UPSC Mains General Studies (Paper 1) - Mock Test 2 [Solutions] | Mock Test for UPSC Prelims 2026 PDF Download

Q1. Examine the role of the Inter-State Council in resolving disputes between States. How can its mandate be expanded to strengthen cooperative federalism? (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
The Inter-State Council (ISC), set up under Article 263 of the Constitution, promotes coordination and resolves disputes between States. It strengthens cooperative federalism by encouraging dialogue and mutual understanding among States and the Centre.

Body
The ISC plays a key role in resolving disputes:

• Facilitates Dialogue: The ISC provides a platform for States to discuss disputes, such as river water conflicts, like the Cauvery dispute, and find peaceful solutions.
• Coordinates Policies: It aligns State policies with national goals, reducing friction and promoting harmony.
• Advises on Issues: The ISC offers recommendations to settle contentious matters, fostering consensus.

To expand its mandate:

• Binding Decisions: The ISC should have the power to make binding recommendations to resolve disputes effectively.
• Dedicated Secretariat: A permanent secretariat can ensure proactive issue resolution.
• Expert Inclusion: Including technical experts can help address complex disputes, like resource sharing.

Conclusion
The ISC is vital for resolving State disputes and promoting cooperative federalism. Strengthening its authority and structure will ensure better coordination and governance.

Q2. Comment on the significance of the Anti-Defection Law under the Tenth Schedule. What are its limitations in curbing political defections in India? (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
The Anti-Defection Law, introduced under the Tenth Schedule in 1985, prevents political defections by disqualifying legislators who switch parties or disobey party directives. It aims to ensure political stability and loyalty to voters.

Body
The law is significant for the following reasons:

• Ensures Stability: It discourages defections, preventing governments from collapsing due to shifting alliances.
• Promotes Discipline: It ensures legislators follow party lines, strengthening party unity.
• Protects Voter Mandate: It upholds the choice of voters by ensuring elected representatives stay loyal to their party.

Its limitations include:

• Vague Provisions: Terms like “voluntarily giving up membership” are unclear, leading to legal disputes.
• Speaker’s Bias: The Speaker’s role in deciding disqualifications is often criticized for being partial.
• Allows Mass Defections: The law permits defections if two-thirds of a party’s members merge, enabling large-scale shifts, as seen in Goa in 2019.

Conclusion
The Anti-Defection Law promotes political stability, but its loopholes limit its effectiveness. Reforms like neutral adjudicators and clearer rules can strengthen it.

Q3. "Right of movement and residence throughout the territory of India are freely available to the Indian citizens, but these rights are not absolute." Comment. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
The rights to move freely and reside anywhere in India, guaranteed under Article 19(1)(d) and (e), allow citizens to explore opportunities across the country. However, these rights come with reasonable restrictions for public interest.

Body
These rights are important for the following reasons:

• Promotes Unity: They encourage national integration by allowing citizens to settle in any State.
• Supports Economic Growth: They enable access to jobs and education, boosting livelihoods, like migrant workers in cities.

Restrictions include:

• Public Order: The government can limit these rights for security or public safety, such as during riots or curfews.
• Tribal Protection: Laws restrict outsiders from settling in tribal areas, like in Northeast India, to protect local cultures.
• Domicile Rules: Some States impose residency requirements for jobs or education, like in Jammu & Kashmir before 2019.

Conclusion
The rights to movement and residence foster unity and growth, but restrictions balance public welfare and regional needs, ensuring fair governance.

Q4. Discuss the impact of the 105th Constitutional Amendment Act on restoring States’ powers to identify backward classes. How does it promote social justice? (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
The 105th Constitutional Amendment Act, passed in 2021, restored States’ authority to identify backward classes for reservations. It overturned a Supreme Court ruling on the Maratha quota, strengthening States’ role in social justice.

Body
The amendment has the following impacts:

• Restores State Autonomy: It empowers States to create their own backward classes lists under Article 342A, enabling region-specific policies.
• Addresses Local Needs: States can tailor reservations to address local socio-economic challenges, like in Tamil Nadu’s OBC policies.
• Clarifies Powers: It clearly divides responsibilities between the Centre and States, reducing legal conflicts.

It promotes social justice by:

• Uplifts Marginalized Groups: Targeted reservations provide education and job opportunities to backward classes.
• Ensures Fair Representation: State-specific lists reflect local caste dynamics, promoting inclusivity.
• Reduces Inequalities: It addresses historical disadvantages, empowering weaker sections.

Conclusion
The 105th Amendment strengthens States’ role in promoting social justice, ensuring equitable development through localized affirmative action.

Q5. Evaluate the role of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in addressing socio-economic disparities. What reforms are needed to enhance its effectiveness? (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), established under Article 338, protects the rights of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and addresses their socio-economic disparities through monitoring, advocacy, and grievance redressal.

Body
The NCSC plays a key role in the following ways:

• Handles Complaints: It investigates cases of discrimination or atrocities, ensuring justice, like in cases of workplace bias against SCs.
• Advises on Policies: It recommends welfare measures, such as scholarships and reservations, to uplift SCs.
• Monitors Welfare Schemes: It ensures proper implementation of programs for SC education and economic empowerment.

Reforms needed include:

• Stronger Powers: The NCSC should have legal authority to enforce its recommendations.
• Greater Independence: It needs protection from political influence to ensure impartiality.
• More Resources: Increased funding and staff can improve outreach, especially in rural areas.

Conclusion
The NCSC is crucial for reducing SC disparities, but reforms like enhanced powers and autonomy will make it more effective in ensuring equality.

Q6. Analyze the challenges in implementing the Citizens’ Charter in ensuring citizen-centric governance. Suggest measures to overcome these challenges. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
The Citizens’ Charter, introduced in India in 1997, aims to ensure transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric governance by outlining service standards. However, its implementation faces several challenges, hindering its effectiveness.

Body
Challenges in implementing the Citizens’ Charter:

• Lack of Awareness: Many citizens are unaware of the Charter’s provisions, limiting its reach, especially in rural areas.
• Weak Accountability: Departments often fail to adhere to service standards due to inadequate monitoring mechanisms.
• Bureaucratic Resistance: Resistance from officials, fearing accountability, delays implementation and grievance redressal.

Measures to overcome challenges:

• Public Awareness Campaigns: Use media and grassroots campaigns to educate citizens about their rights under the Charter.
• Robust Monitoring: Establish independent oversight bodies to ensure compliance with service standards.
• Capacity Building: Train officials to adopt a citizen-centric approach and use technology for efficient service delivery.

Conclusion
The Citizens’ Charter is vital for citizen-centric governance, but its success depends on overcoming awareness and accountability challenges through proactive measures.

Q7. Comment on the role of public interest litigation (PIL) in promoting environmental justice in India. Refer to relevant case laws. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been a powerful tool in promoting environmental justice in India by enabling citizens to seek judicial intervention for environmental protection, ensuring sustainable development.

Body
Role of PIL in environmental justice:

• Judicial Activism: PILs have led to landmark judgments, like the MC Mehta v. Union of India (1986), which enforced pollution control for the Ganga River.
• Protecting Rights: PILs safeguard the right to a clean environment, as seen in the Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India (1996), introducing the precautionary principle.
• Policy Enforcement: PILs ensure compliance with environmental laws, such as the Taj Trapezium case (1987), protecting the Taj Mahal from pollution.

Challenges include misuse of PILs for publicity, burdening courts.

Conclusion
PILs have significantly advanced environmental justice by enforcing accountability and protecting ecosystems. Curbing frivolous PILs will enhance their effectiveness.

Q8. Discuss the strategic importance of India’s engagement with Central Asian Republics (CARs) in the context of energy security. How does it counterbalance regional powers? (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
India’s engagement with Central Asian Republics (CARs) like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan is strategically vital for energy security and counterbalancing regional powers in a geopolitically sensitive region.

Body
Strategic importance for energy security:

• Access to Resources: CARs are rich in oil, gas, and uranium, crucial for India’s energy needs. The TAPI pipeline is a key initiative.
• Diversification: Engaging CARs reduces India’s dependence on Middle Eastern energy, enhancing supply stability.
• Connectivity Projects: Initiatives like the Chabahar Port and INSTC improve energy trade routes.

Counterbalancing regional powers:

• China’s Influence: India’s engagement counters China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Central Asia.
• Russia’s Dominance: Strengthening ties with CARs reduces Russia’s regional control, fostering a multipolar balance.

Conclusion
India’s engagement with CARs ensures energy security and counters regional powers, aligning with its strategic interests in a multipolar world.

Q9. Examine the role of self-help groups (SHGs) in promoting financial inclusion and women’s empowerment. Provide examples of their impact in rural India. (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are community-based organizations that promote financial inclusion and empower women by fostering savings, credit access, and skill development, particularly in rural India.

Body
Role of SHGs:

• Financial Inclusion: SHGs link members to banks, enabling savings and credit access. The SHG-Bank Linkage Programme has benefited millions.
• Women’s Empowerment: SHGs provide women with financial independence and decision-making power, fostering leadership.
• Skill Development: SHGs offer training in entrepreneurship, like handicrafts, boosting income.

Examples of impact:

• Kudumbashree (Kerala): SHGs empowered women through micro-enterprises, improving livelihoods.
• SEWA (Gujarat): SHGs enabled women to access loans, supporting small businesses like dairy farming.

Challenges include limited access to markets and inadequate training.

Conclusion
SHGs are pivotal for financial inclusion and women’s empowerment in rural India. Strengthening training and market linkages will enhance their impact.

Q10. Comment on India’s role in promoting multilateralism through BRICS. How does it align with India’s foreign policy objectives in a multipolar world? (Answer in 150 words) (10 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
India plays a key role in promoting multilateralism through BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa), advocating for a balanced global order that aligns with its foreign policy goals.

Body
India’s role in BRICS:

• Economic Cooperation: India drives initiatives like the New Development Bank, funding sustainable development projects.
• Global Governance Reform: India pushes for reforms in institutions like the UN, amplifying the Global South’s voice.
• South-South Cooperation: BRICS fosters collaboration on issues like climate change and trade, as seen in the 2023 Delhi Declaration.

Alignment with foreign policy:

• Multipolar World: BRICS supports India’s vision of a multipolar world, countering Western dominance.
• Strategic Autonomy: India balances relations with BRICS nations, maintaining independence in global affairs.

Conclusion
India’s active role in BRICS strengthens multilateralism, aligning with its foreign policy of promoting a multipolar world and strategic autonomy.

Q11. Critically analyze the role of the Governor in maintaining Centre-State relations. How can the misuse of discretionary powers be prevented to strengthen federalism? (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
The Governor, as the constitutional head of a State, acts as a link between the Centre and States to ensure smooth relations in India’s federal system. However, the misuse of their discretionary powers often creates tensions, affecting federal harmony.

Body
The Governor’s role in Centre-State relations includes:

• Connecting Centre and States: Governors help share information and align State policies with national goals, promoting cooperation.
• Managing Legislation: They approve State bills or send them to the President, ensuring constitutional balance, like in Kerala’s bill approvals.
• Handling Crises: Governors recommend President’s Rule under Article 356 when State governments fail, as seen in Jammu & Kashmir in 2018.

Challenges due to misuse of powers:

• Acting for the Centre: Governors sometimes favor the Centre, delaying bills or dismissing State governments, like in Maharashtra in 2019.
• Ignoring State Advice: Rejecting State government recommendations weakens State autonomy and federal trust.
• No Clear Rules: Unclear guidelines on discretionary powers lead to arbitrary decisions, causing disputes.

Solutions to prevent misuse:

• Set Clear Rules: Define when Governors can use discretionary powers, as suggested by the Sarkaria Commission.
• Allow Court Review: Let courts check Governors’ decisions to ensure fairness.
• Involve States: Require Governors to consult State governments before major decisions to build trust.

Conclusion
Governors are key to Centre-State harmony, but misuse of powers harms federalism. Clear rules, court oversight, and State consultation can make Governors neutral and strengthen India’s federal system.

Q12. The Citizens’ Charter has been a landmark initiative in ensuring citizen-centric administration. But it is yet to reach its full potential. Identify the factors hindering the realisation of its promise and suggest measures to overcome them. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
The Citizens’ Charter, launched in 1997, aims to make government services transparent and citizen-friendly by setting clear service standards. However, it has not fully achieved its goal due to several challenges.

Body
Factors limiting the Citizens’ Charter:

• Lack of Awareness: Many citizens, especially in villages, do not know about the Charter, reducing its use.
• Poor Enforcement: Government offices often ignore service timelines due to weak monitoring, delaying services like passport issuance.
• Resistance from Officials: Some officials avoid following the Charter, fearing extra work or accountability.
• Outdated Charters: Many Charters are not updated to meet current needs, making them less useful.
• Weak Complaint Systems: Citizens’ complaints are often ignored or delayed, lowering trust in the system.

Measures to improve the Charter:

• Spread Awareness: Use radio, TV, and village campaigns to inform people about their rights under the Charter.
• Strong Monitoring: Set up independent teams to check if departments follow the Charter’s standards.
• Use Technology: Create mobile apps or websites to share Charters and track service delivery.
• Update Regularly: Revise Charters every few years to match changing public needs.
• Fix Complaints Fast: Build quick, transparent systems to handle citizen complaints effectively.

Conclusion
The Citizens’ Charter can transform governance by making it citizen-friendly, but awareness and enforcement issues hold it back. Awareness campaigns, better monitoring, and technology can help it achieve its full potential.

Q13. Evaluate the effectiveness of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in addressing healthcare disparities. Discuss its implementation challenges and suggest reforms. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
Ayushman Bharat, launched in 2018, aims to reduce healthcare disparities through free treatment and health centers. It seeks to provide affordable healthcare to millions, but implementation challenges limit its impact.

Body
Effectiveness of Ayushman Bharat:

• Wider Healthcare Access: It offers free treatment up to ₹5 lakh for over 50 crore people, helping poor families, like those in rural Bihar.
• Improved Facilities: Health and Wellness Centres provide basic care, reducing the burden on hospitals.
• Financial Protection: It reduces out-of-pocket expenses, easing the financial strain on low-income households.

Implementation challenges:

• Low Awareness: Many eligible people, especially in remote areas, do not know about the scheme or how to use it.
• Hospital Shortages: Limited empanelled hospitals in rural areas restrict access to treatment.
• Funding Issues: States face delays in funds, affecting hospital reimbursements and service quality.
• Fraud Cases: Fake claims and misuse of cards, as reported in some States, reduce the scheme’s reach.

Reforms needed:

• Raise Awareness: Use local campaigns and community workers to inform people about the scheme.
• Expand Hospitals: Include more private and public hospitals, especially in rural areas.
• Ensure Timely Funds: Streamline funding to States for smooth hospital operations.
• Check Fraud: Use technology like Aadhaar verification to prevent misuse.

Conclusion
Ayushman Bharat has made healthcare more accessible, but challenges like awareness and infrastructure gaps limit its success. Awareness drives, more hospitals, and better funding can make it more effective.

Q14. Examine the constitutional provisions for the protection of religious minorities in India. How effective are these measures in promoting communal harmony? (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
The Indian Constitution provides strong safeguards for religious minorities to ensure equality and freedom, promoting communal harmony. However, their effectiveness depends on implementation and societal factors.

Body
Constitutional provisions for minorities:

• Freedom of Religion: Articles 25-28 guarantee the right to practice, profess, and manage religious affairs, like running religious institutions.
• Non-Discrimination: Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on religion, ensuring equal treatment.
• Cultural Rights: Article 29 protects minorities’ rights to preserve their culture and language, as seen in minority-run schools.
• Minority Institutions: Article 30 allows minorities to establish and manage educational institutions, like Aligarh Muslim University.

Effectiveness in promoting communal harmony:

• Promotes Inclusion: These provisions encourage equality, reducing religious tensions by protecting minority rights.
• Empowers Communities: Minority institutions foster education and cultural pride, strengthening social bonds.
• Challenges in Implementation: Communal violence, like the 2020 Delhi riots, shows gaps in enforcing these protections.
• Social Divisions: Political misuse of religion and weak law enforcement sometimes undermine harmony.

Measures to improve effectiveness:

• Strengthen Law Enforcement: Ensure quick action against communal violence to build trust.
• Promote Dialogue: Encourage interfaith platforms to foster mutual understanding.
• Educate Society: Use schools and media to teach respect for all religions.

Suggested Diagram: A flowchart showing Articles 15, 25-28, and 29-30 linked to communal harmony outcomes.

Conclusion
Constitutional provisions protect minorities and promote harmony, but weak enforcement and social divides limit their impact. Stronger laws, dialogue, and education can enhance communal unity.

Q15. Discuss the role of India in the Quad framework in countering China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. Analyze the challenges in deepening Quad cooperation. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
The Quad, comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia, aims to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific amid China’s growing influence. India plays a key role, but challenges hinder deeper Quad cooperation.

Body
India’s role in the Quad:

• Strategic Counterbalance: India’s naval presence and exercises like Malabar counter China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea.
• Economic Cooperation: India promotes trade and infrastructure, like the India-Japan Asia-Africa Growth Corridor, to rival China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
• Regional Stability: India supports a rules-based order, advocating freedom of navigation against China’s territorial claims.

Challenges in deepening Quad cooperation:

• Differing Priorities: Members have varied goals; India avoids military alliances, unlike the US, which seeks stronger defense ties.
• China’s Influence: Economic dependence on China, especially for India and Japan, limits bold actions.
• Lack of Structure: The Quad lacks a formal agreement, reducing its ability to act unitedly.
• Regional Tensions: India’s border disputes with China, like the 2020 Galwan clash, complicate its Quad role.

Solutions:

• Formalize the Quad: Create a clear framework to align goals and actions.
• Boost Economic Ties: Strengthen trade among Quad nations to reduce China’s economic hold.
• Engage ASEAN: Include ASEAN countries to broaden regional support.

Conclusion
India’s role in the Quad is vital to counter China’s assertiveness, but differing priorities and lack of structure pose challenges. Formalizing the Quad and deeper economic ties can strengthen its impact.

Q16. Analyze the impact of the National Food Security Act, 2013, on addressing hunger and malnutrition. Suggest measures to address gaps in its implementation. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, ensures affordable food for over 80 crore people to fight hunger and malnutrition. It is a major step toward food security, but challenges limit its success.

Body
Impact of the NFSA:

• Affordable Food: It gives cheap grains like rice and wheat to 67% of Indians, helping poor families in places like rural Uttar Pradesh eat regularly.
• Better Nutrition: Programs like Mid-Day Meals and ICDS provide food to kids, reducing malnutrition.
• Women’s Role: By giving ration cards to women, it supports their role in households.

Challenges in implementation:

• Leakages in PDS: Stolen or diverted grains, especially in States like Bihar, mean less food reaches people.
• Wrong Beneficiaries: Some deserving people are left out due to faulty lists.
• Limited Food Variety: The focus on grains ignores other foods needed to fight malnutrition.
• Poor Delivery: Bad storage and transport cause delays in food supply.

Solutions:

• Fix PDS: Use Aadhaar and digital systems to stop leakages.
• Update Lists: Regularly check who qualifies for benefits.
• Add Nutritious Food: Include pulses and millets in PDS for better diets.
• Improve Supply: Build better storage and transport systems.

Conclusion
The NFSA has reduced hunger, but malnutrition persists due to implementation issues. Better PDS, updated lists, and diverse foods can make it more effective.

Q17. Critically examine the role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in ensuring propriety in public expenditure. How can its recommendations be made more binding? (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), set up under Article 148, checks government spending to ensure it is fair and transparent. It plays a big role in keeping public money safe, but its advice is often ignored.

Body
Role of CAG in public expenditure:

• Checking Accounts: CAG audits government funds to find misuse, like in the 2G spectrum case, ensuring money is spent correctly.
• Holding Government Accountable: Its reports highlight waste, pushing departments to manage funds better.
• Helping Parliament: CAG reports guide Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee to question government spending, ensuring proper use of public money.

Limitations:

• Non-Binding Advice: Governments can ignore CAG’s suggestions, as seen in slow action on coal scam reports.
• Weak Follow-Up: There’s no system to ensure departments act on CAG findings, reducing its impact.
• Limited Resources: CAG lacks enough staff and funds to audit all government activities thoroughly.

Ways to make recommendations binding:

• Legal Power: Give CAG authority to enforce its advice, like penalizing non-compliant departments.
• Time-Bound Action: Set deadlines for governments to act on CAG reports.
• More Resources: Increase CAG’s budget and staff for better audits.

Suggested Diagram: A flowchart showing CAG’s audit process, from checking accounts to reporting to Parliament.

Conclusion
The CAG ensures honest use of public funds, but its non-binding advice limits its impact. Legal powers, deadlines, and more resources can make its role stronger.

Q18. Discuss the contribution of civil society groups for women’s effective and meaningful participation and representation in state legislatures in India. (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
Civil society groups, like NGOs and women’s organizations, work to increase women’s participation and representation in State legislatures. They empower women to take part in politics, but challenges remain.

Body
Contributions of civil society groups:

• Awareness Campaigns: Groups like SEWA run programs to educate women about their voting and leadership rights, especially in rural areas.
• Training Leaders: They offer workshops to teach women skills like public speaking, helping them contest elections, as seen in Maharashtra’s SHG programs.
• Advocacy for Quotas: Organizations push for laws like the Women’s Reservation Bill to ensure more women in legislatures.
• Support Networks: They create platforms for women leaders to share experiences and strategies, boosting confidence.

Challenges faced:

• Social Barriers: Patriarchy and stereotypes discourage women from entering politics, especially in rural areas.
• Limited Funds: Many groups lack money to expand their training and outreach programs.
• Political Resistance: Parties often resist nominating women candidates, limiting representation.

Solutions:

• More Training: Expand programs to train more women in political skills.
• Fund Support: Government and private funding can help groups reach more women.
• Work with Parties: Collaborate with political parties to promote women candidates.

Conclusion
Civil society groups play a big role in helping women join State legislatures by raising awareness and building skills. Overcoming social barriers and funding issues can ensure more women participate meaningfully in politics.

Q19. Evaluate India’s engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). How does India balance its interests amidst regional geopolitical tensions? (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
India joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in 2017 to boost regional cooperation in security, trade, and connectivity. It plays an active role but faces challenges due to regional tensions.

Body
India’s engagement with the SCO:

• Security Cooperation: India works with SCO members to fight terrorism, like through joint exercises, strengthening regional safety.
• Economic Ties: It promotes trade and energy deals, like with Central Asian countries, to boost economic growth.
• Connectivity Projects: India supports projects like the Chabahar Port to connect with SCO nations, bypassing Pakistan.

Balancing interests amidst tensions:

• China-Pakistan Ties: India counters China’s influence, like its Belt and Road Initiative, by promoting alternative projects.
• Neutral Stance: India avoids taking sides in Russia-China rivalries, focusing on its own interests like energy security.
• Regional Diplomacy: India engages with Central Asian nations to balance Pakistan’s role in the SCO.

Challenges:

• China’s Dominance: China’s strong influence in the SCO limits India’s role.
• Border Tensions: India-China disputes, like the 2020 Galwan clash, create mistrust.
• Limited Influence: India’s voice is weaker compared to Russia and China.

Solutions:

• Stronger Diplomacy: Build closer ties with Central Asian nations.
• Focus on Trade: Push for more economic agreements to gain influence.
• Active Participation: Host more SCO events to shape its agenda.

Conclusion
India’s SCO engagement boosts security and trade, but geopolitical tensions challenge its role. Stronger diplomacy and economic focus can help India balance its interests effectively.

Q20. Discuss the challenges in implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India. How can a consensus be built among diverse communities to ensure its adoption? (Answer in 250 words) (15 marks)

Answer: 

Introduction
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC), under Article 44, aims to create common laws for marriage, divorce, and inheritance for all Indians. However, implementing it is tough due to India’s diverse society.

Body
Challenges in implementing the UCC:

• Religious Diversity: Different communities follow personal laws, like Muslim Sharia or Hindu laws, and resist changes, fearing loss of identity.
• Political Opposition: Parties exploit UCC for votes, creating divisions, as seen in debates over triple talaq.
• Social Resistance: Many fear UCC will ignore cultural practices, like tribal customs in Northeast India.
• Legal Complexity: Drafting a single law for diverse groups is difficult and may lead to disputes.

Building consensus for UCC:

• Public Dialogue: Hold discussions with religious leaders and communities to address fears, like through town halls.
• Gradual Reforms: Start with small changes, like uniform marriage age, to gain trust.
• Educate People: Use media and schools to explain UCC’s benefits, like gender equality in inheritance.
• Involve Stakeholders: Include minority groups in drafting the UCC to respect their customs.
• Model Laws: Study States like Goa, which has a UCC, to create a fair framework.

Conclusion
Implementing the UCC faces challenges due to diversity and politics, but dialogue, gradual steps, and education can build consensus for a fair and inclusive code.