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Model Answer of GS Paper-2
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The General Studies (GS) papers in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) are designed to test a candidate’s overall understanding of a wide range of topics, from social issues to global events. Here’s a Model Answer of GS paper-2
1. Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation – one election” principle. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

Model Answer:

Electoral reforms are crucial for enhancing the credibility and efficiency of India’s democratic process. Various committees, including the Law Commission (170th and 255th reports), the Election Commission of India, and the NITI Aayog, have emphasized the need for reforms to address challenges like corruption, criminalization, and frequent elections.

One of the key reforms proposed is the “One Nation – One Election” principle. This concept suggests synchronizing elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies to be held simultaneously, which was the norm until 1967. It aims to:

  • Reduce election-related costs: Frequent elections lead to high administrative and security expenses. The Law Commission estimates that a single election could save thousands of crores.
  • Minimize the disruption of governance: Continuous election cycles hinder policy continuity due to the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct.
  • Curb political polarization and populism: Recurrent elections drive short-term populism rather than long-term governance.

While this reform offers significant advantages, challenges remain, such as constitutional amendments, logistical concerns, and the potential undermining of federalism. As recommended by the Law Commission, a phased implementation could balance benefits with operational challenges.

In conclusion, electoral reforms, especially “One Nation – One Election,” could enhance governance, reduce costs, and ensure political stability, but it requires a consensus-driven approach to address federal concerns and practical hurdles.

Model Answer:

Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals are alternate dispute resolution mechanisms aimed at reducing the burden on courts, but they differ in structure and jurisdiction.

Lok Adalats are statutory forums established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. They primarily focus on speedy and amicable settlement of disputes. Key features include:

  • Jurisdiction: They entertain civil cases, including matrimonial and property disputes, as well as compoundable criminal cases (e.g., traffic violations, cheque bounce cases).
  • Binding nature: The award given by Lok Adalat is binding and enforceable as a court decree. It is final, with no appeal provision, ensuring swift resolution.
  • Voluntary participation: The parties must consent to settle disputes.

Arbitration Tribunals, governed by the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, handle primarily civil disputes involving commercial and contractual issues. They differ in:

  • Jurisdiction: Arbitration is limited to civil matters, especially commercial disputes, and does not entertain criminal cases.
  • Binding nature: Arbitration awards are binding, but appeals are possible under specific circumstances.

In summary, Lok Adalats handle both civil and compoundable criminal cases, while Arbitration Tribunals are limited to civil cases with a focus on commercial disputes. Both aim for quick, cost-effective dispute resolution but operate in distinct spheres of the legal system.

Model Answer:

The growth of the Cabinet system in parliamentary democracies like India and the UK has gradually led to the marginalization of parliamentary supremacy.

Theoretically, Parliament is the supreme law-making body, responsible for scrutinizing the executive. However, in practice, the Cabinet, which consists of senior ministers from the ruling party, often dominates the legislative process. This is because:

  • Concentration of power in the executive: The Prime Minister and the Cabinet, who control the majority in the Parliament, dictate both policy formulation and decision-making. The dominance of the ruling party in the legislature reduces the scope for meaningful debate or opposition.

  • Party discipline: In a system where party loyalty is enforced through whip mandates, members of Parliament (MPs) from the ruling party are often compelled to support the Cabinet’s decisions, limiting independent legislative oversight.

  • Delegated legislation: A growing trend of the Cabinet issuing ordinances and executive orders further diminishes the Parliament’s role in direct law-making.

In conclusion, the Cabinet system has overshadowed Parliament’s legislative supremacy, with executive dominance often diluting the Parliament’s capacity to act as an independent check on the government. This raises concerns about the concentration of power and the weakening of democratic accountability.

Model Answer :

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) plays a crucial role in upholding financial accountability in government operations. While the CAG’s primary duty is to ensure the legality of public expenditure, i.e., checking whether the funds are spent within the scope of the authority given by the legislature, its role extends beyond legal oversight.

The CAG also examines the propriety of expenditure, meaning it evaluates whether government spending is prudent, ethical, and in the public interest. As observed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the CAG is the “guardian of the public purse.” This aspect of propriety audit ensures that public funds are used not only as authorized by law but also in a wise and economical manner, preventing wastage and ensuring efficiency.

