💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (August Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS2

  • “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of a China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain.

    In the words of Henry Kissinger, “The Soviet Union was a military threat, China is a civilizational challenge.”

    Limitations of Challenges from erstwhile Soviet Union

    Primarily Military and Ideological – Eg- communism and Cuban Missile Crisis

    Limited economic challenges – contributing less than 10% to global GDP.

    The USSR lagged behind in high-tech industries, focusing mainly on defense and space.

    Limited soft power compared to the USA. Eg- Hollywood

    The Soviet threat was largely European and nuclear, with limited maritime reach in Indo-Pacific

    However, Chinese threat is Existential as

    Geopolitical Dimension

    China projects an alternative governance and development model of authoritarian capitalism

    Indo-Pacific expansion- Strategic assertion in South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and Indian Ocean directly contests US-led regional order. Eg- boiling frog strategy

    Geo-Economic Dimension

    Parallel institutional ecosystem- Creation of AIIB, NDB, and BRI undermines US-dominated Bretton Woods institutions.

    Integrated global economy leading to complex interdependence- 18% of world GDP, major supplier in 70% of global supply chains.

    Debt Trap diplomacy through BRI loans and surplus-deficit strategies. Eg- Sri Lanka

    Technological rivalry- Leads in AI, 5G, EVs, and green manufacturing, challenging US corporate and innovation supremacy.

    Trade imbalance- Persistent US trade deficit with China (~$350 billion).

    China’s yuan internationalisation and digital currency pilot aim to reduce dollar dominance.

    Defence and Security Dimension

    PLA modernisation (Blue Water Navy) – A2/AD (Anti-Access/Area Denial) and hypersonic capabilities, threaten US naval superiority.

    China’s growing nuclear triad and cyber warfare capacity. Eg- Huawei ban in USA

    Dual-use infrastructure- Eg- BRI ports and bases (Djibouti, Gwadar).

    Multilateralism and Institutional Order

    Global South outreach through BRICS, SCO, and G77, eroding US soft power among developing nations.

    Issue-based coalitions- Unlike USSR’s bloc politics, China uses flexible, interest-based partnerships (e.g., with EU on climate, with Russia on energy).

    Connectivity and Global Influence

    Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)- Encompasses 150+ countries, linking Asia, Africa, and Europe

    Digital Silk Road- Expands China’s control over global telecom, satellite, and internet infrastructure

    Steps Taken by USA to Counter China

    Indo-Pacific Pivot Strategy for Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)

    QUAD Revitalisation for strategic balancing

    AUKUS Pact (2021) with Australia and the UK– sharing of nuclear submarine technology.

    Trade Restrictions and Tariffs

    Friendshoring with countries like India, Vietnam for supply chain diversification

    Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF, 2022)

    Blue Dot Network (with Japan and Australia) for transparency in global infrastructure projects.

    Increasing freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in South China Sea

    As held by Alexander, “China will astonish the world when it rises out of slumber.” Sustained strategic competition without conflict is essential to avoid future global instability and ensure peace.

  • “Pressure groups play a vital role in influencing public policy making in India.” Explain how the business associations contribute to public policies.

    Pressure groups are organized associations that seek to influence government policies without contesting elections. Samuel H. Finer calls them “Invisible empires”

    Vital Role of Pressure Groups

    Agents of Political Modernization and Socialization

    Interest Articulation – Eg- Farmer Unions

    Facilitates Social Progress – Eg- Eg- NAZ Foundation’s fight against Section 377.

    Enables Constructive Participation (‘safety-valve’ outlet)

    Future political leadership – Eg- Arvind Kejriwal (earlier part of IAC campaign)

    Role of Business Associations in Public Policies

    Policy Advocacy and Lobbying- Eg- ASSOCHAM lobbied for GST simplification and corporate tax reduction (2019).

    Research Support – Provide expert input, data, and feedback. Eg- pre-budget consultations with CII and FICCI

    Act as implementing partners for national missions. Eg- CII-NSDC collaboration under Skill India Mission.

    International Economic Diplomacy – Facilitate trade forums, business summits, and global investor meets. Eg- opposition to RCEP

    Legal and Regulatory Influence – Push for ease of compliance and regulatory clarity. Eg- ASSOCHAM provided feedback for Companies (Amendment) Act, 2020.

