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.
General Studies – 1
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the short-term and long-term outcomes of the tri-partite struggle and its role in facilitating invasions in early medieval India.
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.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context and mentioning the participants in the tri-partite struggle.
Body:
First, write about the short-term impact of the tri-partite struggle – long drawn out, war of attrition, indecisive for long etc.
Next, write about the long-term impact of the tri-partite struggle – lack of central authority, pan India empire, mutual animosity.
Next, write to what extent did tri-partite struggle play a part in invasions of India.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced judgement forward.
Introduction
The Tripartite Struggle was a three-way struggle between the Pratiharas, the Palas and the Rashtrakutas. It was also called Kannauj Triangle Wars and took place in the 8th and 9th centuries. The Tripartite struggle was for the control of Northern India and ultimately the Pratiharas emerged victorious.
Body
short-term outcomes
- During the rule of Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna III, there was successful campaign against the Cholas.
- The Rashtrakutas also formed a matrimonial relationship with other feudal kings.
- For the continuous war they had to maintain big armyand so that the tax was very high.
- Some rebellions against the rulers can thus be easily traced.
- Some scholars like R.S. Sharma identified the Kaibartya rebellions during the Pala period as a peasant revolt.
Long-term outcomes
- All the three powers became weak and then declined.
- All the contemporary powers became dependable on the samantas that was their weakness.
- After sometime the samanta kings became powerful and caused the downfall of the big powers.
- On the other hand the unnecessary war weakened the dynasties so that in North India we do not see any powerful empire in the later period.
- At the time of Muslim invasion North Indian powers became unable to protect themselves.
- The struggle resulted into the political disintegration of the country and benefited the Islamic invaders from Middle-East.
- So in conclusion we can say that tripartite struggle was a war without gain for the powers.
Conclusion
The three kingdoms were fighting amongst each other to have a control over the resource rich region around Kannauj in Gangetic valley. Each wanted to take the benefit of lack of strong ruler at Kannauj at that time. However, the struggle was mutually destructive for all of them. Nobody could emerge as a strong power. There was no stability and central rule in entire country. It led to political vacuum in north India and no attention to North West Frontier. Thus India became vulnerable to foreign invasion. Advantage of the situation was taken by Mahamud Ghazini and Mohammad Ghori.
Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
International Yoga Day is observed every year on June 21st to raise awareness about the importance and benefits of yoga.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the advantages of Yoga and its role in furthering humanity.
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.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by giving context.
Body:
First, in brief, write about the origins of Yoga in ancient India.
Next, write about the advantages offered by performing Yoga by bringing body, mind, and spirit into balance.
Next, write about the role of yoga in furthering humanity in the post covid world.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. Today it is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity. Recognizing its universal appeal, on 11 December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed 21 June as International Yoga Day. June 21, which is the Summer Solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world. International Yoga Day aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga. The theme for 2022 is “Yoga for Humanity”.
Body
The dire situation after COVID-19
- The post-Covid world faces several dilemmas.
- The rising tide of parochialism threatens to engulf humanity while depression, anxiety and innumerable physical and mental diseases have affected the well-being of people around the world.
- The World Health Organisation estimates that nearly 280 million people are suffering from depression.
Role of Yoga in furthering humanity in the post-Covid world
Physically:
- Yoga is also commonly understood as a therapy or exercise system for health and fitness. While physical and mental health are natural consequences of yoga, the goal of yoga is more far-reaching.
- Yoga is about harmonizing oneself with the universe. It is the technology of aligning individual geometry with the cosmic, to achieve the highest level of perception and harmony.
- Yoga does not adhere to any particular religion, belief system or community; it has always been approached as a technology for inner wellbeing.
- Anyone who practices yoga with involvement can reap its benefits, irrespective of one’s faith, ethnicity or culture.
Psychologically:
- Yoga asana’s and spirituality transcends religious, regional and virtually all forms of barriers.
- It helps to seek humanity in diversity – responsible consumerism (SDG 12) with social well-being.
- The concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” is inherently linked with sustainable life style which is a major component of Yoga.
- Yoga can not only help us improve our mental health but also help us perform our duty while maintaining equanimity under all circumstances.
