Relevance: GS II (International Relations) & GS III (Internal Security) | Source: The Indian Express
1. What is the News?
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) is planning to create a new “global outreach unit” under the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
The Plan: They want to send 40 specialized Indian Information Service (IIS) officers to work inside Indian embassies around the world.
2. Why do we need this?
The Current Problem: Right now, regular diplomats handle media duties as an “extra job.” This lacks a professional, full-time focus.
Fighting Fake News: In today’s digital age, wars are fought on social media. These dedicated officers will fight misinformation and tell India’s real story to foreign journalists.
Boosting ‘Soft Power’: Instead of military talks, these officers will focus on promoting India’s booming economy, rich culture, tourism, and new trade deals.
3. Who Does What?
To make sure different government departments don’t clash, their jobs are clearly divided:
I&B Ministry / PIB: Will only talk about the economy, culture, trade, and tourism.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): Will keep absolute, strict control over serious matters like foreign policy, defence, and national security.
The “UPSC Trap”
The “Foreign Policy” Trap: UPSC might try to trick you by saying, “The newly deployed IIS officers will lead India’s foreign policy and security negotiations.” This is incorrect. Their job is strictly limited to media, image-building, and Soft Power. Hard diplomacy remains the exclusive job of the MEA.
The “Ministry” Trap: Don’t assume that anyone working in an embassy belongs to the MEA. The IIS officers belong to the I&B Ministry.
UPSC Value Box
| Concept / Body | Simple Meaning |
|---|---|
| Soft Power | Winning the world’s heart through culture, trade, and values, rather than using military force or threats. |
| Indian Information Service (IIS) | A central civil service under the I&B Ministry that acts as the media manager for the Government of India. |
Q. With reference to the management of India’s global communication and diplomacy, consider the following statements:
The Indian Information Service (IIS) functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The External Publicity (XP) division is the primary agency within the MEA responsible for communicating India’s foreign policy to the global media.
The proposed deployment of PIB media officers to Indian missions abroad is strictly to handle defense and national security communications.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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