Q11: APSC Prelims 2023 GS-II: Previous Year Question with Answer

Read the following passage carefully and answer the question : Elections were in the air of the world's youngest democracy when I arrived in Thimphu. This was for a by-election in the capital city, that dominated the conversation at dinners, even in Thimphu's most fun night-spot Mojo Park (the best music in town). Bhutan has taken to democracy with ease ever since 2008 when the first proper elections were held, a process India has helped out with, sending officials from the Election Commission travelling to check arrangements, explain electronic voting machine (EVM) technology and procedures. However, there are many things uniquely Bhutanese : Monks and nuns in this deeply religious Buddhist majority are not allowed to vote, so as to avoid mixing religion and politics. All voters must wear their national dress on polling day, but no one—candidate, campaigner or voter—is allowed to wear the Kabney silk and Gyentag, a scarf of honour, for men and women respectively, bestowed only by the King, Patang—the ceremonial sword, or any other sign of rank or royal patronage to avoid a misuse of influence. And, in deference to the environment, no posters can be put up on any public property, including trees, and are mostly restricted to a community billboard for all. May be a thing or two the world's largest democracy could learn from the youngest? While polygamy is practised in some parts, so is polyandry, and divorce settlements are equal and even-handed. Even so, Bhutanese women lag behind in one place that it counts : Parliament. In the last National Assembly Elections, 3/4ths of the 47 seats had only male candidates (nine had females), and four women were elected as MPs. "Misogyny plays only one part of it", explains the only leader of a party (DCT) Lily Wangchuk, who runs a hotel in downtown Thimphu. "Women just don't vote for women, and the lack of women role models in modern Bhutan becomes a vicious cycle." While Bhutan's government and people tell you they are devoted to preserving the country and its beauty, it is plain to see Bhutan is changing everyday in little ways. Less youngsters adhere to the traditional and once mandatory national dress (Goh and Kira), more and more buildings now get permission to rise above the originally regulated two stories, and glass and granite are seen more in Thimphu where once only wood and paint were allowed. Some modernities are welcome, and the abundance of hydropower electricity means many Bhutanese (including the very dashing US-educated Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay) drive hybrid cars. The countryside is still pristine, and not covered with the plastic waste ubiquitous in India, even as Bhutan explores more 'non-wood' uses for its 70% forest cover that is also mandated in the Constitution. Bhutan aims to conserve its pristine environment by