[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 16 February 2024

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: population and associated issues.

1. While harnessing the benefits of a large population, it’s crucial to ensure that development is sustainable. Policies need to be designed to manage resource consumption, environmental impact, and social well-being. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

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-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about different approaches to be taken in order to greater prospects for demographic advantage and reaping the available demographic dividend.

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 and citing statistic regarding the population growth in India.

Body:

In the first part, write about the challenges that India will face because of it growing population.

Next, write about the various different approaches in education, health, environmental impact and skill development that need to be taken in the order ensure there is equitable growth and development resulting in a welfare state.

Conclusion:

Conclude by writing a way forward.

Introduction

According to the UNFPA State of World Population (SOWP) Report 2023, China is projected to hand over the baton of the most populous country to India by mid-2023. The report further added that India will have a population of 142.86 crores by mid-2023, which is 2.9 million higher than China’s population of 142.57 crores.

Undoubtedly, India has a population problem, but any strategy to change fertility rates should be carefully thought out. India’s population concern is largely restricted to Bihar, UP, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and MP.

Body

Rising population is a boon for India

• Population is a resource as long as the country’s carrying capacity is intact.
• There are greater prospects for demographic dividend than a disaster.
• With 68% of the working age population in 2023, the country continues to have a demographic window of opportunity for the next 35 years to reap an economic dividend.
• A demographic window of opportunity in itself will not automatically turn into an economic dividend.
• Declining and ageing populationin Japan, China, the US and other major economies.
  • Potential to become a worldwide market for both production and consumption, with lower manufacturing costs due to a relatively cheaper workforce.
  • This is very much evident in India’s IT sector.
• Potential to boost per capita GDPby an additional 43% by 2061, provided the socio-economic and political enabling environment is conducive.

Increasing Population is a bane for India

• Drastic population control methods run the risk of inducing forced population ageing.
  • A total fertility rate of lessthan 8 may not be economically beneficial for India. Once fertility tends to decline, it is hard to reverse it.
• What the country needs are policies that support an enabling environment that can provide high-quality education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure, and gender empowerment.
  • If India falls short in this, its “demographic dividend” can become a “demographic disaster”.
• Population growth acts as a hurdle in addressing effectively the problem of poverty, hunger and malnutrition and also in providing the better quality of health and education.
• SDGs 1, 2, 3 and 4are going to be affected adversely because of India’s existing pattern of growth in the population.
• Presently, India is producing around 25 million job seekers in the country, however, the country is able to provide jobs only to 7 million.This gap of 18 million is increasing the burden of unemployment and underemployment in the country, turning a demographic dividend into a demographic disaster.
• India’s population growth is not sustainable.India is only about 35-40% of China’s landmass.
• In the 19th century, when Europe had a demographic explosion, it had occupied America, Australia etc. India does not have another landmass to occupy and the available landmass cannot take this population growth.

Measures needed to ensure that population growth is a boon for India

• Employment or job creation: If India is able to generate sufficient and quality jobs for its bulging working age population.
• Education, skills generation and ensuring a healthy lifespan: It is critical not only for better productivity but it also reduces excessive public spending and helps in greater capital creation.
• Good governance: Reflected through conscientious policies, it will help in creating a healthy environment for increasing efficiency and productivity of the population.
• India needs to invest more in the health sector. India invests only 1.3% of its GDP. The family planning budget is only 4% of the entire health budget and within that India spends only 1.5% on birth spacing methods.
  • Investments should be made particularly for the old people because by the year 2050, India’s population of old people is going to grow almost 10 times more.
• Education is very important, not only for empowering women but for fertility to decline.
  • Education should be made free for women till college-level.
  • Better education will help women in better decision making for family planning.
  • Unless women are part of the workforce, no society can bring down fertility rates with progress. Therefore, policies must look at the whole issue of declining workforce participation by women.
• India needs to focus on some areas which are socially, culturally, economically depressed. Identification of 140 high focussed districts is the right step by the governmentin this direction. However, it needs to work in the whole of Bihar, U.P., Madhya Pradesh and Assam.
• India needs to give huge stress on declining sex ratiosand the discrimination towards girls so that people don’t have a high number of children in the hope of having a boy.
• India can achieve a number of SDGs if it links them with family planning.Family planning is a promotive and preventive method for bringing down maternal mortality and child mortality.
• It is important to see the issue of population growth not only from the national perspective but also from the state’s point of view i.e. different states need to be encouraged to take necessary steps for containing the population.

Conclusion

Opportunities and costs are the two sides of the coin when it comes to being the world’s largest populous country. However, the relatively younger population of India provides higher support ratios.

Topic: urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

2. Rapid urbanization can indeed lead to a host of challenges that require urgent interventions to ensure the sustainability of cities across the country. Elaborate. (250 words)

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-2024 Secure timetable.

Key Demand of the question: 

To understand the main issues in the urban areas as well as mention the necessary steps through planning and administration to boost the quality of life in urban areas.

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 an account on how rapidly Indian Urban spaces are growing both in terms of population density as well as growing urban spills .

Body:

First, mention the various issues plaguing urban areas such as a need for affordable housing, issues of urban slums, waste management, poor drainage etc.

Next, mention about the important factors on which policy deliberation needs to take place such as balance of urban population density with economies of scale and infrastructural facilities among others.

Next discuss the importance of mobilising funds other than public funds and also some of the essential components of urban planning to include sustainability, improved mobility etc for a well-functioning urban space.

Conclusion:

Conclude by summarising the key components for a functional and effective urban city.

Introduction

Currently, India’s nearly 30% population lives in urban areas and it is expected to rise upto 50% by 2050. Being a developing country with a huge population pressure India is facing many challenges due to rural to urban migration. To contain these challenges and to make a proper trajectory towards new India, Sustainable urban planning is an important aspect.

Body

Significance of sustainable urbanization:

• Safe drinking water: According to a report by NITI Aayog, 21 cities will run out of groundwater by 2020. To avoid further worsening of such crisis we need careful urban planning.
• Affordable housing: One of the largest government programmes is to provide affordable housing to citizens. Sustainable urban planning will help to manage land resources in equitable way.
• Urban sewage and solid waste management: In India less than quarter of the waste generated gets proper treatment. For rapidly growing urban agglomerations we need planning to manage this rising challenge.
• Transportation and communication: Sustainable urban planning will provide efficient and eco-friendly public transport facilities to overpopulated urban cities of India.
• Sustainable urban planning will also help in equitable resources distribution and affordable service delivery.
• It will also help in creating sustainable environment and disaster management.

In absence of sustainable urban planning India is facing manifold challenges:

• Rise in Slums:Few of the Asia’s largest slums are in Delhi and Mumbai where unplanned urbanisation led to polluted water, health issues and rising rate of crimes.
• Urban flooding:Floods in Mumbai and Chennai are examples of urban flooding. These are results of unsustainable urbanisation.
• Rising number of accidents:Fires in buildings and deaths in various urban accidents are daily routine in Indian cities.
• Degrading environment:According to WHO report, out of 20 most polluted cities, 14 are in India.

Challenges in sustainable urbanization:

• Economic Sustainability
  • Lack of Investments
  • Poor technology
• Ecological Sustainability
  • Dependence on fossil fuels and coal energy
  • Poor Waste management process and technologies
  • Vehicular pollution and Climate Change
• Social Sustainability
  • Building society based on constitutional principles
  • Increasing Population and Proliferation of Slums
  • Lack of public awareness
  • Weak gender perspective in development

Government efforts towards sustainable urbanization:

• Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) as a step towards harnessing the agglomeration economies of the urban centres and making cities engines of growth.
• It envisages convergence across various initiatives such as Amrut, Smart Cities, Hriday (National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Swachh Bharat.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for affordable housing with credit linked subsidy.
• Smart cities Mission- It is an urban development programme launched by the government of India with the mission to develop 100 cities across the country and making them citizen friendly and sustainable.

