1.

One of the major worries India grappling with is rural

distress. How far has the 2016 budget addressed rural
distress? Can it put agri-growth back on track, say, at 4
per cent per annum sustainably? Critically examine. (200
Words)

Broad Definition of Rural distress

Drought, Rainfed farming, Unpredictable monsoon, Lack of financial
support, Failure of crop insurance schemes to protect farmers from
uncertainties, Unsustainable agriculture on one side and
unproductive, subsistence monsoon dependent agriculture on the
other side, lack of cold storage, processing and transparent market
(Failure of APMCs), lack of credit facilities to poor farmers, clutches
of money lenders are causing Rural distress in General and Farmers
suicides in particular
Budget 2016, Efforts to reduce rural distress
Allocation to agriculture is Rs 35984 crores,
Safety net against uncertainties
1.

Focus on Vulnerable sections through: Pradhan Mantri Fasal

Bima Yojana Provides assured income and attracts Youth to
take up agriculture and Reduces Rural Urban Migration and

2.

New health insurance scheme to protect against

hospitalisation expenditure More disposable income in the
hands of farmers, Increases investment in agriculture, increases
productivity

3.

Facility of cooking gas connection for BPL families

Reduces indoor air pollution, increases standard of living,
Reduces physical burden (Collection of fuel and firewood)

Importance to Irrigation Insurance against Monsoon

uncertainties, increased profitability and productivity to
farmers
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana , 28.5 lakh hectares will
be brought under irrigation
Implementation of 89 irrigation projects under AIBP, which
are languishing for a long time, will be fast tracked
A dedicated Long Term Irrigation Fund will be created in
NABARD with an initial corpus of about ` 20,000 crore
Programme for sustainable management of ground water
resources with an estimated cost of ` 6,000 crore will be
implemented through 3 multilateral funding (Sustainable
Agriculture)
5 lakh farm ponds and dug wells in rain fed areas and 10 lakh
compost pits for production of organic manure will be taken up
under MGNREGA
Sustainable agriculture Evergreen revolution
1.

Promote organic farming through Parmparagat Krishi Vikas

Yojana and Organic Value Chain Development in North East
Region.

Agriculture marketing and infrastructure and Finance

Unified Agricultural Marketing ePlatform to provide a
common emarket platform for wholesale markets Forces APMCs to
upgrade to meet farmers marketing needs, Better price discovery
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (increased to ` 19,000
crore). connect remaining 65,000 eligible habitations by 2019
( Better Transportation of Agriculture produce, better price
discovery)
Interest subvention to reduce loan burden 15000 crore

(850 crore) Four dairying projects Pashudhan Sanjivani,

Nakul Swasthya Patra, E-Pashudhan Haatand National
Genomic Centre for indigenous breeds (Helps diversify Farming,
assured income, increased sustainability Reduce distress)
RURAL SECTOR
Allocation for rural sector Rs 87,765 crore.
Every block under drought and rural distress will be taken up as an
intensive Block under the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Mission
A sum of ` 38,500 crore allocated for MGNREGS Assured
employment during lean season, insurance against uncertainties to
landless laborers
300 Rurban Clusters will be developed under the Shyama Prasad
Mukherjee Rurban Mission Prevents distressed Urban
migration, better facilities.
100% village electrification by 1 st May, 2018.
62 new Navodaya Vidyalayas will be opened
Education for talented rural children Long term approach to fix
problem of rural distress.
Krishi Kalyan Cess, @ 0.5% on all taxable services,. Proceeds
would be exclusively used for financing initiatives for improvement
of agriculture and welfare of farmers
Can it put agriculture growth at 4%
These are progressive step to reduce rural distress, but, these alone
cannot put Growth at 4% sustainably,.
We also need,
1.

Uniform APMC Reforms

2.

Modernization of Agriculture Mechanization, adoption of

Modern technologies, Green house technology, etc.

3.

Reforms in ICAR KVK - Better extension, informed

farmer Sustainable agriculture

4.

Processing industries, warehousing, Cold chain, Agri export

zones, Attraction of rural youth, Star ups in Agriculture,

5.

Easy credit (Present situation Highly cumbersome procedure,

no credit to non productive needs, mutual distrust between
bankers and farmers)

6.

Value addition and supply chain for Agriculture produce More

income, profitable

2. Critically analyse the budgetary allocations for social

sector in 2016 union budget.
Budgetary allocation for Social Sector in 2016.
New Conceptualization on social sectors Shift of focus from Basic
education, Basic health to Skills, employment and Entrepreneurship
Allocation for social sector including education and health care
`1,51,581 crore.
1.

` 2,000 crore allocated for initial cost of providing LPG

connections to BPL families (Welcome step, improves
standard of living, prevents indoor air pollution, reduces burden
on women, saves time.

But, proper identification of beneficiaries is the key. No BPL family

must be left out, and no APL family must be included through
collusion, bribery or other means Difficult till date
2. New health protection scheme will provide health cover
up to ` One lakh per family.
(Finer details shows that old RSBY has been renamed and provided
153% increased allocation. But, insurance alone cannot become

governments major health policy component. Need to strengthen

PHC, Government tertiary care, Mobile hospitals, Free ambulance,
awareness against antibiotic resistance)
3. 3,000 Stores under Prime Ministers Jan Aushadhi
Yojana will be opened during 2016-17.
(Great step to provide affordable health care, along with new health
insurance scheme, if properly implemented, could bring reforms in
health sector)
4. National Dialysis Services Programme to be started
under National Health Mission through PPP mode
(PPP mode Need to be cautious Collusion between parties to
siphon off fund, unimaginative MoUs.
Along with this, other critical health care services need to be
provided Blood test, Diabetes test, Urine test, TB detection
centres, Centres to cater towards emergency situations like H1N1,
Ebola, Zika virus etc
5. Stand Up India Scheme to facilitate at least two
projects per bank branch. This will benefit atleast 2.5
lakh entrepreneurs.
(Help to realize demographic dividend, problem of unemployment.
But, Procedural hurdles must be removed to access funds)
6. National Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Hub to
be set up in partnership with industry associations
7. 62 new Navodaya Vidyalayas will be opened
(Navodayas cater only to small section of rural population, It created
a hierarchy within public education system Contravention of
86 Amendment act, We need all the schools on the model of
th

Navodaya, not only few)

8. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan to increasing focus on quality of
education

(No plans on how to improve quality. Incremental budgetary rise

(2%) do not help in improving quality Need qualified teachers,
Internet, E learning, Gadgets )
9. Higher Education Financing Agency to be set-up with
initial capital base of ` 1000 Crores
SKILL DEVELOPMENT (Capitalization on Demographic
dividend)
Allocation for skill development ` 1804. crore
National Board for Skill Development Certification to be setup in
partnership with the industry and academia
Entrepreneurship Education and Training through Massive Open
Online Courses
Minorities
Skill development by way of social development But
allocation reduced from 335 crore to 175 crores this year
Cleanliness
Swacch bharat mission Allocation 38% jump. Welcome step
Even though, Government announced major policies, none of these
policies can be coherent Social policy of India.

3. It is argued that subsidising crop insurance premium and

running subsidised health insurance program are fraught
with risks and are not sustainable in the long run.
Critically examine why.
Subsidized crop insurance and Subsidized health insurance
Not sustainable in the long run

1.

Unsustainable Subsidy bill may grow further along with

Fertilizers, fuel and food -= CAD, Fiscal deficit (Both Farm and
Health)

2. Trigger Irrational risk taking Farmers may grow cash crops,

crops with MSP even if conditions do not permit Glut in market
Reduced price Shifting away from traditional crops
Unscientific cropping system.
In Health insurance, People may become lethargic. May resort to
curative treatment rather than preventive.
3. Collusion between bank officials, bureaucrats, Rich farmers to
siphon off money with fake documents. Example, MH
(Aurangabad, Jalagaon), Gujarat (Saurashtra), AP
(Rayalaseema), Karnataka (Dharawad, Haveri), TN and
Telangana In future it may spread nation wide since there is
scope for that due to subsidy.
In Health Collusion between Hospitals, Insurance companies
Victims are patients Forced operations, Unnecessary diagnostics,
Frequent resort to check ups and scannings.
4. We cannot insure farmers ignorance First, Farmer education is
must. Loss due to lack of knowledge, unscientific farm practices
cannot be insured
4. Insurance work on 2 premises 1. Low risk 2. Customers do not
face high correlated risks. But, in farming both premises are high
All the farmers in a region are affected at a time . Ex.
Drought, disease epidemic, hailstorm Hence, high risk
Unsustainable in the long run.
IN Health High Risk Mal nourished children, Antibiotic
resistance, TB, Dengue, Malaria,.
High correlation Epidemics Unsustainable in the long run

But, it can be turned sustainable in the long run also,

(Farmers and Patients pay full premium in the long run)
1.

More disposable income in the long run Able to pay full

premium

2.

High reach and awareness about insurance due to initial

subsidy

3.

If proper regulatory measures and Technology (GPS Camera,

Mobile app, computerization) are taken, Collusion/fake nexus can
be eliminated

4.

Higher loan recovery Less NPA Due to insurance

5. If Mechanization, new technology, Knowledge dissemination, Emandi, APMC reforms, Reforms in MSP to Minor millets, Food
processing carried out Insurance risk reduces - Full
premium from farmers

In Health If disposable income increases, Swacch bharat, Less

malnutrition, Cleanliness, Zero open defecation, Smart cities, Quality
nutritious food Less disease burden - High resistance
But,The present situation demand safety net for farmers, which only
provided thorugh insurance with subsidized premium. It must be a
short term approach to reduce farmer distress. Long term approach
is to empower financially to pay full insurance premium
6. Subsidies are inherently regressive Only rich subscribe
insurance policies Subsidized insurance Poor also get
the service and protected from uncertainties

4. It is said that the 2016 union budget has given big

boost to strengthening e-governance in the country.
Examine. (150 Words)
Robust Budget allocation
The government has set aside Rs 2,059 crore for Digital India
Programme e-learning, e-panchayat and land records
modernisation.
allocated Rs 24,543.48 crore to ministry of telecommunication and
information technology.
Schemes for E- Governance
1.

The National Land Record Modernisation Programme has been

revamped under the Digital India initiative

(Reduces civil land disputes, Helps track agricultural loans and

subsidies, Reduces land disputes, Fake records etc.,)
2. Introduction of Bill for targeted-delivery of financial and other
subsidies, benefits and services by using the Adhaar framework.
(Legitimacy to Adhaar, Certainty in administration, Leveraging JAM
trinity Jandhan, Adhaar, Mobile technology to deliver services to
citizens efficiently and effectively.
Reduces Subsidy leakages in LPG, Fertilizers, Kerosene, Student
scholarships, Helps in paper less transactions Reduces fake
currency menace, Helps tracking funds, prevents black money,
Reduces bureaucratic and citizen interface thereby reducing
Coercive corruption which is common in middle level bureaucracy)
3. A social security platform will be developed using
Aadhaar to accurately target beneficiaries.
(Diversion of public funds from Poor to rich will be prevented,
Documentation and record keeping and tracking progress made
easy)

4. Planning to extending Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to liquefied

petroleum gas (LPG) and from LPG to fertiliser
(Opportunity to use JAM trinity here too. Prevents diversion to
commercial purposes)
5. Automation of 300,000 public distribution system (PDS) outlets
using Adhaar cards
(Help to prevent diversion of foodgrains to open market)
6. Digital literacy campaign Present 2 schemes 1. National
Digital Literacy Mission; and Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA).
Plan to launch a new Digital Literacy Mission Scheme for rural India
to cover around 60 million additional households within the next
three years
(Back bone to all digital India scheme Digitally literate citizen +
Digital India = E- governance at the door step with reduced
corruption and inefficiency)
7. e-Sahyog pilot project to provide an online mechanism to
resolve mismatches in income tax returns, without requiring
taxpayers to attend the income tax office.
(Ease of Doing business and helps widening the tax base by
providing quality services)
8.To set up a Digital Depository for academic certificates on the
pattern of Securities Depository.
(Prevents fake degree certificate rackets, Easy record keeping,
Certified authentication, Paper less governance)
Hence, E governance encompassing
1.

