UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 2: Questions on data rights awareness and role of India in the emerging global order (Week 95)

QUESTION 1

Evaluate the potential role of India in the emerging global order, considering the recalibration of the U.S.-Europe relations. How can India position itself amid these geopolitical shifts?

QUESTION 2

Discuss the significance of data rights awareness in transforming passive data subjects into active digital citizens. How can India promote such awareness among its populace?

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: Evaluate the potential role of India in the emerging global order, considering the recalibration of the U.S.-Europe relations. How can India position itself amid these geopolitical shifts?

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

Introduction:

— The remarks of US Vice President J D Vance at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) on February 14 startled Europe and put the transatlantic partnership under unprecedented stress.

— The speech and its responses reflect political changes in Europe and the United States.

Body:

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

— Vance used recent instances from Europe to argue that the continent is abandoning freedom and liberty, principles that are considered fundamental to the Western, liberal world order that Europe and the United States represent.

— The expectation was that the US would withdraw troops from Europe or take other similar policy actions. The question is whether it has eroded some of the trust that was the foundation of the transatlantic partnership in the interim.

— An increase in efforts is the correct thing to do in an increasingly unpredictable environment where we cannot rely on outsiders. Europe needs to get its act together for its own good.

— India is becoming an increasingly prominent actor, and there is an intriguing dynamic in the discussion. The relationship with Russia and Europe should be balanced in order to become a more effective middleman.

— India can yet accomplish more than it is currently accomplishing. India could contribute to the reform of multilateral organisations and the improvement of the global financial architecture.

— For example, the G20 summit was a success. The African Union joined the G20 at the suggestion of India’s Prime Minister. So you’re getting certain things correct from both a German and a European standpoint.

Conclusion:

— Europe can no longer expect the United States to be a trusted guardian or partner, as Trump’s administration has taken a more transactional, inward-looking approach. This crisis in transatlantic relations has compelled the European Union (EU) to seek new alliances in order to preserve the world order and its own strategic interests.

— Relations between India and the EU have historically moved slowly, with more unrealised potential than breakthroughs. The first India-EU summit took place in 2000, and the two sides signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement in 2004.

— Economic links between India and the EU have grown in importance as both seek growth and resilience in the face of US protectionism and Chinese supply chain dominance. The EU is currently India’s biggest commercial partner.

(Source: Trump resetting transatlantic ties: Europe’s response, India’s role by Shubhajit Roy)

Points to Ponder

Read more about Economic links between India and the EU

India’s role in European stability

Related Previous Year Questions

The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and strategically to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples. (2024)

‘The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India.’ What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. (2023)

QUESTION 2: Discuss the significance of data rights awareness in transforming passive data subjects into active digital citizens. How can India promote such awareness among its populace?

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

Introduction:

— India has made significant progress in its digital revolution. Government initiatives have brought millions of people online, digital payment systems handle billions of transactions, and smartphones are now ubiquitous, even in distant areas.

— This technological revolution has resulted in a strange paradox: millions of “data subjects” without any knowledgeable digital citizens. Despite the debate over the complexities of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and its proposed Rules, the typical Indian is nonetheless separated from discussions about their own digital rights.

Body:

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

— This gap is more than just a legislative issue; it reflects broader cultural and philosophical concerns about personhood in the digital age. When a person clicks “I agree” on digital platforms on a daily basis, they give up their agency without having the essential context and background to appreciate the repercussions.

— Currently, India’s strategy is essentially top-down, with technical experts and policymakers directing discussions that rarely venture beyond conference rooms and policy circles to create significant public empowerment.

— Data rights awareness is more than just an abstract ideal; it has the ability to alter lives on many levels. On an individual level, it transforms passive data subjects into active digital citizens. At the societal level, understanding alters the power balance between citizens, corporations, and the government. For example, in Germany, consumer protection organisations often question tech firms’ data practices, assisting in the balancing of asymmetric connections in the digital ecosystem.

— The economic implications are similarly enormous. Following the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Europe has seen an increase of privacy-focused alternatives to mainstream digital services, which is fuelling innovation due to consumer desire for better privacy standards. At the governance level, public engagement ensures that data protection legislation accomplishes their intended purpose, as seen in Canada, where citizen feedback and activism reinforced the Privacy Act.

— Educational institutions are now preparing students for the digital economy without providing them with ethical navigation skills. We need mandatory digital rights and hygiene education in primary school curriculum, cross-disciplinary university programs, and teacher training programs that develop digital rights champions.

— The private sector must move beyond mere compliance and embrace responsibility by creating intuitive, user-friendly consent procedures that enhance rather than obscure understanding. Investing in privacy-enhancing technologies as a market differentiator allows them to adopt transparent data practices that foster trust rather than exploiting information disparities.

Conclusion:

— Taiwan has taken a collaborative approach to digital rights education, incorporating data rights awareness as a core skill into its Digital Competence Framework, which encourages citizens to actively participate in data governance issues.

— Finland has included data rights education into digital well-being, emphasising privacy as a critical component of digital health rather than technical compliance.

— The transition from dormant to dominant consciousness necessitates ongoing work, cultural adjustments, and institutional dedication. A digital environment that values human dignity encourages innovation and distributes power fairly. India has the chance to create a data governance paradigm that builds on its democratic traditions while solving modern issues.

(Source: We have to use digital technology as empowered citizens, not as passive subjects)

Points to Ponder

Read more about Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023

What is General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)?

Related Previous Year Questions

e-Governance is not just about the routine application of digital technology in service delivery processes. It is as much about multifarious interactions for ensuring transparency and accountability. In this context, evaluate the role of the ‘Interactive Service Model’ of e-Governance. (2024)

Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (2021)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 94)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 95)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 94)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 93)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 93)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 94)

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