UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 11)

Thank you for joining us for LIVE sessions. Every day we receive your emails and messages, in large numbers, with queries revolving around news and UPSC preparation in general. Each letter and text makes us feel that we must do more to simplify your examination preparation journey. You will be happy to know that we will be LIVE every week on Wednesdays, take up your queries, provide you with cues from the news, and discuss a relevant theme revolving around news and UPSC preparation in general.

Question for this week: How to make notes from The Indian Express?

You can send your queries at manas.srivastava@indianexpress.com or join Telegram: The Indian Express UPSC Hub or ask me Live! on August 9 at 8 PM.

QUESTION 1

India-China, India-US and China-US – were characterised by equally amicable relationships. Discuss the changing pattern of the China-India-US triangular relationship.

QUESTION 2

Discuss the initiatives taken by the government in the field of Higher Education 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: India-China, India-US and China-US – were characterised by equally amicable relationships. Discuss the changing pattern of the China-India-US triangular relationship.

Introduction:

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

— In the early years of this century, the China-India-United States triangle began to shape. Each country maintained a generally positive and cooperative attitude toward the other two.

India-China

— India’s relationship with China has recovered from the setback caused by India blaming China for the 1998 nuclear tests.

— They agreed on a set of political criteria for resolving the border issue in 2005. and bilateral trade began to accelerate.

— India and China began to coordinate positions in trilateral and multilateral groupings such as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), Russia-India-China (RIC), Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), World Trade Organization (WTO), climate change negotiations, etc.

India-US

— India-US relations also traced a similar trajectory after the 1998 nuclear tests, which the United States perceived as a huge setback to its non-proliferation policy objectives.

— The rise and impact of the Indian diaspora in the United States were matched by a surge in the information technology industry.

US-China

— At the same time, China-US ties began to mend following scandals such as the US bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Belgrade during the Kosovo conflict in 1999, and the EP-3 incident in 2001, which included a collision between US and Chinese military planes near Hainan.

(Source: idsa.in)

Body:

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

Changing Pattern

There are various factors are responsible for this change in the pattern of the triangular dynamic:

US-China relationship

In the second half of the 19th century, American missionaries began to arrive in China and began to generate empathy for the nation. During World War II, Washington backed Chinese nationalists in their fight against Japanese occupation.

Since 1949, when the communists defeated the nationalists, the United States has attempted to isolate China. In the 1970s, the United States and communist China joined forces to resist the Soviet Union.

At the turn of the 21st century, some in the US began to see China as a potential threat. But the US establishment dismissed the idea and bet that Beijing could become a “responsible stakeholder” in the world order. America also believed that China’s growing economic prosperity would inevitably lead to greater democratisation of its society.

India-China relationship

— On April 1, 1950, India became the first non-socialist bloc country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.

— India and China signed the Declaration on Principles for Relations and Comprehensive Cooperation and also mutually decided to appoint Special Representatives (SRs) to explore the framework of a boundary settlement.

— India seeks multipolarity not just in the world system, but also in Asia, where it does not wish to be second fiddle to China.

— China continues to block Indian membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group and remains non-committal on India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council.

— China is using the Belt and Road Initiative and the Maritime Silk Road not only to inveigle developing nations via “debt diplomacy”, but also to camouflage its actual aim, which is regional domination.

India-US relationship

— The relationship between India and the US has had a turbulent journey over the last 75 years and entered a transformative phase in the last two-and-half decades.

— India and the US grew closer as strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific. The Indo-US strategic partnership is deepening economic engagement and resolve on both sides to elevate the bilateral relationship to a “global strategic partnership”.

— The Quad began as a broad partnership after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami but gained strategic heft after the four-country grouping, which has Australia and Japan alongside India and the US, was repurposed in 2017, primarily as a counter to China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean rim, and as a forum for redoubling focus on the Indo-Pacific region.

— In contrast to the return of rivalry in the China-India and China-US ties, the India-US relationship has widened and developed into a comprehensive global strategic alliance.

(Sources: At the heart of Indo-US ties: Economics and Strategy by Anil Sasi, India, America and the China challenge by C.Raja Mohan, mea.gov.in)

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short.