Public service delivery

2.

Tax administration

3.

Agriculture record keeping

4.

Digital literacy

5.

Direct benefit tranfe, received big push and go a long way in

ensuring citizen centric administration if properly and honestly
implemented without vested interests

5. Analyse the significance of some of the announcements

made in recent budget to local self governments and
governance mechanism at local level. (200 Words)
Budgetary allocations
Rs.3 trillion to gram panchayaths 2.5 lakh gram panchayaths
receive more than 1 crore every year,. Ie., Devolution of almost 15%
budgeted money to panchayats
Fund, Functions and functionaries which were lacking for Local
bodies Now available
Fund Can be used for Public services, Health, Sanitation,
awareness, Eduacation and governance
Functionaries Local bodies with decent funds now could recruit
qualified functionaries, if supplemented with other financial sources
like user fee, local taxes etc
This is democratization of Public expenditure Later, leads to
democratization of public service delivery Moving from
Representative democracy to Popular democracy can be achieved
Good governance and service delivery
1.

Revamped The National Land Record Modernisation

Programme (Reduces civil land disputes, Helps track
agricultural loans and subsidies, Reduces land disputes, Fake
records etc.,)

2. Statutory status to Adhaar Service delivery through JAM

trinity - Subsidies, Services Increases financial inclusion
Reduces vulnerabilities with use of mutual funds, insurance, bank
loans against Money lenders
(Legitimacy to Adhaar, Certainty in administration, Leveraging JAM
trinity Jandhan, Adhaar, Mobile technology to deliver services to
citizens efficiently and effectively.
3. Reduces Subsidy leakages in LPG, Fertilizers, Kerosene,
Student scholarships, Helps in paper less transactions Helps
better targeting poor for providing subsidies)
4. A social security platform will be developed using
Aadhaar to accurately target beneficiaries.
(SC, ST and other weaker sections including Manual scavengers,
Bonded laborers, Victims of Human trafficking can be targeted
without leakages Good governance)
5. Digital literacy campaign To reduce Digital Divide and
to extend E-governance and benefits of ICT to Rural
areas, Digital literacy is a must.
5. Present 2 schemes 1. National Digital Literacy Mission; and
Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA).
Plan to launch a new Digital Literacy Mission Scheme for rural India
to cover around 60 million additional households within the next
three years
It helps in Creating quality functionaries equipped with latest
technologies for Panchayat governance and helps in better service
delivery using IT technologies.

6. The union government has announced that it would

introduce a Bill in the current budget session for
targeted delivery of financial and other subsidies,
benefits and services by using the Aadhaar framework.
Discuss the significance of this move. (200 Words)
Significance of Adhaar number in service delivery and e
Governance
1.

Important component of JAM trinity Service delivery,

subsidies made possible efficiently Direct benefit transfer for
Kerosene (Checks air pollution), PDS, Scholarships, Subsidies
Diversion, Coercive corruption due to citizen- Official interface
could be curtailed

2.

Financial inclusion, Easy procedure to open banks accounts,

KYC, Useful for migrant laborers,

3.

MGNREGA wage transfer to bank accounts, IGOAPS,

pension scheme and other social security scheme transfer to
beneficiary bank accounts etc

4.

DBT, Adhaar integration with bank account + Subsidies

Removes Ghost Beneficiaries, Coercive corruption

5.

Weeding out of Ghost voters Linking with Adhaar card

6.

E Health Centralized documentation of patients records

7.

Digital locker linked with Adhaar

8.

Passport in 10 days Easy service delivery Police verification

done at a later date

9.

Jeevan Praman for Pensioners, Removes procedure hurdles

Eliminate the need for the physical presence of pensioners at
office

10. Use of multiple ID cards will be eliminated Adhaar for all

identification purposes Removes ambiguity Integration of
work and services
Significance of the move to accord statutory status to
Adhaar
1.

Legal foundation to Adhaar Expansion of its uses for wider

range of service delivery

2.

Accountability Legislative accountability for Executive actions

3.

Established hierarchy and Policy certainty Proper grievance

redressal mechanism,

4.

Insurance against Change in government and their policies

Previous UPA govt, promoted..But, opposed by NDA.. But,
now NDA is promoting - More certainty if there is statutory
status

5.

Well established guidelines to channelize the procedures in

preventing the misuse of Adhaar card for Personal, political gains
and vested interests

6.

Judicial interferences will be curtailed and certainty in

implementation will be established

7.

Protection of privacy rights and establishment legalized

channel to secure the private data

7) Define conflict of interest. Discuss the OECD guidelines

for managing conflict of interest in public service.
OECD Definition A conflict of interest involves a conflict between
the public duty and private interests of a public official, in which the

public official has private-capacity interests which could improperly

influence the performance of their official duties and
responsibilities.
OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest
Managing COI at Personal capacity
1.

Public officials should avoid private action which derive

improper advantage form insider information obtained in official
duties which is not generally available to public.

2.

Not to misuse Government position and resources for private

gains

3.

Not to accept any form of improper benefit to in office

4.

Not to take improper advantage of a public office and

privileged information to seek employment after leaving office

Supporting transparency and scrutiny

1.

Public officials should subject themselves to closest public

scrutiny. Must follow broader public service values such as
Disinterestedness, impartiality and integrity

2.

Private interests and affiliations that could compromise the

public duties must be disclosed

3.

Must ensure consistency and an appropriate degree of

openness in resolving or managing conflict of interest

Promoting individual responsibility and personal example

1.

Act at all times that their integrity serves an example to other

officials and public

2.

Accept responsibility for arranging their private capacity

affairs to others, to prevent conflict of interest later

3.

Must demonstrate commitment and integrity and

professionalism though COI management policies

Engendering an organizational culture which is intolerant of

COI

1.

Organization must provide and implement adequate

policies, practices in the working environment to encourage
management of COI

2.

must encourage officials to discuss COI matters and provide

reasonable measures to protect disclosures from misuse by
others

1) What do you understand by the nation concept? It is said

that during the past two decades the nation idea has been
under siege globally, and not only in India. Discuss. (200
Words)
Nation is a social concept.
Concept is used to designate larger groups or collectives of people
with common characteristics attributed to them
including language, traditions, customs (mores), habits and ethnicity
When compared to Ethnicity It is more Impersonal, Abstract
and Overtly political.
Past two decades idea of Nation has been under siege
globally due to various reasons
1.

Globalization Interconnected world People always on the

move No Nationalistic identity Dissolved borders Hybrid
nationalists Indo American, Pakistan Briton, Japanese American,
etc..

Schengen Area in EU for unrestricted travel is another factor

2. Terrorism ISIS Seeks to establish Islamic caliphate
encompassing West Asia North America, Indian subcontinent,
Central Asia, Parts of Russia Ideology based only on
extremist religious ideology Translational identity kept the
nation Idea under siege

2. Distorted nationalism based on religious identities

like Sinhala nationalism in Srilanka marginalizing Tamils,
Buddhist identity in Myanmar marginalism Rohingya muslims
2. Nationalism mobilized based on Ethnic and tribal
identities South Sudan and North Sudan conflict Dinka and
Neur tribe inter ethnic conflict shows Nationalism concept itself is
amorphous
2. Radical ideologies Marxism, Naxalism which challenges the
concept of Nation state itself and seeks to overthrow the national
government with armed rebellion is testimony to the fact of
Nation under Siege
2. Above all Collapse of USSR in 1989 was due to
Nationalistic ambition of Baltic states and Central Asian
states is evident
2. Supra national organizations like European union Its own
Bureaucracy, Judicial system and policies andWTO after
1995, is diluting the concept of nation states. ASEAN is another
example.
2. Ultra Nationalism on one side, Neo colonialism (of West Asia,
Iraq, Syria, Libya and African countries) on the other side
Triggering irrational nationalistic mentalities which are
unconcerned towards Human rights, Ethical conduct, compassion
and basic Humane morality . Eg. Apathetic attitude towards
Refugees of Syria by Saudi Arabia, European Countries.
2. But, international bodies like Amnesty international, UNHCR,
HRW, Doctors sans border, Red cross Advocating Humanity,
Human rights over Nationalism
2. Technological disruption like Social media sites, Internet is fast
connecting people across the border and is instigating the
dissolution of Nationalistic sentiments on one side (JNU row,

Supporting liberation of Kashmir from India Against National

interest) on the one side, and Social media campaign to gain
political points by vested interest in the name of Nationalism
Distorting the facts

2) The problem when it comes to eradicating sustained

rural poverty in India has never been entirely one of
budgetary allocations. It is also one of capacity. Comment
on the statement and examine how capacity building should
be done to alleviate rural poverty in India. (200 Words)
Not an issue of budget But capacity

Innovative ideas and methods Functionaries in PRI Lacking

Skill and training Dedicated skilled workforce with motivation

Lacking

No integration and Partnership NGO, Govt, Line agencies,

Panchayath, People

Participatory approach Social audit, RTI, Bottom up planning,

Participatory rural appraisal

Monitoring and evaluation is faulty PDS leakages up to 48%

without monitoring, LPG leakages, UREA diversion to industrial
uses instead of benefiting farmers

How to alleviate poverty through capacity building of

functionaries

Training Pre employment and Post employment

Dedicated work force, who respect the idea of institution for

PRI, Municipalities

Partnership of State, Centre, Local body, Local leader, Civil

society, Private corporation to reach the desired end of
eliminating poverty

Convergence of Schemes, ideas, energy, ideology, resources

Schemes MGNREGA Non productive work But, NRLM

SHG Sustainable Hence, Capacity building of the masses
through innovative policy measures Mere Consumption driven
with out value and capacity addition is unsustainable

Proper monitoring On the lines of PMOs PRAGATI Must be

replicated to every state upto district level for real time
monitoring and course correction

Capacity building of the people

1.

Insurance itself is not sufficient But, Knowledge to escape

from the risks through Extension programme must be formulated
Eg Use of Drought resistant varieties, Drip irrigation, Market
linkages to insure against uncertainties

2.

Vocational training suited to local needs

3.

Education and Awareness creation Farmers education

on Right technology, Citizen awareness against Antibiotic
resistance, Unhygienic environment and associated diseases like
Dengue, Malaria, Cholera is an important capacity building tool

4.

Skill development Instead of funding for employing unskilled

labor (MGNREGA), effort must be made to Skill people (Skill
India), Form SHG (NRLM), Farmer cooperative group, AMUL, Milk
coop group

5.

Self employment Youth to Agriculture and Processing, Start

UP, MUDRA to fund the SME, NRLM, Women entrepreneurship,

Promoting Entrepreneurship among SC, ST and other weaker

sections through hand holding programmes
6.

Bridging Digital Divide, Empowerment using Internet, IT, ITES

- E- Health, E-Education

Sufficient budgetary allocation, fully equipped functionaries,

proper programme monitoring, evaluation and feedback mechanism
is the need of the hour.

