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Exam Year: 2022

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    Under panchamrit Targets at COP26, India committed to achieving 50 percent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil (clean and renewable) sources by 2030.

    Progress towards 50% energy needs from renewables – Justification

    Non-fossil capacity reached around 50% of installed capacity in 2025, ahead of the 2030 deadline.

    India stands 4th globally in Renewable Energy Installed Capacity, 4th in Wind Power capacity and 3rd in Solar Power capacity (as per IRENA RE Statistics 2025).

    India focuses on five key priorities to achieve its 2030 target of 500 GW non-fossil capacity.

    Better Contracts: Long-term power deals to attract investors.

    Stronger Grids: Modern grids and battery storage for steady power supply.

    Make in India: Boosting local production of solar panels and wind turbines.

    Smart Land Use: Using land wisely with floating solar and solar on farms.

    Easy Financing: Making funds available to support clean energy projects.

    Government efforts

    National Solar Mission – Expansion of solar capacity at utility and rooftop level.

    PM-KUSUM – Solarisation of agricultural pumps and rural feeders.

    National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy – Maximises land and grid utilisation.

    PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana – Accelerates residential rooftop solar.

    Institutional mechanisms

    Green Grids Initiative under OSOWOG

    BEE and PAT Scheme – Promote energy efficiency.

    Economic incentives

    PLI Scheme for Solar PV Modules and Batteries

    Viability Gap Funding and Capital Subsidies

    Green bonds for clean energy projects.

    Global efforts and partnerships

    Technology transfer and funding through ISA, IBSA, G20

    Participation in Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) and multilateral climate funds.

    Challenges

    Policy inconsistency (continued approval of coal plants) weakens investor confidence in renewables.

    Financial Challenges

    India needs nearly

    High upfront capital costs and slow RoI discourage private investors.

    Limited availability of low-cost green finance for small and medium developers.

    Intermittency issue and limited energy storage solutions.

    Grid integration problems due to weak transmission and distribution.

    Import Dependence. Eg- China supplied ~56% of India’s solar cells in FY2024. 100% import-dependent for lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, copper.

    Skilled manpower shortage in advanced RE technologies.

    Land & Environmental Constraints – Eg- Sillahalla Hydro Project (Tamil Nadu) raised concerns over biodiversity loss and displacement.

    E-Waste – No comprehensive solar recycling policy or sufficient recycling infrastructure

    Delayed payments and PPA renegotiations/cancellations coupled with weak financial capacity of DISCOMS impact market stability

    How shifting subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables will help

    Level playing field – Removing fossil-fuel subsidies makes RE more competitive and attractive.

    Lower cost of clean energy – Redirected subsidies can reduce tariffs of solar and wind

    Crowding in private investment due to higher returns and lower risk

    Savings can be used for battery storage, smart grids, green corridors and EV charging networks.

    Reduced fossil fuel demand due to higher prices

    Global leadership – Strengthens India’s position in climate negotiations and green diplomacy.

    Way Forward

    Optimize Land and Water Resources – Eg- Omkareshwar Floating Solar Park.

    Develop Renewable Energy Clusters with single-window clearances and fiscal incentives.

    Leverage Emerging Technologies – Eg- blockchain-based P2P renewable energy trading

    Expand Renewable Infrastructure – Scale rooftop solar, microgrids and solar pumps for rural electrification and off-grid solutions.

    Circular Waste-to-Energy Parks using anaerobic digestion, gasification and pyrolysis. Eg- Jamnagar

    India’s energy transition can help realise SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

    (a)

    (b)

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    (d)

    Correct Answer:

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    Climate change has emerged as a global security and geopolitical concern. India, 3rd-largest energy consumer, has transitioned from a “climate obstructionist” to a “climate leader and solution provider”

    Clean Energy is the Order of the Day

    Combating Climate Change – Transition to renewables

    Social Benefits – women’s health. (Ujjwala Scheme)

    Economic Benefits – lowering Current Account Deficit (CAD).

    India’s role as a “Vishwaguru of sustainability”

    Geopolitics of Climate Change

    Oil geopolitics (Middle East)

    China’s monopoly in critical minerals (over 90%)

    Green tariffs and carbon taxes. Eg- EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

    North-South Divide and Climate Justice Diplomacy

    Climate-linked Geoeconomics – Eg- G20 Green Development Pact (2023)

    Climate and Security Interlinkages – Climate-induced disasters

    Emerging ‘Energy Identity Politics’

    EU as a “Green Regulatory Power.”