- Yoga can also spark creativity, which can, in turn, enhance one’s self-esteem and improve focus.
Emotionally:
- Yoga can yield emotional health benefits because it’s an exercise that works both the body and the mind.
- Yoga practice comprises not just movement, but dynamic movements tied to breath.
- Focusing on body postures can shift attention away from negative thinking.
- Yoga’s deep breathing and meditation practices help foster an inner shift from to-do lists, kids and spouse’s needs, financial concerns, and relationship struggles to something a little bit bigger than the issues you face.
- Yoga helps relieve stress and declutters the mind, helping you to become more focused.
- Research shows yoga can benefit people with depression and schizophrenia, according to a review published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry.
- A study titled “Coping with coronavirus anxiety” by Harvard Medical School highlighted how yoga and meditation can help one stay calm in an increasingly tense environment.
- Yoga helps in elevating the levels of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is associated with better mood and decreased anxiety.
- Researchers around the world agree that yoga therapies play a key role in improving the quality of life by significantly reducing symptoms linked to depression, boosting immunity, improving cardiovascular functioning, and enhancing sleep patterns.
Conclusion
Yoga, an ancient practice and meditation, has become increasingly popular in today’s busy society. For many people, yoga provides a retreat from their chaotic and busy lives. Yoga is more than a physical activity. In the words of one of its most famous practitioners, the late B. K. S. Iyengar, “Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.”
Extra information: History of Yoga:
- Though Yoga was being practiced in the pre-Vedic period, the great Sage Maharshi Patanjali systematized and codified the then existing practices of Yoga, its meaning and its related knowledge through his Yoga Sutras.
- Sage Patanjali’s treatise on raja yoga, the Yoga Sutras, says Yoga comprises of yama, niyama, asana, pranayam, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi.
- The phallic symbols and seals of idols of mother Goddess of Indus Valley Civilization are suggestive of Tantra Yoga.
- Presence of Yoga is available in folk traditions, Indus valley civilization, Vedic and Upanishadic heritage, Buddhist and Jain traditions, Darshanas, epics of Mahabharat and Ramayana, theistic traditions of Shaivas, Vaishnavas, and Tantric traditions.
- Sun was given highest importance during the Vedic period. The practice of ‘Surya namaskara’ may have been invented later due to this influence.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
Recently, the Allahabad High Court, while allowing two criminal revisions pertaining to a dowry case, took cognisance of the misuse of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), proposed certain safeguards and directed the State authorities of Uttar Pradesh to take the necessary steps for their implementation in a given time period.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the judicial activism and how it may turn in to judicial overreach.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining judicial activism
Body:
First, write about the need of judicial activism. Substantiate using various examples where judicial activism has overcome the limitations of executive and legislature.
Next, write about how judicial activism can turn it judicial overreach and its impact.
Next, write about the ways to check judicial activism from becoming overreach.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
The Constitution, under various provisions, has clearly drawn the line between Legislature and the Judiciary to maintain their independence in their respective functioning. Article 121 and 211 forbid the legislature from discussing the conduct of any judge in the discharge of his duties, while Articles 122 and 212, on the other hand, prevent the courts from sitting in judgment over the internal proceedings of the legislature. In recent times, there have been criticism levelled against judicial activism, calling it adventurism and overreach.
Body
Background
Recently, the Allahabad High Court, while allowing two criminal revisions pertaining to a dowry case, took cognisance of the misuse of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), proposed certain safeguards and directed the State authorities of Uttar Pradesh to take the necessary steps for their implementation in a given time period.
Judicial activism needed in legislative vacuum
- Upholds Constitutional morality: An important case which employed this concept in an innovative manner was the Naz Foundation Case which used the concept of constitutional morality to strike down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code and decriminalize homosexuality.
- The Delhi High Court had said that “In our scheme of things, constitutional morality must outweigh the argument of public morality, even if it be the majoritarian view.”
- Executive lacks Political gumption: Justice Chandrachud’s view in the Sabarimala judgement, he held that women should be allowed entry in the Sabarimala temple against popularly held religious beliefs.
- Political parties and governments did not take a stand or repeal discriminatory laws in fear of losing support base of masses.