3) Why the European Union was formed? Also examine why

Britain has had problems in staying with EU. (200 Words)
Why European Union was formed ?
Aftermath of the Second World War,
For European integration and prevention of future wars
European integration was seen as an antidote to the extreme
nationalism, which had devastated the continent. Hence, to forge
ties across Europe and to prevent future wars and conflict between
the two great powers of Europe. i.e. France and Germany.
To Prevent threat from Soviet Union to Europe.
As a Unified market European union as a single market which
allows the free movement of goods, capital and services, and people
between member states
Britain initially was not the part of European union, but later joined
in 1970.

Only for readers information, not part of answer (The EU

traces its origins from the European coal and steel
community (ECSC) and the European Economic Community (EEC),
formed by the Inner Six countries of Belgium, France, West
Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.in 1951 and 1958,
respectively. The European Union was established under its current
name in 1993 following the Maastricht Treaty.)
Now, total 28 countries in European Union.
Problems of Britain
1.

Greater money contribution to EU UK is net contributor

(since rich country in EU) to EU Money invested to improve
poorer countries of EU UK contribution rising due to improved
growth Eg 15 billion euro in 2015 compared to 2.7 billion in
2008.
2. EU Membership is hampering the UKs trade ties outside the
trading bloc (Brittans claims)

3. Interference by EU on Issues of Economic policy

Freedom movement for Labor Key principle for EU Lead to
attraction of laborers to UK due to pull factors Strain on social
welfare system
Problems of immigration to UK
1.

Economics Pressure on wages (Reduction) Non enforcement

of minimum wage and negative externality of labor market
flexibility

2.

Stress on Public service Finite number of teachers, Doctors,

Nurses, Schools Stressed due to over immigration

3.

Housing Pressure

4.

Identity and voice Non English speaking groups and Cultural

segregation Polish pubs, schools, etc

5.

EU agenda of Unified army, Common Bureaucracy,

Common foreign policy Wastage of Economic resources and
Bureaucracy

6.

Fragility of EU Currency Euro .. Well placed

Pound (Sailed through Eurozone crisis safely with its Pound)

7.

Schenegen Area Passport free travel across shared borders

Britain dont want it

8.

Strict regulation and Environment laws in EU Hindrance to

Britain industries

9.

Influence of the European Court of Human Rights, which in

certain high-profile cases has made it harder to deport foreignborn criminals UK dont want restriction on this

10. If qualified majority voting introduced Many decision votes

can be taken against the public interest of a particular country
(UK is not an exception

4) When it comes to public health expenditure, India lags

behind even among many developing countries. Does India
need universal health coverage? What measures should be
taken by government in this regard? Discuss. (200 Words)
Yes, India needs universal health coverage
1.

High out-of-pocket expenditure Pushing people to

poverty (A major disease may push APL family into BPL due to
heavy out of pocket expenditure)

2. Democratization of public health service All citizens

irrespective of economic capacity and financial background can
avail health services
3. High premium in present situation young Indians aged 23
to 35 are not buying health insurance since they find it expensive
It skews risk pool towards senior citizens More need to them
More insurance claim Due to lower customer base (Old
people) Premium high Vicious cycle of high premium and high
claims Unsustainable Hence, universal coverage essential (to
broaden base and spread the risk)
4. Demographic dividend must be reaped in present
situation Healthy workforce Prosperous nation Malnutrition,
Antibiotic resistance, Proper treatment for TB, Dengue, Malaria,
H1N1, influenzas, Tertiary care for serious disorders demands
Universal health coverage
5. No other social Security for Masses More than
80% workforce in Unorganized sector, No social security, No
insurance for them Vulnerability more Need UHI
6. UHI Less out of pocket expenditure More saving More capital
for nation building
7. Tribal, inaccessible region, Hilly areas, Depressed classes
Unable to claim insurance even if they have one with UHI +
Simplified procedure Accessibility and ambiguity can be
avoided
Government measures in this regard provide,
1.

Viable funding to universalize insurance and access

2.

Tightly regulated cost and continuous monitoring

3.

Guard against unethical profit motives (Unnecessary

hospitalization, Unnecessary operations, diagnosis, Prescription
to claim money by Hospitals)

4.

Guaranteed quality through Citizen charters, grievance

redressal

5.

Strong regulatory oversights to prevent mal practices

6.

Strengthening of Primary health centres, Training and Qualified

ASHA, ANM in rural areas Prevents many diseases at initial
level Prevention rather than cure Low risk Low insurance
claim High viability Sustainability

7.

Awareness creation regarding health insurance, associated

service, Grievances redressal

8.

Telemedicine, e- Hospitals, Jan Aushadhi kendras Simplifies

the service delivery

9.

Integration of Adhaar with UHI DBT (if possible on the lines of

LPG DBT to prevent fake insurance claims by hospitals)

10. Strengthen NGOs, Civil society in ensuring accountability in the

process
11. Proper monitoring and evaluation of the scheme on a periodical
basis
12. Integration of AYUSH services to treat lifestyle diseases like
Diabetes, BP, Obesity, Chronic bronchitis Integrated health care
Less expenditure Indigenous solution Less dependent on
patented products Less insurance cost Viability
13. Corporate social responsibility provision must be tapped to
infuse capital, technology and expertise into the initiative to
inject efficiency

5) Do you think the G20 and its summits are just talking
shops for powerful world leaders? Discuss its role in the time
of economic crises. (200 Words)
G-20 accounts for 80% of world GDP, 2/3 of Population
rd

Even though most of the agendas are not fructified to full extent, G
20 has achieved a lot within its short span as an international forum
of powerful nations despite conflicting ideologies, competition and
conflicting national interests.
Moreover, every action must start with deliberation, and
complaining the group as mere Talking shop is not fair
Some of the achievements include,
1.

It provides forum for Developing countries in deliberation on

important matters of international importance Previous, it
was the privilege of G8 Now Representation to BRICS

2.

First met in 2009 Was to play a pivotal role in stemming

economic and financial crisis of Recession It set a framework
for preventing future financial crises, while securing sustainable
and balanced global, restraining protectionism

3.

Central bank governors and finance ministers work on

coordinated action to eliminate terrorist financing, Black money
issues

4.

Issues of Tax Haven Members agreed to share tax information

Agreed to adopt OCEDs BEPS measures to stop transferring of
profit by MNCs without paying taxes

5.

Since 2010, G-20 agenda widened to issues like Agriculture,

Food security, Trade, Investment, Employment, Taxation, Anti
corruption, energy, climate, SME

6.

G 20 is transforming from flexible and informal institution into

Group with Working parties, Expert group on different subjects.

7.

Increased representation A growing group of stakeholders

are trying to influence G 20 agenda - B 20 (Business 20, T20Trade 20, C20 of NGOs, Y20 of Youths, T20 of think tanks and
since the Turkish presidency W 20 of Women.

Hence, G 20 proving to be an important forum for developing

countries to involve in deliberation on international issues issue
(Terrorist financing, Treaty shopping, Global slowdown, Stability in
banking sector, Black money) concerning them on an equal footing
to with developed countries and take coordinated action.
Criticism of Talking shop
In 2014, it pledged to take steps to raise the groups gross domestic
product by an additional 2 per cent by 2018. The measures
implemented so far would cause an increase of just 0.8 per cent by
that deadline.
Effort to eliminate treaty shopping Loop holes in Anti avoidance
agreements Black money problems Has not been addressed
properly.

6) In an attempt to equalise the tax treatment of the

National Pension System (NPS) and the Employees
Provident Fund (EPF), the Union budget has proposed that
60 per cent of an investors EPF corpus resulting from
contributions made after April 1 be taxed at withdrawal.
Why this has been done? What are the consequences?
Discuss. (200 Words)

Reason for the proposal

To bring National Pension Scheme at par with EPF.
NPS 40% tax exempt Now, the proposal of making 60% of EPF
taxable = Parity.
World over Tax exemption at all 3 stages ( savings, accumulation
and withdrawal) is an exception rather than norm.
No country among OECD (34) follows EEE strategy (Exempt, Exempt
and Exempt) except Slovakia Now India - EET(exempt- exempttax) model.
Tax free EPF was meant for low salaried class But, Misused by Rich
to avoid taxes Needed Rationalization of policy to bring equity
Hence the move
Capital market suffering due to tax exemption Employees
preferring EPF over Capital market to invest their money due to tax
exemption
Unnecessary subsidy must be removed The EEE principle
results in an implicit subsidy towards the non-poor, thus affecting
govts fiscal capacity
RBI policy rates are not working Banks get sufficient capital
from EPF for their business - RBI policy changes are not
transferred by Bank to customers Distorted monetary policy
Tax exemption to EPF Hence preferred over pension products - In
the long run, causes financial insecurity in old age No social
security net - No assured monthly source
Consequences of this move
Post retirements plans may be at risk Eg. Buying house,
Daughters marriage Since, Employees are forced to invest in
non mandatory contribution to get tax incentives
Positive aspect Equal preference for both NPS and EPF Attraction towards pension plans Post retirement financial security

More tax to Government Social security spending can be increased

Eg. Universal health insurance,
Negative aspect Taxes on EPF withdrawal Less disposable
income with Employees Less demand for goods, Less spending.

7) The recent Union Budget has given a thumbs-up to

domestic food processing, with the proposal to permit 100
per cent foreign direct investment in the marketing of food
products made in India. Discuss the implications of allowing
100 percent FDI in food processing sector. (200 Words)
Implications of allowing 100 % FDI in marketing of processed
food made in India
1.

Encourages manufacturers to source produce locally. At

present, it is used in small quantity

2.

For instance, PepsiCo India does contract manufacturing of

potatoes in Punjab for its potato chips. It is now stepping up
focus in getting processable citrus fruits from local farmers for
its juices under the Tropicana brand

3.

India Land of Cultural diversity Food diversity Infinite

scope for diverse products of processed food Young population
Branded products R & D by MNC Popularization of Indian
sweets, foods andethnic beverages such as kokum, coconut
water, and ethnic food such as khakra, amla preserve
Popularization of in international markets Soft power More
Exports Less CAD

4.

Big push to make in India

5.

Overcoming political logjam and policy paralysis

Backdoor entry to multi-brand retail with riders (Local produce
sourcing) Overcome political logjam IF it become successful,
can be extended to other sectors also

6.

Source from Local Boost to SME and infusion of capital,

technology and entrepreneurship

7.

Better extension services, inputs and credit to farmers

by way of Contract farming MNC in future engage in
contract farming, provide inputs, technical advice and capital To maintain the grading standards for their produce Eg.. Bigger
potatoes without warts for Lays chips by Pepsico.

8.

Backend infrastructure like, Cold storage, Reefer vans,

Warehouses will be established

9.

Price discovery and assured market for farmers

(Problems of APMC Overcome to some extent)
MNC procure produce through standardized channel Certainty
in supply chain Easy price discovery Better price Elimination
of middlemen

10. Easy credit to farmers if assured market is available

11. Viability of Mega food parks and Hub and spoke model for
produce procurement with the entry of MNC and big players
12. Competition in procurement Better price discovery Weeding
out of intermediaries
13. Harmonization of SOPs of the indigenous companies with those
of global standards More efficiency
14. Mergers and acquisition by MNCs with local companies
Economy of scale Removal of inefficient supply chain
Backward and forward linkages Farmers, Customers benefitted

15. Employment generation for Educated youth Quality jobs

in Retailing, Procurement, Marketing, Supply chain and food
processing, R & D Demographic dividend reaped

8) Analyse the methods adopted to recapitalise weak public

sector banks (PSBs) in India and the challenges faced in
recapitalisation. (200 Words)
Methods adopted to recapitalize weak public sector banks
(PSB) in India
1.

