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
General Studies – 1
Topic: Effects of globalization on Indian society.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
The article discusses the Digital India vision and the role of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in transforming India’s digital landscape.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about DPI, its components and impact on society.
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 defining DPI
Body:
First, write about the key components of DPI in India – Aadhaar, Digital Locker, Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and National Knowledge Network (NKN) and its their usage.
Next, write about the societal impact of DPI – access to essential services, improving digital literacy, bridging the digital divide, efficiency in government processes, fosters transparency and accountability etc.
Next, write about the shortcomings of the same.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
Introduction
Digital public infrastructure (DPI) refers to blocks or platforms such as digital identification, payment infrastructure and data exchange solutions that help countries deliver essential services to their people, empowering citizens and improving lives by enabling digital inclusion.
India, through India Stack, became the first country to develop all three foundational DPIs, Digital identity (Aadhar), Real-time fast payment (UPI) and Account Aggregator built on the Data Empowerment Protection Architecture (DEPA).
Body
About DPI
- DPIs mediate the flow of people, money and information. First, the flow of people through a digital ID System. Second, the flow of money through a real-time fast payment system. And third, the flow of personal information through a consent-based data sharing system to actualize the benefits of DPIs and to empower the citizen with a real ability to control data.
- These three sets become the foundation for developing an effective DPI ecosystem.
- Each DPI layer fills a clear need and generates considerable value across sectors.
- India, through India Stack, became the first country to develop all three foundational DPIs, Digital identity (Aadhar), Real-time fast payment (UPI) and Account Aggregator built on the Data Empowerment Protection Architecture (DEPA).
- DEPA creates a digital framework that allows users to share their data on their own terms through a third-party entity, who are known as Consent Mangers.
Growth of DPI
- Digital Infrastructure Development: Over the past decade, India has invested in the creation of robust digital infrastructure, including high-speed internet connectivity, data centres, and improved telecommunications networks. Initiatives like Digital India and Bharat Net have played a crucial role in expanding internet access to rural and remote areas, bridging the digital divide and empowering citizens with digital services.
- Digital Governance: The Indian government has made efforts to digitize various public services, enabling citizens to access government services online easily. This move has increased efficiency, reduced bureaucracy, and enhanced transparency in governance. Initiatives like Aadhaar, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), have provided a secure digital identity to millions of Indians, enabling easy access to various services and benefits.
- E-Governance and Service Delivery: DPI has facilitated the delivery of essential services like education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and social welfare schemes to remote and underserved regions. Initiatives like e-governance portals, telemedicine, and direct benefit transfer (DBT) have positively impacted the lives of millions by reducing inefficiencies and leakages in the system.
- Digital Payments and Financial Inclusion: India has seen a remarkable rise in digital payment platforms and fintech solutions, promoting financial inclusion. Government-led initiatives like Jan Dhan Yojana, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and BHIM have made digital payments accessible to the unbanked and underbanked population, fostering greater economic participation.
- Digital Entrepreneurship and Startups: The DPI has contributed to the growth of India’s startup ecosystem. The availability of digital infrastructure and ease of doing business has encouraged entrepreneurs to create innovative solutions, fostering economic growth and employment opportunities.
- Data Privacy and Security Concerns: As DPI continues to expand, data privacy and security challenges have emerged. With the increasing digital footprint, there is a need to strengthen cybersecurity measures and ensure responsible data handling to protect citizens’ personal information.
- Internet Penetration and Digital Literacy: While India has made strides in improving internet penetration, there is still a need to enhance digital literacy, especially in rural areas. Promoting digital literacy will empower citizens to leverage digital services effectively.
- Leveraging Emerging Technologies: As DPI evolves, India has the opportunity to leverage emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to further enhance service delivery and governance.
Conclusion
Overall, India’s progress in developing its Digital Public Infrastructure has laid a strong foundation for a digital economy. However, to realize the vision of inclusive and sustainable growth, continuous efforts are needed to address challenges related to data privacy, security, and digital literacy. Additionally, adapting to emerging technologies and fostering innovation will be crucial for India to maintain its momentum towards becoming a digital-first nation.
Value addition
- Aadhaar:
- Aadhaar is a strategic policy tool for social and financial inclusion, public sector delivery reforms, managing fiscal budgets, increasing convenience and promoting hassle-free people-centric governance.
- Aadhaar holders can voluntarily use their Aadhaar for private sector purposes, and private sector entities need not seek special permission for such usage.
- DigiYatra:
- DigiYatrais a Biometric Enabled Seamless Travel (BEST) experience based on a Facial Recognition System (FRS).
- Air passenger traffic in India was estimated to be over 188 million in airports across India in the financial year 2022, out of whom over 22 million were international passengers.
- DigiLocker:
- DigiLockerhas 150 million users, six billion stored documents, and done with a tiny budget of RS 50 crore over seven years.
- The users can store their documents such as insurance, medical reports, PAN card, passport, marriage certificate, school certificate and other documents in the digital format.
- UPI:
- UPI (Unified Payment Interface)has crossed eight billion transactions per month and transacts a value of USD 180 billion a month, or about a staggering 65% of India’s GDP per annum.
- UPI is currently the biggest among the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)operated systems including National Automated Clearing House (NACH), Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), Aadhaar enabled Payment System (AePS), Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), RuPay etc.
General Studies – 2
Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
The article emphasizes the importance of respecting and honouring the Indian Constitution, a foundational document that has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s democratic framework.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the various influences on Indian constitution and its impact.
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.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by highlighting some of the ideals and values of the Indian constitution as enshrined in the Preamble.
Body:
Associate the ideals and values with leaders such as Gandhi- Local Governance, Nehru – Socialist state, Ambedkar – Equality (social-economic-political), Buddha- Inclusive society and few others and you may also link it with the relevant articles of the constitution.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising.
Introduction
The Constitution of any country serves several purposes. It lays down certain ideals that form the basis of the kind of country that we as citizens aspire to live in. A country is usually made up of different communities of people who share certain beliefs, but may not necessarily agree on all issues. A Constitution helps serve as a set of principles, rules and procedures on which there is a consensus. These form the basis according to which the people want the country to be governed and the society to move on. This includes not only an agreement on the type of government but also on certain ideals that the country should uphold.
Body
Ideals & values inspired by great personalities & their philosophies in Indian Constitution
- We Indians have had a tradition of maintaining our Indian identity while also welcoming noble ideas emanating from all the sources.
- This cultural ethos also finds its reflection in the making of our Constitution.
- We have adopted the best practices from several other Constitutions of other countries.
- In addition, the imprint of our age-old values and the ideals from our freedom struggle can also be seen in our Constitution.
- Our Constitution is a national document whose different facets also reflect the democratic systems prevalent in our ancient Assemblies and Sabhas, Lichchhavis and other ancient Indian republics and the Buddhist Sanghas.
- Lord Buddha is the inspiration for India’s Constitution and the ‘dhamma chakra’ on the tricolour is the driving force for the country.
- His ideals of non-violence and compassion are strongly etched in the Fundamental rights and DPSPs.
- Swami Vivekananda propounded ‘man-making education’ which involves the harmonious development of the body, mind and soul. According to him, the lasting foundation for nation-building was not economics or politics but education.
- This is envisioned in Right to Education in FR and recent NEP.
- Gandhiji envisioned an India in which there shall be no high class and low class of people; an India in which all communities shall live in perfect harmony and where Women will enjoy the same rights as men.
- This has been implemented in the right to equality, right against untouchability, local governance with self-rule of people
- The dream of an India that has eliminated inequality was shared by Ambedkar, who played a key role in the making of the Constitution.
- Jawaharlal Nehru was a staunch advocate of socialism, democracy and anti-imperialism.
- The ideals of Socialism was promoted by Bhagat Singh too through HSRA.
- Bose viewed freedom not only in terms of political self-rule but also freedom from socio-economic inequalities, casteism, intolerance etc. Bose held steadfast to a vision of large scale industrialisation and a politics devoid of irrationality and religiosity.
- Thakkar Bapa promoted and stood for the Tribal Rights which is enshrined in the 5th and 6th Schedules of Constitution.
Conclusion
Thus, the values that inspired and guided the freedom struggle and were in turn nurtured by it, formed the foundation for India’s democracy. These values are embedded in the Preamble, FR and DPSPs of the Indian Constitution.
Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the way in which India has to deal with China.
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 context regarding the Indo-China situation.
Body:
Present a background on recent India-China relations; Continuing stand-off: no signs of resolution, disengagement has stalled and talks been fruitless. Rupture bilateral relationship: Political relations are marked by hostility and distrust.
Next, write about the measures that India can take in this regard.