    China as “Green Manufacturing Hub.”

    India as a “Responsible Global South Leader.”

    India’s Changing Policy Towards Climate Change in Various International Fora

    Early Phase -Defensive Stance (Pre-2010)

    Advocated equity and right to development under Kyoto Protocol (1997).

    Opposed binding emission targets for developing countries.

    Supported the principle of CBDR and respective capabilities.

    Shift from defensive to constructive negotiation (2010-2015)

    Copenhagen (2009) & CancĂșn (2010): Voluntary emission intensity reduction (20-25% by 2020).

    Formation of BASIC bloc (Brazil, South Africa, India, China) to represent emerging economies.

    Leadership Phase (Post-2015 -Present)

    Paris Agreement (2015): India’s NDCs –

    Reduce emission intensity by 33-35% by 2030.

    Achieve 40% non-fossil fuel-based power capacity.

    Create carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes CO₂ through afforestation.

    COP-26 (Glasgow, 2021): Announced “Panchamrit” commitments -including Net Zero by 2070 and 50% energy capacity from renewables.

    UNFCCC (COP28): Leading Global South demand for loss and damage fund and fair carbon markets.

    Global South Leadership – Eg- FIPIC (Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation)

    International Solar Alliance (ISA, 2015): Jointly launched with France to mobilize solar adoption across 100+ countries.

    Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI, 2019): Focus on climate-resilient infrastructure in developing nations.

    G20 Presidency (2023): Advocated Green Development Pact and Just Energy Transition for Global South.

    Quad Climate Group: Promoting clean hydrogen, green shipping, and resilient supply chains.

    BRICS & SCO: Advocates equitable climate finance, green technology transfer, and multipolar environmental governance.

    India’s other efforts towards climate change and Clean energy

    National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

    National Solar Mission (280 GW solar capacity by 2030)

    National Green Hydrogen Mission (5 MMT by 2030)

    One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)

    IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework): Includes clean energy, decarbonisation.

    As per Dhanasree Jayaram (Climate Diplomacy and Emerging Economies) India has evolved from a ‘naysayer’ to a ‘responsible’ player in Climate Diplomacy.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

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    The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (2021) aims to transform India’s infrastructure landscape through integrated, multimodal connectivity across roads, railways, ports, airports, and logistics.

    Six pillars of Gati Shakti – a transformative approach for economic growth:

    Analytical: GIS-based, helps identify gaps and assets.

    Dynamic: Updated regularly.

    Prioritization: Focused and need-based planning.

    Comprehensive: Covers 16 ministries under an integrated approach.

    Synchronization: Digital platform enabling coordination.

    Optimization: Better resource and asset utilization.

    Need for Coordination between Government and Private Sector

    Improved Quality and Efficiency – Public sector ensures regulatory and policy stability, while the private sector ensures better project management and minimizes cost and time overruns.

    Exchange of Expertise and Competence – Eg- PPPs in Sagarmala and Bharatmala projects.

    Augmenting Fiscal Capacity – Private investment supplements limited public capital.

    Fostering Entrepreneurship and Innovation – Encourages startups in logistics (e.g., Rivigo, Delhivery) leveraging digital platforms.

    Synergies with National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) – Monetised assets create fiscal space for new projects under Gati Shakti.

    Efficient Dispute Resolution – Joint mechanisms improve grievance handling and PPP trust.

    Challenges in Coordination

    Institutional Overlaps among ministries.

    Regulatory Uncertainty deters long-term private investments.

    Land Acquisition and Environmental Clearances remain bottlenecks.

    Data-Sharing Gaps and silo mentality

    Way Forward

    Single-Window Digital Interface

    Standardize risk-sharing frameworks under PPP.

    Empower the Network Planning Group (NPG) for inter-ministerial coordination.

    “Connectivity is the new currency of competitiveness.” – NITI Aayog. Gati Shakti Yojana will help propel the Indian economy to a $5 trillion level and beyond in “Amrit Kaal.”

