MAINS 2013
GS2
10 marks
Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India?
WRITE IN
7 min
200 words
What the examiner wants
Discuss Maldives' 2012-13 political turmoil and judge whether it should worry India.
Discuss; Should they be a concernAnswer exactly what the question asks.
Demand-wise check
- 1Events: Nasheed's resignation under pressure (Feb 2012), Waheed government, Nasheed sheltering in the Indian High Commission (Feb 2013), first-round 2013 vote annulled by the Supreme Court, Yameen elected (Nov 2013)≈35 words
- 2Concerns: cancellation of GMR's Male airport contract, tilt towards China, Islamist radicalisation, weak democratic institutions≈35 words
- 3India's stakes: sea lanes near the Eight and Nine Degree Channels, maritime security, Indian expatriates and investments≈35 words
- 4India's approach: stay neutral among factions, back democratic process, keep security and aid ties≈35 words
Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.
Answer plan
2012-13 timelineWhy it matters (China, radicalism, investments, sea lanes)India's optionsConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Narrating events without stating a clear yes/no on concern
- Treating the crisis only as a China issue and missing radicalisation and India's investment loss
Draw this
- Map of Maldives with Eight and Nine Degree Channels and major shipping lanes
Value addition
- EventGMR's roughly $500 million contract for Male airport was cancelled in late 2012; a Singapore arbitration tribunal (2016) held the contract valid and the Maldives liable for wrongful termination.Singapore arbitration, 2016
- HistoryOperation Cactus (1988): Indian forces foiled a coup against President Gayoom within hours.Indian Armed Forces, 1988
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 44 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
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