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‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’. (150 words) [UPSC 2019]
Model Answer Introduction UNESCO, established in 1945, was founded on the belief that political and economic alliances alone cannot ensure global peace, especially in the aftermath of two world wars. However, the organization now faces significant challenges, particularly following the withdrawal ofRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
UNESCO, established in 1945, was founded on the belief that political and economic alliances alone cannot ensure global peace, especially in the aftermath of two world wars. However, the organization now faces significant challenges, particularly following the withdrawal of the United States, which has accused UNESCO of having an “anti-Israel bias.”
Body
The U.S. withdrawal from UNESCO in 2019 stemmed from accusations that the organization exhibited bias against Israel. This sentiment traces back to 2011 when UNESCO voted to admit Palestine as a full member state, prompting the U.S. to halt its annual contributions of approximately $80 million. Israel has consistently criticized UNESCO for resolutions regarding cultural sites in the West Bank and Jerusalem, arguing that these resolutions undermine the legitimacy of the Jewish state.
Critics of Israel contend that it leverages U.S. support to deflect legitimate criticism of its policies. The politicization of UNESCO’s activities is not a new phenomenon; the organization has been grappling with a financial crisis since 2011, exacerbated by the U.S. withdrawal. Without American funding, UNESCO has been compelled to cut programs, freeze hiring, and rely on voluntary contributions to fill budget gaps. For instance, its 2017 budget was approximately $326 million, nearly half of what it was in 2012.
Moreover, other major contributors, including Japan, Britain, and Brazil, have also delayed their funding, often citing objections to UNESCO’s policies as a reason. This financial strain has left UNESCO fighting for its survival, struggling to fulfill its mission of promoting education, culture, and science.
Conclusion
The preservation of shared human heritage requires collaborative efforts from all nations, free from political interference. UNESCO must refocus on its core mandate to foster mutual understanding and cooperation while seeking alternative funding sources to sustain its vital work in promoting peace and sustainability.
See lessThere is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on non-food essential items squeezing their food-budget. – Elucidate. (150 words) [UPSC 2019]
Model Answer Introduction India has witnessed a growing divergence between poverty and hunger, where reductions in poverty rates do not correspond with declines in hunger levels. A critical factor in this divergence is the shrinking social expenditure by the government, which compels the poor to speRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India has witnessed a growing divergence between poverty and hunger, where reductions in poverty rates do not correspond with declines in hunger levels. A critical factor in this divergence is the shrinking social expenditure by the government, which compels the poor to spend more on non-food essentials, thereby squeezing their food budgets.
Body
1. Trends in Poverty and Hunger
While poverty rates have decreased in India, hunger remains a pressing issue. According to the Global Hunger Index 2020, India ranks 94th out of 107 countries, indicating a serious level of hunger. The report highlights alarming rates of child wasting and stunting, reflecting ongoing malnutrition issues.
2. Impact of Shrinking Social Expenditure
The decline in government social expenditure is a primary driver of this divergence. Fiscal constraints and changing policy priorities have led to reduced investments in essential social services such as healthcare, education, and housing. A report by Oxfam India points out that spending on health, education, and social protection as a percentage of GDP has been consistently declining.
3. Consequences for the Poor
This reduction in social spending disproportionately impacts the poor, who rely heavily on public services for their basic needs. As a result, they are forced to allocate a larger portion of their income to non-food essentials like healthcare and education. Consequently, less income is available for food, leading to a squeezed food budget. This situation exacerbates inadequate access to nutritious food, further increasing hunger and malnutrition among vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
To address the growing divergence between poverty and hunger in India, it is essential to enhance social expenditure. Adequate investment in social services will empower the poor to access essential needs without compromising their food budgets. Such measures are crucial for alleviating hunger and fostering inclusive, sustainable development outcomes.
See lessDespite Consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive. (150 words) [UPSC 2019]
Model ANswer Introduction India has experienced consistently high growth rates in recent years, emerging as one of the fastest-growing major economies. However, despite this impressive growth, the country continues to grapple with low human development indicators, as evidenced by its ranking of 131Read more
Model ANswer
Introduction
India has experienced consistently high growth rates in recent years, emerging as one of the fastest-growing major economies. However, despite this impressive growth, the country continues to grapple with low human development indicators, as evidenced by its ranking of 131 out of 189 in the Human Development Index (HDI) report released by the UNDP. This disconnect highlights the challenges in achieving balanced and inclusive development.
