UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 2 : Questions on Maldives president’s visit to India and Council of Ministers (Week 55)

QUESTION 2

What is the Council of Ministers, and who are the members? What are the responsibilities of cabinet ministers and ministers of state?

General points on the structure of the answers

Introduction

— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.

— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.

Body

— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.

— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.

— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.

— Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer.

— Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required.

Way forward/ conclusion

— The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction.

— You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers.

Self Evaluation

— It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers.

THOUGHT PROCESS

You may enrich your answers by some of the following points

QUESTION 1: How does the Maldives president’s visit to India reflect the shifting dynamics of regional alliances and the strategic goals of key players in the Indo-Pacific region?

Introduction:

— The Maldives is an essential ally for India, helping to protect its maritime borders and monitor the wider Indian Ocean region, where China is waging war. The archipelago is located about 300 nautical miles (560 km) off the west coast of India and about 70 nautical miles (130 km) from Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep. The islands are crossed by numerous significant commercial shipping channels.

— Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Maldives, was among seven leaders from India’s neighbouring countries who attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

— Muizzu’s participation was significant, considering his political positioning towards India and the critical strategic aspect of the India-Maldives relationship.

Body:

What is the India Out campaign?

— The India Out campaign began in 2020 as a protest against the-President Ibrahim Solih’s perceived pro-New Delhi policies, but quickly evolved into a movement against India’s alleged military presence in the archipelago, which both the Solih government and India denied.

— As a result, the final batch of Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives to operate and maintain two helicopters and three Dornier aircraft that India had earlier donated to the country were replaced by civilians in May.

Muizzu’s pro-China tilt

— The Maldives’ relationship with India suffered greatly as a result of Muizzu’s overt alliance of his nation with China, India’s geopolitical competitor in the Indian Ocean.

— In January, Muizzu defied Maldivian convention by choosing Beijing over New Delhi for his first international visit as president. He met with President Xi Jinping and inked 20 agreements ranging from tourism to social housing and e-commerce.

— Male signed an agreement with Beijing to obtain free “non-lethal” military equipment and training from China — the first ever military deal between the two countries.

— The Chinese influence in the Maldives has progressively expanded over the last few decades. The island nation is a component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has resulted in an influx of Chinese money and a deepening of the two countries’ relationship—at the expense of India.

Conclusion:

— The Maldives relies significantly on Indian imports in practically every critical industry, including food, life-saving pharmaceuticals, and planes used in search and rescue missions.

— India has raced to the Maldives’ aid in numerous emergencies, from being the first to give assistance following the 2004 tsunami to airlifting drinking water to the country after a desalination facility failed in 2014. During the Covid-19 pandemic, India sent medicines, masks, gloves, PPE kits, vaccines, and other supplies.

(Source: Significance of Maldives’ pro-China President Muizzu’s New Delhi visit by Arjun Sengupta)

Points to Ponder

What is the Belt and Road Initiative?

Atolls in news in Maldives

Related Previous Year Questions

Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India? (2013)

Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South East Asian countries economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this context. (2017)

QUESTION 2: What is the Council of Ministers, and who are the members? What are the responsibilities of cabinet ministers and ministers of state?

Body:

— According to Article 74, “There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at the head to aid and advise the President who shall, in the exercise of his functions, act in accordance with such advice…”

— The Central Council of Ministers is led by the Prime Minister and plays a vital role in government policy-making.

— It is effectively the real executive authority for the parliamentary system of government in India.

— The President of India is the head of the Executive, they must act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers as mandated by the Indian Constitution.

— Article 75 further states that the President appoints the Prime Minister. The President also appoints other ministers based on the PM’s recommendation. The article mandates that the size of this council should not exceed 15% of the strength of the Lok Sabha, or the House of the people.

— Article 88 empowers ministers to speak or participate in proceedings in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, as well as any joint session of both chambers or any Parliamentary committee to which they may belong. However, it does not guarantee their right to vote.

Role of the Prime Minister in the Council of Minister

— The Prime Minister is the head of the Central Council of Ministers in an executive capacity.

— The PM has a unique role and is considered the primary leader of the Council of Ministers, but is nevertheless equal to his ministers.

— Article 75 states: “The Council of Ministers shall be collectively responsible to the House of the People.”

— Additionally, the PM is responsible for decision-making on all important policy issues and other portfolios not allocated to any other minister.

— The Prime Minister additionally serves as head of the Cabinet Secretariat, the government body which supervises the day-to-day administration of the government and the conduct of business between ministries. He also heads the NITI Aayog and the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Who are the Cabinet Ministers and the Ministers of State (Independent Charge)?

— Cabinet ministers are the council’s most senior members, second only to the Prime Minister. They manage the Central government’s strategic and vital ministries, such as Home Affairs, Finance, and Defence, and have the authority to schedule and attend meetings as well as make important policy decisions.

— Ministers of state are junior members of the Council of Ministers. A Minister of State (Independent Charge) is empowered to administer their respective ministry without oversight from cabinet ministers or other members of the Union government.

Who are the Ministers of State?

— A Minister of State does not enjoy the foremost administerial duties over a ministry, but assists a cabinet minister with the same, and is responsible for specific functions as delegated to them by their superior.

(Source: New Council of Ministers sworn-in: What are the functions of Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State?)

Points to Ponder

Council of Ministers in recent Lok Sabha

Election Commission

Related Previous Year Questions

Discuss the role of Presiding Officers of state legislatures in maintaining order and impartiality in conducting legislative work and in facilitating best democratic practices. (2023)

Explain the constitutional provisions under which Legislative Councils are established. Review the working and current status of Legislative Councils with suitable illustrations. (2021)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 53)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 54)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 54)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 53)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 55)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 54)

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