Model Answer

Introduction

Women play a crucial role in driving economic growth, contributing significantly to productivity and innovation. As of 2023, India’s female labor force participation stands at 41.7%, a considerable rise from 23.2% six years ago, yet still below the global average of 50%. This underscores the need for enhanced efforts to fully integrate women into the workforce.

Role of Women in Economic Growth

Several factors are contributing to the increasing participation of women in India’s economy:

1. Educational Advancements and STEM Inclusion:
   The rising educational attainment among women has led to their increasing presence in skilled sectors, particularly in STEM fields where women now represent 42.57% of students. This shift not only empowers women but also drives innovation in the economy.
2. Policy Initiatives for Women-Led Development:
   Government policies have shifted from welfare to women-led development, focusing on enabling women as leaders and entrepreneurs. For instance, 10 crore women are connected to 9 million Self-Help Groups (SHGs), facilitating economic participation.
3. Rise of Women Entrepreneurship:
   Women are increasingly becoming job creators, with over 10% of SIDBI funds earmarked for women-led start-ups. Successful entrepreneurs like Falguni Nayar of Nykaa exemplify this trend.
4. Financial and Digital Inclusion:
   Access to banking and digital financial tools has empowered women economically, with 39.2% of bank accounts held by women. Digital platforms are enabling broader participation in the economy.

Challenges Faced by Women

Despite these advancements, women face significant challenges:

1. Persistent Low Labor Force Participation:
   Many women drop out of the workforce post-marriage or childbirth due to societal norms and lack of flexible jobs.
2. Unpaid Domestic Work:
   Women disproportionately shoulder unpaid domestic responsibilities, spending 236 minutes per day compared to 24 minutes by men, limiting their ability to engage in paid work.
3. Gender Pay Gap:
   Women earn significantly less than men, facing a 29.4% pay disparity in urban areas. The majority of women work in informal sectors without job security.
4. Gender-Based Violence:
   Safety concerns restrict women’s mobility and employment opportunities, with India recording 51 cases of crime against women every hour.
5. Underrepresentation in Leadership:
   Women hold only 13.6% of seats in the Lok Sabha, limiting gender-responsive policymaking.

Measures for Enhancement of Women’s Empowerment

To address these challenges, several measures can be implemented:

1. Integrating Skilling with Local Economic Ecosystems:
   Align skilling initiatives with local job markets to ensure women gain relevant skills.
2. Scaling Women’s Enterprises:
   Provide financial support through schemes like MUDRA loans and create mentorship programs for women entrepreneurs.
3. Institutionalizing Childcare Support:
   Develop childcare facilities to support working mothers, reducing the dual burden of work and domestic responsibilities.
4. Promoting Gender-Responsive Policies:
   Implement gender quotas in government and decision-making bodies to enhance women’s representation.
5. Developing a Unified Digital Identity:
   Create an Aadhaar-linked platform to streamline access to welfare, credit, and educational resources for women.

Way Forward

Empowering women is not just a matter of equity; it is essential for India’s economic growth. By addressing the challenges women face and implementing targeted measures, India can harness its demographic dividend, potentially adding $770 billion to its GDP by 2025. A gender-equal economy will foster inclusive growth and national development, aligning with global goals for gender equality.

Model Answer

Introduction

I agree that family values significantly shape the decisions individuals make both within the family setting and in broader social contexts. These values, which encompass moral and ethical principles, serve as a guiding framework for behavior and choices.

Influence within the Family Setting

Family structure directly affects the values instilled in children. For example, in patriarchal families, traditional roles assign responsibility and honor to men while promoting nurturing traits like compassion and service in women. This dynamic influences children’s perceptions of gender roles and responsibilities, shaping their future decisions in relationships and careers (Macionis, 2017). A child from a vegetarian family is likely to adopt similar dietary preferences, demonstrating how familial beliefs can dictate lifestyle choices (Giddens, 2017).

Broader Social Contexts

Family values also extend their influence into societal interactions and political orientations. Children raised in families that emphasize liberty and freedom are more inclined to support democratic values and engage in civic responsibilities. Conversely, those from conservative backgrounds may internalize blame towards women for societal issues, such as violence, reflecting a narrow worldview shaped by family beliefs (Inglehart & Norris, 2003).

Moreover, strong family values can act as a buffer against negative influences. For instance, individuals nurtured in environments that prioritize kindness and mercy are less susceptible to extremist ideologies, reducing the likelihood of deviant behavior (Hirschi, 1969).

Conclusion

In conclusion, family values profoundly influence individual decision-making both within familial settings and in broader societal contexts. They not only shape personal identities but also determine how individuals interact with and respond to the world around them. By understanding these dynamics, we can better comprehend the complexities of human behavior and social development.

Model Answer

Introduction

India’s neighbourhood policy has been pivotal in shaping its foreign relations, especially given the complexities of South Asia. Recent geopolitical challenges, including political upheavals and humanitarian crises, underscore the need for a reassessment and strengthening of this policy to ensure regional stability and security.

Evolution of India’s Neighbourhood Policy

The evolution of India’s neighbourhood policy can be segmented into several phases:

1. Early Years (1947-1960s): Post-independence, India focused on integrating princely states and fostering friendly relations with neighbours to establish legitimacy. However, the lack of a clear strategic vision became apparent during conflicts, such as the Kashmir issue with Pakistan.
2. Cold War Period (1960s-1980s): India’s non-alignment policy aimed to maintain cordial relations with both Western and Eastern blocs. However, events like the 1962 Sino-Indian War forced India to reevaluate its approach, particularly concerning its borders.
3. Post-Cold War Era (1990s): The end of the Cold War and economic liberalization led to the “Look East” policy, enhancing economic ties with Southeast Asia while also focusing on immediate neighbours, although tensions with Pakistan escalated during this period.
4. Neighbourhood First Policy (2000s-present): Initiated in 2008, this policy emphasizes strengthening relationships with countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal through greater economic cooperation and connectivity initiatives, such as the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement.