    Promoting Responsible and Inclusive Growth through CSR and ESG norms.

    Provide a platform for consultations for key issues like industrial revolution 4.0 etc.

    Challenges

    Elite Bias – limited representation for MSMEs, startups, and informal sector.

    Fragmentation due to multiple bodies (CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, NASSCOM) lead to overlapping agendas and diluted influence.

    Regulatory Capture – Eg- Corporate-Politicians-Bureaucracy nexus (Vohra committee)

    Poor Regulation and Secrecy lead to corruption and crony capitalism.

    Way Forward

    “Lobbying Regulation Act” similar to the USA

    Financial Transparency in Functioning

    For Viksit Bharat @2047 business associations must move from protest-based mobilization to knowledge-based engagement with the state.

  • To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India?

    The Parliament of India is the supreme instrument of democratic accountability. Under Article 75(3) of the Constitution, the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha

    Parliament ensuring accountability of the executive

    Question Hour – Enables MPs to question ministers and expose administrative lapses

    Zero Hour – Allows MPs to raise urgent matters of public importance without prior notice.

    Adjournment and Censure Motions – Hold the executive accountable on specific issues of public or national concern.

    No-Confidence Motion – Tests the majority support of the government and can lead to its fall if lost.

    Budgetary Control (Articles 112-114) – power of the purse by approving or rejecting demands for grants.

    Cut Motions to reduce or disapprove government expenditure, signalling disapproval of policy.

    Parliamentary Committees

    Public Accounts Committee (PAC) – Examines CAG reports and ensures post-audit accountability (e.g., 2G and coal scam scrutiny).

    Estimates Committee – Evaluates government expenditure efficiency.

    DRSCs) in-depth scrutiny of ministries.

    Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPCs) – Eg- Waqf Amendment Bill

    Parliamentary Privileges – Allow MPs to speak freely and fearlessly, enhancing deliberative accountability.

    Issues with parliamentary form of government

    Decline in the number of sittings- The 17th Lok Sabha sat for only 55 days

    Frequent Disruptions and Adjournments due to protests and unruly behavior, leading to wasted time and resources.

    Low Productivity- Eg- the 2023 winter session saw significant disruptions, resulting in the suspension of over 140 MPs and hindering legislative business.

    Inadequate Discussion- 58% of the Bills were passed within two weeks of their introduction in 17th LS. Eg- J&K Reorganisation Bill, 2019, and the Women’s Reservation Bill, 2023 were passed within two days

    About 31% of the total functioning time in Lok Sabha, and 32% in Rajya Sabha was spent on discussions other than legislation and budgets. Eg- President’s Address to Parliament, matters of public importance, and trust votes.

    Between 2019 and 2023, about 80% of the Budget was passed without discussion, and in 2023, the entire Budget was approved without debate.

    Rise Legislation through Ordinances bypassing the usual legislative process.

    Along with ‘maximum governance, there needs to be ‘maximum accountability’, which must start with an empowered and effective Parliament.

  • ‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (150 words)

    Constitutional morality implies adherence to the core principles and spirit of the Constitution in a democracy.

    As per George Grote, it involves

    Paramount reverence for forms and procedures of the Constitution.

    Adherence to law while enabling open criticism of authority.

    Need for public reason, self-restraint, and trust in institutions.

    Essential Facets and Roots within the Constitution

    Preamble – It acts as the moral compass, explicitly mandating the preservation of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

    Fundamental Rights – Protect dignity, autonomy, equality. Eg – Navtej Johar (2018) decriminalised homosexuality.

    DPSPs – Provide moral compass for social and economic justice.

    Institutional Checks & Balances – Separation of powers, judicial review, federalism. Eg – Kesavananda Bharati (1973) upheld Basic Structure.

    Democratic Processes – Free elections, executive accountability, judicial independence.

    Judicial Decisions

    Kesavananda Bharati (1973)- Upheld Basic Structure as a reflection of constitutional morality above political majority.

    Naz Foundation (2009, Delhi HC)- Asserted constitutional morality over public morality in striking down Sec. 377 IPC (later affirmed in Navtej Johar).

    Navtej Singh Johar (2018)- SC decriminalized homosexuality, stating constitutional morality must prevail over majority opinion.