- To protect fundamental rights: Triple Talaq in 2017 was banned as being ultra vires to fundamental rights of Muslim women. This legislation would not have been accepted if it had come from the executive or through the Parliament.
- Right to privacy also became Fundamental right under Article 21
- Most trusted institution: A People’s Survey of India report noted that Indians had 80% trust in the Supreme court. Though not an elected body, the apex court is significant to uphold rule of law.
- Eg: Whistle Blowers Act against corrupt officials and politicians was given under Article 142, until Parliament made a law on the subject.
Demerits of Judicial activism
- Unelected body: Judiciary being the unelected body, does not enjoy the “General Will” of the people. Judicial restraint is more apt for such an institution rather than dictation a legislation. Eg: Ban on liquor sale on highways led to backlash as well as spurious means to overcome the dictum
- Lack of expertise: Judiciary lacks both time and resources to enact legislation. Sometimes practical difficulties of such enactments are not known to the courts.
- Eg: Ban on BS-IV vehicles from April 2020 which had to be extended many times.
- Against Constitution’s Mandate: Judicial Review is a basic structure of the Constitution; however enacting legislation is not. Courts can look into the validity of the law, but not necessarily make a law.
- Unaccountable: Politicians remain “accountable” to the people in at least some sense, because they depend upon them in order to continue in office after five years.
- Judges who are insulated from any external control are accountable only to themselves
- Judicial adventurism: Subhash Kashinath Mahajan v. State of Maharashtra (2018): the court amended the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, by annulling Section 18 which said that no anticipatory bail will be granted to persons accused under the Act.
- There was widespread protest and opposition to this from all quarters. Finally, the law brought in to undo this was also upheld in the court.
Conclusion
Each organ of our democracy must function within its own sphere and must not take over what is assigned to the others. Judicial activism must also function within the limits of the judicial process because the courts are the only forum for those wronged by administrative excesses and executive arbitrariness. Hence legislation enacted by Judiciary must be in the rare cases as mentioned above
General Studies – 3
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India
Why the question:
As the Narendra Modi government celebrates “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav”, an initiative to commemorate 75 years of independence, it is worth assessing the success of India’s bankruptcy code, which is arguably one of the most progressive commercial laws brought into force in recent times by the country, providing companies with the “freedom of exit”.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the successes of IBC and reforms needed in it to make it more holistic.
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.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by writing about Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) its aims and objectives.
Body:
First, list down the various features and achievements of IBC since its introduction.
Next, write about the various limitations in the performance of IBC.
Next, write about the reform that is needed to ensure that IBC performance leads to strengthening of its supporting role in capital formation and economic growth of the country.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
The game-changing IBC law made its debut in 2016, in the form of India’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy (IBC) Code, which allowed companies an easy and time-bound exit. The IBC effected a tectonic shift in the way lending was perceived. At the start of its implementation, a default as small as ₹1 lakh could lead to insolvency proceedings being initiated by the affected creditor. This gave creditors the confidence that borrowers, especially promoters, would take their debt obligations seriously.
Body
Success of IBC Code
- The IBC has initiated a cultural shift in the dynamics between lender and borrower, promoter and creditor. It played a critical role in reshaping behaviour of borrowers.
- Before enactment of the IBC, the recovery mechanisms available to lenders were through Lok Adalat, Debt Recovery Tribunal and SARFAESI Act.
- While the earlier mechanisms resulted in a low average recovery of 23%, the recoveries have risen to 43% under the IBC regime.
- Since enactment of the IBC, India significantly improved its ‘Resolving Insolvency’ ranking 108 in 2019 from 134 in 2014 where it remained stagnant for several years.
- India won the Global Restructuring Review award for the most improved jurisdiction in 2018.
- An IMF-World Bank study in January 2018 observed that India is moving towards a new state-of-the-art bankruptcy regime.
- Insolvency law has led to stability in financial systems.
- Recovery through the IBC was about Rs 70,000 crore in fiscal 2019 twice the amount recovered through other resolution mechanisms such as the Debt Recovery Tribunal, Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Securities Interest Act, and Lok Adalat in fiscal 2018.