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

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    As per OECD, inclusive growth is economic growth distributed fairly across society and creates opportunities for all. A market economy drives efficiency and innovation, but without corrective policies it can widen inequalities.

    Inclusive Growth under Market Economy

    Efficient Resource Allocation- improve productivity, reduce costs, and expand economic opportunities.

    Market economies enable entrepreneurship, MSME growth and innovation-driven jobs. Eg- Indian start-up ecosystem.

    State as an Enabler- Government gets resources to invest in public goods.

    Property rights, contract enforcement and regulatory frameworks ensure fairness.

    Technological development enabling inclusive development – Eg- DBT.

    Challenges to Inclusive Growth under a Market Economy

    Rising inequality– Eg- the top 1% control 40% of net personal wealth.

    Regional disparities due to unequal investment and infrastructure. Eg- BIMARU States

    Jobless growth – Service sector contributes 55% of GDP but employs less than 30% workforce

    Weak social protection for informal workers (over 85% of India’s workforce).

    Market failures in public goods. Eg- Digital Apartheid in Education

    Significance of Financial Inclusion in Achieving Economic Growth in India

    Enhanced credit access for MSMEs, SHGs – boosts investment and employment. Eg. PM MUDRA has sanctioned over since inception.

    Greater savings through Jan Dhan accounts (53 crore accounts) ensures financial stability

    Formalisation of the economy via UPI, GSTN, Aadhaar – wider tax base and better compliance.

    Poverty reduction through targeted DBT, eliminating leakages and improving consumption.

    Women’s economic empowerment through SHG-bank linkage, Stand-Up India, digital microcredit – raises household productivity.

    Rural economic growth through Kisan Credit Cards, PM-Kisan and digital banking in villages.

    Improved risk management via insurance (PMJJBY, PMSBY) and pensions (PM-SYM) – stabilises vulnerable households.

    Boost to digital economy with UPI handling over – strengthens service sector growth.

    Inclusive growth under a market economy is possible when markets are balanced with public investment, regulation and financial inclusion.

    (a)

    (b)

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    Correct Answer:

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    With 7% growth in 2025-26, India is one of the fastest-growing major economies and a bright spot on the global economy (IMF). A major driver of this performance has been the expansion in labour activity.

    Economic growth attributed to labour activity

    Demographic dividend – Median age of 28 and 65% working-age population (65%) has increased labour supply and productive capacity.

    Shift towards labour-intensive sectors: Growth in construction, retail, transportation, tourism, gig and platform economy

    Surge in self-employment – from 52% (2017) to 58% in 2024 (PLFS data)

    The government’s skilling push through Kaushal Vikas Yojana and the Skill India Mission improved workforce capabilities.

    India becoming the 3rd largest start-up ecosystem has generated new entrepreneurship-led employment.

    Rise of gig economy- Platform-based work has widened job opportunities.

    Labour Code reforms- consolidation of labour laws has improved hiring flexibility and EoDB.

    Other reasons

    GST reforms

    Ease of Doing Business reforms

    IBC

    PLI schemes

    However, this growth pattern is problematic due to

    Low productivity trap: Most new jobs are in informal, low-wage, low-productivity sectors.

    Disguised employment rising: Higher labour supply masks underemployment.

    Limited wage growth: High labour participation has not translated into better wages.

    Structural transformation incomplete: Manufacturing’s share in jobs and GDP remains stagnant.

    Suggested Growth Pattern to Create More Jobs Without Compromising Productivity

    Manufacturing-led, technology-enabled growth

    Expand labour-intensive manufacturing such as textiles, toys, leather, electronics assembly. Eg: PLI schemes for electronics, textiles.

    Use AI, robotics, lean production to improve productivity while expanding scale.

    MSME upgradation – Enable cluster-based development, digitalisation, easier credit. Eg: MSME Champions Scheme, ONDC for market linkages

    Skill-based job creation through programs like Skill India, PMKVY 4.0.

    Boost food processing, millets, horticulture, and FPO-based value chains.

    Employment in solar manufacturing, EV ecosystem, recycling, energy efficiency can raise both jobs and productivity.

    Strengthen urban employment ecosystems – Invest in urban infrastructure, housing, logistics, and city industrial clusters.

    Improve FLFPR through childcare support, flexible work, safety, and skilling.

    India’s recent growth has been driven more by labour mobilisation than by labour productivity. A shift towards manufacturing-led, technology-driven, and green growth is essential for Viksit Bharat 2047.

    (a)

    (b)

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    (d)

    Correct Answer:

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    The I2U2 grouping was formalized in 2022 as a minilateral platform to promote cooperation in food security, energy, technology, and infrastructure. It is termed as the West Asian Quad.

    Six Key Areas of Cooperation

    Health

    Water

    Energy

    Transportation

    Food Security

    Space

    I2U2 Transforming India’s Position in Global Politics

    Geopolitical Transformation

    Positions India as a bridge between the Indo-Pacific and West Asia, linking Act East and Link West policies.

    Strategic autonomy – cooperation with the US and Israel while maintaining relations with Iran and the Arab world.

    Elevates India as a regional stabilizer in a volatile West Asian geopolitical landscape.

    Countering China’s influence in West Asia

    Geoeconomic Dimension

    Joint investments in infrastructure, energy, and food security. Eg- UAE funding a $2 billion food corridor in Gujarat.

    Integrates India into emerging West Asia–Indo-Pacific supply chains.

    Defence and Security Cooperation

    Strengthens intelligence sharing and counterterrorism collaboration.

    Supports maritime security and enhances India’s strategic depth in the Western Indian Ocean region.

    Connectivity and Infrastructure

    Aligns with India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

    Enhances security in chokepoints like the Suez Canal.

    Enhances India’s credibility as a reliable partner in minilateral frameworks (Quad, BRICS, SCO, G20).

    Challenges Associated with I2U2

    Complex strategic balancing: Balancing ties with Iran while deepening cooperation with US–Israel–UAE bloc.

    Regional Instability: Ongoing Israel–Palestine conflict and tensions in Iran–US relations.

    Limited Institutional Framework: Absence of a formal secretariat or enforcement mechanism.

    Uncertainty of US Leadership under Trump

    China may view I2U2 as a containment alliance, increasing competition in West Asia.

    Way Forward

    Institutionalize I2U2 with clear mechanisms for project implementation and funding.

    Leverage the platform to promote peace and stability in the region.

    Expand the agenda to include climate resilience, humanitarian aid, and disaster response.

    Strengthen linkages with Quad, IMEC, and G20 initiatives.

    The I2U2 marks a paradigm shift in India’s diplomacy and emergence as a bridge nation between East and West, consolidating its role as a key pillar in 21st-century multipolar global politics.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

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    The Indian Constitution envisions a Welfare State under the DPSP. Donor agencies play a vital role in financing and technical support for these welfare measures.

    Increasing Dependence Reduces Community Participation

    Top-Down Project Design, with limited grassroots consultation.

    Erosion of Local Ownership – Beneficiary communities become recipients, not stakeholders

    Conditionalities restrict local policy space. Eg- IMF’s 1991 Structural Adjustment Programme reduced social sector expenditure

    Dependency Syndrome – Over-reliance on external funding discourages domestic resource mobilization and self-reliance. (A.G.Frank – “development of underdevelopment.”)

    Marginalization of Traditional Knowledge – Donor-driven modern approaches often ignore indigenous practices and local innovation.

    Transparency and Accountability Gaps – lack of clear monitoring frameworks or open reporting mechanisms limits public scrutiny and impact evaluation.

    Foreign Influence – Eg-Concerns were raised about World Vision India allegedly promoting religious conversion using foreign funds.

    Positive Role of Donor Agencies in Development

    Resource Mobilization – World Bank funding for the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)

    Capacity Building – – DFID’s Bihar Rural Livelihood Project (JEEViKA) strengthened the capacity of SHGs and Panchayats.

    Donor agencies often introduce bottom-up approaches and emphasize stakeholder consultation.

    Catalyzing Policy Reforms – Eg- IMF’s fiscal frameworks encouraged better macroeconomic management post-1991 reforms.

    Promotion of Human Development – – UNICEF and UNFPA have supported India’s Reproductive and Child Health Programme (RCH-II) and Poshan Abhiyaan.

    Strengthening Civil Society – – UNDP’s Disha Project (with IKEA Foundation) enhanced employability of 1 million rural women across 10 states.

    Donor agencies are “integral cogs in the wheel of good governance”. A balanced partnership with government is crucial make development inclusive, sustainable and rapid..