Current Geopolitical Challenges

India’s neighbourhood is currently fraught with instability. Myanmar is grappling with civil war, Bangladesh faces political turmoil, and Sri Lanka is recovering from economic crisis. Additionally, China’s increasing influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative poses a strategic challenge, complicating India’s regional security landscape.

Implications of Instability

The instability in the neighbourhood leads to significant security threats, economic disruptions, and humanitarian crises. For instance, the Rohingya refugee situation strains India’s northeastern states, while trade with Bangladesh has been adversely affected by political changes. Diplomatic relations are strained, particularly in the Maldives, where anti-India sentiments have risen.

Measures to Enhance Engagement

To ensure an effective neighbourhood policy, India should:

1. Strengthen Regional Connectivity: Prioritize infrastructure development to enhance trade and mobility through initiatives like the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project.
2. Enhance Diplomatic Outreach: Establish robust mechanisms for engagement that transcend political regimes, focusing on multilateral diplomacy through platforms such as BIMSTEC and SAARC.
3. Foster Economic Ties: Implement aggressive economic diplomacy by offering trade incentives and investment opportunities to counterbalance China’s influence.
4. Develop a Comprehensive Security Framework: Strengthen security partnerships, focusing on intelligence sharing and joint military exercises to address common threats.

Way Forward

India’s neighbourhood policy must evolve into a more dynamic and proactive approach to address the multifaceted challenges of the region. By reinforcing its role as a regional leader, India can foster stability and promote cooperative growth, ultimately benefiting both its neighbours and itself in an increasingly multipolar world.

Model Answer

Introduction

Establishing an effective climate governance structure is essential for corporations to manage the financial risks and opportunities posed by climate change. This necessity arises from several critical factors.

Understanding Climate Risks

Corporations face two primary categories of risks due to climate change: physical risks and transitional risks. Physical risks include extreme weather events such as hurricanes and floods, which can disrupt operations and supply chains. Transitional risks involve the challenges companies encounter in adapting to regulatory and market shifts as the world transitions to a low-carbon economy.

Risk Assessment and Strategic Decision-Making

An effective climate governance structure enables corporations to systematically assess climate-related risks and opportunities. This assessment is crucial for making informed strategic decisions that align with long-term sustainability goals. Companies that fail to address these risks may experience significant financial repercussions, ultimately jeopardizing their profitability and survival.

Enhanced Disclosure Practices

The importance of increasing transparency cannot be overstated. Climate change poses threats to the global financial system, necessitating improved disclosure of climate-related financial risks to stakeholders, including investors and insurers. Enhanced disclosure fosters trust and informs better decision-making among investors.

Regulatory Compliance and Legal Protection

Without a robust climate governance framework, companies risk legal repercussions for failing to identify, respond to, or disclose material climate risks. Sectors such as energy and agriculture are particularly vulnerable, emphasizing the need for adherence to environmental regulations.

Meeting Shareholder Expectations

There is a growing demand from shareholders for companies to disclose their climate risks and resilience strategies. Increasing shareholder proposals call for transparency in climate governance to protect long-term value.

Conclusion

In summary, integrating an effective climate governance structure into corporate governance is vital. It facilitates risk assessment, enhances disclosure, ensures regulatory compliance, and meets shareholder demands, ultimately contributing to a company’s long-term resilience and sustainability.

मॉडल उत्तर

प्रस्तावना

बाहरी अंतरिक्ष का सैन्यीकरण एक गंभीर चिंता का विषय बन गया है। भारत को अपनी अंतरिक्ष संपत्तियों की सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित करने के लिए ठोस कदम उठाने की आवश्यकता है।

चुनौतियाँ

1. बढ़ता सैन्यीकरण:
   प्रमुख शक्तियाँ जैसे अमेरिका और चीन, अंतरिक्ष में अपने सैन्य गतिविधियों को बढ़ा रही हैं, जिससे प्रतिस्पर्धा बढ़ रही है।
2. साइबर और भौतिक खतरे:
   भारतीय उपग्रहों पर साइबर हमलों और भौतिक हमलों का खतरा बढ़ रहा है, जिससे उनके संचालन पर प्रभाव पड़ सकता है।
3. अंतरिक्ष में मलबा:
   बढ़ते अंतरिक्ष मलबे के कारण उपग्रहों के टकराव का जोखिम बढ़ गया है, जिससे उनकी सुरक्षा को खतरा है।

उपाय

1. अंतरिक्ष क्षमताओं में वृद्धि:
   स्वदेशी तकनीक का विकास और अनुसंधान में निवेश करना आवश्यक है।
2. अंतरराष्ट्रीय सहयोग:
   अन्य देशों के साथ सहयोग और संधियाँ करके सामूहिक सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित की जा सकती है।
3. रणनीतिक विनियमन:
   अंतरिक्ष में सैन्य गतिविधियों के लिए एक ठोस नियामक ढाँचा स्थापित करना चाहिए।

निष्कर्ष

भारत को अपनी अंतरिक्ष संपत्तियों की रक्षा के लिए एक समग्र दृष्टिकोण अपनाने की आवश्यकता है, ताकि बाहरी अंतरिक्ष में सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित की जा सके।