective of their gender to live with
dignity and with freedom. Gender equality is also a precondition for development and reducing of
poverty. Gender shouldn’t be an unreasonable determining factor curbing the potential of women.
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services

relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Empowering ASHA workers by giving the dignity and protection they deserve, along
with enabling them to assume a more empowered role in aiding people’s medical
needs will make them more effective. Examine. (250 words)
Why the question:
One of the biggest issues facing rural health services is lack of information. Channels of
communication between the government and the rural population need to be robust. A deadly
pandemic makes the value of these channels obvious — but in order to get people on board,
information needs to be sent out much more effectively and in a hands-on manner. ASHA workers
play a crucial role in aiding this effort.
To write about the importance of ASHA for grassroot level development.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by writing about ASHA workers as part of National Rural Health Mission.
Body:
First, write about the major roles played the ASHA workers – The ASHA programme is considered as
being vital to achieving the goal of increasing community engagement with the health system,
improving the health status of the community through securing people’s access to health care
services. Mention the work done by the ASHA workers in the Pandemic.
Next, write certain limitations with respect to the ASHA programme and suggest measures to
empower the ASHA workers further.
Conclusion:
Introduction
ASHA workers are volunteers from within the community who are trained to provide information
and aid people in accessing the benefits of various healthcare schemes of the government. They act
as a bridge connecting marginalised communities with facilities such as primary health centres, sub-
centres and district hospitals. The role of these community health volunteers under the National
Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was first established in 2005.
Body
About ASHA workers
• ASHAs are primarily married, widowed, or divorced women between the ages of 25 and 45
years from within the community. They must have good communication and leadership
skills; should be literate with formal education up to Class 8, as per the programme
guidelines.
• The aim is to have one ASHA for every 1,000 persons or per habitation in hilly, tribal or other
sparsely populated areas.
• There are around 10.4 lakh ASHA workers across the country, with the largest workforces in
states with high populations – Uttar Pradesh (1.63 lakh), Bihar (89,437), and Madhya
Pradesh (77,531). Goa is the only state with no such workers, as per the latest National
Health Mission data available from September 2019.
• The World Health Organisation has recognised thecountry’s 10.4 lakh ASHA (Accredited
Social Health Activist) workers as ‘Global Health Leaders’ for their efforts in connecting the
community to the government’s health programmes.
• While this is laudable, the women health volunteers continue to fight for higher
remuneration, regular jobs, and even health benefits.
• While intermittent protests have been going on in several states, thousands of ASHAs from
across the country took to the streets in September last year to fight for their demands.
• ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers have received the Global Health Leaders
Award-2022 in the backdrop of the 75th World Health Assembly.
• They were named a “Guardian of the Year” by Time magazine in 2020.
Role of ASHA workers
• They go door-to-door in their designated areas creating awareness about basic nutrition,
hygiene practices, and the health services available.
• They focus primarily on ensuring that women undergo ante-natal check-up, maintain
nutrition during pregnancy,deliver at a healthcare facility, and provide post-birth training on
breast-feeding and complementary nutrition of children.
• They alsocounsel women about contraceptives and sexually transmitted infections.
• ASHA workers are also tasked with ensuring and motivating children to get
immunised.Other than mother and child care, ASHA workers also provide medicines daily to
TB patients under directly observed treatment of the national programme.
• They are also tasked with screening for infections like malariaduring the season.
• They also provide basic medicines and therapies to people under their jurisdiction such as
oral rehydration solution, chloroquine for malaria, iron folic acid tablets to prevent
anaemia, and contraceptive pills.
• The health volunteers are also tasked with informing their respective primary health
centreabout any births or deaths in their designated areas.
ASHA workers and pandemic response
• ASHA workers were a key part of the government’s pandemic response, with most
states using the network forscreening people in containment zones, getting them tested,
and taking them to quarantine centres or help with home quarantine.
• They went door-to-door and check people for Covid-19 symptoms. Those who had fever or
cough had to be tested. They informed the authorities and helped the people reach the
quarantine centres.
• They went to households with confirmed Covid-19 cases and explained the quarantine
procedure. They provided them with medicines and pulse-oximeters. All of this was on top
of their routine work.
• With the vaccination drive for Covid-19beginning in January last year, they have also been
tasked with motivating people to get their shots and collect data on how many people are
yet to get vaccinated.
Challenges faced by ASHA workers
• Wages: They have low and non-fixed salary and does not come under Minimum Wages.
• There are over 10.4 lakh ASHAs across India. In the past three years, ASHAs from at least 17
states havedemanded fixed salaries, higher incentives and inclusion in social safety
schemes such as pensions.
• ASHAs are not recognized as workers and thus get less than Rs 18,000 per month.They are
the cheapest healthcare providers in India.
• ASHAs say they normally earn through antenatal care (Rs 300), institutional delivery (Rs
300), family planning (Rs 150) and immunization rounds (Rs 100) as cases of other diseases
are far and few.
• Administrative issues: They are paid from theNRHM fund for which they have to wait for
long time. The scheme does not have a dedicated budgetary allocation and the funds are
arranged on an ad-hoc basis from different government schemes under NRHM such as
National Immunisation Programme.
o The delaysin reimbursement of incentives hurt the self-esteem of ASHAs and has a
bearing on her service delivery.
o Instead of focussing solely on community healthcare and related work, they

are burdened with surveys and other non-related work.
• Infrastructure: Many Anganwadi workers and Asha activists havereported against

dilapidated buildings and hazardous environment.
o It becomes difficult to ensure proper nutrition and early childhood care for children
under these conditions.
• Occupational Hazard: Recent attack on ASHA workers during the COVID-19 pandemic shows
the vulnerability of these workers and the non-performance of state in providing basic
security.
Conclusion and way forward
• Fixed salary and dedicated fund:A Parliamentary Committee on Empowerment of Women

way back in 2010 recommended fixed salaries for ASHAs. There should be a dedicated fund
for ASHAs, which will ensure timely payment of the incentives and boost the morale of the
volunteers.
• Skill training:Skill upgradation should be an integral part of the scheme. Volunteers should
be encouraged to take short-term courses on auxiliary nurse mid-wives/general nursing and
midwifery.
o This will not only help the volunteers in getting a better incentive, but will also
ensure that the people living in remote areas have better health access.
o Currently, nursing schools in 11 states give preference to ASHAs for auxiliary nurse
mid-wives and general nursing courses.
• In recent times, centre has provided Insurance cover to Asha workers and increased
their honorarium. This must be institutionalized, so that more community workers can come
forward and effectively execute their responsibility.
To achieve the objective of foundational literacy and numeracy in all primary schools,
we need to especially focus on community connects and parental involvement.
Analyse. (250 words)
Why the question:
It is alarming that India ranks 132 out of 191 countries in the 2021 Human Development Index, which
is a measure of a nation’s health, average income, and education.
To state the societal reasons for low productivity in learning outcomes and suggest possible
solutions.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context and citing a statistic regarding foundational literacy and numeracy.
Body:
First, First, write how poverty is limiting education – poor nutrition, lack of adult support, lack of
resources and hindrance to quality education etc ad the societal factors which are limiting education
–low priority, caste-based discrimination, inequalities, lack of continuity etc.
Next, write about the measures that are needed to overcome the above-mentioned limitations –
policy actions, government efforts, awareness, parental involvement etc.
Conclusion:
Introduction
It is alarming that India ranks 132 out of 191 countries in the 2021 Human Development Index,
which is a measure of a nation’s health, average income, and education. FLN is broadly
conceptualised as a child’s ability to read basic texts and solve basic maths problems (such as
addition and subtraction). Foundational Literacy and Numeracy is one of the major themes of the
NEP 2020.
Body
Focusing on community connect and parental involvement
• Panchayats and community collectives with very high social capital, such as women self-help
groups, can help ensure that local households own the initiative.
• Panchayats can leverage resources. Communities can both enable and discipline teachers if
funds, functions and functionaries are their responsibility.
• The Panchayati Raj, Rural and Urban Development Ministries can work on community
connect and make learning outcomes a responsibility of local governments.
• Providing decentralized funds to schools with the community overseeing such funds is the
best starting point towards achieving the NEP objective.
• The recruitment of teachers, educators and administrators has to become a priority if we

want to make a difference.
• The Central, State and local governments need to transform governance to ensure that
everyone delivers their best.
• We should ensure that there are direct funds to schools, no teacher vacancies, fewer non-
teaching tasks, and a vibrant community and panchayat connect for accountability.
Way forward
• Parallel Approach: The current education system, the policymakers as well as the people
must overcome this misconceived sequential understanding of “basics first and critical
thinking afterwards” and find a new approach where basic learning and critical thinking run
parallel.
o The children need not be made to spend several years mastering FLN to pass a test,
they need to be prepared to achieve contemporary educational goals such as
critical thinking, curiosity, or empowerment.
• Teacher Training: The District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) often have high
vacancies, insufficient funds, and severe constraints impeding them from acting responsive
to local needs.
o This core function of an education system requires a strong public sector, sufficient
human resources, and a proper infrastructure.
o Policymakers should also consider increasing budgetary allocations for teacher

training institutions and reformulate their mission and mandate to ensure increased
discretion and an empowered faculty.
• Revised Learning Approach: Education systems in many countries, in an attempt to boost