In summary, the CAG’s mandate includes not just legality but also evaluating if the expenditure serves its intended purpose effectively and ethically, thus reinforcing transparency and good governance.

Model Answer:

Local bodies, comprising Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in rural areas and Municipalities in urban areas, play a crucial role in good governance by ensuring decentralized decision-making and fostering people’s participation in governance. Their functions include planning and executing policies related to public health, education, water supply, and infrastructure, thus promoting inclusive development.

The merger of rural and urban local bodies has been proposed in light of urban expansion into rural areas. Pros of this merger include:

  • Integrated planning and development: A unified approach can address challenges like waste management, transportation, and housing in peri-urban areas.
  • Resource optimization: Pooling financial and human resources can improve service delivery and administrative efficiency.

However, cons include:

  • Governance challenges: Rural and urban areas have distinct issues, like agriculture in rural areas versus industrialization in urban regions, making a unified governance structure less effective.
  • Dilution of rural representation: The merger may undermine rural voices in policy decisions due to urban dominance.

In conclusion, while merging can lead to resource efficiency, it may compromise the specialized needs of rural areas and affect their representation.

career strategists
6. Public charitable trusts have the potential to make India’s development more inclusive as they relate to certain vital public issues. Comment. (Answer in 150 words) 10 Marks

Model Answer:

Public charitable trusts play a crucial role in making India’s development more inclusive by addressing vital public issues such as healthcare, education, poverty alleviation, and social welfare. These trusts, governed by the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, channel private resources for public good, thereby complementing government efforts in bridging socio-economic disparities.

Their role is particularly significant in areas where the state’s reach is limited or where targeted interventions are required. For example, charitable trusts often operate in rural or marginalized regions, providing free education, healthcare facilities, or livelihood opportunities, which can transform the lives of vulnerable communities.

However, the potential of charitable trusts can be further enhanced by ensuring transparency and accountability in their functioning. Stronger regulatory frameworks and public oversight are essential to prevent misuse of funds and ensure that these trusts align with the broader developmental goals of equity and inclusiveness.

In conclusion, public charitable trusts can contribute significantly to inclusive development, provided they operate with integrity and are effectively monitored.

Model Answer:

Poverty and malnutrition are interlinked in a vicious cycle. Malnutrition impairs cognitive and physical development, reducing productivity and employment opportunities, which, in turn, perpetuates poverty. This cycle hampers human capital formation, leading to generational deprivation.

To break this cycle, multifaceted steps are necessary:

  1. Nutritional interventions: Expanding programs like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Mid-Day Meal Scheme to ensure adequate nutrition for children and pregnant women.

  2. Health services: Strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to provide access to maternal and child health services, immunizations, and nutrition supplements.

  3. Education and awareness: Promoting awareness on nutrition and family planning, especially among marginalized groups, while ensuring universal access to quality education to build future human capital.

  4. Livelihood opportunities: Implementing employment generation schemes such as MGNREGA and skill development programs to improve household incomes, breaking the poverty cycle.

  5. Social safety nets: Expanding cash transfer programs to support vulnerable families, enabling them to access food and healthcare.

In conclusion, a combination of nutritional, health, and economic interventions is critical to breaking the cycle of poverty and malnutrition and enhancing human capital formation.

Model Answer:

The Doctrine of Democratic Governance emphasizes that the government functions through the consent of the governed, making public trust in institutions crucial. For civil servants, who are the face of the state, their integrity and commitment are essential in maintaining this trust. If the public perceives civil servants as honest, efficient, and dedicated to public service, it strengthens the foundation of democratic governance.

When civil servants uphold transparency, accountability, and impartiality, they ensure fair and just administration, making governance responsive and inclusive. This boosts public confidence in government decisions, ensuring greater compliance and cooperation from the citizens.

Conversely, if public perception of civil servants is negative, marked by corruption, inefficiency, or nepotism, it undermines trust in democratic institutions, leading to alienation and apathy among the citizens.

Therefore, fostering a positive image of civil servants through ethical conduct, capacity building, and strict anti-corruption measures is vital for ensuring the smooth functioning of a democratic government.

Model Answer:

The West, especially the United States and European Union, is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and counter its growing political and economic dominance. This strategy gained momentum after the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the vulnerabilities of over-reliance on China for critical supplies like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and manufacturing components.

