Author: CD Staff

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar set out India’s red lines for the settlement process in Afghanistan during a UNSC debate. A Qatari official revealed that there was a “quiet visit by Indian officials to speak with the Taliban”.

India has been becoming more central to the negotiations with the Talibans. In this article we will discuss and analyse all aspects of Afghan peace process from India’s perspective.

The tension is the change in “the balance of influence between regional powers and the wider international community” where non-Western states have become more influential in matters of regional security.

Afghan Peace Process

• The Afghan peace process comprises the proposals and negotiations in a bid to end the ongoing war in Afghanistan.
• This US-Taliban deal signed in February 2020 was seen in India as a “victory for Taliban and Pakistan”.
• Although sporadic efforts have taken place since the war began in 2001, negotiations and the peace movement intensified in 2018 amid talks between the Taliban, which is the main insurgent group.
• Besides the US, major powers such as China, India, Russia, as well as NATO play a part that they see as facilitating the peace process.
• The Afghan peace group People’s Peace Movement sees regional and global powers as a cause of continued war.

The peace process has not made much headway mainly because violence by the Taliban continues unabated. The Taliban now view this as an important milestone and is busy trying to establish their military superiority on the ground.

Taliban prowess is ever increasing

• Every single day since the ceasefire, the Taliban is strengthening and violence is mounting high.
• Taliban is now more organized as an organization with diplomats on par with modern democratic nations with a state apparatus propaganda.
• The Taliban strategy seems to be to capture power in Kabul by violence and intimidation despite warnings from the international community.
• At the core of its diplomacy lies the untenable violent extremism based on radical religious ideology.

India and Afghanistan

• India’s contribution has been phenomenal in every area in Afghanistan since India built the Afghan Parliament.
• India has been a major military and developmental assistance partner for Afghanistan.

After years of mortal enmity, India is reportedly recalibrating its approach to the Taliban. Reports say New Delhi has opened an exploratory channel with a few Taliban factions. What explains this shift?

Why is India engaging with the Taliban?

• As the world and India have changed there is an aspiration that Afghan can’t be brought back from the brink.
• India wants to play a positive role and sabotage those countries that support other terror groups in Afghan.
• It is visibly clear and Taliban has claimed that the US withdrawal is a victory for them. At the same time, the democratically elected Afghan government is crashing.
• India is pressing on a peace process all around Afghanistan so that all countries shall be peaceful.

India’s concerns

• India is concerned over the violence and loss of lives in Afghanistan. Violence has increased manifold after peace talks have started.
• India, which has committed $3 billion in development aid and reconstruction activities, backs the Ashraf Ghani government in war-torn country.
• New Delhi wants an all-inclusive “Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled” peace process—not one that is remote-controlled by Pakistan, seen as the backers of the Taliban.
• It supports zero tolerance against violence.
• Our EAM has iterated that there is need of double peace i.e., within and around Afghan indirectly pointing towards the terror breeding centre, Pakistan.

What are the stakes for India?

• Afghanistan is a part of  India’s  extended  neighborhood and a link to Central Asia.
• But for Pakistan occupying part of Kashmir, India would have had a direct border with Afghanistan.
• Despite claims that the Taliban have changed in the past two decades, there is no proof that it has shed any of its obscurantist ideology which leans heavily towards Pakistan’s official foreign policy towards India.
• A Taliban-controlled government in Kabul would mean Pakistan controlling Afghan policy on India.
• And a repeat of the past when Pakistan used Afghanistan territory for anti-India activities.

US withdrawal raises the prospect of an India-Pakistan ‘proxy war’ in Afghanistan, it is neither inevitable nor will it be in India’s interest to engage in such a messy conflict with Pakistan in Afghanistan, especially when Pakistan will likely have the dominant hand.

Fear over sudden US withdrawal

• US withdrawal at this moment is very dangerous to Afghan. The Taliban is waiting for the US to withdraw.
• Once the last US marine leaves, it is no doubt that the Taliban would seize Kabul and bring the entire Afghan nation under control.
• With violence continuing, Afghanistan may slip back into civil war, with warlords cutting deals with the Taliban to control their areas of influence, triggering an indefinite period of instability in the entire region.

Terrorism and its export

• Cross border terrorism is increasing at the Indian borders. Pakistan has been since long sponsoring them modern arms.
• A ceasefire in Afghanistan may spill over the terror in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

International community’s role

• Many countries have been trying through multiple tracks to kickstart the stalled peace process in Afghanistan.
• UN-backed talks among Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, India, and the US “to discuss a unified approach to supporting peace in Afghanistan,” do not seem to be happening.