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

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    Enacted under Article 21A, the RTE Act (2009) aims to provide free and compulsory elementary education to all children aged 6-14 years.

    Key Features of RTE Act

    Fundamental Right: Makes eight years of quality elementary education a justiciable right.

    25% Reservation: Mandates private unaided schools to reserve seats for disadvantaged groups.

    Infrastructure Norms: Sets binding standards for Pupil-Teacher Ratio, buildings, and toilets.

    No-Detention Policy: Prohibits failing or expelling students until Class 8 (subject to later state-level amendments).

    Zero Screening: Bans capitation fees and interview-based admissions for children or parents.

    Teacher Standards: Mandates minimum professional qualifications and clearing of the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET).

    Major Incentives Provided

    Mid-Day Meals: Ensures nutritional support to improve attendance and concentration.

    Free Uniforms and Textbooks: Eliminates the direct out-of-pocket costs of schooling.

    Transport Allowances: Provided to children in remote areas lacking a neighborhood school.

    Special Training: Bridge courses for out-of-school children to join age-appropriate classes.

    Infrastructure Grants: Funding for functional girls’ toilets and drinking water facilities.

    Scholarships: Target-based financial aid for SC, ST, and minority students.

    Major Issues in Promoting Incentive-Based System

    Prevalence of Child Labour and lack of awareness about Education importance – Eg- High seasonal dropouts in agriculture-heavy districts of Bihar/UP in 2025. (ASER 2025)

    Marginalized families remain unaware of the 25% EWS quota and online application portals.

    Perverse Incentives: Focus on attendance for meals/books rather than actual learning engagement or outcomes.

    The “Class 9” Cliff: Incentives stop at Class 8, leading to massive dropouts once fees are introduced.

    Learning Poverty Paradox: ASER 2024 reports that only ~43% of Class V students can read a Class II-level text.

    Geographical Exclusion: Over 8.1 million children from urban slums remained out of school in early 2026. (NAC Implementation Report)

    Stigmatization: EWS children in elite schools face social alienation

    Way Forward

    Awareness Campaigns: Use “Nukkad Nataks” and local influencers to explain the “value” of education beyond meals. Eg- “Vidyanjali 2.0” community volunteer programs.

    Extension of Mandate: Extend free education up to Class 12 to prevent the “Class 9 dropout” crisis. (NEP 2020)

    Outcome-Based Incentives: Transition from “enrollment incentives” to “outcome-linked” benefits for schools and students. Eg- NIPUN Bharat performance-linked grants

    Documentation Camps: Organize “on-the-spot” certificate camps in schools for EWS/Caste certificate verification.

    Social Integration Training: Sensitize private school teachers to prevent the stigmatization of EWS students in classrooms.

    Strengthening SMCs: Empower School Management Committees to conduct local social audits of learning quality.

    Public School Revamp: Elevate government school quality (PM SHRI) to make them the “first choice” for parents.

    RTE must shift from a “Right to Enrollment” to a “Right to Learning” by prioritizing awareness over mere fiscal incentives.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

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    The President of India serves as the constitutional head of the State and the symbol of national unity within a parliamentary democracy.
    The President of France, under the Fifth Republic (1958), is both the head of State and a key executive authority in a semi-presidential system, sharing power with the Prime Minister.
    Their election procedures reflect the differing nature of their political systems.

    Procedure for Election of the President of India

    Constitutional Basis: Articles 54 of the Constitution.

    Electoral College:

    Elected members of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).

    Elected members of State Legislative Assemblies (including Delhi and Puducherry).

    Voting System:

    Proportional representation by single transferable vote (STV) and secret ballot (Article 55).

    Vote value of MLAs and MPs ensures federal balance.

    Eligibility: Indian citizen, 35 years or above, qualified for Lok Sabha membership.

    Term: Five years, eligible for re-election.

    Significance

    Indirect election is relevant as president is nominal head

    Federal Balance maintained

    Only elected members participate in elections

    Procedure for Election of the President of France

    Constitutional Basis: Article 6 of the French Constitution (1958).

    Mode: Direct universal suffrage since 1962, following de Gaulle’s reform.

    Voting System: Two-round majority system: A candidate must secure 50%+ votes in the first round; otherwise, a runoff between top two in the second round.