India’s strengths, including its large workforce, growing industrial base, and strategic location, make it an attractive alternative for global supply chains. For example, companies like Apple have started shifting production to India to diversify their manufacturing footprint away from China.

Additionally, geopolitically, the West views India as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific strategy to counter China’s assertiveness. The QUAD alliance (India, US, Japan, Australia) is a prime example of strategic cooperation aimed at promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, curbing China’s influence in the region.

In conclusion, fostering India serves both economic and geopolitical interests of the West, making India a pivotal player in the global power dynamics.

Model Answer:

India’s relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs)—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—have evolved into a significant part of its diplomatic, economic, and strategic agenda. These relations are crucial due to CARs’ geopolitical location and rich energy resources.

Economically, CARs offer India access to oil, natural gas, and uranium. The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and India’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) enhance trade connectivity and engagement in the region.

Strategically, CARs are vital to India’s interests in Afghanistan, and India’s security cooperation with them addresses threats from terrorism and radicalization. Additionally, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and increasing presence in the region have prompted India to deepen ties with CARs to counterbalance Beijing’s influence.

However, challenges like lack of direct connectivity, competition from China and Russia, and political instability in the region hinder closer cooperation.

In conclusion, strengthening ties with CARs is essential for India’s energy security, regional stability, and geopolitical positioning.

11) What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act? (Answer in 250 words). 15 Marks

Model Answer:

The Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 was introduced to address the growing menace of cheating, malpractice, and unfair means during public examinations. Its objective is to ensure fairness, transparency, and integrity in public exams, which are crucial for recruitment, admission, and certification in various public and private institutions.

Key Aims and Objectives of the Act:

  1. Prevention of Unfair Practices: The Act criminalizes cheating, impersonation, and the use of electronic devices for malpractice during exams.

  2. Stringent Punishments: It prescribes severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment for individuals found guilty of cheating or facilitating cheating, such as examiners, invigilators, and coaching centers involved in malpractice.

  3. Protection of Exam Integrity: The Act mandates strict surveillance, the use of technology like biometric authentication, CCTV monitoring, and secure question paper delivery systems to prevent leaks.

  4. Ensuring Accountability: It holds authorities responsible for maintaining examination standards and provides measures for investigation and prosecution of offenders.

Coverage of the Act:

Yes, the University and State Education Board examinations are also covered under the Act. It applies to all public examinations conducted by government bodies, public universities, state education boards, and agencies responsible for professional recruitment and academic certification. This broad coverage ensures that integrity is maintained across all educational and competitive exams.

In conclusion, the Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 aims to restore trust in public examinations by curbing malpractice, ensuring a level playing field for candidates, and upholding the sanctity of meritocracy in educational and recruitment systems.

Model Answer:

The Right to Privacy was declared a fundamental right by the Supreme Court of India in the landmark Puttaswamy vs. Union of India (2017) case. The Court held that privacy is an intrinsic part of Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. This right encompasses various aspects of personal autonomy, including bodily integrity, informational privacy, and reproductive choices.

The right to privacy, however, is not absolute and can be subject to reasonable restrictions if there is a legitimate interest such as national security, public order, or to protect the rights of others.

DNA Testing of Unborn Child and Paternity Issues:

The question of DNA testing of a child in the womb to determine paternity must be balanced with the right to privacy under Article 21. Courts have generally discouraged DNA testing unless it is necessary for the administration of justice or to protect the rights of an individual, including the child or the mother.

In cases involving paternity disputes, Indian courts often prioritize privacy and dignity over intrusive methods like DNA testing. The Supreme Court in the Banarsi Dass vs. Teeku Dutta (2005) case ruled that DNA tests cannot be ordered in a routine manner, as it impacts personal autonomy and privacy rights.

Further, Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 restricts any prenatal testing to prevent sex determination and female foeticide, unless required for medical purposes.

In conclusion, while DNA testing may help in determining paternity, it should be used cautiously to avoid infringing on the right to privacy. Courts must ensure a balance between scientific evidence and protecting personal liberty under Article 21.