Conclusion:
Suggest a way forward.
Introduction
India-China relationship is dotted with competition, cooperation, and discord. China’s attempt to raise its economic and political profile in the subcontinent was seen as a challenge to India’s authority in the region. India’s military engagements with the U.S. and Japan (China’s main strategic rivals) were seen as a serious challenge to Chinese security.
Likewise, China increased its aggression towards India in recent times, reaching the peak with the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. The disengagement is still in the work and is ongoing.
Body
India China border dispute
- The border between India and China is not clearly demarcated throughout and there is no mutually agreed Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- The LAC is the demarcation that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory. India considers the LAC to be 3,488 km long, while the Chinese consider it to be only around 2,000 km.
- India used the Johnson Line and claimed Aksai Chin as its own. China, however, do not recognise it and instead accepts McDonald Line which puts Aksai Chin under its control.
- The disputed boundary in the Eastern Sector (Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim) is over the McMahon Line (in Arunachal Pradesh) decided in 1914 in a meeting of Representatives of China, India, and Tibet in Shimla.
- Though the Chinese representatives at the meeting initiated the agreement, they subsequently refused to accept it.
- The Tawang tract claimed by China was taken over by India in 1951.
Chinese aggression in recent times
- Galwan Clash: Chinese soldiers crossed the LAC around the Galwan River valley during May 2020.
- There were reports of Chinese soldiers having moved into Indian territory at multiple locations in eastern Ladakh across the LAC leading to high levels of tension between India and China.
- In the events that followed at least 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a clash with Chinese forces. It was the first deadly clash in the border area in at least 45 years.
- China’s dominance in the South China Sea and its policy of “Debt-Trap diplomacy”, “Island-encirclement” and “String of Pearls” show that there is no adherence to morality.
- India-China fault lines: At the Galwan Valley in Ladakh, China has violated the status quo intruding into territory that is clearly on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control, or LAC.
- Taiwan-China conflict: Island encirclement against Taiwan and forceful takeover are becoming more of a reality considering Chinese navy and air force activities in the region.
- Hong-Kong unrest: The ‘one country two systems’ in Hong Kong is dead and with it, the pretence that the same could be applied for the peaceful unification of Taiwan.
- Eg: Extension of national security law to Hong-Kong and recent warning to Taiwan on possibility of war if it shores up defence weapons.
- South China Sea: China claims 90% of south China sea as its sovereign territory, continuously terrorising Vietnam, Philippines wrt Paracel and Spratly islands.
- Belt and Road initiative: It is the 21st century Marshall Plan, through which China aims to dominate the world.
- String of Pearls: China has security and economic compulsions to develop its bases in India Ocean Region (IOR) to secure its communication lines. Its eagerness to establish China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is to develop strategic communication alternatives
- Salami Slicing: Continuously nibbling at neighbours’ land, at times even claiming an entire area on some dubious historicity, it successively builds up its military control over areas vital to its overall strategic designs. The annexation of Aksai Chin in the 1950s and repeated Chinese incursions into Indian territory are the executions of the same strategy.
Diplomacy and military resolve to deter China
- Indo-pacific diplomacy: India is also stepping up its strategic partnership with like-minded Indo-Pacific partners like US, Japan, Australia etc.
- Thus, we will see a far greater partnership between India and the United States on issues of mutual interest—which is likely to have a substantial China component. O
- This is seen in India being vocal about recent QUAD meet.
- Quad-plus: India will also likely look to build greater cooperation through configurations such as the “Quad plus” (expanding the existing grouping of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States to include New Zealand, South Korea, and Vietnam).
- Indian ocean is the key: New Delhi must invest in and develop its strategic assets—like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, for instance—to project power across the Indian Ocean.
- To weather a potential People’s Liberation Army (PLA) attack, India has placed greater emphasis on infrastructure hardening; base resiliency; redundant command, control, and communications systems; and improved air defence.
- India has grown closer to the US military in recent years, with Washington calling India a “major defence partner” while increasing bi- and multilateral training.
- In the event of an India-Chin war, US intelligence and surveillance could help New Delhi get a clearer picture of the battlefield
Conclusion and way forward
- The big picture is that China could no more afford to take India for granted and that ‘checks and balances’ were now recognised as a legitimate instrument for preventing ‘military’ conflicts in the post- Cold War era.
- Yet, the crisis unfolding along the LAC appears on one level to be a continuation of the trends witnessed in foregoing years.
- Also, even if the current tensions were to be resolved in the near term, India’s security perceptions about China are forcing India to undertake some force restructuring to maintain constant vigilance along the LAC, especially in the western sector.
- Thus, India must be proactive to resist any Chinese transgressions and at the same time utilise its diplomatic skills to tone down the tensions.
Value addition
Dispute settlement agreements
- A series of five agreements signed between India and China to address disputes arising over the LAC:
- 1993 Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility along the LAC
- 1996 Agreement on Confidence-Building Measures in the Military Field Along the LAC
- 2005 Protocol on Modalities for the Implementation of Confidence-Building Measures in the Military Field Along the LAC
- 2012 Agreement on the Establishment of a Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs
- 2013 Border Defense Cooperation Agreement.
- These agreements provide a modus operandi for diplomatic engagement at the military and political levels, as well as a set of “status quo” commitments both sides can return to in case of escalation
Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2024 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the scope of India–United States (US) relations – in spheres of defence, technology, etc. Alignment of the above relations and their divergence.
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 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 how even though in all these spheres they cooperate and are parallel in ideologies but not the same as both have diverged aspirations, and are based on different ideologies. Cite examples to substantiate.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a balanced opinion.
Introduction
India USA have seen ascendance of relationship in the 21st century, which was crystalised by 2008 India Nuclear Civil Nuclear Agreement. Various factors, including LPG reforms, rise of China, increasing influence of Indian community in USA are the factors behind this. Also, the shared values of democracy, rule of law, human rights, religious freedom bind the countries together.
The Prime Minister of India during an official state visit to the USA, led the 9th International Day of Yoga celebrations from the auspices of UN Headquarters in New York.
Body
India and USA relations aligned with each other
- Security: Combat terrorism and weapons of mass destruction Protect global commons like sea routes and sea lanes of communication.
- 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 U.S.’s “Priority Watch List” which identifies countries posing challenges to American intellectual property rights. Also, The US wants India to strengthen patent regulations, and to ease the limitations American companies investing in India face.
- 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.
The changing geopolitics, and increased Chinese aggression necessitates closer cooperation between India USA. Thus, the relationship is two-sided. Just as India benefited from US inputs during Doklam and recent India China standoff, the US has benefited from Indian defence spending.
General Studies – 3
Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
The article discusses the shadow of the Khalistan movement on India-Canada relations. It highlights how the issue of Khalistan continues to strain bilateral relations between the two countries, with recent controversies related to Sikh separatism affecting diplomatic ties.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the threats from the Khalistani separatist movements and steps needed to nip it in the bud.
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.
Body:
In the first part, write about the decline that was witnessed in the Khalistan insurgency in the recent years to due various steps of the government.
Next, write about recent developments and the Khalistan movement in India and abroad and threats to Indian internal security from it.
Next, write about the measures that are needed to tackle it.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
Introduction
The Khalistan movement is a fight for a separate, sovereign Sikh state in present day Punjab (both India and Pakistan). The movement was crushed in India following Operation Blue Star (1984) and Operation Black Thunder (1986 and 1988), but it continues to evoke sympathy and support among sections of the Sikh population, especially in the Sikh diaspora in countries such as Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Relations between India and Canada, strained due to the latter’s alleged leniency toward supporters of Khalistan, hit a new low recently. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed there was evidence to suggest India’s involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, designated as a terrorist by India, in Surrey this June. The Indian government rejected these allegations and accused Canada of providing shelter to Khalistani extremists.
Body
Khalistan movement: Background
- Its origins have been traced back to India’s independence and subsequent Partition along religious lines.
- The Punjab province, which was divided between India and Pakistan, witnessed communal violence and generated millions of refugees.
- The historic Sikh Empire’s capital, Lahore, as well as sacred Sikh sites like Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak, went to Pakistan.
- While most Sikhs found themselves in India, they were a small minority (2% of the population) in the country.
- The political struggle for greater autonomy began with the Punjabi Suba Movementfor the creation of a Punjabi-speaking state.
- The States Reorganisation Commission report (1955) rejected this demand, but the state of Punjab was reorganised (trifurcatedinto the Hindi-Hindu-majority HP and Haryana, and Punjabi-Sikh-majority Punjab) in 1966.
- The Punjabi Suba movement had galvanised the Akali Dal, which concluded theAnandpur Sahib Resolution (1973) demanding autonomy (not secession from India) for the state of Punjab.
- This demand had gone global by 1971 – when an advertisement in The New York Times proclaimed thebirth of Khalistan.
- By the 1980s, the appeal of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale had started creating trouble for the government.
- He and his followers (mostly from the lower rungs of the social ladder) were getting increasingly violent.
- In 1982, with support from the Akali Dal’s leadership, he launched a civil disobedience movement called the Dharam Yudh Morchaand took up residence inside the Golden Temple, directing demonstrations and clashes with the police.
- The Khalistan movement was crushed in India following Operation Blue Star(by the Indian Army to flush out militants from the Golden Temple and neutralise Bhindranwale in 1984) and Operation Black Thunder (1986 and 1988).
- While the operations were ostensibly successful in their aims, they gravely wounded (by the desecration of the Golden Temple) the Sikh community around the world and also galvanised the demand for Khalistan.
Decline of support to khalistan movement
- The bulk of the population turned against the militants, and India headed towards economic liberalisation.
- Punjab has long been peaceful, but the movement lives among some Sikh communities overseas.
- The diaspora is composed predominantly of people who don’t want to live in India.
- These people include many who remember the bad old days of the 1980s, and thus the support for Khalistan remains stronger there.
- The deep-rooted anger over Operation Blue Star and the desecration of the Golden Temple continues to resonate with some in the newer generations of Sikhs. However, even as Bhindranwale is viewed as a martyr by many and the 1980s remembered as dark times, this has not manifested into tangible political support for the Khalistan cause.
- There is a small minority that is clinging to the past, and that small minority remains significant not because of popular support, but rather because they are trying to keep up their political influence with various political parties both from the left and the right.
Impact on India’s internal security
- Threat to national security and integrity: the resurgence of the Khalistan movement is a threat to national security similar to the Kashmir and NE insurgency.
- May darken Punjab’s future: a poor law and order situation may deter investors to invest in Punjab thus further deteriorating its economy and leading to spillover effects in social and political sectors.
- Involvement of diaspora: The idea of forming a separate state for Sikhs has died down in Punjab; however, it has attracted the attention of a large audience in the diaspora who now have settled in other nations for long and thus have lost their affinity with India as their homeland.
- Misuse of social media: which defies any international boundary, thus misused by separatists in Pakistan and other nations.
- Bilateral relations may be harmed: the Khalistan issue has already harmed Indo- Canada relations and now straining Indo-UK due to the conduction of Referendum 2020 in these countries despite the Indian Government’s objection.
Steps to be taken to nip Khalistan from the bud
- Recognising new challenges: Recognizing the challenge posed by traditional stakeholders and new social media recruits is necessary.
- Collaborate with foreign governments: The Indian security and intelligence forces need to collaborate with foreign governments to monitor anti-India activities carried out by the Khalistani forces and restrict their funding sources.
- Enhance security efforts: The Indian government must heighten security efforts to counteract the increase in Khalistani social media activity since the opening up of the Kartarpur Corridor.
- Promote economic and social development: At the domestic level, the Punjab and Union governments and security forces must collaborate to improve the economic condition of the state to again put the state on the path of development.
- Engage with the Sikh diaspora: Indian agencies, such as the missions established in those countries, must diplomatically engage with the Sikh diaspora to tackle the misinformation campaign being peddled by Khalistani organizations. Such engagements will facilitate a positive relationship between the Indian state and the Sikh diaspora.
- Beef up security: Indian security forces need to step up their preparedness to tackle the increase in drones used to deliver weapons and drugs to Punjab.
- Engage Pakistan: In addition to Western countries, India should not back away from exercising diplomacy with Pakistan and should work to extradite terrorists hiding in Pakistan.
Conclusion
The violent Khalistani movement has vanished; however, the idea of a separate Sikh nation i.e Khalistan is yet to disappear.
General Studies – 4
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;
6. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Quotes Wednesdays’ in Mission-2024 Secure.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by explaining the literal meaning of the quote and highlighting its core meaning about selflessness.
Body:
Write about how true happiness and success can come from being selfless – lack of greed, being compassionate, less expectations, less focus on material aspects. Cite examples to substantiate your points.
Conclusion:
Summarise by highlighting the importance of the quote in the present day.
Introduction
“Selflessness” is characterized by low levels of self-centeredness and a low degree of importance given to the self.