- The recovery rate is also twice the liquidation value for these 94 cases, which underscores the value maximisation possible through the IBC process.
Issues persisting
- In its initial years, the IBC faced teething problems and it was expected that with the passage of time, these will be resolved and its functioning will improve.
- However, according to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) newsletter for January-March 2022, 7% of all the cases admitted for the corporate insolvency resolution process (CIRP) since 2016 that have been closed, 11% have been withdrawn, about 14 % settled, 30% liquidated and 9% resolved (wherein a resolution plan was approved).
- Data released by the IBBI shows that the resolution rate of cases under CIRP is rather low and that the number of cases seeing liquidation are three times more than those being resolved.
- Thus, it is clear that the CoC and courts have been bottlenecks for the IBC’s success.
- Banks, especially those in the public sector, are unable to take pragmatic decisions as any risk-taking that could potentially yield a low rate of dues recovery in the short term may be subjected to vigilance inquiries and audits.
Measures to be taken
- Freedom to banks: Allow banks to take bold decisions and not create an environment where they limit their decisions to choosing the ‘L1’ or lowest possible haircut quote in fear of future trouble.
- Most importantly, banks need to be freed of this regulatory overhang so that they can take bold measures for restructuring.
- To achieve this, bankers should be protected for bona fide decision-making during the resolution process, based on a premise like the ‘business judgement’ rule available for board directors in many countries.
- Written plea: Also, given that most of the delay occurs at the stage of case admission, it is worth making applications for admission under sections 7, 9 and 10 of the IBC disposable on a written plea rather than on oral arguments.
- Further, one could identify provisions under the IBC where courts are mandated not to adjudicate but only administrate.
- But concerns will remain over the expertise of commercial court judges to decide on such matters.
- Commercial courts need fresh talent with an understanding of business for proper decision-making.
- The insolvency litigation procedure should aim at reducing the duration of the process and also case volumes, so as to reduce uncertainties that result.
- This can be done by shortening the window within which a party must lodge a claim, whether it is an initial challenge or an appeal, which elsewhere is often shorter than in other civil or criminal litigation.
- In France, it is usually 10 days; in 2021, through insolvency and restructuring law reforms, it extended this further by providing for the full judicial resolution of certain disputes ahead of the confirmation of a restructuring plan by a court.
- In the same spirit of limiting insolvency litigation, the reform also limits which parties may initiate certain legal actions.
- These entail court-appointed insolvency practitioners or parties involved in the restructuring process.
- Another feature that is worth weighing is to either give some adjudicating power to the case’s insolvency professional or appoint a supervisory judge for each case. In France, such judges have exclusive power to authorize important settlements with the insolvent company, some of which also require insolvency court ratification.
- They are often the first to decide an issue, and though their decisions are subject to challenge at the insolvency court and the latter’s decision can be challenged before a court of appeal, insolvency courts tend to confirm the orders of supervisory judges.
- Most litigants expect they would need to escalate their case to a court of appeal to effectively challenge a supervisory judge’s decision, which is not easy.
- They are often the first to decide an issue, and though their decisions are subject to challenge at the insolvency court and the latter’s decision can be challenged before a court of appeal, insolvency courts tend to confirm the orders of supervisory judges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we need a serious rethink on how to design a suitable insolvency ecosystem for India amid our existing challenges of limited court capacity and high regulatory cholesterol. Whatever the government decides, it is important to act in time before the IBC loses its sheen and stakeholders who looked up to this law as a saviour give up hope and search of a newer regime.
Value Addition
About IBC
The IBC was enacted in 2016, replacing a host of laws, with the aim to streamline and speed up the resolution process of failed businesses.
The Code also consolidates provisions of the current legislative framework to form a common forum for debtors and creditors of all classes to resolve insolvency.
The Code creates various institutions to facilitate resolution of insolvency. These are as follows:
- Insolvency Professionals.
- Insolvency Professional Agencies.
- Information Utilities.
- Adjudicating authorities: The National Companies Law Tribunal (NCLT); and the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT).
- Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
The Centre has banned the use of ‘single-use plastic’ from July 1. The Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change had issued a gazette notification last year announcing the ban, and has now defined a list of items that will be banned from next month.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about concerns associated single use plastic and ways to successfully phase it out.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining single use plastic and give statistic related to plastic waste generation in India.