Way forward

• India needs to work on achieving the goals set by United Nations under SDG-11 to be achieved by 2030.
• Need for Comprehensive National urban plan for effective and timely implementation of policies and schemes
• Ensure access for all through adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums, transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport.
• Give special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women and children, persons with disabilities and older persons.
• Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces.
• Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning
• Substantially increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Conclusion

Cities are living ecosystems. They need to be managed accordingly. Rather than going by populist measures or sticking to the original master plans, local solutions to local problems, innovative, in situ and tailor made solutions should be evolved, adapted and adhered to. Authorities need to be willing to learn, evolve and discard if necessary. We need to empower our cities, with a focus on land policy reforms, granting urban local bodies the autonomy to raise funds and enforce local land usage norms.

General Studies – 2

Topic: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

3. Anonymous donations of high value tend to undermine electoral democracy and governance as they facilitate a quid pro quo culture involving donors and beneficiaries. Critically analyse the statement in the light of SC judgement on electoral bonds. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: The Hindu , Indian Express.

Why the question:

The five-member Constitution Bench, in a unanimous verdict, upheld every challenge to every aspect in the electoral bonds case, declaring the scheme unconstitutional.

Key Demand of the question:

To critically analyse electoral bonds scheme and reasons for it to be declared unconstitutional.

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 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.

Next, write about how they have increased opacity instead of increasing transparency. Write about the issues in them and reasons why the SC deemed it to be unconstitutional.

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.

The Supreme Court struck down the electoral bonds scheme as unconstitutional, relying on several grounds in its verdict..

Body

Critical analysis of electoral bonds

• Since its introduction, electoral bonds have become an essential source of financing for all major political parties.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Issues Highlighted by SC Against the Electoral Bond Scheme of the government:

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 255^th 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.

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

4. Do you think the government must take steps towards granting equality to queer couples and legalise same-sex marriages? (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Why the question:

Greece’s parliament approved a bill allowing same-sex civil marriage on Thursday, a landmark victory for supporters of LGBT rights that was greeted with cheers by onlookers in parliament and dozens gathered on the streets of Athens.

Key Demand of the question:

To write about legalising same-sex marriages in the country.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by giving context with respect to same-sex marriages.

Body:

In the first part, write about the need to legalise same-sex marriages in the country post the Navtej Johar judgement – Equal rights, improving mental health, ending stigma, granting protection, for true inclusivity etc.

In the next part, write about the impediments and legal obstacles to legalising same-sex marriages and its impact on social ethos. Throw light on the recent SC judgement and its implications on the queer community.

Next, write about measures that can be taken in this regard.

Conclusion:

Conclude with a balanced opinion on the issue.

Introduction

In a historic move, the Navtej Johar judgement of 2018 decriminalized homosexuality in India, overturning a colonial-era law that had criminalized same-sex relationships. This landmark decision marked a significant step towards recognizing the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community. However, there is still much progress to be made. One crucial aspect that requires immediate attention is the legalization of same-sex marriages. This essay will elucidate the pressing need for India to extend legal recognition to same-sex marriages, touching upon key facets such as equal rights, improved mental health, ending stigma, granting protection, and fostering true inclusivity.

Recently, Greece’s parliament approved a bill allowing same-sex civil marriage, a landmark victory for supporters of LGBT rights that was greeted with cheers by onlookers in parliament and dozens gathered on the streets of Athens.

Body

Judgement by Supreme Court

• All five judges have chosen to leave it to the legislature to enact such a law.
• Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul have ruled that queer couples have a right to seek recognition for their union, but declined to read down the provisions of the Special Mariages Act to that effect.
• On the other hand, Justices S. Ravindra Bhat, Hima Kohli and P.S. Narasimha reject the position, holding that any such recognition can only be based on statute.
• In effect, the Court has accepted the government’s view that any move to legalise same-sex marriages will fall in the legislature’s domain.

Need to legalise same-sex marriages in the country

• Equal Rights and Dignity: Legalizing same-sex marriages is fundamentally about upholding the principles of equality and dignity for all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation.
  • Denying same-sex couples the right to marry is a direct contradiction to the constitutional values of justice, liberty, and fraternit By legalizing these unions, India would take a significant stride towards recognizing LGBTQ+ individuals as equal members of society, thereby affirming their right to love and commitment, just like their heterosexual counterparts.
• Improving Mental Health and Well-being: The mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those in same-sex relationships, is often adversely affected by societal discrimination and legal marginalization.
  • Research consistently shows that granting legal recognition to same-sex marriages leads to improved mental health outcomes.
  • When individuals feel supported and recognized by society, they are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
  • Legalizing same-sex marriages is a vital step towards nurturing a more inclusive and mentally healthy society.
• Ending Stigma and Discrimination: Discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those in same-sex relationships, persists in various forms, from social ostracization to workplace discrimination.
  • Legal recognition of same-sex marriages sends a powerful message that love knows no gender and that all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation, are entitled to the same rights and privileges.
  • It serves as a catalyst for dismantling deeply ingrained prejudices and stereotypes, fostering a society where diversity is celebrated rather than feared.
• Granting Legal Protections: Legal recognition of same-sex marriages provides crucial protections for couples and their families.
  • It ensures access to inheritance rights, property rights, and spousal benefits, which are essential for the financial security and stability of LGBTQ+ families.
  • Additionally, it guarantees legal recourse in cases of divorce or separation, affording same-sex couples the same legal protections that heterosexual couples enjoy.
• True Inclusivity and Social Progress: A society that embraces diversity and inclusivity thrives and progresses. Legalizing same-sex marriages is a testament to India’s commitment to being an inclusive nation that values the rights and dignity of all its citizens. It signifies a shift towards a more progressive and forward-thinking society, one that recognizes the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of sexual orientation.

 Recent judgement and implications for queer community in India

• In concluding that there is no fundamental right to marry, the Court has negated the expectation that it would not allow discrimination against same-sex couples in the marital domain to continue.
• Marriage is indeed a social institution, with its own legal requirements and conditions for what constitutes a valid marriage.
• The right to seek social and legal validation through marriage is a matter of individual choice protected by the Constitution, but the Court still views it as being subject to statutory limitations.
• The majority disfavours the position that queer couples have a right to adopt children, but agrees with the minority that there is no bar on transpersons entering into heterosexual marriages.
• There is no disagreement among the judges about the right of such same-sex couples to cohabit and be free from coercion and threats.
• Given that large sections of India may be opposed to the legalisation of same-sex marriages on religious and cultural grounds, the possibility of Parliament taking the initiative to do so is quite bleak.
• The LGBTQIA+ community may now have to take heart from the Court’s direction that the government should form a committee to decide the rights and entitlements of queer couples.

Conclusion

In the wake of the Navtej Johar judgement, India has taken a monumental step towards recognizing the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. However, true equality can only be achieved through the legalization of same-sex marriages. By doing so, India not only affirms the equal rights and dignity of all citizens but also improves mental health outcomes, ends stigma, grants essential legal protections, and fosters a society marked by true inclusivity. Legalizing same-sex marriages is not just a legal matter; it is a testament to India’s commitment to being a nation that embraces and celebrates diversity in all its forms. It is now upto the Parliament to decide.

General Studies – 3

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

5. What Is the Dutch Disease? Discuss the pros and cons of the influx of foreign capital in the economy. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India

Why the question:

Bloomberg could join JPMorgan in adding India to its government bond index, increasing the chances of global investors deploying more funds in India. This comes as China’s stock market struggles, enhancing India’s appeal as a destination for equity investments. The net result would be good news for capital markets.

 Key Demand of the question: 

To write about the pros and cons of foreign capital in the Indian economy.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction: 

Begin by defining Dutch Disease.

Body:

First, explain about the Dutch Disease in brief.

Next, write about the various positive aspects of foreign capital – First, international flows of capital, diversification of lending and investment, global integration of capital markets, allows the transfer of technology and can also promote competition in the domestic input market etc. Substantiate with examples.

Next, write about the various limitations of foreign capital in the economy – Dutch disease, volatility, lesser export competitiveness etc.

Conclusion:

Conclude by giving a balanced opinion.