Indradhanush Mission to revamp PSB. Indradhanush has

seven elements: (appointments, a bank board
bureau, capitalisation, de-stressing, empowerment,
accountability framework, and governance reforms)
Capital infusion commitment 70000 crore over 4 years (16-

19).
2. Conversion of Loans to Equity and taking of majority
ownership of the loss making firm Debt restructuring
2. SARFAESI act To be amended to enable sponsors of ARC to
hold upto 100% stake in PSB
(ARC only interested in profitable deals, not interested to take
ownership of severely sick PSB)
4. Bank board bureau Professional advice from Eminent
experts to recapitalize PSB
(Not yet started, still takes time to conceptualize)

5. If sufficient recapitalization is not possible - Narrow banking

model Allowed to invest fresh inflows only in government
securities and restricted in its growth of liabilities
5. In 1994- Demand for additional capital the Nationalization Act
was amended to allow the PSBs to access the market Govt
share Not to go below 51 - Now, it can be allowed to go
below 51% to raise funds
5. IF fund not provided from the government for recapitalization
Possible through non-marketable special securities or
recapitalisation bonds to make it cashless
Challenges faced in Recapitalization
1) Total capital infusion under Indradhanush (70,000 cr.) Not
sufficient to meet BASEL-III norm Requires another 1,10,000 cr.
2) SDR : Not successful Only few case of successful strategic debt
restructuring Kingfisher airlines owe 7000 crore to banks
Difficult to review such companies Banks always at risk
Government as majority shareholder : GoI 51% must be
maintained Difficult to approach Capital market 51 pc limit
restricts capital infusion from market
Solutions

PSBs should try to mobilize capital from the markets, especially

capital market.
2) Disinvestment : Considering sale of some PSBs will result in
double benefit : reduction in cost of recapitalisation as well as
earning some capital from the sale.
3) RBI should sell its assets excluding 2 major assets foreign
currency assets and government securities.
4) GoI has committed to its fiscal consolidation path. It is a
welcome step. However, it should now also rationalise its

spending like adopting direct cash transfer of fertilizer subsidy,

petroleum product etc.

9) Is encounter killing of extremists and criminals, ethical?

Critically discuss the ethical issues involved in these killings.
(150 Words)
All the Ethical principles depends on the situation, environment and
cultural background to which they are part.
If the situation is normal and pose no immediate threat to larger
community, then Encounter killing is,
Unethical which defies all the ethical principles including:
1.

Virtue Ethics which has Wisdom, Justice, Courage and

Temperance as cardinal virtues. Here Justice is denied to them
without allowing them to prove their case.

2. It also defies Rule of Law and Equality before law and Judicial
principle of Innocence until proven guilty which are ethical
principles enshrined in the constitution
3. It is unethical, since, Every human being must be respected as
such and they must not be treated as means to a certain end
3. Chance to reform and chance rectify the way of living of a
criminal is denied out rightly, Hence Unethical. Because, society
must base itself on Reformative justice and not retributive
justice.

3. If we approach from Utilitarian perspective If the criminal

who is the sole bread winner to family is encountered without
giving a chance to reform - It is injustice done to whole family
members of the family
3. There is always a chance of error in judgment and
misidentification of culprits Innocents are punished or
killed Totally unethical
3. All criminals should be subjected to a Fair trial, according to the
law of the land
But, if the criminal or extremist is immediate threat to the
society Terrorist act, Armed with weapons aiming civilians
to take life
Then Encounter is justified due to larger good according to theory of
Utilitarianism, and the present situation ofIncreased terror
attacks, Lone wolf attack at crowded places, unsymmetrical
warfare by terrorists demands such an act.
But, this must be resorted only when other options are exhausted to
capture the criminal alive
Ethical issues in Encounters,

Fake encounters for Political, financial gains and other vested

interests Unethical and unacceptable

Ethical issues like compromise on Human rights, Rule of Law,

Equality before law, Fair trail to the accused, Chance to reform,
Reformative justice is witnessed.

No person has the right to take away the life of other person,
even he may be terrorist which flows from the principle Treatment of human beings as an end in itself rather than
means to an end.

IF the police, acted in self defense or in protecting the

innocents then it is totally Ethically permissible

Professional ethics (to follow senior orders) may comes in

conflict with Individual morality to respect Human rights and
value for others lives May put Ethical dilemma on the part
of police officer. Moreover, information is not available
beforehand about the criminal with the police officer - Difficult
to make Ethical decisions and value judgments.

Killing may be disproportionate punishment to the criminal act

of a person Balanced justice not served

1.

It is argued that any Dalit movement, if it is actually

going to address the needs of Dalits as a group, has to
see itself as part of a class-wide movement. Do you
agree? Critically comment. (200 Words)

Class wide movement

Dalit as a group, has to see itself as part of a class wide
movement, because,
Majority of Dalits are Landless laborers, Wage earners in rural
areas and works in informal sector in Urban areas - Class
interest of this group is similar = Issues around living wages,
Economic justice, Dignified work and work environment, Basic
access to Health, Primary education, PDS, Deserved subsidies,
Government schemes (Which are exploited by Upper middle
class usually), Proper assistance in atrocity cases, Overcoming
from inhumane treatments like Manual scavenging, Bonded
labor, Human trafficking, permanent escape from Indebtedness,
Non availability of loans, Land alienation.

But, at present Dalit Struggle represents only small section of

Urban educated Middle class Dalit population Narrow Issues
like Reservation, Discrimination in colleges are taking importance
But, Class movement must not result in,
1.

Increased conflict with other classes and castes in a

violent manner Which will turn into vicious cycle of
mutual vengeance between class and castes Which must
be totally avoided

2.

Use of Class movement for Political ends Voting on the

basis of cast lines, not on the lines of development agenda
Which instigates other groups to follow the suit - Only to be
played in the hands of vested political interests Must
be totally avoided to prevent further degeneration of political
system and society

But, Class movement must ensure,

3.

Sacrifice for the common good of the class as

whole Voluntary giving up of Reservation for the cause of
poorer section of the group - Eg. Son of a Dalit doctor, Dalit
Politiian, Dalit Businessmen must give way the reserved
space for the son of a Dalit landless labourer in the village,
son of a hitherto manual scavenger or an urban wage earner
Level playing field -Compassion, Empathy and Class
solidarity and social justice must be exhibited otherwise,
difficult to lift poor dalits out of poverty and oppression

4.

Class movement with Social boycott and non cooperation

with groups who promote untouchability, discrimination on
the basis of caste lines

5.

Class movement to reject Political masters who play cast

card to further their interest. Class movement to promote the

deserved development oriented politician, who take up the

cause of the dalits on a larger scale
6.

Class movement to crowd fund Dalit entrepreneurs, to

be successful amidst other classes who in turn contribute to
class as part of CSR to further class interest

2. Examine the problems faced by Indias garment

factories. In recent years, countries such as Bangladesh
and Vietnam have become hub for apparel
manufacturing. Examine why. (200 Words)
Problems faced by Indian garments factories
Size Indian factories are too small (150 people), but, in
Bangladesh, China and others upto 4 times larger Economy
of scale Easy for adoption of new machineries Easy to
service the delivery in right time as per commitment
Policy problems Stringent labour laws, Tedious custom
clearance routines and other restrictive only in India regulations
Threat of industry inertia Popularity of garments shifting
from Cotton to Manmade fibres India less relevant if not
adapted Chinese fibres cheap But, Indian import
duty High cost High production cost Low
competitiveness
Less value addition China, Bangla, Vietnam, Turkey = Export
of clothing > Export of Textile, but, India is reverse Less value
Less revenue.

Less efficient Indian ports Below Chinas capacity (has

worlds largest ports), India Mumbai in 30s Competitive
disadvantage
Low wages, High competition from Bangladesh Due to lax
labor laws, low wage pool Competitive edge Loss
Non availability of timely loan Majority are SME, Difficult to
raise loans
Weakening global demand Slowdown in world demand,
Reduced export Threat to sustainability
Infrastructure bottlenecks Frequent power cut, Transport
problems till shipment, Procedural issues at port,
Trade Pacts Entry of Vietnam into TPP Free trade
Competitive advantage against India

Problems of workers
7.

Safety is not followed Absence of fire extinguishers,

overtime work, occupational diseases like Pneumonia,
Bronchitis due to absence of protective masks, less
awareness creation

Bangladesh Vietnam Hub reasons,

8.

Bangladesh Cheap labor, Vast labor force, Lax labor

laws and social security measures, Large factories (Economy
of scale) Low cost of production

9.

China, Indonesia, Turkey Improved machineries,

Economy of scale, High port capacity , Less regulation at
ports, Easy availability of raw materials (artificial fibres)
Value addition with more garment export

3. Over the years, India has preferred multilateralism

over bilateral and regional trade agreements. Why? Do
you think India should continue to focus more on
multilateral trade agreements? Discuss. (200 Words)

India preferred Multilateralism, because

10.

Collective negotiation power Mutual interest groups

(Developing block, G77 etc.,) Can collectively push the

concerns of developing countries as a whole IP rights,
Labour laws, Environment norms, Rate of tariff, proposal for
tariff reduction to suit the requirements of the concerned
countries
11.

India Seeks to be part of Multipolar world Not wants to

be part of bipolar or unipolar world For that, Multilateral

forum like WTO with Equal voice and equal vote and full
negotiation power to all concerned parties is the best forum
12.

Bilateralism Discriminatory Sometimes had to

compromise powers of the judiciary and executive Bilateral

investment protection treaties Independent arbitrary
agency outside the jurisdiction of Countrys apex court
(Vodafone tax issue)
13.

BTA Fragmentation of economies into multiple trading

blocks Protectionism from outside blocks Competing

Blocks to outcompeting the players Eg. US led TPP, China led
RCEP
14.

Failure of BIMSTEC tradethe Bay of Bengal free trade

agreementDue to poor connectivity and supply

infrastructure Shows constraints in infra and communication
.

15.

India EU FTA Many setbacks Inability of India to make

concession on FDI in multi-brand retail, with accountancy and

legal services = Compromise in negotiation power Loss of
market for Indian service Industry in EU
16.

Poor infra, Backward Agriculture (Vulnerable to free trade

without protection), Generic based pharma industry (Need to

protect interests of Poor, Common people) and associated IPR
issues Lack of Negotiation power with India against US and
EU
India should push for Multilateralism with greater effort,
but, must also engage with trading partners Bilaterally
and through RTA forums, Because,.
17.

Slow progress on Negotiation in WTO

18.

Interests are undermined even in multilateral forum due

to intense lobby Eg. Ruling against Indias domestic content

requirement and solar subsidy
19.

Bilateral agreements Swift, improves friendly relations,

negotiations possible with practical aims, Mutual compromise

and accommodation at fast pace when compared to
multilateral routes Moreover, to compete with other
countries like China, US, Indonesia, Brazil India needs all
avenues to promote trade BTA is one of them
20.

When US led TPP (40%of world economy) engage as

regional trade forum India must respond otherwise

Loss of export market Hence, Pact with ASEAN, EU and
other blocks without compromising the core interests is
needed
21.

