UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 2 : Questions on Russia and China’s military alliance and CAG (Week 53)

QUESTION 2

Discuss the role of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in ensuring transparency and accountability in government’s functioning.

General points on the structure of the answers

Introduction

QUESTION 1: Explain the potential geopolitical ramifications of Russia and China’s military alliance, as well as the implications for India.

Introduction:

— Russian leader Putin said that the most important aspect is that Russian-Chinese ties are “not opportunistic” and “not directed against anyone.” while the Chinese leader Xi said that the partnership between China and Russia was “everlasting” and had “become a model for a new type of international relations”.

— Before Russia invaded Ukraine, China and Russia announced a “no-limits” strategic relationship. Russia currently controls huge areas of Ukrainian land and is carrying out a successful assault in both the northeastern Kharkiv region and the country’s south.

Body:

— The Western powers, led by the United States, have been deeply concerned about China’s engagement in the war.

— China was the “top supplier” of dual-use equipment with both civilian and military applications in Russia. The US believes China is giving technology to Russia’s missiles, tanks, and other battlefield weaponry.

— Russian imports of machine tools, computer chips, and other dual-use equipment from China have risen dramatically. Since the war began, Chinese logistics equipment shipments to Russia have surged four to seven times, including lorries (to move troops) and excavators (to dig trenches).

— In the post-Cold War era, economic cooperation served as the “new strategic basis” for Sino-Russian relations. China emerged as Russia’s top trading partner and Asian investor.

Implications for India

— About 60-70% of Indian defence supplies come from Russia, and India requires consistent and dependable supplies, especially given the four-year standoff between Indian and Chinese forces at the border.

— Many Western analysts have advised India against Russia becoming a “junior partner” of China. At the same time, India does not want Western sanctions to have a negative impact on Russia’s defence sector in the short to medium term.

(Source: Vladimir Putin meets Xi Jinping: With deepening Russia-China ties, what are the concerns for India? by Shubhajit Roy)

Points to Ponder

Indian defence supplies

Sino-Russian relationship

Places in news in Russia and China

Related Previous Year Questions

The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India. What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. (2023)

“The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. (2021)

QUESTION 2: Discuss the role of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in ensuring transparency and accountability in government’s functioning.

Introduction:

— India is the world’s largest democracy, with a vibrant political scene, a diversified population, and continual initiatives to address numerous socioeconomic concerns.

— The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India is appointed under Article 148 of India’s Constitution.

— The Comptroller and Auditor-General shall serve for a six-year term beginning on the date he starts office. If he attains the age of sixty-five years before the end of the six-year term, he must quit his office on the date he reaches that age.

Body:

— The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) performs an important role in this democratic framework by guaranteeing openness, accountability, and financial integrity in government operations.

— CAG serves to maintain the separation of powers between the legislature and the executive by ensuring that the government’s financial activities are consistent with legislative purposes.

— The CAG supports good governance practices and assists governments in streamlining processes, reducing inefficiencies, and adhering to budgetary discipline through audit findings and suggestions.

Duties of CAG

(i) To audit all expenditures from the Consolidated Fund of India and of each State and of each Union territory having a Legislative Assembly.

(ii) To audit all transactions of the Union and of the States relating to Contingency Funds and Public Accounts.

(iii) To audit all trading, manufacturing, profit and loss accounts and balance-sheets and other subsidiary accounts kept in any department of the Union or of a State

Conclusion:

— As India’s democracy matures, the CAG’s responsibility in promoting good governance and protecting the interests of the people becomes increasingly important.

— CAG has released various manuals and recommendations over the years, which have served as the foundation for local government auditing and accounting practices. The major goal of CAG’s local government audit is to analyse how well services related to devolved tasks have reached the final mile, or grassroots, through the efforts of local governments.

— In fact, as a member of the UN Board of Auditors, the CAG of India included the audit of SDGs as a cross-cutting issue in the UN Audit in 2017.

(Source: CAG of India writes: As our democracy matures, my role is becoming more vital by Girish Chandra Murmu, cag.gov.in)

Points to Ponder

Important articles related to CAG

Appointment and removal of CAG

Powers of CAG

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)

“The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.” Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise. (2018)

Exercise of CAG’s powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is derived from Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the Government’s policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG) jurisdiction. (2016)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 51)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 52)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 52)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 51)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 53)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 52)

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