learning quality, have moved away from teaching reading and mathematics in incremental,
skill-based ways.
o Culturally responsive teaching, which strives to make learning relevant to the lived
realities of children, and critical mathematics education, which teaches maths as a
tool to critically read the world, are among several approaches widely sought after
by schools worldwide.
o These approaches include mastering basic reading and maths skills as part of richer,
contextual learning rather than a prerequisite.
Conclusion
The time between preschool and Class 3 can be transformational for individuals. It is time for
everyone from the Panchayat level to the Prime Minister to ensure that all children are in school and
are learning by 2025. Foundational literacy and numeracy are necessary to prepare a generation of
learners who will secure for India high rates of economic progress and human well-being. The time
to act is now.
There are multiple issues regarding health facilities, disease burden and cost of
treatment in treating non-communicable diseases (NCD). In this scenario, evaluate the
potential of AYUSH in bridging this gap. (250 words)
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 3 and mentioned as part of
Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
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.
Digital healthcare can ensure better health outcomes at a reasonable cost. Examine
its potential and limitations. How has Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission contributed to
India’s healthcare set up? (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.
To write about the potential and limitations of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start by describing digital healthcare.
Body:
First, write about the potential of Digital healthcare – Accessibility, Quality healthcare, Reach,
Benefits to hospitals etc.
Next, write about the limitations – privacy and security issues, awareness, role of private players etc.
Next, write about the contributions of 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.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward to promote digital healthcare.
Introduction
The covid-19 pandemic has presented a watershed moment, bringing the world’s healthcare
systems to a halt, forcing us to rethink existing healthcare delivery models and embrace the digital
transformation of the sector. However, a lot more needs to be done to ensure a conducive
environment for digital healthcare to flourish, so health benefits can reach the last mile. For
instance, telemedicine became a norm for all those who couldn’t visit hospitals.
Body
Digital healthcare: Better health outcome
• Prioritizing patients: Say, mortality from Covid-19 is significantly increased by comorbidities

or the presence of other underlying conditions like hypertension or diabetes. With
digital health records, doctors can prioritise patients based on their test results.
• Portability of health records: Portability of records fairly eases in a patient with the first
hospital visit, or her/his most frequently visited hospital.
o If she/he wishes to change a healthcare provider for cost or quality reasons, she can
access her health records without carrying pieces of paper prescriptions and test
reports.
o People will able to access their lab reports, x-rays and prescriptions irrespective of
where they were generated, and share them with doctors or family members —
with consent.
• Easy facilitation: This initiative will allow patients to access healthcare facilities remotely
through e-pharmacies, online appointments, teleconsultation, and other health benefits.
Besides, as all the medical history of the patient is recorded in the Health ID card, it will help
the doctor to understand the case better, and improved medication can be offered.
• Technology impetus in policymaking: Meanwhile, it is also not just individuals who could
emerge beneficiaries of the scheme. With large swathes of data being made available, the
government too can form policies based on geographical, demographical, and risk-factor
based monitoring of health.
Potential if digital healthcare
• Tackling the Spread of a Pandemic: Once data is recorded and available for analysis, it can
help the systems determine both prevalence and genomic data to provide information on
disease transmission and geospatial coverage.
o Innovative use of digital tools such as deep learning and cloud emergency response
algorithms has significantly aided emergency room workers during the pandemic to
reduce response time.
• Patient-Friendly Health: The deployment of artificial intelligence tools for all aspects of the
health system, including triaging, diagnostics, among others, will substantially reduce
delays, and, therefore, the costs associated with healthcare.
o Digital transformation of healthcare is at the core of addressing issues such as

resource limitations, a varied population mix, and an urgent need to increase
medical reach.
• Preventive Care: Emerging technologies not only expedite the development of new drugs
but also introduce a completely new class of therapies, such as digital therapeutics (DTx).
o DTx are software-based solutions that can treat disease or disorder which are linked
to lifestyle issues.
o Thus, digital health has a growing impact on the delivery of care and provides the
opportunity to tackle the next frontier in healthcare by shifting the focus from
treatment to prevention.
• Helps in Clinical Trials: Digital health can harness the power of data that can aid in the
analysis of samples and images to diagnose as well as drive better clinical decision-making.
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
Features
• Health ID: It will be issued for every citizen that will also work as their health account.
This health account will contain details of every test, every disease, the doctors visited, the
medicines taken and the diagnosis.
o Health ID is free of cost, voluntary. It will help in doing analysis of health data and
lead to better planning, budgeting and implementation for health programs.
• Healthcare Facilities & Professionals’ Registry: The other major component of the
programme is creating a Healthcare Professionals’ Registry (HPR) and Healthcare Facilities
Registry (HFR), allowing easy electronic access to medical professionals and health
infrastructure.
o The HPR will be a comprehensive repository of all healthcare professionals involved

in delivering healthcare services across both modern and traditional systems of
medicine.
• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission Sandbox: The 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 intending to be a part of the national digital health
ecosystem become a Health Information Provider or Health Information User or efficiently
link with building blocks of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
Benefits
• Ensure ease of doing business for doctors and hospitals and healthcare service providers.
• Enable access and exchange of longitudinal health records of citizens with their consent.
• Create integration within the digital health ecosystem, similar to the role played by
the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in revolutionising payments.
Limitations of digital healthcare
• The lack of a data protection bill could lead to the misuse of data by private firms and bad
actors.
• Exclusion of citizens and denied healthcare due to faults in the system are also a cause of
concern.
• Health insurance may be denied by a firm due to lack of data protection and insidious
motives.
• Digital divide between rural and urban India is very high. Rural folks don’t have last mile
connectivity to Primary health care centres let alone digital healthcare. Smart phone
penetration in rural area is low.
• Cyber security, falling for fraudulent mischief of people by innocent unsuspecting

individuals can lead to major loss of financial resources.
Conclusion
With an enabling ecosystem, supported by effective policies for digital healthcare and increased
innovation, the promise of digital solutions in healthcare is immense. It’s not long before precision
healthcare becomes central to the health and well-being of every citizen.
Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

Undernourished children are highly susceptible to serious infections because of poor
immunity which have serious short-term as well as long-term consequences. This
requires a coherent policy response which steers agriculture and food systems
towards production and supply of healthier foods at affordable prices as well as
regulation of unhealthy foods. Elaborate. (250 words)
Why the question:
A mix of dismay and debate has been the reaction to the persistently high rates of childhood
undernutrition reported by the last National Family Health Survey. Dismay because the reported
prevalence of 35.5% stunting, 32.1% underweight and 19.3% wasting in children under five years of
age does not bode well for their present and future health or cognitive development.
To write about causes for Malnutrition and measures needed to overcome it.
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 giving statistic related to status of malnutrition in India.
Body:
First, write about the various causes of malnutrition – poverty, maternal health illiteracy, diseases
like diarrhoea, home environment, dietary practices, hand washing and other hygiene practices, etc.
Briefly mention its impact.
Next, write about the measures needed to overcome the above – making healthy foods affordable
and regulation of unhealthy foods.
Conclusion:
Introduction
India has 5,772,472 children below five years affected by severe wasting, the most in the world,
alerted UNICEF. It had been reported in 2017 by the National Health Survey that approximately 19
crore people in the country were compelled to sleep on an empty stomach every night.
Underweight is most common among the poor, the rural population, adults who have no education
and scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Hence it clear that hunger and malnutrition is also a
direct consequence of socio-economic status of people in India.
A mix of dismay and debate has been the reaction to the persistently high rates of childhood
undernutrition reported by the last National Family Health Survey. Dismay because the reported
prevalence of 35.5% stunting, 32.1% underweight and 19.3% wasting in children under five years of
age does not bode well for their present and future health or cognitive development.
Body
Malnutrition in India
• India, currently has the largest number of undernourished people in the world around 195
million.
• Nearly 47 million or 4 out of 10 children in India do not meet their full human potential
because of chronic undernutrition or stunting.
• 9% of children under 5 years are stunted and 20.8% are wasted, compared to the Asia
average of 22.7% and 9.4% respectively.
• Rate of overweight and obesity continues to rise, affecting almost a fifth of the adults, at
21.6% of women and 17.8% of men.
• Inequities in food and health systems increase inequalities in nutrition outcomes that in turn
can lead to more inequity, perpetuating a vicious cycle.
Causes of hunger and malnutrition in India
• Poverty: Poverty restricts the food choices and has been the causative factor of hunger
related deaths.
o If the persistent high prices of food items and the regional disparities in terms of
development, especially the backwardness among the hilly and tribal areasalso
taken into account, the percentage of people who cannot afford balanced nutrition
will be much higher in India.
• Poor access to safe drinking water: Safe and tap drinking water is still a luxury in many parts
of rural India and urban slums/shanties. Unsafe water causes water borne diseases and
children are prone to it more than adults.
• Issues with agriculture:The change from multi to mono cropping systems limits the diversity
of agricultural products.
o Inclinationtowards cash crops and changing food habits result in malnutrition,