Body
1. Income Inequality
High levels of income inequality persist in India, with the top 10% of the population holding a disproportionate share of wealth. This unequal distribution limits the ability of the poor to access basic services and social mobility opportunities. For example, in Mumbai, luxury residences coexist with sprawling slums, starkly illustrating this income divide.
2. Regional Disparities
Significant development gaps exist between different regions. States like Bihar suffer from low human development indicators, with a literacy rate of around 63%, compared to Kerala’s over 96%. These disparities perpetuate cycles of poverty and underdevelopment, making balanced growth elusive.
3. Social Exclusion
Socially marginalized groups, including scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and religious minorities, face discrimination that limits their access to resources and opportunities. Dalits, for instance, often experience caste-based discrimination, restricting their social and economic mobility.
4. Gender Inequality
Gender disparities hinder overall development. The female labor force participation rate in India is around 20%, significantly lower than the global average of 47%. This gender gap in economic participation undermines inclusive development.
5. Inadequate Investments in Social Sectors
Investments in crucial social sectors, such as health and education, have been insufficient. Public healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas, suffers from shortages of doctors and facilities, impeding access to essential services.
Conclusion
Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring that the benefits of growth are shared across all segments of society. By adopting a more equitable and inclusive approach to development, India can improve human development outcomes for its entire population.
See lessThe need for cooperation among various service sectors has been an inherent component of development discourse. Partnership bridges the gap among the sectors. It also sets in motion a culture of ‘collaboration’ and ‘team spirit’. In the light of statements above examine India’s development process. (250 words) [UPSC 2019]
Model Answer Introduction Cooperation and partnership among various service sectors are essential components of development discourse. These collaborations bridge gaps among sectors, fostering a culture of collaboration and team spirit that contributes to more effective development outcomes. Body InRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Cooperation and partnership among various service sectors are essential components of development discourse. These collaborations bridge gaps among sectors, fostering a culture of collaboration and team spirit that contributes to more effective development outcomes.
Body
India’s development process has been significantly shaped by the contributions of various service sectors, including healthcare, education, infrastructure, and technology. The increasing complexity of the country’s challenges has underscored the need for cooperation among these sectors.
Successful Partnerships
Contributions to Development
These partnerships have been instrumental in:
Conclusion
Cooperation and partnership among service sectors are critical to India’s development process. By fostering a culture of collaboration and team spirit, these partnerships enhance innovation, resource-sharing, and inclusivity, leading to more effective and holistic development outcomes for the country.
See lessIn the context of neo-liberal paradigm of development planning, multi-level planning is expected to make operations cost-effective and remove many implementation blockages.’-Discuss. (250 words) [UPSC 2019]
Model Answer Introduction Multi-level planning integrates decision-making and resource allocation across various government levels, playing a vital role in the neo-liberal paradigm of development planning. This approach emphasizes decentralization, market-oriented reforms, and public-private partnerRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Multi-level planning integrates decision-making and resource allocation across various government levels, playing a vital role in the neo-liberal paradigm of development planning. This approach emphasizes decentralization, market-oriented reforms, and public-private partnerships (PPPs) to enhance cost-effectiveness and eliminate implementation blockages, ultimately leading to more efficient and responsive development outcomes.
Characteristics of the Neo-Liberal Paradigm
Addressing Cost-Effectiveness and Implementation Blockages
A. Local Participation
B. Responsiveness
C. Accountability
Conclusion
Multi-level planning, through its promotion of local participation, responsiveness, and accountability, can significantly improve the efficiency and targeting of development outcomes. By addressing the unique needs of communities, this approach aligns with the neo-liberal paradigm, making operations more cost-effective and mitigating implementation blockages.
See lessPerformance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process. Discuss. (250 words) [UPSC 2019]
Model Answer Introduction Welfare schemes aimed at vulnerable sections are vital for promoting inclusive development in India. However, their performance often falls short due to a lack of awareness and active involvement of these groups throughout the policy process. Challenges Due to Lack of AwareRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Welfare schemes aimed at vulnerable sections are vital for promoting inclusive development in India. However, their performance often falls short due to a lack of awareness and active involvement of these groups throughout the policy process.
