Model Answer

The International Solar Alliance (ISA), established in 2015, is a collaborative platform aimed at promoting the deployment of solar energy technologies worldwide. Given the immense potential of solar energy, ISA plays a critical role in helping the international community harness this resource effectively.

Affordable Finance Mobilization

One of ISA’s key functions is to mobilize affordable finance for solar projects. By collaborating with multilateral development institutions and developed nations, ISA aims to secure investments, targeting a goal of mobilizing USD 1,000 billion by 2030 for solar solutions (Source: ISA).

Infrastructure Development

ISA supports countries like Benin and Togo in developing essential solar infrastructure, such as solar parks. This cluster-based approach facilitates the efficient deployment of solar panels and enhances energy access (Source: ISA initiatives).

Capacity Development

To ensure successful solar adoption, ISA emphasizes capacity building through programs like Solar Mama and the ISA Solar Technology and Application Resource Centre (ISTAR C). These initiatives focus on training personnel in solar module production and installations (Source: ISA).

Technology Development and Standardization

ISA fosters technology development and standardization by collaborating with technical institutes and the private sector. The Scaling Solar Applications for Agricultural Use (SSAAU) initiative promotes decentralized solar applications, particularly in rural areas (Source: ISA).

Development of Energy Markets

Creating guaranteed markets for solar energy is crucial. ISA advocates for regulatory frameworks that facilitate power purchase agreements (PPAs), similar to India’s model, which encourages investment in solar power (Source: ISA).

Conclusion

In summary, the ISA is instrumental in promoting solar energy globally through financial mobilization, infrastructure development, capacity building, technology standardization, and energy market development. By addressing challenges like fossil fuel subsidies and technology transfer, ISA can enhance the penetration and performance of solar energy, positioning it as a cornerstone of future energy systems.

Model Answer 

The Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, celebrated on January 9, honors the contributions of the Indian diaspora to India’s development. Its 2023 theme, “Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal,” emphasizes the vital role of overseas Indians as advocates for India (Source: Government of India).

Reconnecting and Exploring New Possibilities

Innovation and Technology: The Indian diaspora, particularly in Silicon Valley, is a significant source of innovation and entrepreneurship. They can bring new technologies and startup ideas to India, enhancing its economic landscape (Source: Indian diaspora studies).

Promoting Healthcare: The diaspora can help position India as a global healthcare destination by linking hospitals and universities, sharing best practices, and contributing to the pharmaceutical sector’s growth (Source: Healthcare initiatives).

Leveraging Soft Power: Cultural exchanges through craft, cuisine, and creativity foster a seamless flow of ideas between the diaspora and India, enhancing mutual understanding and collaboration (Source: Cultural diplomacy reports).

Global Mobility: The Indian IT sector has opened doors for skilled professionals abroad, creating opportunities for the diaspora to engage with India (Source: IT industry reports).
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Initiatives involving women diaspora entrepreneurs, such as Dr. Poonam Gupta, inspire young women in India to pursue leadership roles, promoting inclusivity in nation-building (Source: Women entrepreneurship studies).

Challenges and Government Initiatives

Despite these opportunities, challenges persist, including an unappealing lifestyle for young diaspora members and limited capital contributions. The Indian government has launched initiatives like the Know India Programme and GIAN to better engage the diaspora and harness their potential (Source: Government initiatives).

In conclusion, the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas serves not only as a celebration but also as a platform for reconnecting and exploring transformative ideas that can significantly impact India’s development.

Model Answer

India’s recent proposal for a ‘New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System (NORMS)’ aims to update and reform multilateral institutions to better reflect contemporary geopolitical realities. This initiative is centered around three key pillars: peace and security, development, and human rights, with the United Nations as the core entity.

1. Lack of Inclusivity and Representation

The structure of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has largely remained unchanged since its inception, resulting in inadequate representation for member states from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Small Island Developing States. This lack of inclusivity undermines the legitimacy and effectiveness of decisions made by these institutions (Source: UN General Assembly reports).

2. Misuse of Veto Power

The veto power held by the five permanent members of the UNSC has often been criticized for stalling crucial decisions and undermining the council’s governing capacity. This misuse hampers the ability to address urgent global crises effectively (Source: Various international relations analyses).

3. Altered Global Order

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the shift in global dynamics, as many nations from the Global South sourced vaccines beyond traditional suppliers. This diversification signifies a departure from the old order, which failed to address emerging global challenges such as food, fertilizer, and fuel security adequately (Source: World Health Organization).

4. Western Dominance in Multilateral Institutions

Institutions like the International Monetary Fund often prioritize Western interests, imposing conditions such as trade liberalization that may not suit developing countries (Source: IMF reports).

5. Procedural Issues and Accountability

Established multilateral organizations often fall short in terms of accountability and transparency. The ambiguous investigation of the origins of COVID-19 by the WHO is a recent example of these procedural shortcomings (Source: WHO statements).

6. Addressing Global Crises

The multitude of contemporary crises—ranging from climate change to geopolitical tensions—requires a representative multilateral architecture. NORMS serves as a framework for a collaborative platform that is agile and capable of addressing these complex challenges effectively (Source: United Nations Framework).

In conclusion, adopting NORMS is essential for fostering a more representative and effective global governance structure that can address the pressing issues of our time.

Model Answer

Foundation of Governance

The Constitution is the supreme law that defines the relationship between the government and its citizens, as well as the interactions among the citizens themselves. While not all countries with constitutions are democratic, all democracies, such as India, the United States, and South Africa, are guided by constitutions. The Indian Constitution lays down the structure and functioning of the state’s various institutions, detailing who holds power and the scope of their decision-making authority (Constitution of India, Articles 79-122).

Guiding Policy Framework

It also acts as a guiding beacon for the elected government. The Directive Principles of State Policy provide a framework for the government to formulate policies aimed at achieving social and economic justice, helping to ensure that government actions align with the values of the Constitution.

Rule of Law and Citizens’ Rights

The Constitution enforces the rule of law by placing limits on governmental power and specifying citizens’ rights. For instance, Article 13 states that any law violating Fundamental Rights is void, ensuring that citizens can challenge unjust laws (Constitution of India, Articles 12-35). This legal framework empowers individuals and maintains the balance of power between the state and its citizens.

Protection of Minorities

In a diverse nation like India, the Constitution is crucial for protecting minority rights. Articles 29 and 30 safeguard the cultural and educational rights of minorities, ensuring they can maintain their identity and access education.

Civic Responsibilities

Additionally, the Constitution outlines certain duties for citizens. Article 51(A) emphasizes the responsibility of individuals to promote national unity and strive for excellence, thereby fostering a spirit of patriotism.

Checks and Balances

The Constitution establishes checks and balances among state organs, enabling the judiciary to exercise judicial review over legislative and executive actions. This mechanism ensures that no branch becomes too powerful (Constitution of India, Article 13).

Conclusion

In essence, the Constitution is vital for upholding democratic principles in India, ensuring equality, protecting rights, and promoting social progress. It safeguards democracy and plays an indispensable role in the nation’s governance structure.