UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 2: Questions on India–Canada educational diplomacy and Election Commission (Week 111)

QUESTION 1

In light of recent parliamentary debates on the proposal for One Nation One Election (ONOE), critically assess how the discretionary powers of the Election Commission interact with the constitutional principles of equality under Article 14.

QUESTION 2

Discuss the implications for India–Canada educational diplomacy and for Indian students seeking global educational opportunities.

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.

QUESTION 1: In light of recent parliamentary debates on the proposal for One Nation One Election (ONOE), critically assess how the discretionary powers of the Election Commission interact with the constitutional principles of equality under Article 14.

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— Four previous Chief Justices of India spoke before the Joint Committee of Parliament on the ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE) Bill, highlighting the Election Commission’s broad powers under the proposed law to organise simultaneous polls.

— Former Chief Justices J S Khehar and D Y Chandrachud questioned whether the EC’s power to decide whether simultaneous polls can be delayed for a state is constitutionally permissible. They stressed that holding simultaneous polls is legitimate and would not undermine the Constitution’s fundamental framework.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:

— Ranjan Gogoi, a Rajya Sabha MP and former CJI, pointed out in March that the EC had been given broad powers to decide on the timing of simultaneous polls.

— The 129th Constitution Amendment Bill, which proposes to implement simultaneous polls, specifies that the EC will determine whether they are possible.

— The proposed amendment to Article 82 of the Constitution provides that… “if the Election Commission is of the opinion that the elections to any Legislative Assembly cannot be conducted along with the general election to the House of the People, it may make a recommendation to the President, to declare by an order, that the election to that Legislative Assembly may be conducted at a later date.”

— Former CJIs have suggested amending the law to include parliamentary oversight over the EC’s power to decide the schedule and also narrowing down the EC’s powers to delay the schedule only on the grounds of “public order or national security” to ensure that the power is not used arbitrarily.

Conclusion:

— Broad powers in legislation without sufficient safeguards could be deemed arbitrary by courts and be held violative of the right to equality under Article 14 of the Constitution.

— Article 14 of the Constitution of India states that “The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India”.

(Source: Four ex-CJIs raise red flag: EC power to delay simultaneous elections may not pass muster)

Points to Ponder

Read about Article 14

Read about appointment and removal process of CJI

Read about Election Commission

Related Previous Year Questions

Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees, with particular reference to the ‘‘One Nation–One Election’’ principle. (2024)

Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. (2022)

QUESTION 2: Discuss the implications for India–Canada educational diplomacy and for Indian students seeking global educational opportunities.

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— In recent months, Canada has given significantly fewer student visas. In the first quarter of 2025, the government issued only 96,015 study permits, down from 1,21,070 in the same time last year, according to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data.

— Several students have blamed their rejections on the employment of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, claiming that AI-driven visa processing processes result in rejections without sufficient human assessment. While experts believe that AI could be the culprit, they point to a very different issue.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:

— According to experts, the underlying issue is that hopefuls submit inadequately prepared AI-generated applications and fail to compile necessary documents and ensure academic coherence.

— They claim that many students and even study abroad consultants have become unduly reliant on AI to prepare visa-related documents, particularly Statements of Purpose (SOPs).

— While there are no clear instructions not to use AI for applications, experts say the technology produces similar, templated text, preventing candidates from differentiating out or seeming authentic.

— AI-generated SOPs, for example, frequently seem robotic, impersonal, and repetitious, raising red flags among visa officers who review these documents. Such SOPs also lack personal understanding or fail to make a clear connection between an applicant’s past and future ambitions. Furthermore, relying on AI indicates a lack of seriousness and effort, which can jeopardise visa clearance chances.

Conclusion:

— In addition to a strong SOP, there is importance of detailed proof of funds with credible financial documents, as well as honest and accurate paperwork. Any mismatched or exaggerated claims, he warned, can lead to outright rejection.

(Source: How AI may be behind drop in student visas issued by Canada to Indians)

Points to Ponder

Read about India-Canada Relations

Read about trade between India and Canada

Recent developments between India and Canada

Related Previous Year Questions

The Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India. (2023)

‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (2020)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 110)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 111)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 110)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 109)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 110)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 109)

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