Body
True meaning of selflessness in matters of public service
- Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest.
- They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their families or their friends.
- Selfish motivation often discourages public servants from taking initiative and helping others unless these activities are directly rewarded, which can be detrimental to their long-term performance, reputations, and careers.
- But many times a civil servants want to perform his duty selflessly but fail to do so due to external obstacles.
- The external obstacles can be political interference, non-cooperation from the seniors and colleagues, rigid institutional structure, etc.
- People do not have much control over their external factors but he can maintain integrity and probity at the individual level and can take steps for the betterment of the organization rather than surrendering to the situation and working against one’s conscience.
Significance of selflessness
- Selfless service keeps the civil servant away from any kind of corruption.
- A selfless civil servant can maintain absolute integrity because it is difficult to lure him/her by offering monetary or non-monetary gains to get some undue favor.
- A selfless person will always keep the public interest in mind while carrying out the duties. Expectation of selflessness from civil servant doesn’t provide the ground for denial of rewards for her performance. It rewards in terms of pay, promotion and public appreciation which can differentiate between the performer, mediocre and non-performer.
- Better remuneration, timely promotion, and rewards for carrying duties beyond the obligations make the spirit of selflessness and public service more sustainable.
- A civil servant is supposed to carry out his/her duties selflessly due to following reason: Selfless service keep the civil servant away from any kind of corruption. A selfless civil servant can maintain absolute integrity because it is difficult to lure him/her by offering monetary or non-monetary gains to get some undue favour.
- Selfless person will always keep the public interest in mind while carrying out the duties. Expectation of selflessness from civil servant doesn’t provide the ground for denial of rewards for her performance.
- It the rewards in terms of pay, promotion and public appreciation which can differentiate between the performer, mediocre and non-performer. Better remuneration, timely promotion and rewards for carrying duties beyond the obligations make the spirit of selflessness and public service more sustainable. Therefore any public service management policy should keep all these thing in mind.
- Selfish motivation often discourages public servants from taking initiative and helping others unless these activities are directly rewarded, which can be detrimental to their long-term performance, reputations, and careers.
Conclusion
A person who doesn’t keep the thought in mind while carrying out his/her duties” what is there in it for me” is considered as selfless service. It was clearly explained in Bhagavad Gita by the sloka “Karmanye vadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana” which means we should keep doing our action without worrying about the rewards.
Topic: Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators;
7. What does this quote means to you? (150 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4 and part of ‘Quotes Wednesdays’ in Mission-2024 Secure.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by explaining the importance of truth in a democracy.
Body:
First, highlight on the necessary factors for a functioning democracy such as fact, truth and trust
Next, elaborate on the inter-linkages between these factors with suitable examples
Next, mention few instances of democratic breakdown due to failure of one of the mentioned factors.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising the points discussed above.
Introduction
Facts help determine the truth. In today’s age there is mis-information being spread through social media platforms and people believe anything and everything. Lynching of innocent people on suspicion of child kidnapping or witch–hunting happens due to falsehoods. When there is a conscious effort to hide the truth, there cannot be trust in the government. This leads to a failed democracy. The example of Venezuela is a case in point.
Body
Without truth, there cannot be trust. If we don’t have any of these things, we can’t have a functioning democracy, much less try to solve the complex problems we’re dealing with today in the world. Law and order and existence of a peaceful civilization comes into jeopardy.
Take for example, the covid infodemic that led to panic all over the world. Even the anti-vaccination campaign by certain vested interest in India led to second wave being the most tragic in the world.
The deeper problem stems from the growing sense we all have that, today, even hard evidence of the kind that used to settle arguments about factual questions won’t persuade people whose political commitments have already led them to the opposite conclusion. Rather, citizens now belong to “epistemic tribes”: one person’s truth is another’s hoax or lie. This is evident among those of different political leanings and how they interpret the evidence of global warming or the conclusions of the Mueller Report on Russian involvement in the 2016 Trump presidential campaign.
Even the ethics of journalism that used to strive at bringing out facts and ultimately the truth is also fast receding. But we must strive for truth, because ultimately truth alone can triumph.
Conclusion
For a democracy to be alive and nurturing, its foundation should be based on truth. False narratives can only survive for brief period and when that bubble bursts, it can destroy a democracy and even a nation. Further for the growth of a nation and its citizens, there must be legitimacy to the governance and that comes from truth.
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