AIR 187 · CSE 2025 · GS2 · 52 pages

Abhigyan Khaund: GS2 answer copy

6 answers by Abhigyan Khaund, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q9The recent political crisis in Myanmar and Afghanistan has put India's neighbourhood on the boil. Discuss the role of India's soft power in protecting its strategic interests in the region. 10. What is 'Economic Diplomacy'? Examine its contribution to achieving India's foreign policy objectives. 11. The pendency of cases at all levels of the judiciary is a major concern. Discuss the impact of this on the functioning of the Supreme Court and suggest ways to address it.
  2. Q1212.
  3. Q13With the recent rise in digital platforms during election campaigns, discuss the challenges posed by existing electoral laws in curbing hate speech and suggest necessary legislative reforms.
  4. Q1515.
  5. Q20The Indian diaspora has a significant role to play in the country's development. Discuss the changing role of the Indian diaspora and the benefits that India can leverage from it.
  6. QThis consists of multiple sub-questions on the Indian Constitution, parliamentary form of government, local governance, administration, human rights, and regulatory frameworks.

The answers

Question 9 · 461 words written

The recent political crisis in Myanmar and Afghanistan has put India's neighbourhood on the boil. Discuss the role of India's soft power in protecting its strategic interests in the region. 10. What is 'Economic Diplomacy'? Examine its contribution to achieving India's foreign policy objectives. 11. The pendency of cases at all levels of the judiciary is a major concern. Discuss the impact of this on the functioning of the Supreme Court and suggest ways to address it.

Opening · a restatement

The recent Political crisis in Myanmar(junta atrocities) and Afghanistan (Taliban) has put India's neighbourhood on the boil.

Body · points and prose

Diagram
* Neighbourhood Crisis * Myanmar * 1. Refugee crisis at NE india. * Eg. Rohingyas * 2. Illegal arms smuggling * Eg. Manipur crisis * Afghanistan * 1. Influx of minorities from Afghanistan * 2. Radicalization of youth * Eg. Kashmir militancy

Role of India's soft Power to protect strategic interest

  1. Economic diplomacy - continuation of trade of essential goods. (Eg) food supply.
  2. Medical aid - (Eg) Medicines, sanitary pads, vaccine (COVID) etc. for victims.
  3. Cultural diplomacy: (Eg) Buddhist diplomacy with Myanmar - Construction of Ananda Temple by ASI.
  4. Connectivity projects - expediate them (Eg) Zaranj Delaram Highway in Afghanistan, Kaladan MMT in Myanmar etc.
  5. Hydrodiplomacy - (Eg) Salma Dam in Afg
  6. Exchange programs of students

Challenges

  • Unstable polity
  • Lack of dialogue & discussion
  • Threat of China.

Thus there needs to be a Proactive diplomacy through Neighborhood First Policy to protect the strategic interest.

Economic diplomacy is the prominence of economic aspects in establishing trade relations between 2 countries.

Diagram
- Components - Trade - Energy - Connectivity - Hydro

Contribution of Economic diplomacy in achieving foreign policy objectives

  1. Neighbourhood first policy - (Eg) India largest trading partner of Bangladesh.
  2. South-South cooperation - (Eg) Asia-Africa growth corridor between India, Japan and African Union.
  3. Countering china and its expansionist policy. (Eg) IMEC as an alternative to BRICS.
  4. Protecting the diaspora (31 million) (Eg) Removal of kefala by Qatar.
  5. Green transition - through Solar Energy (International solar Alliance) → to ensure climate justice.

challenges

  1. Budgetary constraints
  2. delay in completion "India Promises but china delivers"
  3. Trade barriers (Eg) TBT and NTBT (EU-Masala)

way forward

  1. Leverage Banks like NDB, BRICS, AIIB etc.
  2. Improve quality of products through Testing Labs.

Thus economic diplomacy strengthens India's image as Vishwabandhu.

With over 4.5 cr pending case at all levels of the Judiciary (National Judicial Data Grid) the Supreme court finds itself overburdened with appeals.

Diagram
- Central Node: Reasons for high number of appeals - Arrows pointing from central node: - Over-use of PILs (relaxed locus standi) - Excessive use of petitions under Article 136 - Policy ambiguity (e.g. Taxation laws of govt) - Federal disputes (e.g. Interstate water disputes) - Culture of adjournment + reserving of Judgement despite all hearings

Hamper functioning of Supreme court

  1. Reduced time to hear constitutional cases (Eg) Review of Sabarimala Judgement pending.

  2. limitation of time to give Advisory Jurisdiction [Art 143] to the President.

  3. Delay of Justice to Vulnerables due to public fear = [Black coat syndrome]

  4. Not able to check unilateral actions of the govt. (Eg) Abrogation of A370 took after 5 years.

  5. Policy paralysis - (Eg) Judgement of validity of EWS case after 4yrs [Janhit Abhiyan]

  6. Affects Ease of doing business of govt (Eg) 0.5% of GDP loss annually (Vidhilegal)

  7. Relay in hearing original jurisdiction [Article 131] (Eg) Land disputes between Karnataka & Maharashtra.

Way forward

  1. Establish separate Court of Appeal (2nd ARC)
  2. Promote alternate Dispute redressal mechanism [Mulla Committee]
  3. Check PIL by HC before referring to SC through a system of certification.
  4. Incorporate technology (Eg) SUPACE, SUVAS, virtual courts etc.
  5. Establish regional benches of SC.

Close · a framework

Thus reducing judicial pendency is key to achieve Justice, as envisaged by Preamble of the Constitution.