UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 4)

Each day, we will cover one new subject. Attempt today’s answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-2 to check your progress.

QUESTION 1

There is much more between India and Nepal than the sum of their treaties and agreements. Discuss how the current progress has enhanced India-Nepal bilateral relations.

QUESTION 2

How inter-state border disputes are resolved? Discuss in the context of recent border disputes that took place in India.

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 give you an edge over the other candidates and helps in the better presentation of the answer.

— Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be use 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: There is much more between India and Nepal than the sum of their treaties and agreements. Discuss how the current progress has enhanced India-Nepal bilateral relations.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about India-Nepal relations.

— Nepal and India have strong bilateral ties that are based on a shared history, culture, tradition and religion.

— These ties are close, comprehensive, and multifaceted, with a focus on political, social, cultural, religious, and economic engagements.

Body:

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

Source: (http://www.mea.gov.in)

Development Partnership

— India is providing financial and technical assistance for the construction of two broad gauge cross-border railway links viz., Jaynagar-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar.

— A MoU was signed between India and Nepal for the construction of a motorable bridge across the Mahakali River connecting Dharchula (India) with Darchula (Nepal), under Indian grant assistance.

Cooperation in Water Resource

— There are three-tier bilateral mechanism (with Ministerial meeting at the apex) has been established in 2008 to discuss issues relating to cooperation in water resources, flood management, and inundation. These specialized committees are:

(i) Joint Team of Experts (JTE) on Saptkosi and Sunkosi projects;

(ii) Joint Committee on Inundation and Flood Management (JCIFM) and

(iii) Joint Committee on Kosi and Gandak Projects (JCKGP).

Trade and Economic Ties

— India remains Nepal’s largest trade partner, with bilateral trade crossing US$ 7 billion in FY 2019-20.

— India provides transit for almost the entire third country trade of Nepal. India’s export to Nepal has grown over 8 times in the past 10 years while exports from Nepal have almost doubled.

— In FY 2021-22, it constituted 2.34% of India’s exports. The  exports from India constitute almost 22% of Nepal’s GDP.

Power Cooperation

— A total of about 600 MW of power is currently being supplied by India to Nepal through different transmission lines, assisting Nepal to overcome power shortage in the country.

— Cross-border transmission lines that were completed with Government of India assistance:

400 kV Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar line (2016).

132 kV Kataiya-Kusaha and Raxaul-Parwanipur lines (2017).

— There was also an MoU between Sutlej Jala Vidyut Nigam, a Himachal government subsidiary, and Nepal Electricity Authority for a 695 MW Arun-4 power project under which Nepal will receive 152 MW of free electricity under a sharing arrangement.

Defence and Security Cooperation

— Historically, both armies have shared excellent and harmonious relationship, and since 1950, India and Nepal have been awarding honorary rank of General to each other’s Army Chief.

— The security agencies of both sides also share close cooperation including exchange of information.

— Law enforcement agencies hold regular bilateral meetings at various levels to discuss security issues of mutual concern including border management in institutionalized bilateral mechanisms.

— India-Nepal Joint Military Training, Exercise Surya Kiran between Indian Army and Nepali Army is conducted annually.

Educational and people-to-people exchanges

— Visa-free entry

— India-Nepal Ramayana Circuit: Sister city agreements signed (Kathmandu-Varanasi, Lumbini-Bodhgaya, Janakpur-Ayodhya) to strengthen people to people exchanges and India-Nepal Ramayana Circuit.

Cultural Exchange

— The assistance provided to several India-Nepal Friendship Organizations : to promote Indian culture and India-Nepal bilateral relations

— MoUs/Agreements have been signed between:

(i) Sahitya Kala Akademi (India) and Nepal Academy

(ii) Doordarshan (India) and Nepal TV

(iii) Government of India and Government of Nepal for cooperation on youth affairs,

— Foundation stone India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage: It is the first centre to be established by India in Lumbini, where several of the world’s major countries, including the US and China, have centres dedicated to Buddhism

— Dr Ambedkar Chair for Buddhist Studies in Lumbini Buddhist University;

— ICCR Chairs of Indian Studies in Tribhuvan University and Kathmandu University

— A joint master’s degree programme between IIT-Madras and Kathmandu University.

Conclusion:

You may add the following lines in your conclusion: