[Synopsis] Day 29 – July 31, 2024 – 75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 GS-2 Full Syllabus

75 Days Mains Revision Plan 2024 – GS 2

Full Syllabus

Topic: Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

Q1. Discuss the role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in maintaining accountability and auditing the country’s finances as provided by the Indian Constitution. (10M)

 Key Demand of the Question:

Discuss the role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in maintaining accountability and auditing the country’s finances as outlined in the Indian Constitution.

 Directive:

Discuss- examine and elaborate on the various functions of CAG of India in ensuring financial accountability and conducting audits as mandated by the Indian Constitution.

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in Indian Constitution.

Body:

First part: Role of the CAG in auditing the country’s services

Conducts audits of government accounts and ensures accuracy and legality of financial transactions.

Second part: Role of CAG in maintaining accountability

Provides reports to Parliament and State Legislatures on financial management and compliance.

Public Accountability

Constitutional Provisions: Article 148 to Article 151 of the Indian Constitution outline the powers and responsibilities of the CAG.

Conclusion:

Emphasize the importance of the CAG in upholding financial discipline and accountability in India.

Introduction:

Articles 148-151 in Part V of the Indian Constitution pertain to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which oversees financial administration and upholds constitutional provisions related to public finance.

Body: 

Role of CAG in maintaining Accountability:

1. Audit as Accountability: Reduces fiscal irresponsibility by ensuring recorded and prudent expenditure.

2. Parliamentary and Assembly Reports: CAG reports are laid before Parliament and State Assemblies for discussion, enhancing executive accountability.

3. Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Support: Assists PAC in reviewing financial, appropriation, and public undertaking reports, promoting accountability.

4. Public and Media Reports: CAG reports are publicly debated, fostering executive accountability.

Role of CAG in auditing the country’s finances:

1. Auditing Accounts: Reviews accounts related to expenditures from the Consolidated Fund, Contingency Fund, and Public Accounts Fund of India and states.

2. Departmental Audits: Examines trading, manufacturing, profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and subsidiary accounts of central and state departments.

3. Receipts and Expenditures: Audits receipts and expenditures to ensure compliance with rules and procedures.

4. Bodies and Corporations: Audits bodies financed by central and state revenues, including government companies and corporations.

5. Advisory Role: Advises the President and Governors on account maintenance practices.

Challenges in Effective Functioning of CAG:

1. Undefined Criteria: Lack of clear criteria for CAG appointment affects independence. Criteria should define qualifications and selection procedures.

2. Appointment Issues: The appointment process may lead to conflicts of interest, as the Prime Minister’s recommendation and President’s appointment could influence CAG’s impartiality.

3. Dilution of Accountability: Risk of appointing a ‘pliable’ CAG due to potential influence from the Prime Minister.

4. Report Reduction: Significant decrease in CAG reports from 55 in 2015 to 14 in 2020, indicating potential delays or reductions in scrutiny.

Suggestions:

1. Ensuring Independence: Establish clear laws and qualifications for appointing the CAG to ensure independent functioning.

• Example: The UK’s Exchequer and Audit Act (1983) involves joint selection by the Prime Minister and the Committee of Public Accounts, ratified by the House of Commons.

2. Curbing Delays: Grant auditors priority access to records within seven days, with explanations required for any delays.

Conclusion: 

As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar noted, the CAG’s office is crucial for upholding public trust and democracy, consistently meeting its expected role as a guardian of public finances.

Topic: India and its Neighbourhood relations

Q2. Explain the evolution of India’s foreign policy since the 1990s, highlighting the key shifts and strategic approaches that have shaped its international relations. (15M)

Key Demand of the Question:

Explain the evolution of India’s foreign policy since the 1990s, focusing on key shifts and strategic approaches.

Directive:

Explain

Structure of the Answer:

Introduction:

Briefly describe the context of India’s foreign policy evolution post-1990s.

Body:

First part: Evolution

End of Cold War and economic liberalization.

Focus on economic reforms and global integration.

Strengthening ties with major global powers (e.g., USA, Russia).

Regional engagement (e.g., South Asia, ASEAN).

Emphasis on multilateralism (e.g., UN, WTO).

Recent Developments: Focus on strategic partnerships and security concerns (e.g., Quad).

Act East policy, Act west policy, Leadership of Global South.

Response to geopolitical shifts and challenges (e.g., China, terrorism).

Conclusion:

Emphasize the ongoing and future directions for India’s international relations.

Introduction: 

Every foreign policy embodies elements of both continuity and change. Since the 1990s, India’s foreign policy has significantly evolved, influenced by domestic and global factors. Before 1990;s, India’s foreign policy was dominated by the principle of non-alignment.

Body: 

India’s Evolving Foreign Policy: Key Shifts and Strategies

1. Economic Liberalisation under LPG Reforms (1990s): Early 1990s economic reforms transitioned India from an inward-looking to a market-oriented economy.

• Impact on Foreign Policy: The need to attract foreign investment, enhance trade relations, and integrate into the global economy led to a recalibration of foreign policy.

2. Pokhran II and Strategic Autonomy: The 1998 Pokhran II tests established India as a nuclear power.

• Impact on Foreign Policy: India asserted strategic autonomy, pursuing independent foreign relations while engaging with major powers on its own terms.

3. Gujral Doctrine and Neighbourhood First Policy: Emphasis on a peaceful and favourable neighbourhood.

• Impact on Foreign Policy: Initiatives like SAARC and BIMSTEC focused on regional cooperation in trade, security, and connectivity.

4. Shift from Non-Alignment to Multi-Alignment (2000s): Post-1998 disintegration of the USSR and the rise of a unipolar world.

• Impact on Foreign Policy: Intensified engagement with major powers, notably the US, and countries in East Asia. The 2008 Indo-US Civil Nuclear deal recognized India as a de facto nuclear power.

5. From Look East to Act East Policy (2014): Transition from the Look East Policy to the Act East Policy under energetic diplomacy.

• Impact on Foreign Policy: Enhanced economic cooperation, connectivity, and strategic partnerships with ASEAN nations, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Aimed to counterbalance China’s influence.

5. Voicing Concern for Reformed Multilateralism: Advocacy for reforms in international organizations such as the UN, WTO, and WHO.

• Impact on Foreign Policy: Focus on global governance reforms, climate change, and terrorism.
• Example: Advocacy for permanent UN Security Council seats for the G4 nations.

6. Policy of De-hyphenation in West Asia: Historically, India’s relationship with Israel was linked to its stance on Palestine.

• Impact on Foreign Policy: Enabled independent strategic partnerships with Israel, including advanced missile defense systems, while maintaining distinct relations with Palestine. 

7. Strategic Partnerships and Security Concerns: India has prioritized forming strategic alliances to enhance security and influence.

• Example: The Quad partnership with the US, Japan, Australia, and India aims to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific and counterbalance China’s influence through joint defense and strategic cooperation. 

8. Leadership of the Global South: India has emerged as a key advocate for developing countries.

• Example: Inclusion of African Union in G20 under India’s presidency.

Conclusion:

India’s foreign policy has adapted to changing global dynamics while maintaining strategic autonomy. Emphasis on economic diplomacy, regional integration, and strategic partnerships reflects its evolving role in the 21st-century multipolar world.

ETHICS

Q3. Explain Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of seven sins. [10M, 150words]

Key Demand of question:

Explain the Gandhian 7 sins and its relevance in the modern world.

 Structure of the answer: 

Introduction: Start with the background of Gandhiji

Body:

• Explain each of the 7 sins briefly.
• Elaborate on how it’s relevant to the modern-day context.
• Use examples to justify your argument.

Conclusion:

Conclude by highlighting its significance.

Introduction:

Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of the seven sins, also known as the “Seven Social Sins” or the “Seven Blunders of the World,” reflects his concerns about the ethical and moral challenges facing society. Gandhi identified these sins as fundamental threats to human progress and societal well-being.

Body:

Gandhian 7 sins and its relevance in today’s world are:

1. Wealth without Work: Today, many professions facilitate wealth accumulation without actual work, such as exploiting tax loopholes or benefiting from government programs without contributing fairly. This trend highlights the disparity between enjoying the perks of citizenship and the responsibilities that come with it.

E.g. Karnataka Cryptocurrency scam, where illegal practices led to substantial financial losses.

2. Pleasure without Conscience: Many individuals now pursue personal pleasure without considering the impact on their loved ones or society. The focus should be on selflessness, sensitivity, and responsibility to ensure balanced and respectful relationships.

E.g. Environmental degradation caused by fast fashion.

3. Knowledge without Character: Knowledge without strong ethical principles can be perilous. Educated dictators like Hitler and Idi Amin used their knowledge for destructive purposes, proving that education alone does not guarantee moral governance.

E.g. Pooja Khedkar faking her certificate and candidature to get IAS.

4. Commerce without Morality: Adam Smith emphasized that economic systems need a moral foundation to function effectively. Ignoring this foundation can lead to an amoral society, where business practices and economic policies lack ethical integrity.

E.g. Hooch tragedy in Tamil Nadu.

5. Science without Humanity: This refers to scientific advancement conducted without regard for human dignity or safety. When science prioritizes technique over human values, it can become harmful.

E.g. unethical experiments during vaccine development

6. Religion without Sacrifice: Practicing religion without genuine commitment to service and sacrifice can reduce it to mere social façade. True religious practice involves addressing social issues and sacrificing personal pride to serve others effectively..

E.g. the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka

7. Politics without Principle: Politics devoid of principles can incite violence and ethnic cleansing. Historical examples, like Hitler’s regime, illustrate how a lack of ethical and moral standards in political leadership can lead to devastating atrocities.

E.g. Igniting religious violence among the people based on caste sentiments.

Conclusion:

Gandhi’s seven sins continue to offer a critical lens through which we can assess contemporary issues, urging individuals and institutions to uphold moral and ethical standards in all aspects of life. Addressing these sins helps foster a more just, equitable, and compassionate society.

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