Role of regional actors: India and Pakistan

• Both rivals India and Pakistan have been in conflict regarding the Afghan peace process.
• Following a May 2020 attack at a hospital in Kabul, which the Afghan state blamed on the Taliban while the US blamed the regional ISIS branch, Pakistan accused India of trying to derail the process.
• The Afghan government denied Pakistan’s claims and cited that India is a partner.

Way forward

• India’s role in Afghan’s peace process and the road ahead is difficult as we see more process and less peace.
• India has urged for a permanent & comprehensive ceasefire in Afghanistan.
• Our External Affairs Minister has said that durable peace requires peace within & around Afghanistan. India also asserted the need for zero tolerance for terrorism.

 For a peaceful subcontinent

• Taliban have several sections that are both radical and some want talks with the international community.
• So international organizations like the UN must come forward to stop Pakistan sponsor of terrorism. The FATF should move beyond grey-listing itself.
• Nations should come together against the Taliban so that it can’t move forward without any foreign aid.
• Aid and developmental cooperation through the UN, India, USA must be done simultaneously for the restoration of democracy.

Conclusion

• A lot of complexities are involved in the Afghan theatre; tangible demonstration of commitment is required from all stakeholders for a political settlement and to have a permanent ceasefire in Afghanistan.

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Reference

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On 1st May 1960, the separate Marathi speaking state of Maharashtra was created.  Located in the western region of India, Maharashtra is the third-largest state in India in terms of area and the second-largest in terms of population. The State has been recognized as the country’s industrial powerhouse and maintains the position of being the most industrialized state.

Mumbai—the capital of Maharashtra, is seen as India’s financial capital, but is literally the Gateway of India-secular, progressive yet rooted.

Historical perspective

[A] Ancient

• Many Chalcolithic sites are located in present-day Maharashtra and some like Inamgaon (1300 BCE to 700 BCE) were extensively excavated.
• The Satavahanas ruled in regions belonging to present-day Maharashtra between the 1^st century BCE to 3^rd century CE.
• International trade with the western world was in full swing during this period. The ports in Maharashtra played a major role in this.
• The result can be seen in the excavation of many Buddhist rock-cut caves like Bhaja, Pitalkhore, Karla Nasik, etc. patronized mainly by the trading community.
• After the decline of the Satavahana rule, many small kingdoms were established in different parts of Maharashtra like the Abhiras, Traikutakas, etc.
• In the 8th century CE when the Rashtrakutas came to power, they were involved in creating the world-famous caves at Ellora.

[B] Medieval

• The Yadavas (10th century to 13th century CE) were the next rulers in the state. The Shilahara rulers were contemporary to them ruling in western and southern Maharashtra.
• Allauddin Khilji of the Delhi Sultanate defeated the Yadavas. Muhammad bin Tughlaq shifted his capital to Daulatabad (Devagiri) from Delhi for some time.
• This period marks the efflorescence of the temple building activity in Maharashtra.
• After the decline of the Tughlaqs, the Bahmani Sultanate started ruling over Maharashtra in the 14th century CE. After the disintegration of the Bahamani empire, the Nizam Shahi and Adil Shahi ruled over different parts of the state.
• In the 17th century CE, Chhatrapati Shivaji established his independent rule in Maharashtra. Maratha Empire lasted until the British took over it in 1819.

[C] Modern

• Maharashtra played a major role in the struggle for independence.
• The year 1885 saw the establishment of the Indian National Congress in Bombay.
• The establishment of the first Indian newspaper Darpan also happened in the state.
• Maharashtra has been a pioneer of women’s rights and the Indian feminist movement.
• From the early 19th century onwards, the state saw a host of thinkers and reformers who campaigned against child marriage and Sati, while simultaneously upholding women’s education and widow remarriage.
• Prominent names include the late Justice MG Ranade, Savitribai Phule, and Pandita Ramabai.
• India’s first female doctor, Late Anandi Bai Joshi comes from the state of Maharashtra.
• As early as the 1930s, cities like Pune was also known as a prominent educational hub and as the ‘Oxford of the East’.

Geography of Maharashtra

The modern state of Maharashtra is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the West, Gujarat and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the Northwest, Madhya Pradesh to the North & North East, Chhattisgarh to the East, Karnataka to the South, Andhra Pradesh to the Southeast and Goa to the Southwest.

Physical features

• The Western Ghats form the source of several major rivers of Maharashtra, notable among them being the Godavari and the Krishna.
• The Sahyadri Range is the defining geographical feature of Maharashtra. The Konkan, lying between the Arabian Sea and the Sahyadri Range, is a narrow coastal lowland.
• The Satpuras, hills along the northern border, and the Bhamragad Chiroli-Gaikhuri Ranges on the eastern border form physical barriers.
• Apart from the mainly occurring rock Basalt; other rocks like Laterite are found in the coastal humid and tropical region.