Bilateral agreements with countries like Russia (Strategic

and Military partner), Israel (Military partner), US (Strategic

and diplomatic partner), Japan (Counter weight against

China), Australia (for Nuclear energy security) Needed

Only Multilateral is not the option
22.

Successful SAARC trade forum forges mutual trust,

Removes the tap of big brother on India Peaceful

neighborhood Prosperous nation

Hence, India must explore every opportunity to capitalize on the

situation to push for achieving its trade and strategic interests, at
the same time, work for strengthening multilateral platform with
much energy and commitment.

4. The Economic Survey 2015-16 claims Indian agriculture

to be a victim of its own successespecially the green
revolution, by becoming cereal-centric, regionally biased
and input-intensive (land, water and fertilizers) and the
Survey makes the case for a new paradigm for
agricultural development, aimed to get more from
lessmore productivity from less resources. Does the
recent Union budget address these concerns? Critically
examine. (200 Words)

Government schemes which seeks to aim at more from less

These are desired steps in the right direction to achieve
Evergreen agriculture as conceptualized by Dr.Swaminathan.
23.

Irrigation Higher productivity from the same

piece of land (More from Less)

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana and its integration
with popularization of micro irrigation techniques like Drip,
Sprinkler and subsurface irrigation
+
Programme for sustainable management of ground
water resources with an estimated cost of ` 6,000 crore
+
5 lakh farm ponds and dug wells in rain fed areas and 10 lakh
compost pits for production of organic manure will be taken up
under MGNREGA
(Sustainable development, Soil and water conservation, More
yield from same land, Protective irrigation to prevent crop failure)
Whole initiative helps in,
Gaining more crop per drop - Reduces soil salinization due to
flood irrigation, conserves water, saves upto 70% of water over
conventional irrigation practices, 40% fertilizers saved if
fertigation is integrated into drip irrigation system.
(Criticism Farm pond viable only for large farms, 1-2 acre land
cannot afford land for pond Majority of Indian farmers are
small and marginal - Does it work????

10 lakh compost pit conservative number amounts to 2 pits per

village Need Compost unit in every farm to make it
sustainable)
But, real issues, is lack of motivation among Ground
workers, Krishi vigyan Kendra personnel Till date failed
to effectively transfer technology at door steps of farmers
Hence, Extension must also needed to be strengthened with
proper Monitoring and Evaluation.

1. Promote organic farming through Parmparagat

Krishi Vikas Yojana and Organic Value Chain
Development in North East Region.
(Inputs are produced locally using local resources like farm
waste, cow dung, cow urine, crop residues - Converted to
compost Vermicomposting Reduces the use of external
inputs like fertilizers and pesticides Low input, more
productivity Resource recycling Sustainability, less economic
burden on farmers, Less input optimum output)
Criticism No commitment to compensate the farmer during
transition period to organic farming Lack of motivation to
adopt OF

1. Unified Agricultural Marketing ePlatform to

provide a

common emarket platform for

wholesale markets
(Simplified marketing channel, Shortening of Supply chain,
removal of intermediaries, Reduction in complexities.
Finally, Less effort, more income)

Criticism Need overall infrastructure like Grading, Cold

storage, Ware house, Reefer vans along with E platform Only
e platform will not suffice
1. Four dairying projects Pashudhan Sanjivani,
Nakul Swasthya Patra, E-Pashudhan Haat and
National Genomic Centre for indigenous breeds
2.

(Helps diversify Farming, An important component of

integrated farming system which integrate diverse farm
enterprises for assured income and low input and high input
farm business model Fodder food for goat, sheep,
cows Cow dung Manure for crops, green fodder crops
Recycling of resources and resource independence Less
exploitation from outsiders, pesticide companies More income , less input)

Assured income, increased sustainability Reduce distress)

Criticism Funding is not proportionate to the commitment on

paper

But, these initiatives alone cannot achieve goals, it must

be supplemented with,
3. Robust extension programme with motivated work force
to influence farmers to adopt Modern technologies.
4.

People led initiatives to adopt new technologies Motivation lacking among the majority of farmers - Farming

is considered as loss making venture Perception must

first be changed
5.

Other initiatives like Aerobic rice, Drought resistant

varieties, Water efficient varieties, SRI rice farming to
conserve water Irrigated area can be doubled with the
same resources

6.

Budgetary support not sufficient Given the scale of

agriculture, Nominal allocation for Organic farming, Irrigation,
Dairy projects do not work

5. In recent months, the Union government is focusing

more on creating a business friendly environment in
India. Examine how the recent union Budget strives to
give impetus to improve ease of doing business in the
country. (200 Words)
Impetus to improve Ease of Doing business
7. Commitment to GST bill, Insolvency and Bankruptcy law
8.

incentivizing gas discovery and exploration by

providing calibrated marketing freedom

(Liberalization of regulation, Helps viability of investment to

companies and more investment to the country)
1. Stand Up India Scheme to facilitate at least two
projects per bank branch. This will benefit at least 2.5
lakh entrepreneurs.

(Ease of Doing for startup, Congenial environment for growth,

Bottom up approach)
1. National Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Hub to
be set up in partnership with industry associations
(Democratization of business space, representation, easing the
business environment for oppressed classes)
1. Total investment in the road sector, including PMGSY
allocation, would be ` 97,000 crore during 2016-17.
Allocation of ` 55,000 crore in the Budget for Roads.
Additional `15,000 crore to be raised by NHAI through bonds.
Total outlay for infrastructure ` 2,21,246 crore.
(Removal of infrastructure bottlenecks along with Policy
liberalization Right step)
1. To provide calibrated marketing freedom in order to
incentivize gas production from deep-water, ultra deepwater and high pressure-high temperature areas
(Ease of Doing business, attraction of investment, technology
and techniques to the sector)
1. 100% FDI to be allowed through FIPB route in
marketing of food products produced and manufactured
in India.
(Easing norms on multi brand retail, Indication of further
loosening)
1. Target of amount sanctioned under Pradhan Mantri
Mudra Yojana increased to ` 1,80,000 crore.

(Ease of accessing credit to SME, Congenial growth

environment, assured raw materials and intermediate goods to
Big MNC and impetus to further investment in manufacturing
sector)
1. Amendments in Companies Act to improve enabling
environment for start-ups.
2.

Committed to providing a stable and predictable

taxation regime and reduce black money.

(Stable tax regime for proper business environment)

1. Reduction of tax disputes Amnesty for tax
companies with tax disputes If agreed to pay arrears,
withdraw appeal against government in BIPP agreements,
international courts - Interest payment and penalty will
be waivered (Room for settlement with Vodafone, Cairn
Energy, Nokia etc)
2.

Simplification of tax laws V>Eshwar committee to be

implemented Rationalization of tax laws

3.

FDI liberalization in 100% FDI in ARC, 49% in

insurance automatic rouse E. of doing business

(Hassle free investment route)

1. National e-marketing platform Unified national market
for Agriculture produce Ease of procurement for Agro
based industries

6. The auction of spectrum brings government much

needed revenue. Why is spectrum considered a s

resource? Why spectrum in the 700 MHz band is

considered more valuable than other bands? Also
comment on controversy over pricing of spectrum. (200
Words)
As a natural resource, the spectrum is a part of the natural
environment of the earth and the space around it, but, Unlike
other exhaustible natural resources, it is not depletable. Since, it
is not owned by an individual or organization, it is a national
resource which must be used for National development
700 MHz more valuable
2. Has better propagating characteristics
3.

Due to its position, It has both high carrying capacity and

at the same time less power required for transmission and
less distortion experienced

4.

With smartphone boom, Use of video streaming, online

gaming, e services like e-health, e-education, MOOC Faster
data transmission with least distortion

5.

Ideal for 4 G services

6.

Asia wide acceptance of 700 MHZ band as Asia-Pacific

Telecommunity(APT) Band Plan

7.

The 700 MHz band and is ideal for deployment of FDD/LTE

being considered by many operators worldwide

8.

India has limited bandwidth available in other

internationally harmonised mobile bands such as the 900,
1800 and 2100 MHz bands

Controversy over Spectrum auctioning

A typical situation is created where, public asset may end up
having the exact opposite effect: making a scarce resource so

expensive that its meaningful utilisation is compromised, and

thus rendered unavailable to serve the larger public good.
Very high unit price Govt. fiscal needs met - But, bleeds
industry due to overpricing Affect private investment in
network expansion and infrastructure Poor public service Call drops, interruptions, distortions in service Financial
viability of industry compromised Difficult for govt to earn
recurring revenues (due to sick, loss making industries)
Other controversy over the base price of the 700 MHz band,
which is being auctioned for the first time and is much sought
after for data-heavy 4G-LTE services.
The base price fixed by the Trai is Rs 11,485 crore per MHz
But, The industry feels the propagation qualities of this
band are similar to those of 800 MHz bandHence priced
similarly
7. Recently, a science start-up, incubated at the Indian
Institute of Science (IISc), built the worlds first foodgrade DNA/RNA stain (nucleic acid gel stain)
named Tintorang. Discuss its applications and the science
behind it. (200 Words)
(Only for info Not part of Answer Azooka has branded the
discovery as Tintorang, a combination for tinto, a Portuguese
word for red, and rang, the Hindi word for colour.)
Azooka Life Sciences, Received seed funding from Society of
Innovation and Development at IISc.
Build the worlds first food grade DNA/RNA stain Tintorang.

Application
The product used in diagnostic kits
Cut the time taken to diagnose conditions such as HIV to a day,
from 45 days at present to a day-Crucial golden period to save
the patient from damage saved - Used for treatment
safe DNA/RNA fluorescent stains for applications in biological
sciences and genomics.
first-ever food grade nucleic acid gel stain - Safest option
currently available due to non carcinogenic effect
It is also 7 times more sensitive than Ethidium Bromide, making
it the worlds safest and fastest DNA/RNA stain
Reusable Cut the cost Can be scaled nationwide it
doesnt alter the structure of the DNA and can be used for
multiple tests,
Ecofriendly and safe to use environmentally safe. currently
available ones are synthetic and known to cause mutations,
affecting ones health. Improper disposal causes environmental
and aquatic hazards.
Science behind it
Tintorang developed from undisclosed plant source
Used for DNA and RNA visualization, molecular diagnosis, and in
vivo imaging applications.
Not photosensitive unlike EtBr and therefore does not require
incubation in dark.

The product used in diagnostic kits

Cut the time taken to diagnose conditions such as HIV to a day,
from 45 days at present to a day-Crucial golden period to save
the patient from damage saved - Used for treatment
The basic requirement of stains has to be fast, sensitive and
selective to the nucleic acid Must be able to use in various
applications, to detect minute quantity of nucleic acids in a
biological sample,
At present, most commonly and widely used stain (ethidium
bromide nucleic acid stain) - potent carcinogenic,
mutagenic bio hazard Scientists and lab technicians are
exposed to these chemicals harm
ethiduim bromide requires at least 10 to 40 minutes to obtain
results or visualise DNA tinto rang stains -

DNA within

a few seconds
8. India is the largest producer of goat milk and the
second-largest producer of goat meat in the world. It is
said that with economic gains that can result from
technological and marketing interventions in goat rearing
is immense. Discuss these interventions and their
implications for India. (200 Words)

Technological interventions
9. Broiler goat farming technology
10.

Intensive farming system Specialty feeds Products for

local and international market with quality standards

11.

Stall feeding The popular Indian breeds areSirohi,

Jamnapari, Surti, Tellicherry, Beetal, Malabari, Barbari

and Gujarati. suitable
12.