Body:
First, write about the concerns associated with single use plastic – usually goes into a landfill where it is buried or it gets into the water and finds its way into the ocean, releases toxic chemicals, affects Endocrine system which can cause cancer, infertility, birth defects, impaired immunity and many other ailments etc
Next, write about the ways in which singe use plastic can be phased out in the country and ensure its successful ban.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
Single Use plastic is a form of plastic that is disposable, which is only used once and then has to be thrown away or recycled. The single-use plastic items include plastic bags, water bottles, soda bottles, straws, plastic plates, cups, most food packaging and coffee stirrers. The single-use plastic products also prevent the spread of infection. Instruments such as syringes, applicators, drug tests, bandages and wraps are often made to be disposable. Also, single-use plastic products have been enlisted in the fight against food waste, keeping food and water fresher for longer and reducing the potential for contamination.
The Centre has defined a list of single-use plastic items that will be banned from July 1, 2022. The manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of following single-use plastic, including polystyrene and expanded polystyrene, commodities shall be prohibited with effect from the 1st July, 2022.
Body
Govt. of India has laid great emphasis on eradicating single use plastic which has become one of the biggest sources of pollution. During his Independence Day Speech this year Prime Minister had urged the people to take a pledge on Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th Anniversary on 2nd October to make the country free of single use plastic
Challenges posed:
- Petroleum-based plastic is not biodegradable and usually goes into a landfill where it is buried or it gets into the water and finds its way into the ocean.
- Plastic in oceans and forests are choking flora and fauna. In fact, plastic trash is expected to exceed the fish population in 2050.
- Microplastics have ability to enter food chain with the highest concentration of the pollutants.
- The PWM Rules Amendment, 2018, omitted explicit pricing of plastic bags that had been a feature of the 2016 Rules.
- Waste plastic from packaging of everything from food, cosmetics and groceries to goods delivered by online platforms remains unaddressed.
- The fast moving consumer goods sector that uses large volumes of packaging, posing a higher order challenge.
- Lack of adequate infrastructure for segregation and collection is the key reason for inefficient plastic waste disposal.
- Small producers of plastics are facing the ban, while more organised entities covered by the Extended Producer Responsibility clause continue with business as usual.
- Lack of consultation with stakeholders such as manufacturers of plastics, eateries and citizen groups: This leads to implementation issues and inconvenience to the consumers.
- Exemptions for certain products such as milk pouches and plastic packaging for food items severely weaken the impact of the ban.
- No investment in finding out alternative materials to plug the plastic vacuum: Until people are able to shift to a material which is as light-weight and cheap as plastic, banning plastic will remain a mere customary practice.
- Lack of widespread awareness among citizens about the magnitude of harm caused by single-use plastic: Without citizens ‘buying in’ to a cause, bans only result in creating unregulated underground markets.
- No strategy to offset the massive economic impact: Sweeping bans like the one in Maharashtra are likely to cause massive loss of jobs and disruption of a large part of the economy dependent on the production and use of plastic.
Measures needed
- Target the most problematic single-use plastics by conducting a baseline assessment to identify the most problematic single use plastics, as well as the current causes, extent and impacts of their mismanagement.
- Consider the best actions to tackle the problem (e.g. through regulatory, economic, awareness, voluntary actions), given the country’s socio-economic standing and considering their appropriateness in addressing the specific problems identified.
- Assess the potential social, economic and environmental impacts (positive and negative) of the preferred short-listed instruments/actions. How will the poor be affected? What impact will the preferred course of action have on different sectors and industries?
- Identify and engage key stakeholder groups – retailers, consumers, industry representatives, local government, manufacturers, civil society, environmental groups, tourism associations – to ensure broad buy-in. Evidence-based studies are also necessary to defeat opposition from the plastics industry.
- Raise public awareness about the harm caused by single-used plastics. Clearly explain the decision and any punitive measures that will follow.
- Promote alternatives like cotton, khadi bags and bio-degradable plastics.