Natural resources found

• Maharashtra is rich in ore deposits. Granite, Granite gneiss, Quartzite, Conglomerates are found in the basement regions of the Konkan Rivers.
• Kamti of the Nagpur region is famous for coal.
• The Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Bhandara, and Nagpur Districts form the main mineral belt, with coal and manganese as the major minerals and iron ore and limestone as minor minerals.

Heritages

[A] Rock-cut caves and temples

• Ajanta and Ellora, in the vicinity of Aurangabad, are world-famous heritage sites. All these have been carved out of solid rock.
• Buddhist rock-cut caves like Bhaja, Pitalkhora, Karla and Nasik are also equally famous rock-cut caves in the state.
• The Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves on Elephanta Island.

[B] Folk art

• Musical forms like Powada, a song praising the valour of a great ruler and graceful dance forms like Lavani are popular art forms of the state.
• The Koli dance form is also famous in the coastal region of the state.

[C] Social-cultural reforms

• The Bhakti movement—a medieval movement spread all over the country between the 13th and 17th centuries found resonance in Maharashtra as well.
• Famous personalities of the Bhakti movement includes saint poets like Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Tukaram, and Chokhamela.
• The Warkari movement every year in June-July sees a plethora of farmers and myriad believers in Vitthoba (an avatar of Lord Vishnu) converge to Pandharpur in an annual pilgrimage.

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Related Previous Year Questions:

Q.There are only two known examples of cave paintings of the Gupta period in ancient India. One of these is paintings of Ajanta caves. Where is the other surviving example of Gupta paintings? (CSP 2010)

(a) Bagh caves

(b) Ellora caves

(c) Lomas Rishi cave

(d) Nasik caves

Q. In the context of Indian history, the Rakhmabai case of 1884 revolved around

1. Women’s right to gain education

2. Age of consent

3. Restitution of conjugal rights

Select the correct answer using the code given below: (CSP 2019)

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Q.Satya Shodhak Samaj organized (CSP 2016):

(a) A movement for upliftment of tribals in Bihar

(b) A temple-entry movement in Gujarat

(c) An anti-caste movement in Maharashtra

(d) A peasant movement in Punjab

Q.Consider the following pairs:

Famous place Region

1. Bodhgaya : Baghelkhand

2. Khajuraho : Bundelkhand

3. Shirdi : Vidarbha

4. Nasik (Nashik) : Malwa

5. Tirupati : Rayalaseema

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) 1, 2 and 4

(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5

(c) 2 and 5

(d) 1, 3, 4 and 5

Q. Among the following, who was not a proponent of bhakti cult?

(a) Nagarjuna

(b) Tukaram

(c) Tyagaraja

(d) Vallabhacharya

Hydrogen is all set to play a significant role in decarbonizing energy systems. Green Hydrogen has no carbon footprint through several challenges remain in its usage at a wider level. National Hydrogen Mission was announced by the center govt in this year’s Budget to tackle all these challenges. In this edition, we will discuss and analyze all aspects of this issue.

Green Hydrogen: Fuel of the future

• Hydrogen is primarily used in the petrochemicals and fertilizer industry and is produced largely from natural gas, thereby emitting enormous amounts of carbon dioxide.
• Depending on the nature of the method of its extraction, hydrogen is categorized into three categories, namely, grey, blue and green.
• Green hydrogen gas is produced by splitting water (H2O) into hydrogen and oxygen using an electrolyzer that may be powered by electricity generated from renewable energy sources.
• This gives hydrogen the edge over other fuels to unlock various avenues of green usage.
• However, challenges lie in terms of technology, efficiency, financial viability, and scaling up which the summit will aim to address.

What is National Hydrogen Mission?

• The Union Budget for 2021-22 has announced a National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHM) that will draw up a road map for using hydrogen as an energy source.
• The initiative has the potential of transforming transportation.

Why shift for Hydrogen?

• India has a huge edge in green hydrogen production owing to its favorable geographic conditions and presence of abundant natural resources.
• Presently India has around 6 million Metric tonnes of Hydrogen production every year which is almost 8% of the global hydrogen production.
• Hydrogen also offers an opportunity to decrease the dependence on Fossil fuel.
• The fertilizer, Steel, and transport sector need a lot of energy so we can decarbonize by using green hydrogen. Thus future of clean energy depends a lot on Green Hydrogen.
• The growth of solar has given a unique advantage for the growth of green hydrogen.
• Cheap solar tariffs mean the cost of powering the electrolysis process through surplus electricity at peak hours to generate hydrogen remains low.
• Setting up hydrogen generation plants near solar parks will further reduce transmission costs.