— India should expect the US to adopt a “transactional” approach and strike deals that buttress its interests and India must reciprocate by seeking to advance its own national interests like the HAL-General Electric deal for F-414 turbojet co-production, the supply of armed MQ-9B drones, cooperation in semiconductor manufacturing, or joint space exploration.

(Source: How China is forcing India and the US together by Arun Prakash)

Points to Ponder

Recent India-US developments

The border dispute with China (Map – Mark the Places)

Related Previous Year Questions

The new tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. (2021)

QUESTION 2: Discuss the initiatives taken by the government in the field of Higher Education in India.

Introduction:

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about higher education.

— Higher education is highly essential in fostering personal and societal well-being and in creating India as envisioned in its Constitution – a democratic, just, socially conscious, cultured, and compassionate society respecting liberty, equality, fraternity, and justice for all.

— Higher education significantly contributes towards sustainable livelihoods and economic development of the nation.

(Source: www.education.gov.in)

Body:

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

Initiatives taken by the Government

National Education Policy 2020

The policy envisions a complete overhaul and re-energising of the higher education system to overcome these challenges and thereby deliver high-quality higher education, with equity and inclusion. It includes the following key changes to the current system:

— Revamping curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and student support for enhanced student experiences.

— Moving towards a higher educational system consisting of large, multidisciplinary universities and colleges, with at least one in or near every district.

— Reaffirming the integrity of faculty and institutional leadership positions through meritappointments and career progression based on teaching, research, and service.

— Governance of HEIs by high qualified independent boards having academic and administrative autonomy.

— Establishment of a National Research Foundation to fund outstanding peer-reviewed research and to actively seed research in universities and colleges.

— Increased access, equity, and inclusion through a range of measures, including greater opportunities for outstanding public education.

Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA)

— It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), launched in 2013 aims at providing strategic funding to eligible state higher educational institutions.

— The central funding (in the ratio of 60:40 for general category States, 90:10 for special category states and 100% for union territories) would be norm-based and outcome dependent.

National Research Foundation

— The NRF is supposed to fund, promote and mentor research in higher educational institutions. One of the main objectives of the NRF is to get colleges and universities involved in scientific research.

There are various other schemes implemented by the Government. Here is the list of the schemes (www.education.gov.in/schemes)

Source: (How NRF aims to boost research in higher educational institutes by Amitabh Sinha, http://www.education.gov.in)

Conclusion:

Your conclusion should be short. You may include following points.

— The most important factor in the success of higher education institutions is the quality and engagement of its faculty.

— Higher Education Institutions HEIs should be equipped with the basic infrastructure and facilities, including clean drinking water, clean working toilets, blackboards, offices, teaching supplies, libraries, labs, and pleasant classroom spaces and campuses.

— The Union Budget 2023 is a holistic foundation for India of the future with an overall boost to education, skilling, job creation and entrepreneurship.

— The emphasis on creating digital and public infrastructure with a strong emphasis on sustainability is a boost for education and entrepreneurship. The goal of establishing AI Centers of Excellence, national skill set centers, and incentives to study and embrace new age educational courses would undoubtedly help to close skill and employability gaps.

(Source: Education Budget 2023 Reactions: Focus on enriching and empowering existing institutions — here’s what stakeholders think by Deekhsha Teri)

Points to Ponder

Major problems currently faced by the higher education system in India

Related Previous Year Questions

The quality of higher education in India requires major improvements to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country? Discuss. (2015)

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting an incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse. (2022)

Earn while you learn scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.” Comment. (2021)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 9)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 10)

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

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 10)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 11)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 10)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 4 (Week 9)

Also Read

UPSC Essentials | Get Inspired: B K Singh, former forest officer on Veera...

UPSC Weekly Current Affairs Quiz : August 05 to August 12, 2023

UPSC Essentials | Weekly news express : Major Bills of Monsoon Session 2023

UPSC Essentials | Society & Social Justice : Urbanisation and associated ...

UPSC Essentials : Mains answer practice — GS 4 — Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude (Week 10)