UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 34)

QUESTION 2

India can play a key role with its influence and relations with Russia. Discuss in the context of Ukraine peace formula held during the Davos conference.

General points on the structure of the answers

Introduction

— An introduction 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 a trusted source and include authenticated 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 important is the India-US trade policy forum conference in terms of increasing service trade with the US?

Body:

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

— The US is India’s single largest trade partner and the only large economy where India exports more than it imports.

— At a time when goods exports in the West are slowing due to the Russia-Ukraine war, India relies heavily on US demand for export earnings and is also counting on the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) trade pact to counter China’s enormous influence on Asian trade.

— India lost GSP benefits in 2019 when former US President Donald Trump began introducing radical trade measures citing widening trade gap with India and China.

— India’s services exports have been on the rise and healthy export numbers largely due to the US demand has helped lower the current account deficit.

— India is also set to reiterate its longstanding demand for a totalisation agreement that will provide social security to Indian professionals in the US.

— A totalisation agreement or social security agreement will eliminate dual social security deductions in India and the US.

— The agreement will particularly benefit the Indian IT sector workforce who are working in the US and paying social security but are unable to get the benefit.

Conclusion:

— In the absence of a free trade agreement (FTA) with the US, such trade policy forum meetings are among the few platforms to resolve trade tensions and push for tangible export growth.

— According to PTI, a government official stated that the US requested data from India on various social security schemes being implemented for the potential deal, and that India submitted all of the data from various ministries, including labour.

(Source: India-US trade policy meeting starts today: GSP, laptop import monitoring system on table by Ravi Dutta Mishra)

Points to Ponder

Generalised System of Preferences (GSP)

Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)

Related Previous Year Questions

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)

QUESTION 2: India can play a key role with its influence and relations with Russia. Discuss in the context of Ukraine peace formula held during the Davos conference.

Body:

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

— The World Economic Forum (WEF) is holding its Annual Meeting from January 15 to 19 in Davos, Switzerland..

— National security advisors from several countries gathered to discuss a peace formula for Ukraine and advocated for an early restoration of peace in the war-torn country, with host Switzerland claiming that India can play a crucial role due to its influence and links with Russia.

— Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Swiss foreign minister Ignazio Cassis said Russia would be asked to join the peace plan discussions at some point in time but to bring Russia on the table would require mediation by some countries.

— The Swiss Federal Councillor for Foreign Affairs stated that Russia is currently unwilling to make any compromises, but there is no option to bringing both countries to the table, which would require a collective momentum from more than 100 countries, including those outside of Europe.

— The participation from BRICS countries, including India, is very important, as these are the countries, which have got some relations continuing with Russia.

— Participation of countries from BRICS alliance is of utmost importance because these are the countries, which have relations and a degree of trust with Russia.

— The Swiss Foreign Ministry, in a statement, said, “By organising the meeting, Switzerland continues to support Ukraine in achieving this goal”. The Indian representative at the Davos meeting again called for early restoration of peace.

(Source: What is the World Economic Forum meeting, held annually in Davos?, NSAs meet in Davos to discuss Ukraine peace formula, say India can play key role)

Points to Ponder

BRICS alliance

SCO grouping

Related Previous Year Questions

Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss. (2020)

Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India? (2021)

WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in a profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food security. (2014)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 33)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 32)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 33)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 32)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 34)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 33)

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