Major challenges

Overt regulations: Currently, multiple regulatory authorities regulate hydrogen use. The MoRTH regulates vehicle’s fuel carrier specification, MNRE regulates renewable energy sources, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board regulates pipelines and Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization regulates explosive substances, storage and fuel station’s specifications.

Economic sustainability: One of the colossal challenges faced by the industry for using hydrogen commercially is the economic sustainability of extracting green or blue hydrogen. Furthermore, the maintenance costs for fuel cells post-completion of a plant can be costly, like in South Korea.

Technological limitations: The technology used in production and use of hydrogen like carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen fuel cell technology are at nascent stage and is expensive which in turn increases the cost of production of hydrogen.

Lack of investment: The commercial usage of hydrogen as a fuel and in industries requires mammoth investment in R&D of such technology and infrastructure for production, storage, transportation, and demand creation for hydrogen.

Although, the draft regulations of NHM are expected to contain details pertaining to hydrogen technology, including storage, R&D, pilot projects, and other specification and safety standards.

Going Forward

De-carbonization: We need to decarbonize many Industries to shift towards green hydrogen technology.

De-regulation: Hydrogen being a versatile resource will require coordination among the various ministries and regulators.

Collaboration: Proactive industry collaboration with the government is key to creating a hydrogen economy in India. This will help bring best-in-class hydrogen technology, equipment, and know-how to create a hydrogen supply chain in India — in many cases, these could be “Made in India”.

Infrastructure: Hydrogen is highly explosive so storage must be highly secured. The NHM should aim to establish appropriate physical infrastructure and legal framework for the usage of hydrogen.  India also plans to extend the production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for manufacturing electrolyzer, which are used for producing green hydrogen.

R&D: The NHM can also highlight the need for global cooperation and generate opportunities for exchange of technology. To augment the NHM, constructive synergies among leading industries from different sectors like automobiles, power generation, refining, chemicals is necessary.

Capacity building: Hydrogen generation cost is very high. The draft regulations for NHM shall have a roadmap for affordable targets and capacity installation. Designated hydrogen hubs can be established to attract investment by providing infrastructural support like pipelines and renewable electricity for production, storage and transportation of green hydrogen.

Global cooperation: Global hydrogen initiatives have been gaining traction. The year 2020 saw 20 countries, including Australia, Canada, the USA, Japan, and Germany, announce hydrogen policies. India should ramp up international collaborations for more effortless transfer of technology and resources related to hydrogen.

Conclusion

• Green hydrogen is one of the most promising fuels in the efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
• India should aim to reduce the cost of hydrogen to less than $2 by 2030. By doing so, the demand is expected to increase by at least five times today’s demand to 30 million tonnes per annum by 2050.
• At this juncture, with calibrated approach, India can uniquely position itself to take advantage of increasing investment in R&D, capacity building, compatible legislation, and the opportunity for the creation of demand among its vast population.

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Reference:

There has been one year since the Galwan Valley clash in which 20 of our soldiers lost their lives and a number of Chinese troops were also killed. Both in terms of geography and numbers, China’s intrusion was neither local nor limited. This incident is touted to be the biggest face-off since the 1962 war.

Background: LAC Dispute

• In what was the worst clash between the two countries in over 40 years, the Galwan incident reverberated around the world.
• The casualties in the clash were the first in the disputed Sino-Indian border since 1975.
• The Galwan episode led to a rapid build-up of forces on both sides of the Line of Actual Control.
• This incident is being seen as major punctuation in the bilateral relations between India and China and what does the future hold for both neighbors.

Disengagement is yet incomplete

• Following multiple rounds of talks both at the military and diplomatic levels, an agreement was made on de-escalation and disengagement from all friction points in Ladakh.
• So far, the two militaries have disengaged only in the Pangong Tso lake area.
• But other hotspots remain, including the Chinese intrusions in the Depsang plains, Galwan, Goghra and Hot Springs. 
• Unless the Chinese troops vacate and redeploy along the pre-standoff alignment, a deep dive rebooting of ties might be impossible to commence. 

Where did China focus during these clashes?

• Chinese focused mainly on Siachin, Galwan areas, Depsang plateau, Kailash Range.
• This is the side where India always wanted to create a buffer zone since the 1962 war.

What is China’s consideration?