Model Answer:

The Union Government has introduced several changes in Centre-State relations recently, focusing on improving cooperative federalism while balancing centralized decision-making for national unity. Some notable changes include:

Recent Changes in Centre-State Relations:

  1. Goods and Services Tax (GST): The introduction of GST in 2017 transformed fiscal federalism. While it unified the tax structure, states have raised concerns about delayed compensation and loss of revenue autonomy, which affects their financial independence.

  2. NITI Aayog: Replacing the Planning Commission, NITI Aayog emphasizes a bottom-up approach to planning, involving states in policy-making. However, concerns over its non-financial role and limited influence on state-specific issues remain.

  3. Centralization of Key Issues: The Union Government has taken greater control in areas like agriculture (farm laws) and labour reforms, which are traditionally state subjects, causing friction with states, particularly those governed by opposition parties.

  4. Financial Control: Increasing dependence of states on central grants and loans has created a fiscal imbalance, making states more reliant on the Centre, which can affect their policy autonomy.

Measures to Strengthen Centre-State Relations and Federalism:

  1. Strengthening Fiscal Federalism: Timely disbursement of GST compensation and more flexible financial allocations are essential to empower states.

  2. Dialogue and Consultation: A permanent forum like the Inter-State Council should be strengthened for resolving disputes and facilitating regular dialogue on contentious issues.

  3. Decentralization: State governments should be given greater autonomy in areas like education, health, and agriculture, ensuring the principle of subsidiarity in federal governance.

  4. Political Neutrality: Central schemes and resources should be allocated without political bias, ensuring fair and equitable treatment of all states.

  5. Judicial Oversight: Encouraging judicial clarity on constitutional federalism, especially on subjects like Concurrent List matters, can help resolve disputes.

In conclusion, building trust between the Centre and States is crucial for strengthening federalism and ensuring balanced national development. A collaborative approach, respecting the autonomy of states, can foster harmonious Centre-State relations.

Model Answer:

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India has grown significantly since the 1980s as a tool to promote social justice and ensure constitutional rights. It allows any individual or organization to approach the courts in the interest of the general public, particularly for marginalized sections of society.

Reasons for Growth of PIL in India:

  1. Access to Justice: PIL emerged to address the inaccessibility of justice for the poor and vulnerable. It allows relaxation of locus standi, enabling public-spirited citizens to file cases on behalf of disadvantaged groups.

  2. Judicial Activism: The Indian judiciary, especially the Supreme Court, embraced PIL as a means of judicial activism to ensure the protection of fundamental rights and enforce social welfare measures.

  3. Social and Economic Inequalities: PIL has been used to address issues like environmental degradation, bonded labor, women’s rights, child labor, and corruption.

  4. Expansion of Fundamental Rights: The Supreme Court has interpreted Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) expansively, making PIL a tool to address concerns like clean air, education, healthcare, and livelihood.

  5. Media and Public Awareness: The rise of media coverage and public awareness has led to increased use of PIL as a means to challenge government inaction or misuse of power.

Supreme Court: The World’s Most Powerful Judiciary?

The Indian Supreme Court, through PIL, has indeed emerged as one of the most powerful judiciaries in the world. Its proactive role in executive accountability, enforcement of rights, and monitoring of public administration is unparalleled. For example, landmark cases like Vishaka vs. State of Rajasthan (1997), which set guidelines for sexual harassment at the workplace, or MC Mehta vs. Union of India (environmental protection), underscore its wide-ranging authority.

However, this judicial power has also sparked debates about judicial overreach, where the Court is seen as stepping into areas typically reserved for the legislature or executive.

In conclusion, while PIL has strengthened the role of the judiciary in upholding democracy and rights protection, it raises questions about the balance of powers between the judiciary, legislature, and executive.

Model Answer:

India’s secularism is unique, reflecting its diverse cultural and religious landscape. The Indian Constitution ensures secularism by providing equal treatment to all religions while allowing the state to intervene in religious matters for social reform.

India as a Secular State:

  1. Constitutional Provisions:

    • Article 25-28 guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens.
    • Article 14 ensures equality before the law, regardless of religion.
    • Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on religion.
    • Article 44 advocates for a Uniform Civil Code to promote secularism.

  2. Positive Secularism: India follows the concept of positive secularism, which does not advocate a strict separation between religion and state but ensures equal respect for all religions. This allows the government to regulate or interfere in religious matters, particularly for social justice (e.g., abolition of untouchability, reform of personal laws).

