UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 9)

QUESTION 1

The 2+2 dialogue reflected the shared commitment by India and the US to provide a positive, forward-looking vision for the India-US strategic partnership and promote synergy in their diplomatic and security efforts. Comment.

QUESTION 2

Discuss how the direct benefit transfer scheme has transformed social welfare 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 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: The 2+2 dialogue reflected the shared commitment by India and the US to provide a positive, forward-looking vision for the India-US strategic partnership and promote synergy in their diplomatic and security efforts. Comment.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about 2+2 dialogue.

— The 2+2 dialogue is a format of meeting of the foreign and defence ministers of India and its allies on strategic and security issues.

— A 2+2 ministerial dialogue enables the partners to better understand and appreciate each other’s strategic concerns and sensitivities considering political factors on both sides, to build a stronger, more integrated strategic relationship in a rapidly changing global environment.

— India has 2+2 dialogues with four key strategic partners: the US, Australia, Japan, and Russia. Besides Russia, the other three countries are also India’s partners in the Quad.

(Source: What is the ‘2+2’ format of dialogue between India and US?)

Body:

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

India-US (2+2 Dialogue)

— As natural and trusted partners celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and independent India, with a shared commitment to democracy and pluralism, a multifaceted bilateral agenda, and growing convergence of strategic interests, both countries seek to continue to promote a resilient, rules-based international order that safeguards sovereignty and territorial integrity, upholds democratic values, and promotes peace and prosperity for all.

— The first 2+2 dialogue between the two countries was held during the Trump Administration, when then Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and then Secretary of Defence James Mattis met the late Sushma Swaraj and then Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi in September 2018.

Global Partnership and Indo-Pacific Cooperation

— The Ministers discussed mutual efforts to respond to Ukraine’s deepening humanitarian catastrophe and assessed its larger ramifications. They demanded an immediate halt to hostilities. Civilian casualties were categorically condemned by the Ministers.

Mutual Prosperity, Innovation, and Resilient Supply Chains

— The Ministers underlined the importance of strengthening the commercial and economic pillar of the U.S.-India partnership to advance economic growth and deliver mutual prosperity for both countries.

Climate, Environment, and Clean Energy

— The Ministers praised the ongoing engagement under the two main tracks of the US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership – the Climate Action and Finance Mobilization Dialogue (CAFMD) and the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP) – to explore and identify low carbon pathways to develop and undertake joint research and development projects, mobilize finance, develop and promote green technologies, and enhance technical collaboration aimed at building on previous achievements.

Science, Technology, Cybersecurity, and Space

— Reflecting on the positive science and technology cooperation between the two countries, the Ministers welcomed the announcement of a Joint Commission Meeting on Science and Technology in 2022, to discuss future science and technology collaboration.

Global Health

— The Ministers recognized the pivotal role of the U.S.-India partnership in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and other contemporary global health challenges.

Defence and Security

— The Ministers commended the significant and continuing progress in the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership.

— India and the US have signed a troika of “foundational pacts” for deep military cooperation, beginning with the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, followed by the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) after the first 2+2 dialogue in 2018, and then the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) in 2020.

Education and People-to-People Ties

— The Ministers also appreciated the contribution of the Fulbright-Nehru program in furthering the exchange of outstanding academics and professionals between both countries and the special role the four million-strong Indian-American diaspora play in deepening U.S.-India relations.

(Sources: What is the ‘2+2’ format of dialogue between India and US?, http://www.state.gov)

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may use some of the following points.

— The strengthening of cooperation mechanisms between the two militaries is important in the context of an increasingly aggressive China, which threatens a large number of countries in its neighborhood and beyond and has challenged several established norms and aspects of international relations.

— Delhi and Washington are now focused on finding ways to collaborate on the critical technologies of the 21st century and work with their partners in setting new global rules for managing them.

— The latest political investments in the relationship have benefited both Delhi and Washington significantly. As the regional and global order shifts, the incentives for Delhi and Washington to maintain and expand the India-US cooperation are stronger than ever and will persist through the next administration.

(Source: Incentives to advance India-US partnership are stronger than ever before by C. Raja Mohan)

Points to Ponder

2+2 dialogue with Australia, Japan and Russia

QUAD

Related Previous Year Question

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

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

QUESTION 2: Discuss how the direct benefit transfer scheme has transformed social welfare in India.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about direct benefit transfer.

— Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) was created with the aim of reforming the Government delivery system by re-engineering the existing process in welfare schemes for a simpler and faster flow of information/funds and to ensure accurate targeting of the beneficiaries, de-duplication and reduction of fraud.

— DBT Mission was created in the Planning Commission to act as the nodal point for the implementation of the DBT programmes.

— This Framework is to be followed by all Ministries/ Departments and their attached Institutions/PSUs. It is applicable on all Central Sector (CS)/ Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and to all schemes where components of cash is transferred to individual beneficiaries.

(Source: dbtbharat.gov.in)

Body:

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

Importance of DBT

— It evolved the Public Finance Management System and created the Aadhaar Payment Bridge to enable instant money transfers from the government to people’s bank accounts.

— It not only allowed all rural and urban households to be uniquely linked under varied government schemes for receiving subsidies directly into their bank accounts but also transferred money with ease.

— In rural regions, it has become the backbone for supporting the growth of the agricultural economy by allowing the government to provide financial assistance effectively and transparently to farmers with lower transaction costs – be it for fertilisers or any of the other schemes including the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, and PM Krishi Sinchayi Yojana.

— In urban India, the PM Awas Yojana and LPG Pahal scheme successfully use DBT to transfer funds to eligible beneficiaries.

— There are various scholarship schemes and the National Social Assistance Programme use the DBT architecture to provide social security.

— DBT under rehabilitation programmes such as the Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers opens new frontiers that enable social mobility of all sections of society.

— During the pandemic, it aided the government to reach the last mile and support the most deprived in bearing the brunt of the lockdown.

(Source: How Direct Benefit Transfer scheme has transformed social welfare in India by Parameswaran Iyer)

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

— An enabling policy regime, proactive government initiatives and supportive regulatory administration allowed the private and public sector entities in the financial sector to overcome longstanding challenges of exclusion of a large part of the population. These are essential elements of the pioneering ecosystem created by the government for the aggressive rollout of the ambitious DBT programme.

— The DBT approach is expected to expand further in size and structure as it continues to be the major tool of the government for a more nuanced and targeted intervention towards improving the ease of living.

Points to Ponder

Implementation of DBT

Limitations

Related Previous Year Questions

Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment. (2022)

Electronic cash transfer system for welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment. (2013)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 7)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 8)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 7)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 8)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 8)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 9)

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