• There are many theories why China did so, what are its intention.
• Chinese are demanding area in Depsang side, North Bank of Pangong Tso.
• Infringement and stalemate persist in these areas since both countries clashed one year ago.
• China is living in denial.
• India is in no mood to ignore the “new realities” on the ground, and go ahead with a full- blown trade, commercial and people-to-people relationship between the two civilizational states.

Did India just win at the Line of Actual Control?

Military deterrence and economic and diplomatic maneuvering could not have altered China’s cost-benefit calculus on their own.

• If China had aimed to coerce India into accepting its territorial claims along the LAC, the massacre at Galwan Valley emboldened New Delhi’s resolve to fight back.
• Militarily, the effort marked the biggest mobilization of the Indian Armed Forces in recent decades.
• What followed was a concerted effort to use all of the economic, diplomatic, and military power at India’s disposal to push China to return to the status quo—what it called a “strategy of hurt.”
• This strategy communicated a simple dictum to Beijing: China should remove its soldiers and its bases, or India would inflict economic, diplomatic, and military costs.
• Diplomatically, too, India embraced the West more firmly, signing an agreement that furthers military cooperation between the US and QUAD.   It also sent an Indian destroyer to the South China Sea,

Repercussions of this incident

• The border has gone beyond the red line; it has become a major constraint between the two nations.
• Chinese will try to link the border issue to another thing: G7, QUAD, Pandemic, Virus is not natural, Chinese involvement in this, Australia joining Malabar exercise.
• But above everything, geopolitics still remain. Our EAM, S Jaishankar has outrightly clarified that it cannot be business as usual with China.

A lesson for the world

• Due to increasing engagement of India with the alliances like QUAD, G 7, etc., it is understandably palpable to China regarding the act of deterrence being showcased by the rest of the world.
• The QUAD, NATO and G7 are identifying China as a malign competitor, which has hegemonic ambitions in guise of trade.
• The Wuhan Lab Leak theory has raised eyebrows about China’s alleged role in the Coronavirus spread.
• In any case, the skirmishes with China are global incidences of utmost importance in cognizance with what China does in the South China Sea or Hong Kong.

Roadmap for the world

• Major countries have a heavy dependency on trade with China which all of a sudden cannot be de-linked.
• Thus China is a largely globalized country. Nations need to change this and create new alignments.
• India has to create its own upliftment and reduce dependence on China.

The ball is in China’s court, so the future moves depend on whether it accepts peace in the border through talks or it disengages on its own.

Lessons for China

China needs to scan carefully if it wishes a durable, good neighborly relationship with India:

1. First, China must not impede India’s rise as a global heavyweight. China should stop being conspicuous in denying India’s presence in other international decision-making bodies such as the UNSC, NSG etc.
2. Second, China needs to appreciate that India too is a deep civilizational state, whose cultural bandwidth extends from Southeast Asia to West Asia.
3. Finally, after years of friction, India wants to settle the border issue with China once and for all.

Way forward for India

• Since the Galwan incident, it is understandable that Indian forces remain vigilant throughout.
• India is now considering to explore all avenues which will make itself atma-nirbhar.

Conclusion

• Both sides have a history of prolonged and armed coexistence normally.
• Only a truly effective and general military deterrent will help India stand up to China’s bullying.
• And New Delhi today seems more determined than ever to move in that direction.
• This is likely to be a new phase in not only Sino-Indian ties but also the geopolitics of the larger Indo-Pacific.

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Reference:

• A few decades ago, when we talked of Federal Structure, one generally drew a uni-dimensional picture, in mind, with Centre on the top of all the States.
• We rarely saw it as a synergy between the States, and a common strategy to develop and grow together.
• Though, this is the new-age approach of the Federal Structure based on cooperative and competitive federalism defined and re-emphasized with the formation of NITI Aayog.

What is Federalism?

• Essentially, federalism is an institutional mechanism to accommodate two sets of polities—one at the regional level and the other at the national level. Each government is autonomous in its sphere.
• The Indian Constitution provides for a federation with a strong center.
• It does not use the word ‘federation’ and has described India as a “Union of States”, which implies the ‘cooperative’ nature with certain unitary features.
• The Union, State, and Concurrent lists demarcate the responsibilities and functions of the two.

The idea behind Indian Federalism

Federalism has to continuously maintain a difficult balance between the Centre and the States with decentralization of resources, strengthening them all by bringing the weaker leg forward, creating healthy competition among the States in the form of Health, Sanitation Rankings, etc.

• The idea is to develop a culture and a set of values and virtues like mutual trust, and a spirit of cooperation among the people and policies.
• It is about acknowledging and celebrating unity as well as diversity, respecting the boundaries as well as transcending the boundaries.
• The most common analogy given for such a structure is ‘the brain’ and ‘the body parts’.
• The way they work in tandem with perfect synchronization is the spirit, mind, and soul of federalism as well.
• Each organ is dependent on the other for smooth functioning and growth of the entire body.