  3. Religious Pluralism: India’s secularism respects religious pluralism, ensuring the state does not promote any one religion but allows all faiths to coexist peacefully.

Comparison with the US Secularism:

  1. Strict Separation: The US Constitution follows a model of strict separation of church and state under the First Amendment, which prohibits the establishment of any state religion and guarantees free exercise of religion. This is termed as negative secularism.

  2. Non-Intervention: In the US, the state does not intervene in religious practices or matters, whereas in India, the state can intervene for social reforms and to ensure equal treatment.

  3. Public Sphere: In the US, religion is largely kept out of the public sphere and government affairs, whereas in India, religion and state often interact, especially in matters like religious festivals, public holidays, and personal laws.

Conclusion:

India’s secularism embraces religious diversity and aims for equal respect for all religions, ensuring harmony in a pluralistic society. In contrast, the US follows a separationist model, where religion is kept out of state affairs. Both models aim to protect religious freedom but reflect different historical and cultural contexts.

16) The Citizens’ charter has been a landmark initiative in ensuring citizen-centric administration. But it is yet to reach its full potential. Identify the factors hindering the realisation of its promise and suggest measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Model Answer:

The Citizens’ Charter was introduced in India in 1997 to ensure transparency, accountability, and time-bound delivery of public services, promoting a citizen-centric approach in governance. Despite its potential, it has not fully realized its promise due to several factors.

Factors Hindering the Realisation of the Citizens’ Charter:

  1. Lack of Awareness: A significant portion of the population is unaware of the existence and provisions of Citizens’ Charters, reducing their effectiveness.

  2. Poor Implementation: Many departments adopt charters as a ritualistic exercise, without real commitment to improving service delivery or meeting timelines.

  3. Ambiguity in Service Standards: Charters often lack clear and measurable service standards, making it difficult to hold officials accountable for delays or failures in service delivery.

  4. Absence of Accountability Mechanism: There is often no proper grievance redressal system or penalties for non-compliance, reducing the pressure on public officials to adhere to the charter’s promises.

  5. Inadequate Training of Staff: Many government employees are not adequately trained in citizen-centric approaches, leading to resistance or inefficiency in implementing the charter effectively.

  6. Bureaucratic Attitude: The persistence of a top-down bureaucratic mindset undermines the spirit of the Citizens’ Charter, which is intended to place citizens at the center of governance.

Measures to Overcome the Challenges:

  1. Awareness Campaigns: Extensive awareness programs through digital media, social platforms, and local engagement can help inform citizens about their rights and available services.

  2. Clear and Measurable Standards: The charters should define specific, quantifiable service standards, making it easier to assess performance and accountability.

  3. Strong Accountability and Grievance Mechanisms: There should be a robust grievance redressal system with penalties for non-compliance, including time-bound responses to complaints and mandatory reporting of outcomes.

  4. Regular Audits and Feedback Mechanisms: Regular third-party audits of charter implementation and active citizen feedback can improve service delivery.

  5. Training and Capacity Building: Public officials should be trained to adopt a service-oriented mindset and ensure that they are equipped with the skills and resources to meet the charter’s commitments.

  6. Integration with Technology: E-governance platforms can make it easier for citizens to access services and track their requests, enhancing transparency and reducing delays.

Conclusion:

While the Citizens’ Charter has been a commendable step towards citizen-centric governance, it needs effective implementation and regular monitoring to realize its full potential. By addressing the issues of awareness, accountability, and bureaucratic inefficiencies, India can ensure that this initiative delivers the transparent, efficient, and responsive public services it promises.

Model Answer:

The marketization of healthcare in India has led to disparities in access to essential health services, particularly for marginalized and rural populations. The Indian state must play a key role in mitigating these effects and ensuring universal access to healthcare at the grassroots level.

Measures to Enhance Public Healthcare at the Grassroots Level:

  1. Strengthening Primary Healthcare Infrastructure:

    • Investing in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) to ensure accessible, affordable, and comprehensive healthcare services.
    • Increase the number of health sub-centres in remote and rural areas to reach underserved communities.

  2. Recruitment and Training of Healthcare Workers:

    • Hiring more qualified doctors, nurses, and paramedics and ensuring their presence in rural areas through incentives like higher pay and better working conditions.
    • Training Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Anganwadi workers for providing preventive healthcare, maternal and child health services at the community level.

  3. Affordable Healthcare Schemes:

    • Strengthen government healthcare schemes like Ayushman Bharat, which provides free secondary and tertiary healthcare to the economically vulnerable sections of society.
    • Expanding health insurance coverage for the poor, ensuring that they are protected from catastrophic healthcare expenses.

  4. Focus on Preventive Healthcare:

    • Launch awareness campaigns on sanitation, nutrition, and preventive measures like vaccination, which can reduce the burden of diseases.
    • Implement school health programs to address nutrition deficiencies and provide early healthcare interventions for children.

  5. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP):

    • The state can collaborate with private healthcare providers for specialized care while ensuring regulation of costs and maintaining quality standards.
    • Encourage telemedicine and digital health services to provide consultations and diagnosis in remote areas where physical access to doctors may be limited.

  6. Strengthening Local Governance in Healthcare:

    • Empower local bodies like Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to participate in the planning and monitoring of healthcare services at the grassroots.
    • Engage civil society organizations and local communities to create accountability mechanisms and ensure efficient service delivery.

  7. Funding and Budget Allocation:

    • Increase budgetary allocation for the healthcare sector, ensuring more spending on public health and addressing issues like malnutrition, maternal mortality, and infant mortality.

Conclusion:

A robust public healthcare system is essential to counterbalance the effects of market-driven healthcare. By investing in primary health infrastructure, ensuring equitable access, and focusing on preventive care, the Indian state can improve healthcare outcomes and ensure inclusive development at the grassroots level. Effective government interventions are crucial to achieving healthcare for all, particularly for the rural and economically weaker sections.

Model Answer:

E-governance refers to the use of information and communication technology (ICT) to improve the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of government processes and services. It is not limited to the digitalization of routine service delivery but encompasses the transformation of governance through citizen-government interaction. The Interactive Service Model (ISM) of e-governance is a key approach in this transformation.

Role of the Interactive Service Model (ISM) in E-governance:

  1. Citizen Participation and Empowerment:

    • The ISM enables two-way communication between the government and citizens. This interaction fosters participatory governance where citizens can actively provide feedback, suggestions, and complaints, empowering them to be part of decision-making processes.
    • For example, platforms like MyGov allow citizens to participate in governance by sharing opinions and participating in discussions.

  2. Improving Accountability:

    • ISM enhances accountability by enabling real-time grievance redressal mechanisms. Citizens can directly report issues like corruption or inefficiency, holding government officials accountable.
    • Tools like CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System) facilitate transparency in complaint resolution.

  3. Transparency in Governance:

    • The Interactive Service Model ensures greater transparency by allowing citizens to access real-time information on government services, policies, and spending. By making data available to the public, ISM reduces the scope for corruption and malpractice.
    • Platforms like the Right to Information (RTI) portal allow citizens to access public information seamlessly, ensuring government actions are open to scrutiny.

  4. Personalized and Responsive Service Delivery:

    • The ISM allows for personalized interactions between the government and citizens, tailoring services to meet individual needs. This reduces the bureaucratic delays and enhances the responsiveness of the system.
    • E-services like DigiLocker allow citizens to store and access documents easily, facilitating personalized and efficient service delivery.

  5. Inclusive Governance:

    • ISM bridges the digital divide by integrating citizens from remote areas through e-platforms and mobile governance. This ensures that marginalized and rural populations have access to essential services without visiting government offices physically.
    • The UMANG app is an example of integrating various government services under one platform, improving access for all sections of society.

  6. Building Trust in Government:

    • The ISM builds trust between citizens and the government by providing a platform where issues can be raised and resolved transparently. This trust is vital for improving the effectiveness of government programs and initiatives.

Conclusion:

The Interactive Service Model of e-governance is pivotal in transforming governance from a one-way service delivery system to a participative, transparent, and accountable model. By enabling real-time interaction, grievance redressal, and public participation, it ensures that e-governance is not just about technology but about making governance inclusive, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the people.

Model Answer:

Terrorism poses a severe threat to global peace and security, disrupting societies, economies, and political stability worldwide. The United Nations Security Council’s Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC), established in 2001 following the 9/11 attacks, plays a crucial role in coordinating international efforts to combat terrorism.

Effectiveness of the CTC and Its Associated Bodies:

  1. Coordination of Global Counterterrorism Efforts:

    • The CTC ensures global cooperation by encouraging member states to adopt and implement comprehensive counter-terrorism laws and frameworks. It monitors national counter-terrorism measures, promotes information sharing, and assists countries in developing their capabilities.
    • Through its Executive Directorate (CTED), the CTC conducts country assessments, provides technical assistance, and ensures compliance with international standards like UNSC Resolution 1373, which obliges states to criminalize terrorism financing.

  2. Strengthening Legal Frameworks:

    • The CTC has played a pivotal role in fostering the adoption of global conventions, such as the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism. These frameworks have enhanced states’ ability to curb terrorist financing and improve legal responses to terrorism.
    • By encouraging border control, cybersecurity, and law enforcement cooperation, the CTC has helped tighten the net on terrorist networks.

  3. Capacity Building and Technical Assistance:

    • The CTC, through CTED, works closely with countries lacking the necessary resources to combat terrorism. It provides training programs on counter-terrorism strategies, legislative frameworks, and intelligence sharing. Such initiatives strengthen the capacities of weaker states in tackling terrorism.
    • It collaborates with other UN bodies, such as the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), to enhance coordination and funding for member states’ counter-terrorism initiatives.

  4. Addressing New and Emerging Threats:

    • The CTC has evolved to address emerging forms of terrorism, such as cyberterrorism and the misuse of social media for radicalization. It advocates for the use of technology to counter terrorism while maintaining human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Challenges and Limitations:

  1. Lack of Enforcement Powers: The CTC can only recommend and monitor, lacking enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance.

  2. Varying Political Will: Some member states exhibit limited political will to implement counter-terrorism measures, weakening global coordination.

  3. Inconsistent Resources: Many developing nations lack sufficient financial and technical resources to implement robust counter-terrorism mechanisms, despite CTC assistance.

Conclusion:

While the CTC and its associated bodies have been instrumental in building a global legal framework, facilitating cooperation, and strengthening national capacities, challenges like limited enforcement capabilities and inconsistent political commitment hinder their effectiveness. However, with increased support, international collaboration, and resource allocation, the CTC can significantly mitigate the global threat of terrorism.

Model Answer:

The Maldives holds significant geopolitical and geostrategic importance for India due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean. Positioned along major international sea lanes, the Maldives sits at a critical junction for global trade and energy flows, making it a key player in the regional security dynamics.

Geopolitical and Geostrategic Importance for India:

  1. Control of Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs):

    • The Maldives lies near vital Sea Lanes of Communication through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and cargo traffic flows, connecting the Persian Gulf and Southeast Asia.
    • For India, ensuring the security of these routes is crucial for uninterrupted energy supplies and trade. A stable Maldives strengthens India’s capacity to monitor and safeguard these waters from piracy, terrorism, and other maritime threats.

  2. Maritime Security and Regional Stability:

    • Given its proximity to India’s southern coast, the Maldives plays a vital role in India’s maritime security architecture. Any instability in the Maldives can result in the Indian Ocean becoming vulnerable to external influences and non-state actors, posing a security risk to India.
    • The India-Maldives Defence Cooperation includes joint maritime surveillance, counter-terrorism efforts, and maintaining maritime domain awareness, which is essential for regional stability.

  3. Geopolitical Competition:

    • Amid rising Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and increased investments in the Maldives, India faces geopolitical competition. China’s growing presence, including infrastructure development and strategic investments, challenges India’s traditional influence in the region.
    • India’s response includes increased diplomatic engagements, infrastructure development aid, and defence cooperation to maintain its strategic foothold and prevent a potential Chinese encirclement under the String of Pearls strategy.

Impact on Global Trade and Energy Flows:

  • The security of the Maldives ensures that global energy flows from the Gulf to Asia and other parts of the world remain uninterrupted, which is critical not only for India but for global trade. Any disruption here can have a ripple effect on oil prices and global markets.

Conclusion:

The Maldives is critical to India’s maritime security, economic interests, and the broader Indian Ocean geopolitical dynamics. A stable and cooperative Maldives enhances regional stability, secures trade routes, and enables India to counter external influences, particularly from China. Strengthening bilateral relations with the Maldives is thus integral to India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy.

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