undernutrition and even micro-nutrient deficiencies.
o Local cuisine such as millets arenot being consumed causing nutrient deficiencies
and anaemia.
• Food wastage: Food wastage is also an emerging challenge that undermines the efforts to
end hunger and malnutrition. According to the FAO, the global volume of food wastage is
estimated at 6 billion tonnes of primary product equivalents.
• Poor health services:The relationship between poverty and access to health care can be
seen as part of a larger cycle, where poverty leads to ill health and ill health maintains
poverty.
• Insufficient education and training:In developing countries, children do not have access to
basic education because of inequalities that originate in sex, health and cultural identity. It
has been revealed in reports that illiteracy and lack of education are common factor that
lead to poverty and in turn hunger.
• Covid-19 impact: The momentum set by this entire nutrition movement wasdisturbed once
Covid lockdowns led to the shutting of schools, Anganwadi centres, Nutritional
Rehabilitation Centres.
o Further, frontline workers had to be engaged in Covid-related work that took

precedence over their daily duties, which entailed identifying, referring and
monitoring children suffering from severe acute malnutrition and moderate acute
malnutrition among other nutrition-strengthening activities.
• States tried to cope to the best of their abilities by replacing hot-cooked meals with dry
ration or cash transfers.
• Moreover, indirect forces triggered by the pandemic such as disruption in food systems,
dried-up income sources, job losses and consequent financial hardshipsalso mean that
access to nutrient-rich food might have reduced among economically vulnerable people.
Measures needed to tackle hunger
• Agriculture-Nutrition linkage schemes have the potential for greater impact in dealing with
malnutrition and thus, needs greater emphasis.
o Recognising the importance of this link, the Ministry for Women and Child
Development launched theBharatiya Poshan Krishi Kosh in 2019.
o There is a need to promote schemes directed to nutrition-agriculture link activities

in rural areas. However, implementation remains the key.
• Early fund disbursement: The government needs to ensure early disbursement of funds and
optimum utilisation of funds in schemes linked to nutrition.
• Underutilisation of Resources:It has been pointed out many a times that expenditure made
under many nutrition-based schemes is considerably lower than what was allocated under
them. Thus, emphasis needs to be on implementation.
• Convergence with other Schemes:Nutrition goes beyond just food, with economic, health,
water, sanitation, gender perspectives and social norms contributing to better nutrition. This
is why the proper implementation of other schemes can also contribute to better nutrition.
o The convergence of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Jeevan Mission with schemes
pertaining to nutrition, will bring holistic changes to India’s nutrition scenario.
• Mid-Day Meal Scheme: The Mid-Day Meal Scheme aims to enhance the nutrition of school
children by providing a balanced diet in schools.
o By including milk and eggs in each states’ menu, preparing a menu based on climatic
conditions, local foods etc. can help in providing the right nutrition to children in
different States.
Conclusion
Welfare measures must continue to reach the most vulnerable population and children and mothers
must be at the centre of the focus to target hunger and malnutrition. Achieving zero hunger
requires agriculture and food systems to become more efficient, sustainable, climate-smart
and nutrition–sensitive. It is important to look at the future of food production to achieve the zero-
hunger goal. Human resource capacity building is the key as is access to education and health
services and empowering the poor through partnerships.
Value Addition
Government welfare measures
• Eat Right India: An outreach activity organised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority
of India (FSSAI) for citizens to nudge them towards eating right.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana:A centrally sponsored scheme executed by the
Ministry of Women and Child Development, is a maternity benefit programme being
implemented in all districts of the country with effect from 1st January, 2017.
• Food Fortification: Food Fortification or Food Enrichment is the addition of key vitamins and
minerals such as iron, iodine, zinc, Vitamin A & D to staple foods such as rice, milk and salt to
improve their nutritional content.
• National Food Security Act, 2013:It legally entitled up to 75% of the rural population and
50% of the urban population to receive subsidized food grains under the Targeted Public
Distribution System.
• Mission Indradhanush: It targets children under 2 years of age and pregnant women for
immunization against 12 Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD).
• Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme:Launched on 2nd October, 1975, the
ICDS Scheme offers a package of six services to children in the age group of 0-6 years,
pregnant women and lactating mothers.
o Supplementary Nutrition,
o Pre-school non-formal education,
o Nutrition & health education,
o Immunization,
o Health check-up and
o Referral services.
• POSHAN Abhiyaan: Also called National Nutrition Mission, was launched by the government
on the occasion of the International Women’s Day on 8th March, 2018.
• The Abhiyaan targets toreduce Stunting, undernutrition, Anaemia (among young children,
women and adolescent girls) and reduce low birth weight by 2%, 2%, 3% and 2% per annum
respectively.
• It also targets to bring downstunting among children in the age group 0-6 years from 4% to
25% by 2022.
The need of the hour is to make addressing child malnutrition the top priority of the
government machinery and plug the gaps in how centrally-sponsored schemes aimed
at addressing malnutrition are funded and implemented across the country. Discuss.
(250 words)
Why the question:
The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2022 has brought more unwelcome news for India, as far as its global
ranking on a vital indicator of human development is concerned. India ranked 107 out of 121
countries.
To write about causes and impact of hunger and malnutrition and ways to tackle it.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving a statistic regarding Hunger and malnutrition in India.
Body:
Describe the impact of hunger and malnutrition in India – status of child mortality, stunting and
wasting in India, loss of demographic dividend, extreme poverty etc.
Next write about the causes which contribute to the undernourishment, stunting and wasting of
children.
Next, write about the measures that are needed to overcome hunger and malnutrition in the country.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Malnutrition is the condition that develops when the body is deprived of vitamins, minerals and
other nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function.
Meghalaya has the highest number of stunted children (46.5%), followed by Bihar (42.9%).
Maharashtra has 25.6% wasted children (weight for height) — the highest — followed by Gujarat
(25.1%). Jharkhand has the highest percentage of women (26%), between 15 and 49 years, who have
a below-normal Body Mass Index (BMI).
Body
Malnutrition in India
• India, currently has the largest number of undernourished people in the world around 195
million.
• Nearly 47 million or 4 out of 10 children in India do not meet their full human potential
because of chronic undernutrition or stunting.
• 9% of children under 5 years are stunted and 20.8% are wasted, compared to the Asia
average of 22.7% and 9.4% respectively.
• Rate of overweight and obesity continues to rise, affecting almost a fifth of the adults, at
21.6% of women and 17.8% of men.
• Inequities in food and health systems increase inequalities in nutrition outcomes that in turn
can lead to more inequity, perpetuating a vicious cycle.
Causes of hunger and malnutrition in India
• Poverty: Poverty restricts the food choices and has been the causative factor of hunger
related deaths.
o If the persistent high prices of food items and the regional disparities in terms of
development, especially the backwardness among the hilly and tribal areas also
taken into account, the percentage of people who cannot afford balanced nutrition
will be much higher in India.
• Poor access to safe drinking water: Safe and tap drinking water is still a luxury in many parts
of rural India and urban slums/shanties. Unsafe water causes water borne diseases and
children are prone to it more than adults.
• Issues with agriculture: The change from multi to mono cropping systems limits the diversity
of agricultural products.
o Inclination towards cash crops and changing food habits result in malnutrition,
undernutrition and even micro-nutrient deficiencies.
o Local cuisine such as millets are not being consumed causing nutrient deficiencies
and anaemia.
• Food wastage: Food wastage is also an emerging challenge that undermines the efforts to
end hunger and malnutrition. According to the FAO, the global volume of food wastage is
estimated at 6 billion tonnes of primary product equivalents.
• Poor health services: The relationship between poverty and access to health care can be
seen as part of a larger cycle, where poverty leads to ill health and ill health maintains
poverty.
• Insufficient education and training: In developing countries, children do not have access to
basic education because of inequalities that originate in sex, health and cultural identity. It
has been revealed in reports that illiteracy and lack of education are common factor that
lead to poverty and in turn hunger.
• Covid-19 impact: The momentum set by this entire nutrition movement was disturbed once
Covid lockdowns led to the shutting of schools, Anganwadi centres, Nutritional
Rehabilitation Centres.
o Further, frontline workers had to be engaged in Covid-related work that took

precedence over their daily duties, which entailed identifying, referring and
monitoring children suffering from severe acute malnutrition and moderate acute
malnutrition among other nutrition-strengthening activities.
• States tried to cope to the best of their abilities by replacing hot-cooked meals with dry
ration or cash transfers.
• Moreover, indirect forces triggered by the pandemic such as disruption in food systems,
dried-up income sources, job losses and consequent financial hardships also mean that
access to nutrient-rich food might have reduced among economically vulnerable people.
Measures needed to curb malnutrition in children
• Agriculture-Nutrition linkage schemes have the potential for greater impact in dealing with
malnutrition and thus, needs greater emphasis.
o Recognising the importance of this link, the Ministry for Women and Child
Development launched the Bharatiya Poshan Krishi Kosh in 2019.
o There is a need to promote schemes directed to nutrition-agriculture link activities

