TEN CRITICAL QUESTIONS ON CURRENT GEOPLOITICAL AND NATIONAL ISSUES – 189

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

TEN CRITICAL QUESTIONS ON CURRENT GEOPLOITICAL AND NATIONAL ISSUES – 189

1. Why is collective decision-making within the Election Commission important for its independence?

Answer: Institutional independence is not only freedom from government pressure; it also requires proper internal decision-making. The supplied Indian Express summary says a petition before the Supreme Court questions whether powers belonging to the multi-member Election Commission can effectively be exercised by the CEC alone, referring to Article 324 and the 2023 law. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the petition; the issues remain under judicial consideration. In my view, disagreement within an institution is not necessarily weakness. Recorded reasoning, collegiality and transparent procedures can strengthen public confidence while preserving institutional independence.

2. What does “de-risk and diversify” mean for India in the context of U.S.-China competition?

Answer: It means India should avoid excessive dependence on any one major power without withdrawing from global partnerships. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described the U.S. and China as being in a competitive mode and argued for diversification of external relationships. For India, this can mean diversified energy and technology sources, resilient supply chains and issue-based partnerships. It should cooperate with the U.S. where interests converge and engage China where necessary while protecting national interests. Strategic autonomy today is therefore not isolation or equal distance from everyone; it is the capacity to make independent choices because India has multiple options.