UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 2: Questions on Vice‑President’s office and BRICS grouping (Week 112)

QUESTION 1

Discuss how the BRICS grouping challenges the Western-led liberal international order through efforts such as de‑dollarisation and the establishment of parallel financial and developmental institutions.

QUESTION 2

When the Vice‑President’s office is vacant, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha presides over the Upper House. Discuss how this provision safeguards legislative continuity and the balance of power within Parliament.

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: Discuss how the BRICS grouping challenges the Western-led liberal international order through efforts such as de‑dollarisation and the establishment of parallel financial and developmental institutions.

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

Introduction:

— The BRICS originated as a group dedicated to contesting the norms that drive multilateral economic institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. BRICS provided another avenue for India’s aspirations for global leadership, as it, along with Brazil, China, and Russia, negotiated a larger share of quotas and votes in these institutions.

— In recent years, as BRICS membership has grown, it has undoubtedly given India with another platform to strengthen ties with countries in the Global South.

Body:

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

— The BRICS are quietly altering some of the rules of international politics. From de-dollarization to alternative development models, it is rapidly posing a challenge to the Western-led liberal international order.

— Following World War II, this system gave way to the Western-led liberal international order. The United States, along with its allies, established a network of institutions that represented its beliefs and interests, including the IMF, World Bank, and WTO. This order was based on free markets, democracy, and, most importantly, the US dollar’s dominance in global finance.

— One of the most prominent messages from the BRICS summit in Brazil was about de-dollarisation. It may sound technical, but it is extremely political. This concept has been gaining traction for several years, but recent developments, particularly the weaponization of financial systems through sanctions, have pushed it to the forefront.

— The difficulty is that the majority of global trade and finance is based on the US dollar. When India buys oil from Russia, it usually pays in dollars. Brazil typically takes out loans in dollars. When China invests abroad, the transactions are often routed through dollar-based networks such as SWIFT. This offers the US not only financial but also political clout.

— At the Brazil summit, governments revived the notion of a BRICS currency, but as a symbol of intent rather than an imminent undertaking. In the meantime, they encourage trade in local currencies. Russia and China already transact more than 80% of their trade in roubles and yuan. India has started using rupees in some transactions with Iran and Sri Lanka. India and the UAE have begun to settle some oil transactions in rupees and dirhams.

— To avoid dollar exposure, the BRICS-created New Development Bank now issues loans in local currencies. This isn’t only about lowering transaction costs. It is about breaking out from a system that many in the Global South regard as biased against them.

Conclusion:

— BRICS promises to provide a platform for countries who did not have a seat at the table when the postwar international order was created. The group positions itself as a voice for the Global South.

— This initiative to create new platforms and organisations reflects a common frustration that the rules of the global system are frequently established by people who do not confront the same issues as those in the Global South. Together, the BRICS are attempting to shift not only policy but also the narrative about what kind of development is legitimate and who should lead.

(Source: How BRICS is chipping away at the Western order)

ints to Ponder

Read more aboutBRICS members

Read about New Development Bank

Related Previous Year Questions

‘Virus of Conflict is affecting the functioning of the SCO’ In the light of the above statement point out the role of India in mitigating the problems. (2023)

How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? (2022)

QUESTION 2: When the Vice‑President’s office is vacant, the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha presides over the Upper House. Discuss how this provision safeguards legislative continuity and the balance of power within Parliament.

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

Introduction:

— The Vice-President is elected by an electoral college made up of members from both Houses of Parliament — Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha — including nominated members.

— Voting is held in Parliament House by secret ballot, using the system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote. Each MP casts a vote by ranking candidates in order of preference. All votes carry equal value.

— To be declared elected, a candidate must reach a required minimum number of votes — called the quota. This is calculated by dividing the total number of valid votes by two and adding one (fractions, if any, are ignored). If no candidate crosses the quota in the first round, the one with the fewest first-preference votes is eliminated, and their votes are transferred to the remaining candidates based on second preferences. The process continues until one candidate crosses the quota.

Body:

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

— The Constitution does not provide for an acting Vice President. However, because the Vice-President is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Deputy Chairman shall preside over the House in his absence.

— In the case of the President, the Constitution requires that vacancies be filled within six months. However, there is no specified timeframe for a Vice-Presidential vacancy. The only prerequisite is that the election take place “as soon as possible” after the office becomes vacant.

— The poll is held under the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act of 1952. According to protocol, the Secretary General of either House of Parliament serves as the Returning Officer in rotation.

— The Presiding Officers of Rajya Sabha have the responsibility to conduct the proceedings of the House. The Vice-President of India is ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha. Rajya Sabha also chooses from amongst its members, a Deputy Chairman. There is also a Panel of Vice-Chairmen in Rajya Sabha, who are nominated by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha from the amongst the members of Rajya Sabha. In the absence of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, a member from the Panel of Vice-Chairmen presides over the proceedings of the House.

Conclusion:

— A person contesting for the post of Vice-President must be a citizen of India, at least 35 years old, qualified to be elected to the Rajya Sabha, and registered as an elector in any parliamentary constituency. They must not hold any office of profit under the central or state governments, except positions like President, Governor, or Minister.

(Source: What happens when the Vice-President resigns mid-term, sansad.in)

Points to Ponder

Read more about Vice-President of India – Functions and Powers

Read about Chairman and Panel of Vice-Chairmen in Rajya Sabha

Related Previous Year Question

Discuss the role of the Vice-President of India as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. (2022)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 112)

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 111)

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

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 111)

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