in rural areas. However, implementation remains the key.
• Early fund disbursement: The government needs to ensure early disbursement of funds and
optimum utilisation of funds in schemes linked to nutrition.
• Underutilisation of Resources: It has been pointed out many a times that expenditure made
under many nutrition-based schemes is considerably lower than what was allocated under
them. Thus, emphasis needs to be on implementation.
• Convergence with other Schemes: Nutrition goes beyond just food, with economic, health,
water, sanitation, gender perspectives and social norms contributing to better nutrition. This
is why the proper implementation of other schemes can also contribute to better nutrition.
o The convergence of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Jeevan Mission with schemes
pertaining to nutrition, will bring holistic changes to India’s nutrition scenario.
• Mid-Day Meal Scheme: The Mid-Day Meal Scheme aims to enhance the nutrition of school
children by providing a balanced diet in schools.
o By including milk and eggs in each states’ menu, preparing a menu based on climatic
conditions, local foods etc. can help in providing the right nutrition to children in
different States.
Conclusion
Welfare measures must continue to reach the most vulnerable population and children and mothers
must be at the centre of the focus to target hunger and malnutrition. Achieving zero hunger
requires agriculture and food systems to become more efficient, sustainable, climate-smart
and nutrition–sensitive. It is important to look at the future of food production to achieve the zero-
hunger goal. Human resource capacity building is the key as is access to education and health
services and empowering the poor through partnerships.
Value Addition
Government welfare measures
• Eat Right India: An outreach activity organised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority
of India (FSSAI) for citizens to nudge them towards eating right.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana: A centrally sponsored scheme executed by the
Ministry of Women and Child Development, is a maternity benefit programme being
implemented in all districts of the country with effect from 1st January, 2017.
• Food Fortification: Food Fortification or Food Enrichment is the addition of key vitamins and
minerals such as iron, iodine, zinc, Vitamin A & D to staple foods such as rice, milk and salt to
improve their nutritional content.
• National Food Security Act, 2013: It legally entitled up to 75% of the rural population and
50% of the urban population to receive subsidized food grains under the Targeted Public
Distribution System.
• Mission Indradhanush: It targets children under 2 years of age and pregnant women for
immunization against 12 Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPD).
• Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme: Launched on 2nd October, 1975, the
ICDS Scheme offers a package of six services to children in the age group of 0-6 years,
pregnant women and lactating mothers.
o Supplementary Nutrition,
o Pre-school non-formal education,
o Nutrition & health education,
o Immunization,
o Health check-up and
o Referral services.
• POSHAN Abhiyaan: Also called National Nutrition Mission, was launched by the government
on the occasion of the International Women’s Day on 8th March, 2018.
• The Abhiyaan targets to reduce Stunting, undernutrition, Anaemia (among young children,
women and adolescent girls) and reduce low birth weight by 2%, 2%, 3% and 2% per annum
respectively.
• It also targets to bring down stunting among children in the age group 0-6 years from 4% to
25% by 2022.
How is poverty measured in India? Examine the various issues in the measurement of
poverty by the multidimensional poverty index (MPI). Do you think poverty has
declined considerably post 2014 in the country? State your opinion. (250 words)
Why the question:

A recent article by Jean Dreze (‘Poverty, uncensored’, November 24) looks at our commentary on
multidimensional poverty decline (‘Poverty is down, period’, November 4) and concludes that the
debate on relative performance towards poverty alleviation during the UPA years and Narendra
Modi’s tenure as prime minister should continue to be “open” even as his own conclusion is that
multidimensional poverty (MPI) declined considerably faster in the Modi years.
To write about the measurement of poverty, issues in MPI and commenting on the rate of poverty
decline post-2014.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin the answer by giving context regarding the reduction in poverty by citing a statistic.
Body:
First, write about the various ways to measure poverty – National Sample Survey (NSS) based per
capita consumption, Income based poverty line, consumption-based poverty line, Poverty line basket,
multi-Dimensional poverty index, Various committees and international standards etc.
Next, write about the various in measurement of poverty via the multidimensional poverty index
(MPI).
Next, write about nature of the poverty decline post-2014 in the country. Cite facts and statistics to
substantiate.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a balanced opinion forward.
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 all-India poverty ratio in 2020-21 is 17.9%, compared to 21.9% in 2011-12, with lower poverty
in urban India compared to rural India. Poverty ratios have declined over this period, though by not
as much as they might have.
Body
Poverty measurement in India
▪ Planning Commission Expert Group (1962), working group constituted by the Planning
Commission formulated the separate poverty lines for rural and urban areas (₹20 and ₹25 per
capita per year respectively).
▪ VM Dandekar and N Rath (1971), made the first systematic assessment of poverty in India,
based on National Sample Survey (NSS) data.
• Unlike previous scholars who had considered subsistence living or basic minimum needs
criteria as the measure of poverty line, VM Dandekar and N Rath were of the view that
poverty line must be derived from the expenditure that was adequate to provide 2250
calories per day in both rural and urban areas.
• Expenditure based Poverty line estimation, generated a debate on minimum calorie
consumption norms.
▪ Alagh Committee (1979): Task force constituted by the Planning Commission under the
chairmanship of YK Alagh, constructed a poverty line for rural and urban areas on the basis of
nutritional requirements and related consumption expenditure.
• Poverty estimates for subsequent years were to be calculated by adjusting the price level
for inflation.
▪ Lakdawala Committee (1993): Task Force chaired by DT Lakdawala, based on the assumption
that the basket of goods and services used to calculate Consumer Price Index-Industrial
Workers (CPI-IW) and Consumer Price Index- Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) reflect the
consumption patterns of the poor, made the following suggestions:
• Consumption expenditure should be calculated based on calorie consumption as earlier.
• State specific poverty lines should be constructed and these should be updated using the
CPI-IW in urban areas and CPI-AL in rural areas.
• Discontinuation of scaling of poverty estimates based on National Accounts Statistics.
▪ Tendulkar Committee (2009): Expert group constituted by the Planning Commission and,
chaired by Suresh Tendulkar, was constituted to review methodology for poverty estimation and
to address the following shortcomings of the previous methods:
• Obsolete Consumption Pattern: Consumption patterns were linked to the 1973-74 poverty
line baskets (PLBs) of goods and services, whereas there were significant changes in the
consumption patterns of the poor since that time, which were not reflected in the poverty
estimates.
• Inflation Adjustment: There were issues with the adjustment of prices for inflation, both
spatially (across regions) and temporally (across time).
• Health and Education Expenditure: Earlier poverty lines assumed that health and education
would be provided by the state and formulated poverty lines accordingly.
▪ The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for price changes since 2011-12, to arrive at corresponding
poverty lines for 2020-21.
▪ PLFS 2020-21 household monthly consumption data: using this the percentage of population
living below that poverty line has been estimated.
Achievements in poverty alleviation over the years
▪ Decline in Extreme Poverty:Extreme poverty in India was 3% points lower in 2019 compared
with 2011, as poverty headcount rate declined from 22.5% in 2011 to 10.2% in 2019, with a
comparatively sharper decline in rural areas.
• Slight moderation in consumption inequality since 2011, but by a margin smaller than what
is reported in the unreleased National Sample Survey -2017.
• The extent of poverty reduction during 2015-2019 is estimated to be notably lower than
earlier projections based on growth in private final consumption expenditure reported in
national account statistics.
• The World Bank defines “extreme poverty” as living on less than USD 1.90 per person per
day.
▪ Rural vs Urban Poverty:Poverty reduction was higher in rural areas compared with urban India
as rural poverty declined from 26.3% in 2011 to 11.6% in 2019, while in urban areas the decline
was from 14.2% to 6.3% in the corresponding period.
• Rural and urban poverty dropped by 7 and 7.9% points during 2011-2019.
• Urban poverty in India rose by 2% in 2016, coinciding with the demonetisation, and rural
poverty rose by 10% in 2019.
▪ Small Farmers:Smallholder farmers have experienced higher income growth. Real incomes for
farmers with the smallest landholdings have grown by 10% in annualized terms between the two
survey rounds (2013 and 2019) compared to a 2% growth for farmers with the largest
landholding.
• The growth in incomes of smallest landholders in rural areas provides more evidence of
moderation in income disparity in rural areas.
• Smallest landholders comprise a larger share of the poor population.This income includes
wages, net receipt from crop production, net receipt from farming of animal farming and
net receipt from non-farm business. Income from leasing out land has been exempted.
Issues in measurement of MPI
▪ 2005-06 figures from an outdated MP series: Comparison between 2005-06 and “2011-12” is
actually a comparison between two different sets of estimates for 2005-06 (indeed, the
respective figures are very close to each other).
• The comparison between “2011-12” and 2019-21 is actually a comparison between 2005-06
and 2019-21.
▪ Figures projected as indicator-specific HCRs: They are not headcount ratios. They are “censored
headcount ratios.
▪ India Human Development Survey (IHDS) data: It is not comparable with NFHS in any case.
▪ Censored HCR: Even if there is no improvement in nutrition, the censored HCR for nutrition
deprivation would decline over time simply because multidimensional poverty is declining.
▪ The rate of HCR decline was not uniformly faster in the second period: It was faster for most
household amenities, but slower for most other indicators.
▪ In MPI: The convention is to give equal weight (one third each) to health, education and
amenities, and then equal weight to individual indicators within each domain.
• Based on the conventional MP weights: overall rate of decline of deprivation was the same
in both periods.
▪ Multidimensional poverty” HCR: It declined faster in the second period.
• The fast decline of multidimensional poverty in the second period is largely driven by the
rapid improvement of amenities.
▪ The rate of growth of per-capita consumption(according to national accounts figures): crashed
in the second period (after the demonetisation self-goal).
Conclusion
Rapid economic growth and the use of technology for social sector programs have helped make a
significant dent in extreme poverty in the country.
Despite rapid growth and development, an unacceptably high proportion of our population
continues to suffer from severe and multidimensional deprivation. Thus, a more comprehensive and
inclusive approach is required to eradicate poverty in India.
Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure,