- Provide economic incentives to encourage the uptake of eco-friendly and fit-for-purpose alternatives that do not cause more harm. Support can include tax rebates, research and development funds, technology incubation, public-private partnerships, and support to projects that recycle single-use items and turn waste into a resource that can be used again.
- Reduce or abolish taxes on the import of materials used to make alternatives.
- Provide incentives to industry by introducing tax rebates or other conditions to support its transition. Governments will face resistance from the plastics industry, including importers and distributors of plastic packaging. Give them time to adapt.
- Use revenues collected from taxes or levies on single-use plastics to maximize the public good. Support environmental projects or boost local recycling with the funds. Create jobs in the plastic recycling sector with seed funding.
- Enforce the measure chosen effectively, by making sure that there is clear allocation of roles and responsibilities.
- Monitor and adjust the chosen measure if necessary and update the public on progress.
- International examples:
- The success of imposing a plastic bag fee has also been established in cities like Chicago and Washington, showing that such interventions could be effective in shaping behaviour change.
- The European Union is mulling new laws to ban some everyday single-use plastic products including straws, cutlery and plates citing plastic litter in oceans as the concern prompting the action.
- Countries such as the U.S., Canada and the Netherlands have already put in place regulations to stop the use of microbeads in personal-care products. The sooner India adopts such regulations, the better
- Encouraging plogging: Picking up litter while jogging or strolling was kick-started on a small scale in a small part of Stockholm about an year ago, it has spread across the globe and India can adopt this as well.
Topic: money laundering and its prevention
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
The latest report of Indian funds in Swiss banks growing to a 14-year high did not evoke the kind of anger such news used to at the time of the India against Corruption movement.
Key Demand of the question:
To write unending menace of black money, its impact and measures needed to end it.
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.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of black money in India.
Body:
First, write about the various measures undertaken to tackle black money in India – Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015, Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs), etc. Also, write about the limitations in ending black money menace.
Next, write about the impact of black money on various facets.
Next, write about the measures that are needed to end black money menace in the country.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
There is no official definition of black money in economic theory, with several different terms such as parallel economy, black money, black incomes, unaccounted economy, illegal economy and irregular economy all being used more or less synonymously.
The simplest definition of black money could possibly be money that is hidden from tax authorities.
Body
Black money: Unsolvable problem
- Funds parked by Indian individuals and firms in Swiss banks, including through India-based branches and other financial institutions, jumped to a 14-year-high of 3.83 billion Swiss francs (over ₹30,500 crore) in 2021 on a sharp surge in holdings via securities and similar instruments while customer deposits rose as well, revealed a report on annual data from Switzerland’s central bank.
- The rise in aggregate funds of Indian clients with Swiss banks, from 2.55 billion Swiss francs (₹20,700 crore) at the end of 2020, marks the second consecutive year of increase.
- Besides, the money held in Indian customers’ savings or deposit accounts rose to a seven-year high of about ₹4,800 crore, reversing a two-year declining trend.
Impact of black money
- Loss of Revenue: Black money eats up a part of the tax and, thus, the government’s deficit increases.
- The government has to balance this deficit by increasing taxes, decreasing subsidies and increasing borrowings.
- Borrowing leads to a further increase in the government’s debt due to interest burden. If the government is unable to balance the deficit, it has to decrease spending, which affects development.
- Money Circulation: People generally tend to keep black money in the form of gold, immovable property and other secret manners.
- Such money does not become part of the main economy and, therefore, remains generally out of circulation.
- The black money keeps circulating among the wealthy and creates more opportunities for them.
- Higher Inflation: The infusion of unaccounted black money in the economy leads to higher inflation, which obviously hits the poor the most.
- It also increases the disparity between the rich and the poor.
Measures needed to curb black money
- Income declaration scheme and Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana: An amnesty Scheme to encourage voluntary disclosure of black money and avoid prosecution after paying a fine of 50% on the undisclosed income. An additional 25% of the undisclosed income is invested in the scheme which can be refunded after four years, without any interest.
- Amendment to Benami properties transaction act: To provide with a wider definition to Benami properties and to provide with robust structural mechanism to deal with black money.
- Promoting Cashless Economy: So as to ensure better control over money flow in the economy and prevent the creation of black money.
