MAINS DAILY QUESTIONS & MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. Indian diaspora in the West has reached unprecedented levels. Describe the advantages it has for India’s politics and economy.
GS II – International Issues
Introduction:
- India is the country that receives the most remittances; in 2023, it will receive USD 108 billion. In addition to the monetary gains, the prosperous ascent of more than 18 million individuals of Indian descent worldwide offers several benefits to their own country.
Examples of the diaspora’s achievements:
- Heads of elite companies worldwide who are of “Indian origin” are present. Take Sundar Pichai of Google and Shantanu Narayen of Adobe, for instance.
- heads of state and ministers of Indian descent. For instance, Kamala Harris (USA) and Rishi Sunak (UK).
Benefits to the economy and politics:
- The diaspora’s remittances, which assist balance out the trade deficit, have a big impact on the balance of payments.
- The diaspora contributes to strengthening India’s soft corner at international fora and multilateral organisations like the United Nations.
- In all nations with sizable Indian populations, there is a rise in demand for “Indian goods” as a result of exposure to Indian culture.
- For instance, there are yoga studios and Indian eateries all across the UK and other western nations.
- Reduced covert joblessness as a result of low-skilled people migrating abroad, particularly to West Asian nations.
- For instance, labourers in the UAE who are from Tamil Nadu and Kerela.
Way Forward:
- India is greatly benefited by the 32 million people who make up its globally dispersed diaspora. Even while brain drain is still an issue for emerging nations like India, we must keep in mind that brain outflow also enhances our nation’s social, political, and economic aspects.
Q2. Gaining ‘Hearts and Minds’ in places impacted by terrorism is crucial to rebuilding public confidence. Talk about the steps the government has taken in this regard to resolve the conflict in Jammu and Kashmir.
GS III – Internal Security
Introduction:
- The phrase “winning of hearts and minds” describes the government-backed, people-centered strategy used in conflict-ridden areas like Kashmir to win back the local populace and rebuild their faith in the system in an effort to combat the influence of terrorists.
Actions taken by the government in relation to Kashmir:
- Abrogation of Article 370: The special status of Jammu & Kashmir has been revoked in order to better integrate the region with the rest of India and integrate the youth.
Involvement of youth:
- Army Goodwill Schools (AGS), hostels, and vocational courses were introduced as part of project Sadhbhavana. Teenagers and the elderly were given a “Bharat Darshan,” and youth cricket competitions were held in the Valley.
- In order to empower women in J&K, Project Umeed and Project Himayat were introduced.
- Infrastructure Developments: Building infrastructure for transit, healthcare, and other areas has received a lot of attention. As an illustration, the PM’s development plan for J&K includes Khelo India centres there.
- Growth of the Tourism and Arts and Crafts Sectors: To encourage and foster the handicrafts and handloom industry, the new Wool Processing, Handicrafts and Handloom Policy, 2020 has been enacted.
- Anti-Radicalization Campaigns: These campaigns were started to help Kashmiri citizens feel less apart from and more a part of the Indian cause.
- Political Engagements: The promotion of political conversations and the involvement of young people from the region in local politics is achieved through engaging with a new generation of political leaders.
Way Forward:
- These actions have improved Jammu and Kashmir by fostering an atmosphere that is favourable to peace, progress, and healing. However, there are still certain issues and complaints, such as the breaches of human rights and the absence of consensus-building and consultation. As a result, the government must keep working to resolve these problems and make sure that the “Hearts and Minds” policy is effectively implemented and monitored in Jammu and Kashmir.