mandate.
India must adopt a positive role during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
presidency and use the forum for the betterment of the whole of Eurasia. Analyse.
(250 words)
Why the question:
Connectivity projects must respect sovereignty issues, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar
said, in a reference to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), at a virtual meeting of the Shanghai
Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government hosted by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on
Tuesday.
To write about the how India can use SCO presidency for betterment of Eurasia.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by writing about aims and objectives of SCO.
Body:
In the first part, write about the various disagreements withing the SCO – India-China, Russia-China,
Impact of Ukraine war, lack of consensus etc
Next, Highlight the importance of SCO for India – focus on the advantages that India can gain in
bilateral relations and in the larger Eurasian region.
Next, write the measures that need to be taken by India during its presidency to enhance the efficacy
of SCO.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a permanent intergovernmental international

organization. It’s a Eurasian political, economic and military organization aiming to maintain peace,
security and stability in the region. It was created in 2001. The SCO Charter was signed in 2002, and
entered into force in 2003.
India’s Presidency of the Group of 20, UN Security Council (UNSC) in 2022, and the Shanghai
Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2023 when major powers are not even talking to each
other and India alone, now the fifth largest economy, is interacting with each of them, presents a
historic opportunity.
Body
Disagreements within SCO
• The SCO faces the challenges of improving cohesion, better managing relations with external
parties, enlargement, variations of economic cooperation between member states, a slow
pace of decision making and poor quality decision implementation.
• In the recent summit in Samarkand, support for Russia’s agenda differed between certain
countries, with Turkey, China and Iran displaying some degree of understanding. India’s
agenda focussed on its concern about the impacts of the Ukrainian war on the world
economy.
• The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is often stated as a club of autocrat powers. The
members follow the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states.
However, China and Russia adhere this principle rhetorical basis but not in reality.
• China and Russia are the primary drivers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization but have
different visions for this organization. Although they share common interest of regional
stability within the organization but at the same time their geopolitical interests pull them in
different directions.
• India has presented consistent opposition to the violation of sovereignty and territorial
integrity by the BRI’s China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) through Indian territory in
Jammu and Kashmir
• But, the meetings of SCO have endorsed Russia’s initiative to connect the SCO with the
Eurasian Economic Union and ASEAN, placing the predominantly East-West connectivity
alignment of China’s BRI alongside the North-South connectivity alignment of Russia’s
proposal
• Despite the establishment of the SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS), the SCO has
not taken visible counterterrorism measures against the main threat facing its members,
which emanates from terrorists and terrorist entities located in the Af-Pak region
• China and Pakistan have deliberately tried to bring bilateral issues into SCO. This violates the
well-established principles and norms of the SCO Charter. Such acts are counterproductive
to the spirit of consensus and cooperation that define this organisation and should be
condemned.
Significance of SCO for India
• India acquired the observer status in the grouping in 2005 and was admitted as a full
member in 2017.
• Discuss differences with other members on the sidelines: SCO hosts have encouraged
members to use the platform to discuss differences with other members on the sidelines
• Bilateral meeting with Pakistan: It was on such an occasion that the Prime Minister of India
held a bilateral meeting with the former Pakistani Prime Minister in 2015 in Ufa.
• Negotiation of five point agreement with Chinese counterpart: Foreign Minister of India
negotiated a five-point agreement with his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of
the Moscow conference in 2020.
• Strategic autonomy and multi-alignment: India is also a part of the ‘Quadrilateral’ grouping
with the U.S, Japan and Australia.
o Its association with the grouping of a rather different nature is part of its foreign
policy that emphasizes on principles of “strategic autonomy and multi-alignment”.
• Connectivity and stability across borders: India’s membership of SCO can help in achieving
regional integration, promote connectivity and stability across borders.
• Fulfilling energy demand: India being an energy deficient country with increasing demands
for energy, SCO provides it with an opportunity to meet its energy requirements through
regional diplomacy.
o Talks on the construction of stalled pipelines like the TAPI (Turkmenistan-

Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) pipeline; IPI (Iran-Pakistan-India) pipeline can get a
much needed push through the SCO.
• Economic ties:Central Asian countries provide India with a market for its IT,
telecommunications, banking, finance and pharmaceutical industries.
• Geopolitical: Central Asia is a part of India’s Extended Neighbourhood, SCO provides India an
opportunity to pursue the “Connect Central Asian Policy”.
o Helps India fulfill its aspiration of playing an active role in its extended neighborhood
as well as checking the ever growing influence of China in Eurasia.
o Platform for India to simultaneously engage with its traditional friend Russia as well
as its rivals, China and Pakistan.
Way forward
• Important group for India: India considers the SCO as an important regional group to
promote cooperation in various fields based on universally recognised international norms,
good governance, rule of law, openness, transparency and equality.
• Addressing the concerns of members: Need of working group to address the concerns of all
entities, considering the territorial integrity of each nation involved.
• More measures against terrorism: Despite the establishment of the SCO’s Regional Anti-
Terrorist Structure (RATS), the SCO has not taken visible counterterrorism measures against
the main threat facing its members.
o There is a need for the Summit to play a central and coordinating role to enforce the
Council’s sanctions against concerned entities.
• Engagement: It provides a platform for India to simultaneously engage with its traditional
friend Russia as well as its rivals, China and Pakistan and provides India an opportunity to
pursue the “Connect Central Asian Policy”.
• Agreements on connectivity and high-efficiency transport corridors: Samarkand summit is

expected to have agreements on connectivity and high-efficiency transport corridors and a
roadmap for local currency settlement among member states.
• SCO’s rising international influence:The significant round of expansion by inclusion of Iran

and Belarus shows SCO’s rising international influence and that the principles of the SCO
charter are widely accepted.
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or
affecting India’s interests.
India and Brazil are natural powerhouses who have their strong relationship based on
a common global vision, commitment to development and shared democratic values.
Discuss. (250 words)
Why the question:
In the presidential election in Brazil, on October 30 (the second round), the two-time former
President, and leader of the leftist Worker’s Party (PT), Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva — universally known
as Lula — defeated the far-right incumbent president, Jair Bolsonaro.
To write about the importance of ties of between India and Brazil and their common aims and
objectives.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving similarities in the vision between India and Brazil.
Body:
First, write about the evolution of India-Brazil ties – strategic partnership since 2006, deepened in
2020 through the Action Plan to Strengthen the Strategic Partnership and are working together in
various international forums, like BRICS, IBSA, G4, G20, BASIC, and the United Nations.
Next, write about they represent the second and sixth most populous countries in the world and the
fifth and ninth largest economies respectively. They are also leading voices in their region and active
players in the global arena.
Next, write about the ways in which they can strengthen their partnership and ensure shape the
global multilateral order.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
India and Brazil share a very close and multifaceted relationship at bilateral level as well as in
plurilateral fora such as BRICS, BASIC, G-20, G-4, IBSA, International Solar Alliance, Bio future
Platform and in the larger multilateral bodies such as the UN, WTO, UNESCO and WIPO. The bilateral
strategic partnership, which has opened a new phase for India-Brazil relations in 2006, is based on a
common global vision, shared democratic values, and a commitment to foster economic growth with
social inclusion for the welfare of the people of both countries.
While there is considerable distance between India and Brazil, the former is 15,000 miles away, yet
striking similarities can make the heart grow fonder. Both countries are multi-cultural, with a
commitment to democracy; where the leadership has a strong mandate and a compatible profile.
Body
Background
In the presidential election in Brazil, on October 30 (the second round), the two-time former
President, and leader of the leftist Worker’s Party (PT), Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva — universally
known as Lula — defeated the far-right incumbent president, Jair Bolsonaro.
Indo-Brazilian relations:
Political Cooperation:
• The strategic partnership established in 2006 between Brazil and India has deepened, with
both countries cooperating closely within BRICS, IBSA, G4, G20, and the wider multilateral
context of the United Nations.
• Brazil and India (along with Germany and Japan) jointly pursued aspirations of permanent
seats in the UN Security Council and worked towards a multipolar world where large
developing countries can frame global rules and democratise international institutions.
• Both countries played a pivotal role as leaders of the Global South or South-South
cooperation.
• The Brazilian foreign policy of reciprocal multilateralism is in concurrence with India’s policy
of strategic autonomy.
Cultural Cooperation:
• In Brazil, there is enormous interest in India’s culture, religion, performing arts and
philosophy.
• Brazil has a strong community of Yoga and Ayurveda practitioners. The Brazilian Association
of Ayurveda (ABRA) is a non-profit association with offices in 9 states of Brazil and has
members all over Brazil.
• Mahatma Gandhi is highly regarded in Brazil and the government and NGOs are trying to
inculcate the philosophy of non-violence among students, youth and police.
Trade Relations:
• In 2021, our bilateral trade touched USD11.53 billion with an increase of 63.5 percent over
2020. Balance of trade was USD1.93 billion in favour of India. India is now the 5thlargest
trading partner of Brazil.
• Brazil wants to increase the trade with India three times the present trade volume. The
major focus is on commodities and so it is difficult to raise the trade volume. India grows
coffee which is Brazil’s major export; animal feed is the major export of Brazil for which
there is no market in India.
• Brazil is rich in minerals and agricultural resources. If we look at the future trade there are
possibilities like India might need to import pulses. India exports generic drugs and other
pharmaceutical products. The services industry, IT and biotechnology is well established.
• Brazil has an organisation which is the counter part of Indian Council for Agricultural
Research called Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa). The cattle stock of
Brazil is very important for them. Nellorebeef cattle originated from Ongole Cattle originally
brought to Brazil from India. They are named after the district of Nellore in Andhra Pradesh
state in India. So, there are some Indian connections to its origin.
Defense Relations:
• The defence relationship is possible; both are large countries with large defense needs
whether it is helicopters or aircrafts. India has bought Embraer aircraft from Brazil where
only few countries in the developing world make aircraft. There is possibility of cooperation
in science and technology and developing designs.
• Both countries have normal exchanges for instance Brazilian officers coming to National
Defence College, providing training exercises and visits of chiefs. Both countries are aware
that the requirements are large. The real potential is in designing and developing the
defence industry.
• Brazil and India signed a bilateral ‘Defence Cooperation Agreement’ in 2003 that calls for
cooperation in defence-related matters, especially in the field of Research and
Development, acquisition and logistic support between the two countries.
Strategic Relationship:
• Both are mature democracies, developing countries, have different perspectives on many
issues which is different from other countries, want a greater voice for ourselves, both are
the partners for the expansion of security council and for becoming permanent members,
both believe in institutional reforms in IMF, World Bank and UNSC. We are Natural Partners
with the same kind of outlook on global issues.
• Despite the huge distance, lot of cultural differences and different kind of history, there are
remarkable affinities and common values. India was colonized by British and Brazil was
colonized by Portuguese. Just as India sees coalition governments, differences between
centre and state, Independence of judiciary, a very vibrant press, critical kind of NGOs, Brazil
also has a same kind of political climate like many parties, many regions, and differences
between central and state governments.
• Both are developing countries with same size in economies. Brazil has lot of people trapped
in poverty like India. Therefore in Democracy, Development, and Diversity, Brazil is also a
country with many religion, languages, and cultures. Brazil is also familiar with the same kind
of Diversity which India is familiar.
• Brazil has a space programme which was stared at a time when India started it. But India has
gone far ahead. From time-to-time ISRO has offered technical knowhow to Brazil.
The rising ties between India and Brazil will send out strong signals of South-South cooperation
With much in common, the door is wide open to forge a social, cultural, people-to-people and
economic relationship to boost trade. This will send out a strong signal of South-South co-operation.
• Brazil’s number one export to India is crude oil, but, mind you, it is experiencing an oil
production boom and will be amongst the top-5 oil producing countries in the world over
the next decade.
• As a large producer of sugarcane, Brazil started a bioethanol programme which is highly