Reproductive cycle planning Massive

reproduction in a time frame Done by Synchronization of

estrus cycle with hormone injection for all female goats ready
for breeding
13.

Intensive farming Technology For green fodders goat

rearing under intensive and semi-intensive system for

commercial production
14.

Animal nutrition, feed and fodder production, Preventive

veterinary care (vaccination, drenching, de-worming),

delivered by community-based extension workers
1.

A new Feed technology Haylage is prepared out of

green forage to preserve it for long time.- Dried upto
moisture of 55 p.c - Baled Packed in air tight packs
Freshness maintained - Hydraulically pressed to reduce

2.

Value addition Simple dairy processing products

Cheese and Yorgut

Marketing
3. Universal market Huge demand
4.

Cooperatives for Goat meat production and processing on

the lines of AMUL

5.

Start ups in meat processing ARYA (attracting youth

to Agriculture) Self employment in Goat rearing Supply
chain discovery Contract farming with Chains of Restaurants
with assured quality

6.

Export with following of HACCP and EU standards

Implication

7. Self employment for Rural youth, less distressed

migration from Rural areas
8.

Start up India - Youth Goat rearing (Stall fed)

Integrated production and processing unit with value addition
- Quality product Export High returns

9.

If integrated as Integrated farming system Better

business model with low risk - Insurance against
uncertainties Assured income

10.

Export subsidy, E- market for facilitating easy marketing

11.

Contract farming with big retail chains and processing

industries

9. It is said that, around the world, more than 125 million

people need humanitarian assistance and agencies which
are involved in this assistance are short of funds.
Discuss the various ethical issues involved in funding to
meet escalating humanitarian needs around the world.
(150 Words)

Equal treatment and Universal treatment No prejudice

towards Religious background, Racial, Ethnic, Linguistic group
Unconditional and time bound (without delay during crisis
situation) transfer of funds without any tags attached to it
with no political motive Needed, but, funding used as a political
and diplomatic tool to further the interest of donor countries
(Neo colonialism in African countries by US, China, EU)
Humanitarian crisis are sometime due to Oppressive,
dictatorial and corrupt regime - Even with funding, money

not used for developmental purposes, but to buy arms or to

renovate palace of dictatorial president Must be
accountability and transparency in the funding and
implementation of assistance projects
IMF In balance of payment crisis demands Liberalization,
diluting labor laws, Liberal rules ,Industrial policy, Privatization,
Rolling back of the state (Agenda of Capitalist first world
countries) Sometimes counterproductive and extremely
painful to the concerned country Professionally unethical
act
WB and other asocial donor agencies Demand
Reforms in administration before funding Sometimes not
effective due to one size fits all plans Sometimes no HR
to implement the reform
Ethical responsibility of the Rich to help poor Wider
inequality, Obligation to serve poor based on Ethical values like
Compassion, Social responsibility, Humanity, Empathy, Altruism
Foreign NGO funding (Covertly by Sovereign countries
and Private MNCs) To weaken the ruling regime, Instigate
violence against ruling party on the pretext of unresponsive rule
Witnessed - Unethical
Used by fundamentalist groups to implant extremist
ideologies Humanitarian crisis Poverty - Existential
crisis Support Manipulate thought process -Fertile ground
for them to propagate fundamentalist ideologies

General Studies 1;

Topic:World history
1) Why was Korea divided? Examine the causes of animosity
between North Korea and USA. Do you think North Korea
poses threat to global security? Comment. (200 Words)
The Indian Express
Division of Korea
Product of Cold war politics between USA and USSR after the end of
World war II (Effectively an Ideological war between Capitalism
promoted by USA and communism promoted by USSR)
Korea was liberated by Allied forces from Japan (occupied since
1910), with the defeat of Japan after WW II. Later, US and USSR
agreed to temporarily occupy the country , Country was divided
along 38 parallel, with Communist USSR administering the northern
th

part and Capitalist USA the South of the parallel. Both countries
wanted to increase the sphere of influence, ended up in Korean War
Cemented the division.
Causes of Animosity
1.

In Korean War 1950, North Korea invaded the South, US and

allies helped S.Korea to retaliate, later, USA imposed economic
sanctions against North Korea under the Trading with the Enemy
Act (TWEA) that continued until 2008.

2.

US is accused of war atrocities, violation of rules of war,

massive bombings that wiped out more than 10% of N.Korean
civilian population

3.

Korea wants to united Korea and rule as Communist regime.

US-South Korean alliance made the reunification virtually
impossible

4.

North Korean low standard of living is blamed on USA for its

economic sanctions against that Country

5.

Ideological conflict between Capitalism of US, Communism of

N.Korea

6.

North Korean alleged acquisition of Nuclear weapons and

testing of ICBM (motive to use against USA) Sanctions
sponsored by USA against this move all adds to animosity

7.

North Korean Close alliance with China and Russia

8.

Threats of N.Korea to attack US mainland with Nuclear

weapons, frequent testing of ICBM capable of carrying nuclear
warhead Instigating USA

Present undemocratic, dictatorial regime of North Korea is

threat to global security
1.

Allegedly possess Nuclear weapon with ICBM and missiles

WMD in the hands of irresponsible, unaccountable and dictatorial
regime More chances of misuse

South Korea and Japan insecure Arms race in Japan and South
Korea and chances of instigating war is more with impulsive yet
unaccountable North Korea
2. Regime not accountable to People Low standard of living and
social indicators, starvation If there is any rebellion, the
regime could resort to war to divert the inherent issues
2. To raise capital, may sell missiles and nuclear warhead to
terrorist organizations like ISIS, Al-Quaeda etc., This is greatest
threat to global security.
2. Young impulsive dictatorial leader, Kim Jong Un may resort war
with South Korea, later domino effect pulling major power into
conflict Regional instability

General Studies 2
Topic: Development processes and the development industry- the
role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors,
charities, institutional and other stakeholders
2) It is argued that the source for sustainable long-term
growth in any country is the strength of its institutions. Are
strong democratic institutions necessary for economic
growth and development? Critically discuss their role. (200
Words)
Livemint
Strong Democratic institutions
Not Just Democratic institutions, but, strong democratic institutions
which reflects the popular interest are necessary,
India is diverse multi ethnic, multi religious country Every voice
need to be heard Consensus need to be formed before every major
decision to prevent alienation and secessionist tendencies Strong
democratic institutions are the best option
Because,

It eliminates institutional anomalies which goes against the

interest of public like Kleptocracy, Nepotism, CriminalBureaucratic nexus, Bureaucrat Businessmen nexus

Strong institutions results in the following,

Accountability (Timely free and fair elections, hence periodical

accountability),

Transparency (Effort to establish legitimacy in the minds of

people)

Strong democratic institutions, which promotes popular

interest

Social audit at Panchayat level Prevention of Corruption at

gross root level, accountability promotes ease of doing business

Public grievance redressal

Participation of citizens in policy formulation and decision

making, decision in the interest of the masses

These issues along with,

Rule of Law, Independent judiciary (Stability in Law of the land)
But, Judicial activism is unwarranted and delays the
process and complicates the decision making
Independent Media (Counterweight against Kleptocracy, Nepotism,
Collusion) Sometimes, due to media trail, breaking news
mania, contents to boost TRP results in glorification of trivial
issues long term, it is counter productive
vibrant civil society coupled with established institutions like, CAG,
NHRC, CVC, UPSC, Competition commission of India etc., provides
stability in policy formulation, stability in taxation, promotes
competition and healthy economic market development which are
essential for long term sustainable economic growth and
development.
Which facilitates, Stable polity, rule of law, stable environment for
long term planning(capital, resources, market, manpower) which is
preeminent for the long term planning and development of Industry

But,
China, being a communist country without strong democratic
institutions, succeeded in lifting millions out of poverty due to quick,
rational and responsive decision making with long term planning.
Even certain decisions which are unpopular but, essential for long
term development may be easily pushed in governance model like

communism regime (eg. Land acquisition for Industrial corridors,

displacement for river linking projects, Population control measures),
but, very difficult in democratic country like India due to protests,
petitions, need for consensus from diverse interest groups which
naturally is a hurdle for quick and responsive decisions.
No quick decision making, Organized chaos (Different viewpoint
some times irrational may be included)
But, with Strong democratic institutions, opportunities for
growth and development outweighs the risks Perfect model for
multicultural country like India to balance the interests.

Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in

various sectors and issues arising out of their design and
implementation
3) Discuss the salient features of the Aadhaar (Target
Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and
Services) Bill, 2016. Examine why making it a Money Bill is
dubbed as unnecessary and unfortunate. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Business Standard
The salient features of the Bill are:
1.

The Bill seeks to give statutory backing to the processes of

enrolment, authentication and use of data for delivery of various
benefits, subsidies and services by the government.

2.

Made essential for social security benefits

3.

Information will be stored in a centralized database of

biometrics, the Central Identities Data Repository.

4.

Protection of personal data Provision for guaranteed

safeguarding of information provided to UIDAI

5.

Privacy of the individual Upholded Data access is

restricted to higher officials Data sharing made according to
rules. Only official of the ranks of Joint secretary has the power to
disclose the information

6.

Onus of responsibility on UIDAI to check and protect the

biometric data

7.

An oversight committee consisting of the cabinet secretary and

others will overview the decision of the information disclosure.

8.

Effective public service delivery Transparent, honest

service delivery with direct interface

9.

Funding from consolidated fund of India

Making it a money bill Unnecessary and unfortunate,

because
As part of the money Bill, need no approval of the Rajya Sabha,
Bypasses the Rajya Sabha (Govt. is in Minority) to make way for
passing the legislation in the loksabha
Defeat the very purpose of Parliament = Forum for deliberation of
issues of national importance Suppresses the voice of opposition
escape from legislative accountability (Rajya Sabha) Undermine
the role of Rajya sabha
Legislation without consensus (with opposition parties) may prove
hurdle during the implementation of the scheme
May set a bad precedent for the future governments to push their
agenda with least regard to opposition views (juvenile justice and
workman injury compensation bills passed during 1980s as Money
bills)

General Studies 3
Topic: Government budgeting; Conservation; Environmental
pollution
4) Making a countrys budget green is not about how much
money is allotted to tiger or forest protection. It is about
integrating it into every aspect of your economy and
ensuring there is no wasteful use of natural resources. In
the light of the statement, evaluate how green is the recent
union budget. (200 Words)
Livemint
Greenness of Recent Budget,
1.

150 crore allotted to national afforestation program

(But, 150 crore is not sufficient to carry out Afforestation programme

to desired extent)
2. Efforts to meet the target of 175 GW energy from renewable
sources by 2022
(But, funding reduced for Renewable energy projects and
MoEF)
3. Increasing carbon cess on Coal by 200 rupees per tonne to 400
rupees.
(Effort must be made to replace coal with renewable source,
not increased imposition of cess)
4. Promote organic farming through Parmparagat Krishi
Vikas Yojana
(Carbon sequestration, Sustainable agriculture, Reduced use of
chemical fertilizers and pesticides, Protection of biodiversity,
Reduced dependence on Fertilizers, pesticides Prevents

Eutrophication, nitrate pollution of water sources, biomagnifications

etc.)
5. Facility of cooking gas connection for BPL families
(Indoor air pollution checked, use of firewood eliminated)
6. Programme for sustainable management of ground
water resources
5 lakh farm ponds and dug wells in rain fed areas and 10 lakh
compost pits for production of organic manure will be taken up
under MGNREGA
(Resource recycling, Compost Carbon sequestration, Farm pond
Water use efficiency, Ground water conservation)
7. Soil Health Card scheme will cover all 14 crore farm
holdings by March2017.
(Prevention of soil pollution, Reduced fertilizer consumption)
8. Green Highways to grow avenue trees along National
Highways

But, the budget failed to look into deeper following issues

related to green economy
No funds for biodiversity protection:
forests,lakes,ponds,wetlands and other biological diversity.
2.No efforts to reduce carbon footprints: Efforts to shift to a low
carbon economy are non existent. A

low carbon footprint ensures

a healthier economy.
Wildlife habitats:No measures to set up national parks and WLS
No dedicated funds:A separate Green Protection Fund should be
set up for environmental protection.
R&D:Increase in funds for R&D in environment are lacking. R&D
would have led to better Waste Disposal methods, reducing air

pollution, increased efficiency of renewable sources of energy

No polluter pays principle A tax on pollution by
industries,cars,etc could have been imposed to foster a greener
country.

Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology;

indigenization of technology and developing new technology
5) According to World Bank/OECD (Organisation for Economic
Cooperation and Development) data on research
expenditure, India ranks 8 in the world, spending under one
per cent of its gross domestic product on research. Discuss
why India needs to spend more on research and why synergy
between academia-industry should be improved. (200
Words)
Business Standard
Business Standard
Expenditure on Research is one of the important components for any
countrys development.But with respect to India budget spending on
research has been stagnant at 0.9% of GDP for the last 10 years
which is reiterated by recent OECD data.Stifling bureaucracy,poor
quality education at universities,lacking interest of students to
pursue research shows the dismal state where India has only 2 lakh
researchers out of 1.2 billion population
So there is an urgent need to prioritize research spending because
of the following:1.Agriculture and food security:

Appalling state of the farmers suicides ,Indias excessive

dependency on monsoon increases the need as the involvement

of academia can increase the crop productivity,suggest drought

resistant crops,groundwater improvement,new ideas like
precision farming etc.
2.Environmental problems:

To address the issues of climate change and global

warming,suggest measures to have a pollution free
environment,using cleaner fuels and renewable energy etc.

3.Technological developments:

Space research is one of the important components which

brings huge benefits to the common man with the remote
sensing and communication satellite applications.

To avoid dependency on patent technology as indigenously

developed patents number is at 17 for India when South Korea
filed over 4400 patents per one million population for the year
2013.

to improve the standard of living by making new inventions

with respect to mobiles,phones etc.

4.Socio-Economic Problems:

To give great insights in reduction of poverty,regional

imbalances in such a diversified country,improvement in
HDI,drinking water conservation and affordable housing.

To solve health related issues without depending on other

countries,to develop cheaper affordable and quality medicines.

5.Defence Indeginisation:

As India is moving towards Indigenisation,research in labs and

companies can provide them a chance to become suppliers of
parts and equipment .

to create own technological and production capacity in

conventional arms and in cyber -biology derived offensive and
defensive capacity.

6.To avoid Brain Drain:

Research is needed to avoid talent going abroad.Indian origin

scientists all over the world have been Nobel laureates,elevated
to top positions in scientist community for example recently
Venkatraman Ramakrishnan has been elevated to the president
of the royal society.

Reasons for synergy between academia and insustry to be

improved are:
1.companies and industry will ensure availability of funds for
academia as paucity of funds has been the main problem to
undertake the research.
2.Education

The industry and the established education players will have to

pitch in as higher education is not in the best shape.Students get
industry exposure because of the academical iniatives of
internships which prepare them for future challenges

academia industry linkage would help inculcate research,

experimentation and innovation as an integral part of curriculum

3.Reduce the pressure on Government

relieve pressure from Skill India mission by reducing need to

learn skills seperately

start up india:would create a pool of innovative entrepreneurs

thereby enabling Job-Seekers into Job-creator

to create employment by using the huge demographic

dividend for the make in india initiative

4.lessons for international institutions:In the western countries

premium educational institutions are actively involved in research
funded by the governmental departments.Ex:harvard,MIT
5.Health:

Academia brings strong insight into the fundamental

mechanisms of disease along with the expertise in patient care
and clinical practice.Pharma industry possesses the knowledge
and tools to translate basic research discoveries into practicality.

Recently google is helping UNICEF with controlling of ZIKA virus

to analyse data from sources such as weather and travel
patterns and predict potential outbreaks.This helps NGOs to
decide how and where to focus their time and resources.

6.Handling Rural Issues and Reforms:

Keeping in view the problem in integrating many different rural

development and related programmes at various levels, there is
an urgent requirement for constitutional amendments and
reformation of administrative executions. A three-in-one
programme involving academia-industry-government should be
launched for identification, management, and eradication of local
rural problems like drought, flood, earthquake or any other
natural calamities causing damage to human welfare and our
national property. The first step of this programme is the
identification of local rural problems by the local universities and
state govt. followed by industry invitation for technical support in
commercial arena

7.For industrys benefit:

industry is keen to work with academia for its own benefit as

the quality of manpower in industry cannot be improved without
focusing to quality in academia. CII has taken several steps in
this direction including increasing the number of Ph.D.
fellowships from one hundred to one thousand and funding
of global innovation alliance.

Reduce the cost for industries to invest in research separately.

private companies can build upon successfully on public

funded research .ex:technologies behind i phone like GPS and
others were funded by the government.

8.To increase patents:When it comes to patents in India,

collaboration between industry and academia is still at a nascent
stage as only 0.4% of the patents are a result of such partnership
9.To prevent and be ready for future emergencies and to increase
awareness among the common man .
Suggestions to improve research in India:
1.Proper implementation:

Many initiative has been launched towards this end like

IMPRINT India,INSPIRE and these need to be complemented
through increased budgetary allocation. Government has already
set up AIM and SETU to spur the research environment in country
.Similarly Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan provides funding
for componemt research ,innovation and quality.this has to be
effectively implemented.

2.Adopting global best practices:

global best practice in collaboration, such as the UKs catapult

initiative a network of world-leading centres designed to
transform the UKs capability for innovation in seven specific
areas and help drive future economic growth and
similarly adopting the very successful small business technology
transfer program from the US, which encourages small
businesses to engage in research that has commercial potential.

3.Proper funding:

governments promise to increase support to research and

development to 2% of GDP has to be done.Incentives by
government like salaries,grants,access to libraries for
researchers has to increase.

4.New areas of Research:

Blue skies researchresearch without a clear goalis almost

absent in India unlike the west.unanticipated scientific
breakthroughs are sometimes more valuable than the outcomes
of agenda-driven research, heralding advances
in geneticsand stem cell biology as examples of unforeseen
benefits of research.this scientific research need to be
encouraged in India.

5.Effective Manpower:

there is skewed manpower in scientific organisations in India as

is seen in the average age of scientists of DRDO 40 years which
is not a healthy structure.so new quality researchers are to be
prepared for technological advancements of tomorrow.

Topic: Investment models

6) Despite developing a strong framework for the approval
of PPP projects at the central government-level with
appropriate oversight, various challenges have arisen along
with the acceleration in the pace of the roll-out of PPPs in
India. Which are these challenges? What measures has
government taken to address these challenges? Discuss.
(200 Words)
Livemint
The use of PPP an as instrument of procurement for creation of
infrastructure assets and delivery of public services has been
recognized globally. Apart from bridging the deficit in financing of
public projects, PPPs also brings new and cost effective technology
for creation of infrastructure assets, managerial efficiency,

competency for operation and maintenance of the created assets

and the contractual accountability on the private party to ensure
timely and quality infrastructure service to the end users. PPP is the
key component for the private sector which is expected to
contribute at least half of the over $1 trillion dollar investment
planned in infrastructure in the XII plan (2012-17) .
However recently it has been marred with challenges like:

Regulatory environment: There is no independent PPP regulator

in India currently. In order to attract more domestic and
international private funding of infrastructure, a more robust
regulatory environment, with an independent regulator, is
essential.

Lack of information: The PPP program lacks a comprehensive

database regarding the projects to be awarded under PPP. An
online data base, consisting of all the project documents
including feasibility reports, concession agreements and status of
various clearances and land acquisitions are not available for the
bidders.

Project development: The project development activities such

as, detailed feasibility study, land acquisition,
environmental/forest clearances etc., are not given adequate
importance by the concessioning authorities. The absence of
adequate project development by authorities leads to reduced
interest by the private sector, mispricing and many times delays
at the time of execution.

Lack of institutional capacity: The limited institutional capacity

to undertake large and complex projects at various Central
ministries and especially at state and local bodies level, hinder
the translation of targets into projects.Many PPP projects are
stalled by lack of cooperation between center and states and

often find themselves in lawsuits and archaic land acquisition

policies

Financing availability: The private sector is dependent upon

commercial banks to raise debt for the PPP projects. With
commercial banks reaching the sectoral exposure limits,rising
NPAs and large Indian Infrastructure companies being highly
leveraged, funding the PPP projects is getting difficult.

6.Risk Allocation and dependence on private sector:

A blockage in the bidding process of some PPP programmes

has developed with private sector developers and financiers
stating that they will not participate in any project bidding, given
the perception that participation has become too risky and
because their exposure to projects in implementation that may
be in some distress is too high. for example:the risk of collection
of revenue in highways lies upon private player because of
dependence on traffic.

Private players ask for viability grant from government in case

of less collection and government has only two options-either to
provide the same or terminate the contract because there is no
penalty or investigation in case of failure

Many private companies enter in to infrastructure projects

which are beyond their financial and operational capacity thus
resulting into stalled projects

with slowing down of economy, and unfavorable balance

sheets, Private companies are unable to continue their project
obligations

Bidding done by private sector are unrealistically low thus

during past five years as economic conditions deteriorated ,the
inflation has accelerated thus rendering the contracts
meaningless

7.problems with model concession agreement

renegotiation clause:Model concession agreement which is

followed in India does not have any such clause .If a bureaucrat
tries to restructure the project,there are risks of being
investigated under the prevention of corruption act 1988.So they
are highly likely to avoid renegotiation.

The present MCA ( that sets out terms and condition in a

contract) does not allow for changing the terms of concession
granted under the contract agreement .This exposes developers
to unreasonably high risks and also fail to ensure flexibility in
contract as per the prevailing need .

8.Clearances

Delays in environmental clearance along with multiple windows

for clearance delays the projects. Land acquisition, forest
clearance are not given adequate importance initially which
many times lead to serious local protest during implementation
of projects

9.Dispute resolution mechanism and right to recourse :

In case of disputes arising out between parties in projects

,there is hardly any established guideline for dispute resolution
or recourse to be taken

10.People disregard:

People generally view PPP with caution. Moreover people often

do not pay adequate charges and toll which are the only method
of revenue generation

Government measures to address these challenges are:

Following Hybrid Annuity Model under which government

provide 40% of project cost along with land clearance, After
completion of project by private sector the government itself will

collect the toll and allocate it to private player annually over 1020 years

Appointing Vijay Kelkar Committee for PPP which advised for

amending Prevention of corruption act 1988, against adoption of
PPP in case of small projects and framing a National Policy on
PPP.

Amendment to MCA : guidelines for renegotiation of PPP

concession agreements will be issued, keeping in view the longterm nature of such contracts and potential uncertainties arising
in future as contracts proceed.

Government mooted for new Credit Rating System of

infrastructure projects so that rather than on misplaced
perceptions regarding the risks the of the mispriced loans can be
minimised with real rating

Government has come up with 2 web portals infracon and epace to provide all necessary details regarding highway projects.
This will boost transparency and efficiency.