Introduction

Dutch Disease in economics refers to a phenomenon wherein a country witnesses uneven growth across sectors due to the discovery of natural resources, especially large oil reserves. According to the concept, when a country discovers natural resources and starts exporting them to the rest of the world, it causes the exchange rate of the currency to appreciate significantly and this, in turn, discourages the exports from other sectors while encouraging the import of cheaper alternatives.

Body

Pros of foreign capital inflow

• Economy:
  • Capital inflows create higher output and jobs.
  • Capital inflows can help finance a current account deficit.
  • Long-term capital inflows are more sustainable than short-term portfolio inflows.
    • For e.g., in a credit crunch, banks can easily withdraw portfolio investment, but capital investment is less prone to sudden withdrawals.
  • Acts as a bridge by filling up budgetary gap, stabilize rupee and improves Balance of Payment situation.
• Knowledge economy:
  • Recipient country can benefit from improved knowledge and expertise of foreign multinational.
• Employment generation:
  • creates employment opportunity mainly in service sector and ITEC.
  • Investment from abroad could lead to higher wages and improved working conditions, especially if the MNCs are conscious of their public image of working conditions in developing economies.
• Infrastructure development:
  • FDI in construction, railways except operation help in developing projects like high-speed train, Freight corridor, etc.
• Taxation:
  • Increased revenue in the form of corporate tax and for community welfare development as CSR.
• Enhances Competition:
  • Increase competition among domestic manufacture, may lead to improved quality and services.

Cons of foreign capital inflow

• The motive of the foreign investors is only profit not the development of country sothey often shifts their bases in search of high profits so there is more volatility and speculations in capital market. With their sudden exit, there may be unemployment and high inflation.
• Gives multinationals controlling rights within foreign countries. Critics argue powerful MNCs can use their financial clout to influence local politics to gain favourable laws and regulations.
• FDI does not always benefit recipient countries asit enables foreign multinationals to gain from ownership of raw materials, with little evidence of wealth being distributed throughout society.
• Multinationals have been criticized for poor working conditions inforeign factories. e.g., Apple’s factories in China
• It threatens existing markets that are labour intensive byreplacing with technology as in multi brand retail.
• FDI favours short term returns over investments in
• Diffusion of technology in difficult inour country where the state of both human and physical capital is not yet on par with developed countries. so with the increase in technology many unskilled workers lost their jobs.
• In India, FDI is sector specific likefinance , IT, Banking, Insurance and outsourcing which predominantly employ skilled workers.
• The capital inflow at times worsen the regional inequalities. It is usually limited to urban and well developed regions like Delhi, Maharashtra etc, and states like Odisha receives around 1% of FDI. This makes richer region more rich and poor regions poorer.
• FDI may be a convenient way to bypass local environmental laws. Developing countries may be tempted to compete on reducing environmental regulation to attract the necessary FDI.

Measures needed

• Role of fiscal policy: 
  • Rising income due to the export of natural resources should be adjusted with cautious spending on public welfare.
  • There should be an efficient use of revenues coming from taxation to compensate for the adverse effects of the Dutch disease.
• Promoting spending policies: 
  • Public spendingsuch as concentrating on imports of tradeable rather than non-tradeable would help slow the impact of the Dutch disease.
  • Private spendingin order to improve the productivity of private firms would also help reduce the impact.
• Monetary policy: 
  • With the discovery of natural resources, the country seesa huge inflow of money, especially foreign currency.
  • The export of natural resources tends to affect the equilibrium in the money and exchange rate markets.
  • The Dutch disease can be prevented if the central bank raises the banking system reserve’s requirement, which decreases domestic credit.

Way forward

• Role of FDI can at most be seen as complementary and qualitative in nature.
• Government must bring reforms to encourage MSME sector which could boost the rural employment generation.
• Public expenditurefor investment in capital formation as infrastructure and energy is for long term benefits of spurring economic activity and creating short term demands.
• Spending on social sectors and India’s pressing issues of poverty, demographic challenge and agrarian stagnation are towards avoiding social unrest and maintain a social security net.
• Government while continuing to simplify processes to attract FDI must realise it’s limited role and thereby take upon itself to make headway towards strengthening pillars of economic development which are health, education, and employment.