- Special Investigation team under Justice Shah: To unearth the black money stacked in the country.
- Demonetisation: To bring out the black money or flush it out of the economy by making it redundant.
- Transparency in political funding: By limiting the anonymous cash donations to Rs 2000 and introduction electoral bonds to prevent entry of black money in politics.
- Legislation: Enactment of the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 to more effectively tackle the cases involving black money stashed abroad.
- International Cooperation: India joined a group of 48 countries as early adopters to new global standards for automatically exchanging information from 2017. India-Mauritius and India-Singapore tax treaties amended to adopt source-based taxation of capital gains with a view to help curb tax evasion and tax avoidance.
- Project Insight: To curb the circulation of black money.
Conclusion and way forward
- Appropriate legislative framework related to: Public Procurement, Prevention of Bribery of foreign officials, citizens grievance redressal, whistle-blower protection, UID Aadhar.
- Setting up and strengthening institutions dealing with illicit money: Directorate of Criminal Investigation Cell for Exchange of Information, Income Tax Overseas Units- ITOUs at Mauritius and Singapore have been very useful, Strengthening the Foreign TAX, Tax Research and Investigation Division of the CBDT.
- Electoral Reforms: Elections are one of the biggest channels to utilize the black money. Appropriate reforms to reduce money power in elections.
- Imparting skills to personnel for effective action: Both domestic and international training pertaining to the concerned area. For instance, the Financial Intelligence Unit-India makes proactive efforts to regularly upgrade the skills of its employees by providing them opportunities for training on anti-money laundering, terrorist financing, and related economic issues.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Conceptual Tuesdays’ in Mission-2022 Secure.
Directive word:
Key Demand of the question: To write about most important ethical attributes of civil servants and ways to inculcate them.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning the role of cardinal ethical values of civil servants as per you.
Body:
First, list down the ethical values of civil servants and justification behind their need.
Next, write about how these ethical values be inculcate among the civil servants so that they remain ethical and efficient.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
For a civil servant, acting ethically is of utmost importance. A civil servant is supposed to possess the virtues of objectivity and impartiality. The cardinal ethical traits – Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Objectivity, and commitment to public service– form the ethical foundation of a civil servant and other values like non-partisanship, tolerance, responsiveness can emanate from them.
Body
Cardinal ethical attributes of civil servant
- Integrity and Honesty: Integrity is putting the obligations of public service above your own personal interests. Civil servants should be guided solely by public interest in their official decision making and not by any financial or other consideration either in respect of themselves, their families or their friends.
- Objectivity, Impartiality and Political Neutrality: Civil servants in carrying out their official work, including functions like procurement, recruitment, delivery of services etc. should take decisions based on merit and free from any partisan/political consideration.
- Commitment to Public Service: Civil servants should deliver services in a fair, effective, impartial and courteous manner to serve the larger public interest. The dedication to the public welfare cause is crucial.
- Accountability: They must be held responsible for every action and thus there should be no place for corruption or nefarious activity. They must leave no shadow of doubt whenever they take certain action and it must be transparently done.
Inculcation of ethical traits
- By being motivated and looking back at the reasons why we became civil servants in the first place.
- Reading about great personalities like Gandhiji, Sardar Patel and taking que from their lives to have a commitment for the public. This can lead to renewed motivation to do greater good for the society.
- Moral turpitude is a slippery slope. Hence even for once, a civil servant must not be tempted to be dishonest or immoral. This can lead to firm principles being set in stone.
- To put oneself in the shoes of others to understand their sufferings. For instance, Gandhiji when he came to South Africa could not go back seeing the plight of Indians and pledged to fight for their cause. This is how one can develop empathy and compassion.
- To be proactive while making decisions and disclosing information to the public through websites and RTI.
Conclusion
Civil service involves decision-making in the public sphere. They have to deal with many matters that are anonymous and discrete. Due to this, Integrity is an eminent desirable quality in civil servants.
A civil servant needs fortitude to stand up for their principles and withstand immoral or illegal pressures. Temperance or moderation is especially important for public servants. While taking decisions or responding to situations, civil servants have to be moderate. They should not swing to extremes, but act judiciously in a balanced manner.
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