NITI Aayog

• The NITI Aayog (abbreviation for National Institution for Transforming India) is a public policy think tank of the Government of India.
• It is established with the aim to achieve sustainable development goals with cooperative federalism by fostering the involvement of States in the economic policy-making process using a bottom-up approach.

Its founding principles include:

1. Cooperative federalism (a collaboration between the Central and State Governments) and
2. Competitive federalism (spurring healthy competition among States)

NITI Aayog Vs Planning Commission: A comparison

• Planning Commission and NITI Aayog, their mandate and approach of the two institutions, with the same overarching goal of developing India, could not be more different.
• Planning Commission operated through the lens of Five-Year Plans, using financial resources as the primary lever for guiding development.
• NITI Aayog, on the other hand, is driven primarily through intellectual firepower as well as the mandate and capability of forging meaningful partnerships with the stakeholders
• While the Planning Commission acted as a fund disburser, NITI Aayog works as a thought partner with all stakeholders, especially the States, which are the principal agents for fostering economic development in the country.
• While the Planning Commission followed a top-down model, the NITI Aayog is using a bottom-up approach.
• While the Planning Commission impinged on the fiscal sovereignty of the States, they are now empowered to decide how best to use their funds, without being mandated to follow a top-down direction.
• The NITI Aayog has replaced the Central Government’s practice of unilaterally designing the pan-Indian development strategy-while working with State Governments to jointly prepare development blueprints.

Notably, the Planning Commission adopted a ‘onesize- fits-all’ approach towards the Indian States. NITI Aayog, on the other hand, is guided by a ‘States-first’ approach.

Various initiatives by the NITI Aayog

[1] For regional development

• The NITI Forum for North East has been constituted and tangible sectoral proposals are being implemented by the States in partnership with the North East Council.
• It has designed some major initiatives for island development which are being implemented by relevant authorities under the overall guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• It is also envisaged that like the NITI Forum for the North East, other regional councils of contiguous States could be formed in the coming months.

[2] Various Indicators

NITI promotes competitive federalism by pushing its sectoral indices which are put out in the public domain.

• The indices on water, education, health, innovation, export preparedness, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have attracted significant positive attention through SDG India Index.
• The ‘Performance in Health Outcomes’ Index, for instance, captures the overall performance of States in health along with annual improvements in health outcomes, governance, and processes.
• Similarly, the Composite Water Management Index details how States have progressed on water-related issues over time.
• The ‘School Education Quality Index’ and Performance Grading Index aims to institutionalize a focus on improving education outcomes (learning, access, equity) in India.

[3] Policy inputs

• NITI Aayog has been continuously engaged in providing fresh policy-related inputs for implementation by relevant Central Government Ministries and State Government agencies.
• It has been involved in drafting the National Medical Commission Bill and the bills for reforming the education system pertaining to Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy.
• Several policy suggestions are contained in NITI’s document ‘Strategy for New India @ 75’. It is a seven-year strategy.
• The Centre has passed important legislation in the agriculture sector. The onus is now on the States to implement this reform and pave the way for significantly enhancing productivity and doubling farmers’ income.

[4] Various development programs

NITI Aayog has also introduced a competition element in the ‘Aspirational Districts Program’ which aims to raise the human development indicators in these districts to the national averages by focusing on governance improvement and achieving effective convergence among government agencies and organizations on the ground.

NITI Aayog has been focused on nurturing an innovation ecosystem across the country through the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). It is a flagship initiative of NITI for promoting innovation and entrepreneurship across the length and breadth of the country.

AIM promotes an innovative mindset in school students through Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) which feed into start-ups fostered by the Atal Incubation Centres (AICs).

[5] Various schemes

• NITI Aayog has also been closely involved with the design and monitoring of the Ayushman Bharat program.
• It has played a similar key role in the POSHAN Abhiyaan which the Government launched to provide an appropriate governance structure that affects the nutritional status of an individual or household.
• It has also implemented the SATH – ‘Sustainable Action for Transforming Human Capital’ program in 3 States.
• It shared a road map for Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana with all States and Union Territories.

Way forward

• In the years to come, India needs to make similar persistent efforts wherein both the Central and State Governments work jointly to solve the country’s most complex issues and unleash growth.
• To meet the rising aspirations of our young population, India needs to achieve and sustain a high rate of GDP growth for the next three decades.
• In pursuit of this goal, continued structural reforms are crucial for laying new foundations to ensure sustained and inclusive growth.
• NITI Aayog has a key role to play in helping India undertake these reforms and implement policy initiatives in a scalable and impactful manner through partnerships with States.
• To achieve the goal of rapid, sustained, and clean growth that generates employment for all, investing in the right physical and social infrastructure, is a prerequisite.