effective and is a means of bio-energy which can fire up thermal cogeneration plants. One
resultant by-product are bio-pellets (a substitute for coal) and a means of clean energy, the
urgent need of the hour in India.
• In wind energy, Brazil is the cheapest source; a Brazilian company manufacturing wind
turbine generators WEG is already in India. This resource can be fully tapped.
• An ideal energy partner is around the corner, almost a God sent, and India should clinch a
deal, especially in the wake of recent global events which could result in an oil crisis.
• Brazil is not only self-sufficient in food production, but exports commodities including pulses
to the Indian market. India consumes a variety of different foods, its growing and expanding
population requires a perennial source, especially for proteins.
• The ingredients for an all-encompassing relationship are, therefore, in place. Now, the two
countries must repose trust in each other—make it solid like BRICS (Bricks) to bind
aspirations, goals, and objectives of two nations.
• India can start with a clean slate, having opted out of trade agreements, to put in place a
bilateral framework/ agreement. This will be a “First” as we look beyond our neighbourhood
principle.
• It will also facilitate the flow of investments, and strengthen and fortify India’s strategic
interests. Moving in this direction will be a practical litmus test for the ease of doing
business. It will send out positive signals to foreign investors. A bilateral agreement between
the two countries will secure this, which, in turn, will globally push India up in the ‘World
Bank Ease of doing’ index.
• We can go from a stage where the countries not only have a BRICS ‘bank’ in common, but
can bank upon each other for ushering in the winds of change.
Conclusion
The time is right for deepening this relationship. In fact, the Brazilian ministry of mines and energy
has said that “India and Brazil are key players in the international energy landscape, both as
consumers and producers. We are joining hands to create an international biofuel market and
supply our planet with renewable and clean energy.” This partnership will make the presidential visit
a landmark win-win, setting the right ‘pulse’.
The Ukraine conflict seems to have reached a deadlock. We are in a new phase in the
conflict in which diplomacy could play a larger role. There might be many modest and
practical ways in which Indian diplomacy could participate and contribute to the
peace efforts in the Russia-Ukraine war. Examine. (250 words)
Why the question:
As External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar arrives in Russia this week for a bilateral visit,
there is growing international interest in the potential Indian diplomatic contribution to ending the
tragic war in Ukraine which is now in the ninth month and has shaken the world to its core.
To write about the role India can play towards the peace efforts in India-Ukraine war.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
First, in brief, write about the deadlock in the Ukraine conflict which has been going on since the past
few months and how it impacts the global multilateral order and the world economy.
Next, write about the role India can play diplomatically towards peace efforts and de-escalation of
hostilities between India and Ukraine.
Conclusion:
Introduction
The Ukraine crisis had crossed a critical point, with Russia following up its recognition of rebel
regions in eastern Ukraine (Donbas region)- Donetsk and Luhansk with a full-fledged invasion to
“demilitarise” and “denazify” Ukraine.
This decision by Moscow is a rejection of the inviolability of national borders in Europe as agreed to
in the Helsinki agreement of 1975 and a major challenge to the global order. Currently it is a
deadlock with neither side engaging in talks.
Body
Solution to Ukraine conflict through diplomatic means
• Immediate Ceasefire: Unlike during the Cold War, though, the global economy is now
deeply integrated. The costs of a prolonged conflict are too dire, foremost in terms of the
loss of life and suffering that is already underway in Ukraine.
o The world is still reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic, which hurt the poorest
countries and people the most, it can ill-afford a conflict-induced slowdown.
o It is incumbent on Russia to implement a ceasefire and, subsequently, for both

sides to return to the negotiating table. Escalation is not an option.
• New Security Order for Europe: Without justifying the manner in which Russia has chosen
to “right” the perceived “wrongs”, the current crisis somehow results from a broken
security architecture in Europe.
o A sustainable security order has to reflect current realities: it cannot be simply an

outgrowth of the Cold War order, and it has to be driven from within.
o Also, a European order that does not accommodate Russia’s concerns through
genuine negotiation cannot be stable in the long term.
• Reviving Minsk Peace Process: A practical solution for the situation is to revive the Minsk
peace process.
o Therefore, the West (US and Other western Countries) should push both sides to
resume talks and live up to their commitments as per the Minsk agreement to
restore relative peace on the border.
Indian diplomacy in chalking out peace
• Geopolitical Aspect: India has to brace itself for some immediate challenges flowing from
the Russian actions.
o It will have to balance the pressure from one strategic partner to condemn the
violation of international law, with that from another to understand its legitimate
concerns. India managed these pressures during the 2014 crisis of Crimea
annexation, it shall again manage it effectively.
• Economic Aspect: On the fiscal side, the Government, which has been conservative in its
revenue assumptions in the Budget, has the room to pre-emptively cut domestic fuel taxes
to nip inflationary expectations, stoke faltering consumption levels and sustain India’s
fragile post-Covid-19 recovery through this global churn.
• A Balanced Approach: India-Russia ties have ensured that Delhi has not been entirely left
out of the conversation on Afghanistan, and in Central Asia, while also providing some
leverage with the US.
o At the same time, the US, the EU, and UK are all vital partners, and India’s relations
with each of them, and the Western world in general, go far beyond the sum of their
parts.
o Delhi must talk continually to all sides, and engage with all of its partners, keeping
in mind that there is no justification for the violation of any country’s territorial
sovereignty.
o India must also make it clear to coercing countries that their “with us or against us”
formulations are hardly constructive.
o The best course is for all parties to step back and focus on preventing an all-out
war, rather than divide the world and return it to the days of the Cold War.
Conclusion
Like any other country, India also retains the right to take policies based on pragmatic realism and its
core national interests. And India thinks that a neutral position anchored in strategic autonomy
which keeps channels open with both sides is what serves its interests.
The current global environment with its macroeconomic, trade and strategic
challenges makes it all the more compelling for the world’s two largest democracies
to deepen their engagement in a way that is mutually beneficial. Comment in the light
Indo-U.S. relations. (250 words)
Why the question:
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s visit to India last week highlights the renewed focus in the U.S. on
strengthening economic ties with Asia’s third-largest economy and ‘one of America’s indispensable
partners’.
To write about the scope of India–United States (US) relations – in spheres of defence, technology,
etc especially in the present-day geopolitics.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context regarding the growth of the India-U.S relationship in the recent past.
Body:
In the first part, write about the US as India’s most comprehensive strategic partner, and cooperation
between the two extends across multiple areas such as trade, defense, multilateralism, intelligence,
cyberspace, civil nuclear energy, education, and healthcare.
Next, write about the present day geo-political challenges and how both countries can navigate them
and make an opportunity among them.
Conclusion:
Introduction
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s visit to India last week highlights the renewed focus in the U.S. on
strengthening economic ties with Asia’s third-largest economy and ‘one of America’s indispensable
partners’.
Body
Need for deepening of bilateral relations between India and USA
• Security: Combat terrorism and weapons of mass destruction Protect global commons like
sea routes and sea lanes of communication.
o Eg: India has mentioned Taiwan issue in public for the first time while USA has been
passing through South China sea and Taiwan straits to protect freedom of
navigation in high seas.
• Global cooperation: International Cooperation through platforms like UN, ASEAN, G-20,
IMF, Quad. Quad security dialogue has been initiated to reign in China’s dominance in the
region.
• Defence cooperation: Defence agreements Iike LEMOA, COMCASA, Industrial Security

