GS Paper - II Model Answers (2018) - 2 | UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Practice PDF Download

Q11: Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine. (Answer in 250 words)
Ans: Delhi's Administrative Structure and the Role of Lt. Governor - A Legal Perspective

• The Background:

  • The NCT government had filed appeals against the Delhi High Court's verdict, which granted the Lt. Governor (L-G) complete control over the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
  • In July 2018, a five-judge constitutional bench of the Supreme Court delivered a significant judgment on the powers of the Delhi government and the L-G.

• Supreme Court's Ruling:

  • The Supreme Court clarified that the Delhi government holds authority in all areas except land, police, and public order.
  • The L-G is obligated to follow the advice of the Council of Ministers, and in case of disputes, they should be referred to the President for a final decision.
  • The L-G should serve as a "facilitator" for good governance and not an "obstructionist."
  • The L-G's discretionary powers are limited to matters in the State List, such as public order, police, and land.

• L-G's Role:

  • The Delhi government is only required to inform the L-G of well-considered decisions, not seek his concurrence on everyday governance matters.
  • The elected government can formulate policies on laws enacted by its Assembly, and its executive power aligns with its legislative powers.

• Analysis of the Judgment:

  • While the judgment clarified the jurisdiction of the L-G and the Delhi government, it didn't address a critical issue related to Article 239AA (4) of the Constitution.
  • Article 239AA empowers the Council of Ministers to aid and advise the Lt. Governor, but it allows the Lt. Governor to refer matters to the President if there is a difference of opinion.
  • This provision potentially grants the Lt. Governor the ability to stall or overturn Delhi government decisions by involving the President.

• Key Concern:

  • The interpretation and application of Article 239AA (4) are crucial in determining the extent of the Lt. Governor's authority.
  • The Court's judgment did not provide a clear answer regarding when the Lt. Governor should exercise his power under this provision.
  • The Court emphasized that any difference of opinion should be rational, and the Lt. Governor should not adopt an obstructionist stance.
  • However, the practicality and feasibility of this recommendation remain subjective, potentially leading to future political tensions.

• L-G's Role and Presidential Authority:

  • The L-G is not merely a Constitutional figurehead, and the ultimate responsibility for Delhi's administration lies with the President through the Administrator.
  • To avoid disputes, the Administrator should play a more active role in administration and refer differences of opinion to the President as a last resort.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court's judgment clarified the powers of the Delhi government and the Lt. Governor but left a critical issue concerning Article 239AA (4) unaddressed. The practical application of this provision may lead to potential political conflicts in the future, highlighting the need for a more precise framework for governance in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

Q12: How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency of the tribunals in India.(Answer in 250 words)
Ans: 

Introduction: Tribunals, specialized legal bodies, were introduced into the Indian Constitution through the Constitution (Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1976, under Part XIV-A. This addition included Article 323-A (pertaining to administrative tribunals) and Article 323-B (related to tribunals for various other matters). These tribunals were established to alleviate the judicial workload and enhance expertise and swiftness in resolving disputes. While they have played a crucial role in dispute resolution, concerns have arisen regarding the separation of powers and the potential encroachment on the judiciary's authority, primarily under the guise of Article 50.

The Significance of Tribunals:

• Addressing Judicial Overload: Tribunals serve to significantly reduce the burden on the entire spectrum of courts, with examples such as the Central Administrative Tribunal, established in 1985, and the National Green Tribunal.

• Expedited Dispute Resolution:

  • By streamlining judgment delivery, tribunals have played a vital role in settling issues related to government services disputes, tax claims, and disputes in business and financial markets.
  • Unlike regular courts, which are bound by stringent procedural rules set out in the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and the Indian Evidence Act, tribunals adhere to principles of natural justice. This translates to reduced procedural delays and legal obligations.

• Ensuring Efficiency and Independence: Administrative tribunals such as the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) and State Administrative Tribunals (SAT) are designed to maintain efficiency and independence.

• Expertise in Specialized Matters:

  • Tribunals are better equipped to handle matters that demand specialized knowledge. Examples include the National Green Tribunal, Intellectual Property Appellate Board, and the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal.
  • These tribunals include expert members alongside judicial members who possess efficient and competent knowledge and extensive experience in adjudicating on these specific matters.

• Swift Resolution of Disputes:

  • Tribunals often have original jurisdiction for specific subject matters, serving as the appellate authority under institutions like the Central Information Commission (CIC).
  • Additionally, tribunals offer a cost-effective means of dispute resolution, as exemplified by the Lok Adalat system.

Conclusion: In spite of concerns about the balance of power and potential executive influence, it is essential to view tribunals as valuable additions to the judicial landscape rather than as agents of the executive branch. In India's parliamentary governance, cooperation among different branches is necessary for efficient functioning. However, to avoid the concentration of excessive power in any one organ, a system of checks and balances is crucial. Over time, it has been realized that appointing retired judges and competent candidates who meet the qualifications set out by Parliament to serve on quasi-judicial tribunals has proven challenging. Therefore, it is imperative to initiate a comprehensive restructuring effort, akin to the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) act, aimed at developing a statutory framework that ensures the selection of eminent individuals to these positions. Further reforms are necessary to empower and strengthen the tribunal system, thereby promoting efficient and effective dispute resolution in India.

Q13: Indian and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which the two political systems are based. (Answer in 250 words)
Ans: 

Introduction: The United States and India, each holding distinct claims to the title of the world's largest democracy, boast unique strengths—economic and demographic, respectively. Both nations exhibit commonalities in their national politics, characterized by federal structures in which states wield significant political and economic influence.

Common Features in National Politics:

• Written Constitutions:

  • The United States and India both possess written constitutions that serve as the foundation for their federal political systems.
  • These constitutions incorporate provisions for amendments to accommodate evolving social, political, and economic demands.

• Bill of Rights and Fundamental Rights:

  • In the United States, the constitution guarantees fundamental rights to its citizens, encompassing principles such as equality, freedom, and protection against exploitation.
  • India's constitution safeguards the fundamental rights of its populace through articles 14 to 34 in Part III, covering similar aspects.

• Supremacy of the Federal or Union Government:

  • Neither the United States nor India permits states to unilaterally secede from the Federal or Union Government.
  • Laws enacted by the Federal or Union Government take precedence over state laws on the same subject.

• Division of Labor and Separation of Powers:

  • In both nations, the executive branch is responsible for governing the country, the legislature is responsible for enacting laws, and the judiciary administers justice.
  • The United States features a Chief Executive in the form of the President, while India's real chief executive body is the Union cabinet led by the Prime Minister.
  • Both countries maintain bicameral legislatures, comprising upper and lower houses—Senate and House of Representatives in the United States, and Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha in India.

• Powers of Checks and Balances:

  • Despite the clear division of labor into executive, legislative, and judicial branches, a continuous threat to democracy remains.
  • Both the United States and India rely on the effective mechanism of checks and balances to safeguard their democratic foundations.

Conclusion: To fully harness the potential of their partnership, the United States and India must adapt to each other's distinctive operational philosophies. It is essential to identify areas of convergence that accommodate their divergent short-term priorities and operational approaches, particularly when working together to address global challenges. While the two nations may differ in their multilateral approaches on issues like trade and climate change, aligning their strategies and fostering cooperation will be vital for addressing contemporary global issues.

Q14: How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)
Ans: 

Introduction: The Finance Commission is a vital institution in India's fiscal federalism landscape, acting as a constitutional, quasi-judicial, advisory body established under Article 280 of the Constitution. Its primary role is to provide recommendations on the allocation of tax revenues between the Union and the States, as well as among the States themselves. With the changing dynamics of Indian governance, including the transition away from the Planning Commission, the Finance Commission holds a prominent position in fostering cooperative, competitive, and fiscal federalism.

Role and Constitution of the Finance Commission:

• Appointment and Qualifications:

  • The Finance Commission is constituted by the President, typically every five years, or as deemed necessary.
  • The qualifications and selection process of its members are determined by the Parliament.

• 15th Finance Commission:

  • The Union Government established the 15th Finance Commission on November 27, 2017, with the former bureaucrat NK Singh as its chairman.
  • The Commission's mandate covers a five-year period commencing on April 1, 2020, with a report submission deadline of October 30, 2019.

• Terms of Reference (ToR):

  • The 15th Finance Commission has been tasked with several important responsibilities:
    • Recommending the distribution of tax proceeds between the Centre and the States.
    • Providing principles governing grants-in-aid to States' revenues from the Consolidated Fund of India.
    • Recommending measures for enhancing State Consolidated Funds to support Panchayats and Municipalities based on State Finance Commission recommendations.
    • Reviewing the fiscal status, deficit, debt levels, and fiscal discipline efforts of both the Centre and the States, along with recommending a fiscal consolidation roadmap.
    • Analyzing Central and State Government resources for the period beginning April 1, 2020, taking into account tax and non-tax revenues.
    • Assessing the impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), including compensation for potential revenue loss over five years and the abolition of various cesses, as well as other structural reforms' impact on the finances of both the Centre and States.
    • Reviewing financing arrangements for Disaster Management initiatives with reference to the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and making relevant recommendations.
    • Providing the basis for its findings and sharing State-wise estimates of receipts and expenditures.
    • Utilizing the 2011 population data while formulating recommendations.

Contentious Issues and Constitutional Considerations:

• Population Data Discrepancy:

  • Southern states have expressed concerns about using 2011 Census data in the Terms of Reference (ToR) instead of the 1971 Census data, which would affect their share of central government devolutions.

• Role of Article 275:

  • The ToR question the necessity of providing revenue deficit grants, raising concerns about the objectives of Article 275, which allows the Commission to grant funds to bridge post-devolution gaps.

• Fiscal Space Expansion:

  • The ToR request the Commission to allocate more fiscal space for grants under Article 282, a point of contention as it reduces the role of Article 275, a legitimate channel for grants.

• Performance-Based Criteria:

  • The ToR propose that the Commission consider the implementation performance of various Central schemes, a controversial notion as performance should ideally be built into the scheme's execution, not the tax devolution formula.

Conclusion: As India transitions toward enhanced cooperative, competitive, and fiscal federalism, it is imperative for states to collaborate and resolve issues pertaining to the Finance Commission's Terms of Reference. These issues challenge the constitutional propriety and must be addressed to rectify vertical imbalances between the taxation powers and expenditure responsibilities of the Centre and the States. Ultimately, the Finance Commission plays a pivotal role in ensuring equitable provision of public services across all Indian states, aligning with the principles of fiscal federalism.

Q15: Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can look out for financing developmental projects?(Answer in 250 words)
Ans: 

Introduction: India operates as a federal republic, characterized by a three-tiered system of government: central (union), state, and local. The constitutional amendments of the 73rd and 74th variety have bestowed recognition and safeguarded local government entities. In addition, each state within the nation has its own set of local government legislation, further emphasizing the significance of this administrative level. The local bodies, known as the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), are established through elections and operate at the village, block, and district levels.

Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs):

• Participation and Rural Development:
  • PRIs serve as local self-governing bodies, fostering opportunities for public engagement and active involvement in shaping rural development programs.
  • The primary objective of the Panchayat System in India is to fortify the grassroots of democracy, enabling the masses to exercise political control from the grassroots level.
  • These institutions play a pivotal role in acting as catalysts for the comprehensive development of the rural tribal population.

Sources of Finance:

• Revenue Generation:
  • Village Panchayats derive a significant portion of their income from taxes, including levies on land and houses, customs duties, toll taxes, and license fees.
  • Grants-in-aid from the Central or State government and contributions from the Zilla Parishad or Panchayat Samiti also constitute a critical financial source.
  • Loans secured from the Central government, State government, or other financial agencies, as well as money collected through government schemes like MPLADS, contribute to the Panchayats' financial resources.

The Path Forward:

• Enhancing Local Infrastructure: Adequate funding must be allocated to address essential gaps in local infrastructure and other developmental needs.

• Capacity Building: Efforts should focus on enhancing the capabilities of state Panchayat resource centers and district resource centers.

• Supporting Key Initiatives: Strengthening initiatives like PESA (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas) and the Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Empowerment Program is crucial.

• Devolution of Powers: The promotion of devolution of powers and responsibilities to Panchayats should be aligned with the principles of the Constitution and the PESA Act, enhancing their role in local governance.

Conclusion: Strengthening the Panchayati Raj system in India will fortify local governance at the grassroots level, bolstering accountability and expanding opportunities for public participation. As these institutions continue to evolve and play a vital role in rural development, it is essential to support their growth and ensure that they have the resources and authority required to fulfill their democratic functions effectively.

Q16: Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society leads to problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission? Argue your case. (Answer in 250 words)
Ans: 

Introduction: Vulnerable groups within society are those segments that could be adversely affected under unfavorable circumstances. In the context of India, these vulnerable groups encompass Women, Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Children, and more. Safeguarding their interests and promoting their accelerated socioeconomic development is of paramount importance. To address these needs, various commissions have been established, including the National Commission for SCs, National Commission for STs, National Commission for Women, and National Commission for Child Rights, either through constitutional provisions or statutory measures. However, this has sometimes resulted in issues related to overlapping jurisdiction and functions.

Challenges of Multiple Commissions:

• Overlapping Jurisdiction: Several commissions share similar objectives in safeguarding vulnerable groups against exploitation and promoting their social, educational, economic, and cultural interests. This has led to problems associated with overlapping functions and mandates.
• Duplication of Efforts: The existence of multiple commissions addressing the concerns of vulnerable groups can sometimes result in the duplication of functions. For instance, the National Commission for Women addresses issues related to violence against women, a role that also falls under the purview of the Human Rights Commission.

Pros of Integration into a Unified Human Rights Commission:

• Efficient Resource Utilization:

  • The integration of all these commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission would lead to efficient use of resources, including financial, human, and time resources, eliminating concerns about overlapping functions.

• Consistency in Judgments: Vulnerable groups would not receive conflicting judgments from different commissions, as many of these commissions possess the power of a civil court.

• Holistic Solutions: Vulnerable groups, such as women and children, often face interconnected issues. A unified commission would enable the development of holistic solutions.

Cons of Merging Commissions:

• Overburdened Human Rights Commission: Consolidating all functions into a Human Rights Commission might overburden the institution.

• Centralization Challenges: Centralization may make it challenging to hold someone accountable for the protection of vulnerable rights, potentially reducing responsiveness.

• Expert Analysis and Resource Crunch: Different vulnerable groups face distinct issues that require expert analysis or input. Centralization may lead to resource constraints.

Suggestions:

• Rationalization of Resources: Streamlining resources to ensure efficient allocation.

• Empowering Commissions: Providing more autonomy and power to individual commissions.

• Strengthening Organizational Performance: Enhancing the organizational and functional performance of each commission.

• Improving Coordination: Enhancing coordination among various commissions for better synergy.

Conclusion: While it is essential to protect the rights and interests of various vulnerable groups, maintaining separate commissions for these groups may be more effective. However, there is a need to streamline the functions and jurisdiction of these commissions in a rational and efficient manner. This approach will help fulfill the purpose for which these commissions were established while avoiding issues related to overlapping functions and ensuring a more focused and efficient approach to addressing the concerns of vulnerable groups in India.

Q17: How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India?(Answer in 250 words)
Ans: 

Introduction: India faces a grave hunger problem, ranking 100th among 119 nations on the global hunger index, lagging behind countries like North Korea, Bangladesh, and Iraq. Despite witnessing substantial economic growth over the last two decades, India fell short of achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of reducing the proportion of hungry people by half. Consequently, endemic hunger remains a pervasive issue affecting a significant portion of the Indian population. India's robust economic expansion has made little impact on ensuring food security and improved nutrition for its people.

The Persistence of Hunger:

• Lack of Compliance in School-Feeding Program: In 1995, the Indian government introduced a subsidized mid-day meal program in schools to encourage children to attend primary school. Regrettably, analysis indicates a high level of non-compliance, with a substantial number of public school students not receiving the meal, despite its mandatory provision in all public primary schools. Only approximately half of the public-school children in the sample who attended school reported benefiting from the program.

• The Interplay of Hunger, Poverty, and Health: There is a profound connection between nutritional status, health, human productivity, and effort. Hunger acts both as a catalyst and an outcome of poverty. Chronic food insecurity and hunger are often interconnected, involving the consistent consumption of diets lacking in essential calories and nutrients due to the inability to access food caused by financial constraints.

Challenges:

• India has witnessed a sustained reduction in per capita calorie and protein consumption over the past 25 years, despite its rapid economic growth.
• Poverty programs, as currently structured, may not be sufficiently equipped to combat hunger and food insecurity. Critical food security aspects like the stability of food consumption, dietary diversity, and effective food absorption and utilization are frequently overlooked in these programs.
• Data from the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) reveal a concerning declining trend in the annual per capita cereal consumption across all demographics.
• Structural imbalances, including a high Minimum Support Price (MSP), increasing capital intensity, the absence of land reforms, the underperformance of poverty alleviation initiatives, and a lack of breakthroughs in agricultural technology, contribute to these challenges.

Suggested Measures:

• Infant Nutrition Targeting: Addressing hunger necessitates education on proper feeding practices and ensuring that mothers and children receive the necessary nutrients right from the start of pregnancy.

• Enhancing Food Production in Central and Eastern India: Realizing the potential for production surpluses in central and eastern India, where a significant population lives, is vital. Many states in this region do not benefit from the MSP for rice, leading to the need for a policy change in the way paddy is procured.

• Public Investment for Effective Human Development Policies: Public investment must be recognized as a policy instrument to support comprehensive human development policies.

Conclusion: Amidst persistent deprivation, poverty, and hunger, India requires a balanced and inclusive growth approach to enhance the efficacy of social programs and achieve improved human development outcomes. Addressing the pressing issue of malnutrition is crucial, necessitating immediate attention and effective public health schemes and strategies. Food supplementation programs play an essential role in combatting hunger and food security challenges and fostering social equity.

Q18: The Citizen’s Charter is an ideal instrument of organisational transparency and accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizen’s Charters. (Answer in 250 words)
Ans: 
Introduction: A Citizen's Charter serves as a set of commitments made by an organization pertaining to the quality of service it provides. This concept was initially proposed in India by the consumer organization "Common Cause" in 1994. It applies not only to Central Government Ministries, Departments, and Organizations but also to the Departments and Agencies of State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. The fundamental aim is to enhance an organization's transparency, accountability, and its citizen-friendly approach.

Features of Citizen Charter:

• Enhanced Participation: The Citizen's Charter encourages greater public involvement.
• Corruption Reduction: It acts as a deterrent to corrupt practices.
• Accountability Assurance: The Charter establishes accountability within organizations.
• Citizen-Friendly Services: It fosters a more user-friendly approach and promotes convenience for citizens.
• Moral Upliftment in Administration: The Charter contributes to ethical practices within the administration.
• Efficiency and Effectiveness: It improves the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery.
• Cost Reduction: Implementation of the Charter can lead to cost savings.
• Eliminating Delay and Bureaucracy: It prevents unwarranted delays and bureaucratic red tape.
• Good Governance Promotion: The Charter is an instrument of good governance.

Limitations of Citizen Charter: Since its introduction in India, the effectiveness of the Citizen's Charter has raised concerns regarding both its role as an information-sharing mechanism and a grievance redress solution. Several shortcomings have been identified over the years, including:

• Inadequate Design and Content: In a majority of cases, Charters were developed without a consultative process.
• Staff Training Deficiency: Many service providers were unfamiliar with the Charter's philosophy, goals, and features due to a lack of staff training.
• Insufficient Publicity: Charters often received inadequate publicity, especially in the initial or middle stages of implementation.
• Lack of Penalties: In cases of Charter non-implementation, there are no provisions for penalties or enforcement.
• Limited Adoption: Some important ministries and departments did not adopt the Citizen Charter, claiming that they were not public organizations.
• Lack of Funding: No specific funds were allocated for generating awareness about the Charter or staff training on Charter components.
• Absence of Mention of Citizen Responsibilities: The Charter lacks mention of citizen responsibilities.

The Way Forward: The last two decades have seen the introduction of the Right to Information Act and the Right to Public Services Act, making information sharing a legal requirement. This underscores the need for a revival and reintroduction of the Citizen Charter program in government departments. This would help make these departments accountable not only to their constituents but also to themselves.

To ensure that every government department has a Citizen Charter, a two-pronged approach is required:

• Revision of Existing Charters: Existing Citizen Charters must be revised to meet all critical parameters.
• Systematic Formulation: Formulation of each Citizen Charter should involve a systematic, consensus-based process that is practical and ensures achievable commitments. This can be ensured through consultation with all stakeholders, staff orientation training, public awareness campaigns, creating a database on consumer grievances, and replicating best practices. Adequate budget allocation should be earmarked for this purpose.

Conclusion: In the backdrop of a serious need for improved public service delivery and accountability, the reintroduction and strengthening of the Citizen Charter program are essential. This proactive approach will not only benefit citizens but also help government departments streamline their services and practices.

Q19: What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (Answer in 250 words)
Ans: 
Introduction: The World Trade Organization (WTO) finds itself at a critical juncture. Not only are the multilateral trade negotiations stalled, but progress in overall rule-making has been sluggish. The emergence of alternative trade pacts, particularly mega-regional agreements, has posed a significant challenge to the standing of trade multilateralism. Moreover, the shifting dynamics in the global economic landscape, with the rise of emerging economies and the relative decline of traditional economic powers, coupled with varying negotiating demands and approaches, have further complicated the situation. The proliferation of preferential trade agreements, in addition to addressing contemporary issues like climate change and food security, is shaking the very foundations on which the WTO was established nearly two decades ago.

Current Problems: Several challenges are undermining the effectiveness of the current trading system represented by the WTO. The dispute surrounding the Doha Round is not merely a result of differences between the transatlantic partners but rather a situation where highly industrialized countries and major developing economies are at odds concerning market access and the protection of vulnerable sectors of their economies.

Issues plaguing the current scenario include:

• The Loss of Relevance: The existing WTO trading system is losing its utility for the United States and the European Union, leading them to seek alternative systems while making the current one ineffective.
• Transgressions Against WTO Rules: The United States, particularly under President Donald Trump's administration, is challenging the WTO's rules by taking actions such as raising tariffs against China. Although these measures are primarily targeted at China, they still violate WTO regulations.
• Inability to Compete with China: The US and the EU have struggled to outperform China in trade, and they are also bound by WTO commitments that restrict their ability to raise import duties without contravening WTO rules. However, they are reluctant to fulfill their WTO obligations, particularly in the context of reducing agricultural subsidies.
• Pushing for New Rules: Instead of addressing the agreed issues like reducing agricultural subsidies, the US and EU are advocating for the WTO to establish rules in the area of e-commerce, where US firms hold a competitive advantage. Most WTO member countries are urging them to fulfill their agreed commitments first, which they have not been able to sidestep as they have done in the past. The consensus-driven decision-making process within the WTO leaves no room for unilateral imposition of their agenda.

Reforms Required: The need for comprehensive reforms is evident, including the following steps:

• Inclusivity: Procedures and practices that are more inclusive of the majority of WTO members, especially developing countries, should be established.
• Peace Clauses for Developing Countries: "Peace clauses" should be introduced to formalize the commitments made by major trading powers, allowing grace periods and due restraint in the case of developing countries' implementation of current agreements.
• Flexible Negotiation Modes: The traditional single package approach from the Uruguay Round is no longer feasible for the Doha Round, and new negotiation modes need to be explored.
• Strengthened Dispute Settlement Mechanism: The dispute settlement mechanism must be enhanced to expedite dispute resolution.
• Separation of Trade and Human Rights Issues: Consider separating political and human rights issues from trade disputes, particularly under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) norms.

Conclusion: The challenges facing the WTO demand comprehensive reforms and a reevaluation of its role in the contemporary global economic landscape. With the emergence of mega-regional agreements and shifting dynamics among economic powers, the organization must adapt and evolve to remain relevant in the face of the changing world trade order.

Q20: In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation? (Answer in 250 words)

Ans: 
Introduction: Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, commonly referred to as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), has raised significant concerns and repercussions. The JCPOA was an agreement reached between the P5+1 countries, which included the United States, the UK, China, France, Russia, Germany, and the European Union, with Iran. Under this deal, Iran agreed to reduce its stockpiles of enriched uranium in exchange for the lifting of nuclear-related economic sanctions. President Trump has termed the agreement a "disaster" and a "one-sided" deal, leading to the re-imposition of sanctions. While other signatories continue to support the JCPOA, this move has far-reaching implications for India.

Implications for India:

• Oil Prices: Iran is currently India's third-largest supplier of oil, following Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Although India may continue importing oil from Iran, the immediate visible impact of the U.S. decision is likely to be on world oil prices. Any increase in oil prices will not only affect India's inflation levels but also have repercussions on the value of the Indian rupee.

• Regional Connectivity: The relationship between India and Iran extends beyond energy interests. India has made substantial commitments, pledging over $500 million, to develop the Chabahar port. This port offers India crucial connectivity to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan. The partnership between the two nations encompasses a range of agreements related to trade, regional connectivity, and investments, which were signed during Iranian President Rouhani's visit to India in February.

• U.S.-India Ties: This move by the United States adds another complex dimension to the U.S.-India agenda. Dialogues and negotiations related to this issue will necessitate India to allocate time and resources that are already in short supply. While the implications of the U.S. decision may affect India's foreign policy, it is less likely to have a substantial impact on trade relations.

Conclusion: India has long championed a "rules-based order" in international diplomacy, emphasizing multilateral consensus and adherence to commitments made by nations on the global stage. The U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA challenges the fundamental principle that international agreements involve "States" rather than just prevailing governments or regimes. This could potentially influence all agreements that India is currently negotiating, both bilaterally and multilaterally with the United States. The Indian government faces the challenge of navigating its future course while considering this new U.S. approach.

India should proactively engage in private discussions with its U.S. counterparts and other stakeholders to resolve this issue peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy. It should respect Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy while addressing the international community's strong interest in ensuring the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program.