    Sabarimala case (2018)- Affirmed women’s entry in temples on grounds of constitutional morality and gender equality.

    Government of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India (2018) – SC held that constitutional morality ensures cooperative federalism and prevents concentration of power in the hands of one authority.

    Joseph Shine v. Union of India (2018) – struck down Section 497 IPC (Adultery) as discriminatory, invoking constitutional morality to protect individual dignity and autonomy.

    Constitutional morality is the soul of Indian democracy. As Rajeev Bhargava notes, it embodies a form of constitutional patriotism that enables unity in diversity while upholding pluralism

  • Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness.

    “Indian Judiciary is not only guardian of the Constitution but also Active Participants in the Social Revolution.” – J.L. Nehru. Greater women representation in the judiciary is essential for this vision.

    Desirability of Greater Representation

    Constitutional Imperative – Fulfils Articles 14, 15(3), and 39A, ensuring equal opportunity and access to justice for all.

    Corrects Historical Imbalance- Addresses structural and institutional barriers in legal and judicial careers.

    Diversity of Perspective – Women judges bring unique social insights, empathy, and lived experiences, enriching judicial reasoning and deliberation.

    Gender-Sensitive Adjudication – Enhances sensitivity in matters of sexual violence, family law, and gender rights. Eg- Justice Indu Malhotra’s dissent in Sabarimala (2018).

    Enhances Legitimacy and Public Trust – A judiciary reflective of society’s diversity strengthens citizen confidence in judicial impartiality.

    Democratization of Judiciary – Promotes inclusive representation across gender, class, and region, aligning with democratic ideals.

    Global Democratic Benchmark – Countries like Canada and the UK have achieved near gender parity, improving judicial balance and inclusivity.

    Role-Model Effect – Inspires women in the legal profession, helping address underrepresentation in senior judicial positions.

    “There is no better test of the excellence of government than the working of its judicial system.” – Lord Bryce. The true measure of that excellence lies in Gender Equality in Judiciary.

  • How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position?

    The Constitution of India envisages the Finance Commission under Article 280 as the ‘balancing wheel of fiscal federalism’ in India.

    Key Recommendations & Impact

    Tax Devolution Raised to 42% – Increased untied resources, enhanced fiscal autonomy.

    Reduced Dependence on Central Grants – Gave States more predictable, formula-based transfers.

    Greater Spending Autonomy – Fewer tied schemes allowed States to set local priorities.

    Plan vs Non-Plan Expenditure removed – Simplified budgeting, better fiscal management.

    Incentives for Fiscal Discipline – FRBM compliance encouraged prudent debt management.

    Support to Local Bodies – Higher allocations improved grassroots fiscal health.

    Special Grants for Environment & Judiciary – Helped States strengthen governance and green initiatives.

    GST Compensation Mechanism (recommended later) – Protected States from revenue loss during tax transition.

    Positive Impact

    Strengthened fiscal federalism

    Improved fiscal indicators of states

    Encouraged competitive federalism

    Concerns

    Rise in Cesses & Surcharges – Cesses & surcharges rising from 12.8% (2015-20) to 18.5% (2020-24).

    States’ effective share shrank – Fell from 35% (2015-20) to ~31% (2020-24) of Centre’s gross tax revenue.

    GST Compensation Delays – Especially during COVID, strained States’ finances.

    Reduced Central Grants – Decline in discretionary and plan-based transfers cut flexibility.

    Borrowing Restrictions (Art. 293, FRBM) – Limited States’ ability to raise resources.

    High Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) – Continued tied funds reduced States’ expenditure autonomy.

    Way Forward

    Increase Devolution to 50% under 16th FC.

    Include Cess/Surcharge in divisible pool

    Restructure CSS – Consolidate into fewer umbrella schemes

    As the Punchhi Commission noted, “true federalism requires fiscal autonomy alongside political autonomy.”

  • Clean energy is the order of the day. Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics.

    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) & Cancún (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.

  • The Gati-Shakti Yojana needs meticulous coordination between the government and the private sector to achieve the goal of connectivity. Discuss.

    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.”

  • How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics ?

    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.

  • Do you agree with the view that increasing dependence on donor agencies for development reduces the importance of community participation in the development process ? Justify your answer.

    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..