NITI Aayog with its intellectual breadth and depth is well placed to help India achieve these goals.

Conclusion

• NITI Aayog has endeavored to pursue its twin mandate of promoting cooperative and competitive federalism through partnerships with States for designing and reviewing development plans.
• Ultimately, the onus of putting India on a high-growth trajectory and ensuring that the benefits of growth are equitably distributed rests with both the Centre and States.
• NITI Aayog will continue to work towards strengthening cooperative federalism in the country, thereby enabling the Centre and States to work in tandem as equal partners for ensuring India’s success.

Prime Prelims Program starting from 19th June 2021: First Test Polity Basic

Dear Aspirants,

In the great Trojan war between ancient Greek and the city of Troy, Achilles fought from the Greek side. He ravaged the areas around Troy and destroyed 12 cities in the first 9 years of war. In the 10th year, he was shot dead by arrows into the heel by the Trojan prince Paris. As the story goes, his mother Thetis dipped Achilles as a child in the waters of the River Styx, by which means he became invulnerable, except for the part of his heel by which she held him—the proverbial “Achilles’ heel.” Polity is becoming  Acheilies heel to aspirants in UPSC prelims in the changed pattern. 

India polity is a subject, which mostly all of us start preparing very early in our preparation journey towards UPSC. This is also the subject where we spend comparably more time yet commit mistakes. Let’s understand how we can rectify it?

Number of questions in Polity in recent years are: 

Till 2017, reading Laxmikant for Polity seemed enough to attempt questions in Prelims. In 2020, out of 15 questions from Polity, there are 6-7 questions that could be directly solved after reading Laxmikant. However, for the rest, a conceptual understanding of Polity fundamentals and Current Affairs is required. 

Studying the questions from the last 7 years, three distinct patterns emerge. Let’s understand how we can tackle them.

1. Constitution related: These are static parts of the syllabus and most can be covered after serious readings of standard books like Laxmikant. However, solving questions need a conceptual understanding of parts of the syllabus such as questions on the Right to constitutional remedies or on sessions of parliament (2020). You can find the link to prepare and optimally utilise Laxmikant here. https://www.civilsdaily.com/how-to-prepare-polity-for-prelims/
2. Polity fundamentals related: As seen from the chart above, each year certain questions try to test aspirants on their most basic understanding of polity. In recent years, There have been 4-5 questions based on polity fundamentals such as Democracy, liberty, equality, constitutionalism, the concept of rights, federalism etc. It required conceptual clarity over most basics such as Democracy vs republic, parliamentary system vs presidential system, Concept of rights etc. 

Let’s take a few questions from the past to understand this pattern. 

A constitutional government by definition is a _ _ _ _ .(2020)

a) government by the legislature

b) popular government

c) Multi party government

d) Limited government

Even in this question, which is very simple yet requires an understanding of fundamental concepts, Many aspirants marked answers such as (a) a government by the legislature or (b) Popular government confusing constitutionalism with a democratic system. A constitution is a check against absolutism i.e government bound by constitutional limitations and does not have absolute power, hence a constitutional government is by definition limited government (option d). Relying on elimination can be a risky game, which you must not play. 

Let’s take another question: 

In the context of polity, which one of the following would you accept as the most appropriate definition of liberty? (2019)

(a) Protection against the tyranny of political rulers

(b) Absence of restraint

(c) Opportunity to do whatever one likes

(d) Opportunity to develop oneself fully.

In the above question, some aspirants marked option (b) absence of restraint which in any society can lead to anarchy or option (c) Opportunity to do whatever one likes, which will also lead to chaos. Hence the most appropriate answer is d i.e. Opportunity to develop oneself fully. This is a positive definition of liberty, while applying reasonable restrictions is a negative concept of liberty. The concept of liberty comes from the theory of social contract and 3 natural rights- life, liberty and property with origin in French Revolution in the late 18th century.  

Even In the 2018 prelims, there was a similar question asking relation between Laws and liberty  and 2017 prelims had questions on concepts of equality and Democracy. Hence to score good marks in polity, it is necessary that we are able to answer these most fundamental questions.
As far as sources are concerned, NCERT- 9 and 10 books like Democratic politics-1 and Democratic politics-2  along with 11 and 12 Political science books- Political theory-1 and 2 provide good reference. One may also refer to NIOS political science book. So the most important element in our prep is to be  able to link these fundamental concepts with the static syllabus. 