Agreement and BECA; Bilateral military exercises like Yudh Abhyaas, Vajra prahar, etc have
been taking place every year.
• Space cooperation: Indo-US science and technology cooperation agreement; Joint

Microwave remote sensing satellite named NISAR.
• Diaspora and people to people ties: Strength of Indian diaspora in US is around 4.5 million
which is around 1% of its population. Indian diaspora is a source and agent of soft power, an
effective public diplomacy tool and is acknowledged for its work ethos, discipline, non-
interference and peaceful living with the locals.
Divergences and friction areas
• Tariffs war: Since 2018 both countries were engaged in tariffs war. E.g. In 2018, the US
imposed additional tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminium imports from various
countries, including India. 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 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.
• 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.
• Divergence of interests in Afghanistan: In the backdrop of Afghan Peace deal, U.S. left
Afghanistan. Decades of work was scrapped as Taliban took over and freedom of people and
the developmental work India did is hampered.
Conclusion
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.
What is a free trade agreement (FTA)? How are FTAs important for India? What are
the various issues that are involved in FTA negotiation? How can the issues be
resolved? (250 words)
Why the question:
To achieve the export target of $2 trillion by 2030, India is going the whole hog on free trade
agreements (FTAs). India is negotiating FTAs with countries such as the European Union, Canada, the
U.K., and Israel.
To write about FTAs, its importance, issues involved in it and ways to overcome it.
Introduction:
Begin defining what FTAs are.
Body:
First, write about the major components of the FTA.
Next, write about the importance of FTA to India – economic growth, eliminate tariff barriers,
diversify investments etc.
Next, write about the various issues in FTA negotiation – tariff reduction impacting the entire
manufacturing and the agricultural sector; rules on services trade; digital issues such as data
localisation; intellectual property rights etc.
Next, suggest ways to overcome the above.
Conclusion:
Introduction
A free trade agreement is a pact between two or more nations to reduce barriers to imports and
exports among them. Under a free trade policy, goods and services can be bought and sold across
international borders with little or no government tariffs, quotas, subsidies, or prohibitions to inhibit
their exchange.
Body
Background
• Economic theory tells us that FTAs are not always sure-win strategies because these create
as well as divert trade.
• FTAs need to be designed in a manner that they enhance complementarities amongst

partners and overcome regulatory hurdles.
• It has been reported that the FTA will be remodelled into three separate deals—trade,
investment and geographical indications (GIs).
• While the investment deal is seen as a standalone agreement, the one on GIs could be
integrated with the trade deal.
• It may be in India’s interest to ensure that all the three negotiations move in parallel and
feed into each other.
• Since India unilaterally terminated bilateral investment treaties (BIT), including those with
the EU member states, the EU appears to be keen to conclude an investment deal that
includes Investor State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) provisions.
Significance of FTA’s for India
• India is expected to conclude the UK agreement and that with Canada by the end of this year
in 2022 or early 2023.
• These countries offer many of the factors that India needs to establish a dependable
production capability serving both global and domestic markets.
o With these FTAs, sectors such as gems and jewellery, engineering goods, agro-
processed foods, textiles, technology, and financial services are likely to gain.
• To achieve the $2-trillion export target by 2030, India’s active participation in global value
chains (GVCs) is essential.
o Today, 70 per cent of the global goods and services exports come from GVCs.
o GVCs require close trade cooperation, lower duties, and efficient customs
administration, which can be ensured by an FTA.
• The inclusion of new-age areas like digital trade in FTAs will enhance cooperation and
transform GVCs by lowering entry barriers, increasing transparency, and facilitating
collaborative networks.
Various issues involved with FTA and negotiations
• There are issues related to labour laws and investor protection provisions impact India’s
ability to negotiate deep-trade agreements. Deep trade agreements have been designed
over the last two decades to facilitate complex global value chains and the underlying trade-
investment-services linkages.
o The predominant focus in these agreements is linked to investor

protection, intellectual property rights (IPRs) and labour standards.
o India has found it difficult to negotiate these issues in its earlier free trade
agreements.
o For instance, issues related to labour laws led to the suspension of the FTA
negotiations with the EU in 2013 and pushed these negotiations to
• Furthermore, India’s 2016 template for a model investment treaty, may make it difficult for
India to negotiate the investor protection provisions. Because it is more state-friendly and
includes some burdensome provisions for the foreign investor.
• Next, a protectionist tariff structure, if not corrected, could remain a hurdle at the
preliminary stage of FTA negotiations.
• India’s tariff structure has been relatively higher than the average MFN tariffs in the
manufacturing sector. For example, As per World Bank data, the applied, weighted mean
tariff rate for manufactured products in India increased from 5.5 percent in 2008 to 6.6
percent in 2019. Whereas it decreased in the case of Vietnam from 5.6 percent to 1.4
percent over the same period.
• Exports have not expanded as thought. India’s exports to Asean countries amounted to $23
billion in 2010, which increased to $36 billion in 2018, with a compound annual growth rate
of five per cent. At the same time, India’s imports from these countries increased from $30
billion in 2010 to $57 billion, a growth of eight per cent.
o India’s net exports to countries without a trade agreement were only marginally
lower than its net exports to countries with FTAs.
o In contrast, the imports from countries with trade agreements were substantially
higher, pushing India into a trade deficit.
• India had recorded a trade deficit in all major trade agreements other than the South Asia
Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA).
Conclusion
The trade policy framework of India must be accompanied by economic reforms that result in an
open, competitive, and technologically advanced economy. India needs to strengthen its domestic
manufacturing base in value-added products like engineering goods, electronic products, drugs and
pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agriculture machinery, that could be used to boost exports.
India and Australia share common values, complementary economies and strong
people to people links that make them ideal trade partners as well as strategic allies.
Analyse. (250 words)
Why the question:
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s administration that assumed office a little over a month after his
predecessor and now Leader of Opposition Scott Morrison signed the Economic Cooperation and
Trade Agreement (ECTA) with India, has steered its ratification through Parliament.
To write about the various facets of India-Australia relations especially with respect to space, critical
minerals, strategic research, people-to-people links, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Start with brief background of the context of the question.
Body:
First, write about the various aspects of growing trade between India and Australia – recently
introduced Update to Australia’s India Economic Strategy, space, critical minerals, strategic research
and people-to-people links to boost cooperation with India, business engagement and an increased
Australian presence in India etc.
Next, write about security in the Indo-pacific – formation of AUKUS, QUAD and overall aspect of
China.
Next, write about various bottlenecks in bilateral ties between both the nations.
Conclusion:
Suggest way forward and conclude.

Introduction
India and Australia have several commonalities, which serve as a foundation for closer cooperation
and multifaceted interaction, on lines similar to what India has developed with other Western
countries. Both are strong, vibrant, secular and multicultural democracies.
The relationship has grown in strength and importance since India’s economic reforms in the
nineties and has made rapid strides in all areas – trade, energy and mining, science & technology,
information technology, education and defence.
Body
Convergence between India-Australia
• Rule of law: Apart from being two English-speaking, multicultural, federal democracies that
believe in and respect the rule of law
• Strategic interest: Both have a strategic interest in ensuring a balance in the Indo-Pacific
and in ensuring that the region is not dominated by any one hegemonic power.
• Skilled migrants: In addition, Indians are today the largest source of skilled migrants in
Australia.
• Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA): The economic

relationship, already robust, could potentially be transformed if the promise of the
new Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA)is realized.
Trade partners and strategic allies
• Convergence: Chinese aggression and assertive foreign policy are common concerns and
has brought both the democracies closer. Both have shared interests in vision of a free,
open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
o Both are part of QUAD, and also proposed Supply Chain Resilience Initiative.
o Australia’s Pacific Step Up and India’s Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation
(FIPIC)reaffirm their cooperation in the South Pacific region.
• Economic relations: Bilateral goods and services trade between two was $30.3 billion in
2018-19, and the level of two-way investment was $30.7 billion in 2018.
o In 2018, Australia announced implementation of “An India Economic Strategy to

2035”, a vision document to shape India- Australia bilateral ties.
o India is also preparing an Australia Economic Strategy Paper (AES)on similar lines.
o This was after fallout of Australia and China.
• Progress after fallout with China: Elevated the “2+2” engagement to the level of Foreign
and Defence Ministers (from secretary level), where strategic discussions will be taking place
every two years. India already has such mechanism with USA and Japan.
o Both have shared interests in vision of a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-
Pacific region.
o Both are part of QUAD, and also proposed Supply Chain Resilience Initiative.
o Australia’s Pacific Step Up and India’s Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation
(FIPIC)reaffirm their cooperation in the South Pacific region.
• Technology and Research: The two nations are working on a new and renewable energy
partnership, to support the development of technologies such as green hydrogen and ultra-
low cost solar.
o Australia is also supporting research and investment to unlock Australian critical

minerals for Indian advanced manufacturing.
• Defence and security cooperation: Both signed Strategic Partnership, including a

Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation in 2009.
o Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement was signed 2014 between two, enabling India
to secure uranium from Australia.
Limitations of India-Australia ties
• Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)still remains inconclusive after 9

rounds of negotiations.
• India opted out fromRegional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Among other
things, India and Australia could not agree regarding market access over agriculture and
dairy products.
• Australia’s economy is heavily dependent on China, with China being Australia’s largest
trading partner, accounting for 26 % of its trade with the world.
• The prospects for bilateral relationship are recognized in both countries as strategically
useful, economically productive and aligned with each other’s new agenda.
o However, it is recognized that the natural synergy has so far not been exploited
fully.
o Countries should conclude CECA at the earliest, to realize the economic

opportunities.
Way forward
• Enhancing shared framework: While this is the first Dialogue since 2019, two nations have
only grown closer together through enhancing shared framework for regional security,
promoting business and commercial opportunities and strengthening people to people links,
bilaterally and multilaterally.
• Fifth largest global economy: As India marks 75 years of Independence and surpasses the
United Kingdom as the fifth largest global economy, the momentum around this fifth
Australia-India Leaderships Dialogue and the bilateral fruit it may bear should not be
underestimated.
• Diplomatic maneuvering and economic and military assertion: Appropriate diplomatic

maneuvering and economic and military assertion is vital for the implementation of India’s
interests in the Indi-Pacific region along with leveraging space as a building block for a
multipolar world order.
• Rule based multipolar order: India’s view is to work with other like-minded countries in the
Indo-Pacific region to cooperatively manage a rules-based multipolar regional order and
prevent any single power from dominating the region or its waterways.
Conclusion
Based on several commonalities and closely aligned values in principles of democracy, liberty, the
rule of law, human rights, freedom of speech, free press and multiculturalism both must enhance
the bilateral relationship by expanding engagement in various sectors like defence industry and
commercial cyber activity etc.
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s

interests, Indian Diaspora.
Discuss the importance of Black Sea Grain Initiative. Do you think this can prevent
escalating global food prices emanating from supply chain disruptions? (250 words)
Why the question:
In a move that allayed concerns about yet another disruption to global food supply chains, Russia on
Wednesday re-joined the Black Sea Grain deal. The reversal came a day after Russian President
Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow would suspend, but not end, its involvement in the deal.
To write about the Black Sea Grain Initiative and its efficacy in preventing escalating food prices.
Directive word:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context about the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
Body:
First, write about the major features of the Black Sea Grain Initiative – to provide for a safe maritime
humanitarian corridor for Ukrainian exports, commercial ships are required to register directly with
the JCC and its importance.
Next, write about the potential and the shortcomings of the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
Conclusion:
Introduction
In a move that allayed concerns about yet another disruption to global food supply chains, Russia re-
joined the Black Sea Grain deal. The reversal came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin
stated that Moscow would suspend, but not end, its involvement in the deal.
The Black Sea Grain deal endeavours to tackle escalating food prices emanating from supply chain
disruptions because of Russian actions in the world’s ‘breadbasket’.
Body
About the Black Sea Grain Initiative and its importance
• The deal, brokered by the United Nations (UN) and Turkey, was signed in Istanbul on July
27 this year.
• Initially stipulated for a period of 120 days, with an option to extend or terminate thereafter
in November, the deal was to provide for asafe maritime humanitarian corridor for
Ukrainian exports (particularly for food grains) from three of its key ports, namely,
Chornomorsk, Odesa and Yuzhny/Pivdennyi.
• The central idea was tocalm markets by ensuring an adequate supply of grains, thereby
limiting food price inflation.
• Ukraine is among the largest exporters of wheat, maize, rapeseed, sunflower seeds and
sunflower oil, globally.
o Its access to the deep-sea ports in the Black Sea enables it to directly approach
Russia and Europe along with grain importers from the Middle East and North
Africa.
o Russia’s action in the East European country has now disturbed this route, earlier
used to ship 75% of its agricultural exports – precisely what the initiative sought to
address.
• The deal put in place a Joint Coordination Centre (JCC), comprising senior representatives
from Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and the UN for oversight and coordination.
• All commercial ships are required to register directly with the JCC to ensure appropriate
monitoring, inspection and safe passage.
• Inbound and outbound ships (to the designated corridor) transit as per a schedule accorded
by the JCC post-inspection. This is done so as to ensure there is no unauthorised cargo or
personnel onboard.Following this, they are allowed to sail onwards to Ukrainian ports for
loading through the designated corridor.
• All ships, once inside the Ukrainian territorial waters, are subject to the nation’s authority
and responsibility.
• Moreover, in order to avoid provocations and untoward incidents, it is mandated that

monitoring be done remotely.
• No military ships or unmanned aerial vehicles can approach the corridor closer than a pre-
decided distance agreed upon by the JCC. This too would require consultation with the
parties and authorisation of the JCC.
Role in preventing escalation of prices
• As per the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, approximately 9.8 million
tonnes of grains have been shipped since the initiative was commenced.
• The UN Food and Agricultural Organisation’s (FAO) Food Price Index, which assesses the
monthly change in international prices of a basket of food commodities,fell for the sixth
consecutive month in a row this October.
• Following thefifth consecutive month of decline, the supply situation in markets was seen
to be easing, with the potential for further price drop
• People hoarding the grain in the hope of selling it for a sizeable profit owing to the supply
crunch were now obligated to sell.
• The initiative has also been credited forhaving made a “huge difference” to the global cost
of living crisis.
• About 44% of the shipments, which include corn, wheat, rapeseed, and sunflower oil among
others, reached high-income countries (including Spain, Netherlands and Italy among
others), 28% reached low and middle-income countries (Egypt, Iran, Sudan and Kenya
among others) and 27% reached upper-middle income countries (Turkey, China and Bulgaria
among others).
• It is important to note here that certain countries here may be re-exporters of a certain
grain— thus, the indicator might only reflect the first point of export.
Conclusion
As Ukraine typically accounted for about 10% of global wheat exports before the war, the effect on
global markets is akin to back-to-back droughts over three years in a major wheat-producing region,
and it likely means that global stocks will not recover for at least another year. This initiative can be
the solution to the current price volatility but then again, it alone cannot solve the escalating prices.

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INSIGHTSIAS

IA SIMPLIFYING IAS EXAM PREPARATION

INSTA SECURE SYNOPSIS

Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,

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

Reservation leads to casteless and classless society:

The pros of the reservation Act are:

• Reduces ghost beneficiaries: In some cases, it is expected to eliminate the desperation of

• Reduces Unwanted Adoptions: The legislation is also expected to keep savarna-caste

The cons of the reservation are:

• Discredits the moral foundation of the principle of social justice:

o Unfairness or an element of injusticeis rooted in the practice of untouchability,

• Sincerity of the Government

Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

An electoral bond is a non – redeemable debt instrument. Designed to be a bearer financial

About Electoral Bond

Critical analysis of electoral bonds

Alternate mechanisms for electoral funding

• According to Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi, an alternative worth

Merits of Simultaneous elections:

• Governance and consistency:

o To overcome the “policy paralysis and governance deficit” associated with

• Reduced Expenditure of Money and Administration:

o Expenditure can be reduced by conducting simultaneous elections.

• Continuity in policies and programmes:

o Simultaneous elections can bring the much-needed operational efficiency in this

o Populist measures by governments will reduce.

o During frequent elections there is increase in “vices” such as communalism,

Challenges to simultaneous elections:

o There is a dearth of enough security and administrative officials to conduct

• Changes in Constitution and Legislations:

o The following constitutional changes need to be made:

o Amendments needed in the following articles:

▪ Article 83 which deals with the duration of Houses of Parliament need an

▪ Article 85 (on dissolution of Lok Sabha by the president)

▪ Article 172 (relating to the duration of state legislatures)

▪ Article 174 (relating to dissolution of state assemblies)

▪ Article 356 (on President’s Rule).

o A definition of simultaneous election can be added to section 2 of the 1951 act

• Constructive vote of no confidence:

o The report suggested introduction of motion of no confidence in the incumbent

o To avoid premature dissolution of the house/state assemble in case of Hung

• Local and national issues will get mixed up distorting priorities.

o Simultaneous elections threaten the federal character of our democracy.

o Frequent elections act as checks and balances on the functioning of elected

• A focused group of constitutional experts, think tanks, government officials and

• Other alternatives should be explored to reduce election related expenses like

o State funding of elections

o Bringing in transparency in political funding

o Setting up National Electoral Fund to which all donors can contribute.

o It will also be consistent with the notion of collective responsibility of the

Provisions of language diversity in Constitution

• Negatives: It has led to several unintended consequences such as regionalism, linguistic

Language and cooperativr federalism: Way forward

Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and

About Central Information Commission

• To exercise the powers conferred on CIC under the RTI Act.

Powers and Functions

• Adjudication in the second appeal for giving information;

• Direction for record-keeping

• Imposition of penalties and Monitoring and Reporting including preparation of an Annual

Issues in the working of CIC

Way forward and Conclusion