Challenges Due to Lack of Awareness and Involvement
1. Poor Design of Schemes
2. Implementation Challenges
3. Ineffective Monitoring and Evaluation
Solutions for Improving Effectiveness
1. Participatory Planning
2. Capacity Building
3. Information Dissemination
Conclusion
To enhance the performance of welfare schemes for vulnerable sections, fostering awareness and active involvement in the policy process is essential. By adopting participatory approaches, building capacities, and disseminating information, the effectiveness of these schemes can be significantly improved, leading to better outcomes for beneficiaries.
See less"The reservation of seats for women in the institutions of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian Political Process." Comment. (250 words) [UPSC 2019]
Model Answer Introduction The reservation of seats for women in local self-government institutions, established by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1992, aimed to enhance women's representation in governance. The policy's goals include promoting gender equality and empowering women inRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The reservation of seats for women in local self-government institutions, established by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1992, aimed to enhance women’s representation in governance. The policy’s goals include promoting gender equality and empowering women in decision-making processes.
Positive Impacts of Reservation
Limitations of the Reservation Policy
Conclusion
While the reservation of seats for women in local self-government has led to increased representation and some positive outcomes, its impact on the patriarchal nature of the Indian political process has been limited. A comprehensive approach, including gender sensitization and capacity-building initiatives, is essential to address these challenges and promote genuine empowerment of women in politics.
See lessImplementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based Projects/Programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors, and suggest measures for their effective implementation. (150 words) [UPSC 2019]
Model Answer Introduction Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has the potential to transform various sectors, including governance, education, and healthcare, by enhancing efficiency and promoting transparency. However, the implementation of ICT-based projects often faces several vital chRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has the potential to transform various sectors, including governance, education, and healthcare, by enhancing efficiency and promoting transparency. However, the implementation of ICT-based projects often faces several vital challenges that must be addressed for effective execution.
Vital Factors Hindering Implementation
Measures for Effective Implementation
Conclusion
By addressing these challenges through targeted measures, we can unlock the full potential of ICT in transforming various sectors and promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
See lessWhat are the methods used by the farmers’ organisations to influence the policy- makers in India and how effective are these methods? (150 words) [UPSC 2019]
Model Answer Introduction Farmers’ organizations in India are pivotal in representing the interests of the agricultural community. They actively seek to influence policy-makers to ensure that policies and legislation are beneficial to farmers and address their concerns. Methods of Influence LobbyingRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Farmers’ organizations in India are pivotal in representing the interests of the agricultural community. They actively seek to influence policy-makers to ensure that policies and legislation are beneficial to farmers and address their concerns.
Methods of Influence
Effectiveness of These Methods
Farmers’ organizations have achieved notable successes in influencing policy, including:
Conclusion
The methods employed by farmers’ organizations have proven effective in effecting significant policy changes that impact the agricultural sector and the livelihoods of farmers in India. Engaging with these organizations is essential for policymakers to ensure inclusive and sustainable agricultural development.
See less"The Central Administrative Tribunal which was established for redressal of grievances and complaints by or against central government employees, nowadays is exercising its powers as an independent judicial authority." Explain. (150 words) [UPSC 2019]
Model Answer Introduction The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) was established under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, to provide a specialized forum for addressing grievances and complaints involving central government employees. Over the years, CAT has evolved into an independent judiciRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) was established under the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, to provide a specialized forum for addressing grievances and complaints involving central government employees. Over the years, CAT has evolved into an independent judicial authority that upholds the principles of natural justice.
Evolution of CAT’s Independence
The independence and impartiality of CAT have been strengthened through several key factors:
Landmark Judgments
Several landmark judgments illustrate CAT’s role as an independent judicial authority:
Conclusion
By exercising its powers transparently and impartially, CAT plays a critical role in safeguarding the rights of government employees. Its evolution into an independent judicial authority ensures adherence to natural justice in resolving service-related disputes, enhancing the integrity of the administrative framework in India.
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