3. Current Affairs or Dynamic Polity : No of questions directly from current affairs have declined and also the question quality has improved, it is no more merely factual stuff. Any issue needs to be understood holistically to answer.  For ex; questions on Aadhaar Act or Legal services authorities (2020) or questions on Forest related Acts (2019) need to be read in context to answer them in exam.  Merely memorising facts or compilations when the exam is near wouldn’t help. Civilsdaily monthly magazine can be of great help in this in addition to Samachar Manthan. 

In recent years, questions related to governance are also being asked. Like questions on the role of bureaucracy (2020) etc.  

In conclusion, Preparation of polity required holistic integration of Static syllabus from standard book, conceptual understanding of Polity fundamentals along with intelligent preparation of current Dynamics. When you read current affairs, you must link it with the fundamental aspects for example; new IT rules related to social media have bearing on liberty, freedom of speech and expression. 

What CD’ s Prime test series offers?

Starting from 19th june, 2021 , it consists of 40 Tests (8 Basic, 8 Advanced, 10 Current Affairs, 10 Full Length, 4 CSAT). Polity includes two tests of basic nature along with one advanced test. It covers the polity static syllabus along with Polity fundamentals and current issues holistically. 

Let’s take a few questions from the upcoming test (Polity-1 scheduled on 19-06-2021 and polity-2 scheduled on 03-07-2021) to illustrate our Evidence based Question making pattern exactly on the lines of UPSC prelims taking changing times and pattern into account. Also keeping in mind the fundamentals for those who are in the starting phase of preparation. 

Let’s compare: CD test’s  questions Vs UPSC Prelims Questions: 

# CD’s question-1 :

Consider the following statements 

1. The Preamble is a source of power to legislature or a prohibition upon the powers of legislature.

2. It is non-justiciable, that is, its provisions are not enforceable in courts of law.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)1 only

(b) 2 only 

(c ) both 1 and 2

(d) none of them

UPSC question (2020)

The Preamble to the Constitution of India is

[a) A part of the Constitution but has no legal effect

[b) Not a part of the Constitution and has no legal effect either

[c) A part of the Constitution and has the same legal effect as any other part

[d) A part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts

#CD questions-2

Consider the following statements

1. Parliament under Article 368 can amend any part of the Constitution excluding the Fundamental Rights.

2. The constitution has defined what constitutes the basic structure of the constitution.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only 
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. None of them

UPSC question (2020)

Consider the following statements:

1. The Constitution of India defines its ‘basic structure’ in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy.
2. The Constitution of India provides for ‘judicial review’ to safeguard the ‘citizens’ liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the constitution is based.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[a) 1 only

[b) 2 only

[c) Both 1 and 2

[d) Neither 1 nor 2

#CD question-3

Consider the following statements

1. A minister cannot participate in the proceedings of a House, of which he is not a member.

2. A minister, who is not a member of either House, can participate in the proceedings of both the Houses.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

UPSC question (2018)

Consider the following statements:

1. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Shall vacate his/her office if he/she ceases to be a member of the Assembly.
2. Whenever the Legislative Assembly is dissolved, the Speaker shall vacate his/her immediately.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

CD question -4

Which of the statements given below about the Fundamental Rights is/are correct?

1. They are meant for promoting the ideal of political democracy.

2. They protect the liberties and freedoms of the people against the invasion by the State.

3. They aim at establishing a government of men and not of laws.

a)1 and 2 only

b) 1 and 3 only

c)2 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

#UPSC question (2018)

Which of the following are regarded as the main features of the “Rule of Law”?

1. Limitation of powers
2. Equality before law
3. People’s responsibility to the Government
4. Liberty and civil rights

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

#CD question -5

Consider the following statements

1. Under Article 32 Supreme Court can issue writs for enforcement of both the Fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Constitution and any other right

2. Under Article 226 High courts can issue writs only for Fundamental rights
3.Parliament can empower any other court to issue directions, orders and writs of all kinds.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a)1 &2only

b)2 &3 only

c)1, 2& 3

d)only 3

#UPSC question (2014)

The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its

(a) advisory jurisdiction

(b) appellate jurisdiction.

(c) original jurisdiction

(d) writ jurisdiction

As you can see, our aim here is to make you ready for the great prelims Day exam by putting you in the similar paper in every test. Let the Polity with you.

Looking forward to listening to you after you attempt the first test. You can find the detailed schedule here of tests: 

Prime Prelims Ts 2022 launched | Program starting from 19th June 2021 | Enrollment open

Santosh Gupta

Prelims Coordinator

Civilsdaily