General Studies – 4

Topic: strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance

6. Non-partisanship in public administration, is a precondition for ensuring that, regardless of their political orientation, citizens are treated fairly and in an equitable manner. Elaborate. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Easy

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.

Key Demand of the question:

trace the link between non-partisanship in public administration and equality amongst citizens.

Directive:

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 the importance of neutrality and non-partisanship in public administration.

Body:

Begin by talking about values which are important to the level of justice and continuity in public administration with suitable examples.

Mention about how public servants must be accountable to the government for the effective delivery of its programs.

Then finally talk about responsiveness of the administration to the government of the day within the law and the how constitution is key to the effective implementation of government policies in an equitable manner.

Conclusion:

Complete the answer by suggesting ways for neutrality in public administration in an increasingly polarizing world.

Introduction

Non-partisanship is not being specifically owned or affiliated with any group, party or cause. Non-partisanship can be called as political neutrality. Non-partisanship implies that the administrator is to do his/her task without any fear of or favour to any political party.

Body:

A bureaucrat is needed to be politically neutral:

• Neutrality depicts that public officials are not slaves to either the politicians or any other authority other than the moral authority of the Constitution.
• It shows that the principle of neutrality implies a measure of independence both from the partisan interests of the government of the day and the exogenous agenda that prompts certain social groups to cow others down to humiliating vulnerability.
• Bureaucracy should be neutral in terms of ideology and politics. So that there will not be an affinity to a particular class or ideology.
• For a genuine public official, commitment to constitutional principles is not only a lifelong project but, more importantly, it can be carried out without any political or ideological mediation.
• If bureaucracy won’t be neutral then it cannot lend its whole-hearted support to the existing political system, and to the economic and political system if any radical changes are introduced.
• Without neutrality, there can be a close nexus between bureaucracy and large-scale enterprises which could further lead to crony capitalism.
• By and large, the spirit of neutrality imbedded by civil servants enables them to perform their duties in a detached and impartial manner.

Impartiality and Non-partisanship which determine the foundation of a non-partisan public service. These are:

• Recruitment, promotions or even terminations should be completely free of any kind of political influence and done purely on merit basis.
• All public officials should perform their duties in an impartial manner.
• Kenneth Kernaghan has put forth a model of political neutrality which suggests the following:
  • Politics and policy are completely separate from administration. While politicians take policy decisions, it is the public officials which put them in execution.
  • All public officials are recruited purely on merit basis and not depending on any political inclination or affiliation.
  • Public officials do not engage in any partisan politics.
  • Public officials do not express their personal views on government policies and administration.
  • Public officials give correct and objective advice to their political masters.
  • All policies are implemented with full zeal and enthusiasm keeping all personal biases at a side.
• The major advantage of this value is that it removes all scope of controversy that a public servant may encounter during his time of service. Neutral nature of work will keep issues away from public fanfare.
  • Ex: If a public servant gives permission for holding rally to a particular political party and denies the same for another, it will create controversy. By maintaining neutrality this can be avoided.
• In multi religious and multicultural society such as India there are many issues that arise between two groups, which may result in tension. The public official must exercise his duty by maintaining distance from both the parties in order to maintain peace.
  • Ex: Religious procession is one of the many events where different groups show their strength. During this time the public official must be ready to take rational decisions without favouring one party over the other.
• Government is ruling body that needs to maintain distance from getting involved too closely with public. If that barrier is broken, the value and dignity of the position will be compromised.
  • Ex: Members of UPSC should keep distance from candidates who they know personally. If any links are established, then reputation of the body will be under threat.

Conclusion:

Impartiality and Non-partisanship both form essential foundational values for civil services. While impartiality ensures equality without any bias and prejudices in the general, non-partisanship ensures a neutral approach in politics and a solid commitment to the government

Topic: ethical issues in international relations and funding;

7. While the concept of international morality exists and is advocated by various actors in the global arena, the application of moral principles in international relations is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including national interests, power dynamics, and cultural differences. (150 words)

Difficulty level: Tough

Reference: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Lexicon Publications.