    Term: Five years (reduced from seven in 2000).

    Eligibility: French citizen, 18 years or above, meeting civic and nomination requirements.

    Significance

    Accountability – Direct election is in line with executive powers of president

    President enjoys absolute majority

    Stability due to security of tenure

    Criticism of Procedure for Election of the President of India

    Indirect election limits popular legitimacy.

    Value of votes of state legislators differs as it is based on population

    Symbolic authority-President’s office often reduced to formality under parliamentary control.

    Criticism of Procedure for Election of the President of France

    Personality-based campaigns overshadow policy debates.

    Cohabitation risk-President and Prime Minister from different parties may create policy deadlock.

    Over-centralization of power in the executive, especially under strong presidents.

    The Indian procedure ensures federal balance and political neutrality through indirect election, while the French model ensures democratic legitimacy through direct popular choice.

    (a)

    (b)

    (c)

    (d)

    Correct Answer:

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    Model Code of Conduct is the guidelines set by Election Commission of India for political entities during campaigns to ensure decorum. Though not legally enforceable, it has become an indispensable moral instrument for ensuring free, fair, and level-playing elections in India.

    Evolution of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

    1960 – First voluntary code introduced during the Kerala Assembly elections.

    1962 – First Nationwide Use in the Lok Sabha elections

    1991 – ECI under T.N. Seshan formalised and reissued MCC with 7 comprehensive parts

    2013 – Supreme Court Recognition in S. Subramaniam Balaji v. Tamil Nadu

    2018-Present – MCC expanded to cover social media, fake news, and online campaigning.

    Role of the Election Commission of India in MCC Implementation

    Acts under Constitutional Authority (Art. 324)- Exercises residual powers to enforce MCC even in the absence of explicit statutory provisions.

    Ensures Free and Fair Elections- ECI enforces MCC to maintain a level playing field among all political parties.

    Restricts the ruling party from announcing new schemes, transferring officials, or using public resources for campaigns.

    Monitors Campaign Conduct- Prohibits hate speech, communal appeals, caste-based propaganda, and personal attacks in campaigns.

    Acts Against MCC Violations- Issues warnings, censures, derecognition, or suspension of political leaders and parties for violations.

    Uses Media Certification and Monitoring Committees (MCMC) to monitor paid news and political advertisements.

    Controls Government Communication- Prohibits use of official media or public funds for election-related publicity.

    Deploys observers and flying squads to detect and address MCC violations promptly.

    Engages Citizens in Monitoring- Introduced the cVIGIL mobile app allowing citizens to report MCC violations in real time.

    Coordinates with Law Enforcement- Works with district magistrates, police, and election observers to ensure compliance on the ground.

    Challenges before the Election Commission in Enforcing MCC

    Legal and Institutional Challenges

    Lack of Statutory Backing- enforcement depends on moral authority, not legal sanction.

    Delay in Judicial Remedies on MCC violations, reduce deterrent effect.

    Administrative Challenges

    Monitoring compliance across 10+ lakh polling stations and multiple states is logistically difficult.

    Limited Human Resources- reliance on district officials who are part of state bureaucracy reduces independence.

    Political Challenges

    Allegations of Bias, especially against opposition leaders.

    Non-cooperation by Political Parties- ignore advisories or delay compliance with MCC orders.

    Freebies and Populism- Lack of clear guidelines to differentiate welfare schemes from electoral freebies (as seen in Tamil Nadu & Telangana cases).

    Technological and Media Challenges – Difficulty tracking fake news, hate campaigns, and paid promotions on digital platforms.

    Way Forward

    Give Statutory Backing to MCC under Representation of the People Act, 1951

    Regulate Freebies and Populism – Implement Supreme Court’s advice in S. Subramaniam Balaji (2013)

    Establish a digital MCC framework in collaboration with social media platforms to tackle misinformation, hate speech, and paid content.

    Enhance Transparency and Accountability – Publish all MCC violations, ECI actions, and outcomes on a public dashboard.

    Set time limits for inquiry and punishment in MCC violation cases.

    Electoral reforms is considered as ‘Mother of all Reforms’. Giving statutory backing to MCC can ensure the trinity of Ethics, Accountability and Fairness of electoral process.

    (a)

    (b)

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    (d)

    Correct Answer: