UPSC Mains 2020 GS2 Q10 — Indian Diaspora
'Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries'. Comment with examples. (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Comment
- Scope keywords
- Indian diasporadecisive rolepolitics and economyAmerica and European Countriesexamples
- Implicit sub-parts
- Mechanisms of political influence in the US and Europe (lobbying, representation, electoral funding).
- Economic contributions through entrepreneurship, leadership in tech/MNCs, and trade facilitation.
- The role of the diaspora as a bridge for India's strategic and soft power interests.
- Assessment of the 'decisive' nature—limitations or challenges faced by the diaspora.
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing only on remittances to India rather than their contribution to the host country's economy.
- Listing names of famous Indian-origin CEOs without explaining their 'decisive' economic impact or policy influence.
- Ignoring the 'European Countries' aspect of the prompt and focusing exclusively on the USA.
- Providing a generic history of Indian migration instead of current political and economic agency.
- Dimensions required
- Political RepresentationEconomic Leadership & InnovationGeopolitical LobbyingSocio-cultural soft power
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 30 words for an intro defining the diaspora size/reach. Spend 50 words on political influence (e.g., US Congress, UK cabinet) and 50 words on economic impact (Silicon Valley, GDP contribution). Use the final 20 words for a conclusion on how this serves India's 'National Interest'.
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