Q.1) An effective law can convert the crisis of stubble burning into opportunity. Analyze the above statement and identify the issues related to stubble burning in India. (15 marks - 250 words)
Why this question? - The Centre is planning to bring a law to address air pollution as well as check stubble burning in Delhi as well as the surrounding National Capital Region.
Intro - It is a common practice followed by farmers to prepare fields for sowing of wheat (in November) as there is little time left between the harvesting of paddy and sowing of wheat.
Body -
- Why farmers opt for such practices.
- Impact of stubble burning.
- Need of a law and its salient features.
Way ahead - Effective implementation of law and need to explore other alternatives.
Conclusion - Summarize based on above discussion.
Q.2) A health system cannot only be about the supply side, it has to keep in mind how to involve citizens and the people it is trying to serve. Discuss the above statement in the light of challenges faced by India’s health sector as a result of Covid outbreak. (15 marks - 250 words)
Why this question? - As the global pandemic is marching on, the most important lesson to be learnt is the significance of investing in public health and primary healthcare.
Intro - A brief about the health sector in India.
Body -
- Major issues faced by India’s health sector
- Lessons taught by pandemic
Way ahead - Strengthening institutional mechanisms and capacities: In regulatory bodies, research centres and public health institutions.
- This will help to involve citizens and the people it is trying to serve and have them involved in developing the services that are brought to them.
Conclusion - Summarize based on above discussion.
Q.3) While the development of the Quad has taken centre stage, other geographies such as West Asia are the new arenas of competition between New Delhi and Beijing. Analyze. (250 words)
Why this question?
- The year 2020 has been a watershed moment for relations between India and China following the most serious clashes between the two countries in the Galwan region of Ladakh since the 1962 war. These events have had a cascading effect on India and China’s foreign policy.
Introduction: Mention the recent instances of India and China rivalry in West Asia.
Body:
- India’s West Asia policy:
- Improved relations
- Balancing act of diplomacy in West Asia
- Significance of India and China for West Asia
- Significance of West Asia for India and China
- Challenges:
China’s advantage in West Asia like Iran China strategic deal
Conclusion: Summarize and suggest a way forward.
Q.4) Signing of BECA would allow India to use US expertise on geospatial intelligence and to enhance military accuracy of automated hardware systems. Comment (250 words)
Why this question?
U.S. Secretary of State and U.S. Defence Secretary are visiting India for the Third India-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.
Intro:
Mention in brief 2+2 meet
Body:
- Foundational agreements with US
- COMCASA
- LEMOA
- BECA
- Mention few details of BECA
- The Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement largely pertains to geospatial intelligence and sharing information on maps and satellite images for defence.
- Geospatial information: Anyone who sails a ship, flies an aircraft, fights wars, locates targets, responds to natural disasters, or even navigates with a cellphone relies on geospatial intelligence.
- Signing BECA will allow India to use the US’s advanced geospatial intelligence and enhance the accuracy of automated systems and weapons like missiles and armed drones.
- This could be key for Air Force-to-Air Force cooperation.
- Mention few geopolitical implications of the deals
Conclusion:
Summarize the above discussion