Why the question:

The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 4.

Key Demand of the question:

To write international morality and its nature.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Start by defining international morality.

Body:

Start by explaining what is international ethics – moral principles, customary International Law, Human rights, Cooperation, Non-aggression etc. Cite examples to substantiate your points.

Next, write about if it is just a theoretical concept or it is applied in practise as well.

Conclusion:

Conclude by giving a balanced opinion on international morality.

Introduction

Ethical questions are central to the study of international relations, as it is a field of study concerned with war and peace, trade and production, and law and rights. Yet, a persistent conventional wisdom suggests ethics are marginal to international relations.

Realists believe that International relations is solely based on power and national interest and has no place for morality. In the words of Thucydides “the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must”.”

Body

Do Ethical considerations have a say in international relations?

To answer this question, realists and idealists have an ongoing debate. But since the second world war, the debate was settled largely in favour of the realists.

Hans Morgenthau, gave 6 principles of Realism in International Relations

• Politics is governed by Objective Laws which have roots in Human Nature:
  • The first principle of political realism holds that “politics, like society in general, is governed by objective laws that have their roots in human nature.” Humans are power seeking by nature and so are the states.
• National Interest defined in terms of National Power:
  • No considerations of Moral Imperatives when it comes to national interest. For eg: Even though India espoused Panchsheel principles, China went to war with India in 1962 without as much of a warning.
• National Interest is always dynamic and it keeps changing. Eg: Russia had imposed arms embargo on Pakistan by being a friend to India, which was lifted recently.
• Abstract Moral Principles cannot be applied to Politics:
  • Politics is not ethics and the ruler is not a moralist. The primary function of a state is to satisfy and protect the demands of national interest by means of national power.
• No universal moral principle in international relations
  • Political realism refuses to identify the moral aspirations of a particular nation with the moral principles that govern the universe. It refuses to accept that the national interests and policies of any particular nation reflect universally applied moral principles.
• Autonomy of International Relations: It is neither ethics nor law or economics. It is an autonomous discipline where national interest reigns supreme

However, it must be noted that, it is without the element of morality that USA decided to use nuclear bomb on Japan. Only after this plan was executed, the world became aware of the devastating consequences that had ensued. Below are examples that highlight this norm.

• The alleged just war cause where a country thinks it’s their moral responsibility to save the world. E.g.: USA and Iraq war.
• Threat to the Rules-based order of the world by side-lining of the Global bodies like UNSC, WTO such as USA. Pursuing unilateralism and Protectionism goes against the ideal of Rules-based international world order.
• 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.

International morality and International Relations

• Rights and Responsibilities: The UNPeackeeping mission is based on the principle of universal peace. This is the responsibility of the Security Council and all the nations to maintain universal peace. India believes in this ideology and has been the largest cumulative troop contributing nation.
• Equality: Ethics aim at “Peaceful World”, “Respect for All” & “Equality” while forming international organizations, declarations & forums. E.g.: The demand for equality in IMF & UNO shows the demand of adhering to ethics in a way.
• Resolving Tensions: Ethics helps to avoid the “Ego Clash” & “Ideological Clash” between two or more nations. For instance, the disruption between India & Pakistan relations can be avoided if both take a decision based on ethics.
• Solidarity: Natural disasters and refugee crisis situations require a more compassionate view of the global community. These are not isolated events and rather, the duty of every global citizen to help in the times of crisis. g.- Aid during natural disasters (Nepal earthquake)
• Human rights: Adherence to human rights is vital after the Decalaration of Human Rights in the UN Charter. Eg- lack of ethics in the international relation has been the cause of wars & genocide many times in history (Rawnda and Burundi) and also like the first world war.

Conclusion

International ethic is not just an ethic of some leading country, it is not simply an ethic of a powerful country having obligations towards others, because of the power they have over others. International ethics may be elaborated as, that which enables one to participate more actively in shaping and building good international community. The vision of international community that every country has and reality of an international community provides us with food for thought, on what ought to be the nature and purpose of investing in international relations to build an international community.

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