100% FDI through FIPB route in food processing and

manufacture

Setting up of National Infrastructure Investment Fund (NIIF) for

funding infrastructure projects.

Setting up of Indian Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL)

for long term funding of projects.

Viability Gap Funding(VGF) by the government.

Suggestions to improve ppp in india:

Amendment to PCA( Prevention of Corruption Act 1988) to

allow bureaucrats to restructure public projects.A distinction
must be laid down for bureaucrats between act of corruption
/carelessness and bad decisions /genuine errors in decision
making

Public Utility (Resolution of Disputes) Bill has be introduced

this year to fast -rack the resolution of disputes in infrastructurerelated construction contracts, PPP and public utility contracts.

Therefore with modification in its strategy India can reap the

benefits of PPP as they are very essential for the country to move
forward.

General Studies 4
Topic: Laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical
guidance;;
7) There may be times when we are powerless to prevent
injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to
protest. Discuss the significance of this statement to
present day India. (150 Words)
States are too powerful even in democratic set-ups. Even though
governments are of the people, by the people and for the people;
there are instances when people become victims of state policies or
inability of state to provide times justice , or to prevent crimes
against its own people. Citizens, who are largely peaceful, are left
with the option of either dissent or protest. Most choose the latter in
the hope of getting heard. The right to protest peacefully is a
constitutional right.
Being a mute spectator towards injustice is being part of the crime
itself. From the time Indians raised their voices for Azaadi and
Inquilaabs against the injustice of the foreign rule, protests have
been taking place against the problems like human rights violation,

in privacy, religious intolerance, corruption, discrimination based on

gender, caste, class, skin colour and place of birth etc.
However there are many cases where one might feel powerless to
prevent injustice for instance in some patriarchial
families women who are just subjected to many derogatory social
customs are powerless to defend themselves.So protest gives an
arena for these women to fight injustice and put their grievances in
the wider platform for example recently the Shani Shingnapur
protest, pink Chaddi campaign put the gender discrimination
issue on the front page.
Similarly the feeling of powerlessness can have its origin in ones
inability to gather evidences against the injustice. For
example,when one sees rampant cases of bribe demands from
officials in a government office . They feel powerless because they
dont have the evidence to prove it but the solution to these
people agony comes in the form of protests like anti corruption
movement like India against corruption.
Social and developmental issues are put forward by the protests
itself as the people who actually suffer because of the systematic
apathy shown by the state to suffering of people. For example,
Narmada Bachao Andolan against huge displacement of people in
the Narmada basin, Caste and Dalit movements, section 377 for
LGBT communities.
Sometimes, governments try to impose their ideology and interfere
in education system to cleanse it from ideologues who are opposed
to its ideology. Its right of students and intelligentsia to protest
against such interference and restore autonomy and rights of
educational institutions. This is largely evident in ongoing events in
India.

Judiciary has played a major role in considering some protests

genuine concern for public as is shown in the case of Right to
information,public interest litigations etc. But sometimes protests
that turn violent, lead to destruction of public property like Kaapu
garjana in Andhra pradesh do not uphold the justice. These
should be condemned.
Thus, protest is a means to restore order thats just and equitable.
Its an inherent right of a citizen to protest against any violation of
his rights. Common man is not equipped to prevent injustice, its
right he/she has vested with the government; all he/she can do is to
let government know through peaceful protests.
Topic:Urbanization problems and remedies
1) It is found that aside from poor quality public transport
systems, inadequate city planning and a flawed design
framework have further compounded Delhis congestion
problem. Around the world there are examples of successful
models to address these issues. Examine these models
which can be applied to Indian cities, especially to Delhi.
(200 Words)
EPW
Option for Choice, good quality, reliable and affordable multimodal public
transport system, exclusive lanes for pedestrians and bicycle riders and
measures like penalty for single occupancy vehicles, congestion tax and
incentives to use public transport, if properly integrated into city planning,
could lead to meaningful solution to the concerned problem.
Some of the best practices from around the world which are
relevant to Delhi,

Bike sharing to improve public mobility Hangzhou

40% of air pollution in Hangzhou was the result of vehicle

emissions. government invested 180 million Yuan to create a
bike sharing system that connected to the public transport
network.
Result Improved Hangzhous environment, making it more attractive to
tourists. It has also created a more affordable way for people to get around the
city
Istanbul The constant congestion, heavy traffic made the

city less accessible. Soultion, pedestrianization project to

protect from traffic accidents Since 2011, Istanbul has
pedestrianized 295 streets through infrastructure upgrades
and by making it easier for people to use trains, ferries, buses,
and bicycles rather than cars.
Result More public convenience, citizen friendly
London Automated congestion pricing, City levies a

surcharge on single occupancy vehicles The daily fee could

be paid before or on the day of travel through various means
online, by telephone or text message, at select shops and petrol
stations, and by post.
Result Traffic fell by 20%, congestion 30%, 16% reduction in carbon
emission in the city. Citizens switched to public transport. 83% rise in bicycle
trips.

Dublin Introduced IBMs park ya app to find parking

space

Hongkong rail plus property mode, metro stations are

integrated with business centers and commercial complexes.

Barcelona- effective parking management and dynamic traffic

facility. Traffic cameras provide real time information about
congestion to end users and authorities.

Copenhagen Transport systems are integrated with

integrated ticketing system via Phone apps and SMS. It gives
flexibility to user to choose its option efficiently.

Bogotas TransMilenio systemuses Bus rapid transit in

conjunction with pedestrian and cycle tracks to ease congestion,
creating more jobs and increasing access to city-center.
Urban Car management policy in Europe
France (Lyon, Grenoble, Montpellier) Free choice for choosing
the model of public transport
Great Britain (Cardiff, Liverpool) Deregulation of public
transport.
Italy (Bologna, Milan) entry of cars to city centre restricted
Switzerland (Bern, Zurich) use of cars restrained and public
transport promoted.

School opening times arranged to avoid rush hour traffic

Topic: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms,
Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
2) Discuss the features of ancient Indian universities vis a
vis their autonomy and education culture, and compare
them with features of modern state funded universities in
India. (200 Words)
Frontline
Features of Ancient Indian universities

Nalanda in Bihar, Taksha-sila in Punjab and Vikram-shila in western Bengal,

Valabhi university in Saurashtra, Gujarath, Pushpagiri university in Kalinga
(Odisha)
Ancient universities
Autonomy
Patronage Mainly as philanthropic initiative Grants and donations from
Kings and Merchants
Away from political interference Located in remote, forested areas
ensured autonomy in functioning and independence in thinking and work.
Debate and discussion was the means of learning. Main mode of gaining
knowledge. Disagreement was part of the deliberations
Education culture
Subjects different fields of study like vedas, grammar, philosophy,
ayurveda, agriculture, surgery, politics, archery, warfare, astronomy,
commerce, futurology, music, dance, etc. But, the major theme is restricted to
religious learning like, Mahayana Buddhism, Heenayana Buddhism, Jainism,
Vedas and Upanishads
Not Universal education Formal education restricted to only a section
of the society (Brahmanas, Kshatriyas), rest learn their family professions like
Pottery, Basket making, Goldsmithery, Black smitery.
Ashrama and Sangha model of education Students had to
commit their entire study period to Ashrama life, without distraction from
outside events.
Cosmopolitan centers Students from across the world
Quality of education Best at that time. Attracted students from all
parts of the world like, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Srilanka, Japan etc.
In Modern universities
Patronage Obligation of the state State funded, located amidst power

centers (state capitals, district head quarters) Political interference, activism

of political parties to extend the sphere of influence on youth
Political interference Huge through student unions in university
politics, propaganda through textbook curriculum (trying to push leftist,
rightist ideologies),
Education culture
Universal access to formal education State promotes this through
incentives, scholarships
Secular education Majority curriculum on secular aspects like Science,
History, Geography, Linguistics.
No ashrama style, no restriction in pursuing other aspects of life
Quality of education Not comparable to global standards except few ,
Needs improvement, no longer attracts foreign students

Topic: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the

eighteenth century until the present- significant events,
personalities, issues
3) During the early years of national movement, both Bal
Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhiji were charged under
the Section 124A of IPC for committing sedition. What was
their crime? How did they react? Do you think this provision
of IPC should have been removed once India gained
independence? Critically comment. (200 Words)
Frontline

(Only for Reference The sedition law, introduced by the British in

India in 1870, outlaws speech that brings or attempts to bring into hatred or
contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards, the
Government established by law in India. The penalty up to life
imprisonment)
Sedition charges against Bala Gangadhar Tilak
Tried for Sedition Charges in three times by British India Government 1897,
1909, 1916
In 1897, he was charged for speeches that allegedly incited violence and
resulted in the killings of two British officers. Lt. Ayerst and Rand. Mr. Tilak
was convicted but got bail in 1898.
On 30 April 1908, Prafulla Chaki and Khudiram Bose, threw a bomb on a
carriage at Muzzafarpur, to kill the Chief Presidency Magistrate Douglas
Kingsford of Calcutta, but erroneously killed two women travelling in it.
Tilak, in his paper Kesari, defended the revolutionaries and called for
immediate Swaraj or self-rule. The Government swiftly arrested him
for sedition
Reaction Tilak maintained that he was innocent.
Mahatma Gandhi, in 1922, was sentenced for 6 year jail term, on sedition
charges because of the articles he wrote for a weekly journal, Young India,
that challenged the British government and asked Indians to stop serving it.
Gandhiji response
Gandhiji did not oppose the verdict, saying it was a privilege to be charged
with sedition. He said in court speech I am here, therefore to invite
and submit cheerfully to the highest penalty that can be inflicted
upon me for what in law is deliberate crime, and what appear to me
to be highest duty of a citizen

Gandhiji said people should be free to express their

disaffection toward the government so long as they arent
inciting violence.
(Difference between Gandhiji and Tilak View point - Tilak
maintained that he was innocent. But, Gandhiji accepted the
verdict and accepted that as highest duty of a citizen to
criticize the colonial government)
Should it have been removed? No, but, must have used for
charges which were threat to National security, not as a tool for
political vendetta and to silence political opponents.
Utility of Sedition law before independence and after independence
cannot be compared. Before, it was used to perpetuate British rule
in India, but, now it is applied to uphold the integrity of the country,
we need to protect the country from anti national, secessionist
forces which seeks to overthrow the democratic regime and divide
the country (Highly relevant in this fluid world with evil forces like
different terrorist organizations, ISIS, Foreign intelligence agents like
ISI, CIA, Naxalites etc.,)
Constitution provides freedom of speech and expression, but, with
reasonable restrictions to protect the public good and to maintain
sovereignty and integrity of the country.
Sedition law relevant in the background of globalized world. Foreign
intelligence agencies like, ISI, CIA etc., always covertly tries to
instigate violence, divide the country using anti nationals. Social
media can be used to forge secessionist tendencies. Naxalism,
Maoism ideologies are deep rooted which seeks to overthrow the
democratic government with violent struggle - In such
environment, there must be deterrence to act against such
activities. But, it must be reasonable and to protect national
interests. As Gandhiji said people should be free to express their

disaffection toward the government so long as they arent inciting

violence.
(Binayak Sen for speaking against Chhattisgarh govt. support for Salwa
Judum, ToI editor Bharat Desai for speaking against police-mafia nexus etc.)
Supreme court in Kedarnath case: SC held that only imminent
incitement of violence should be considered under it. Thus curbing its
ambiguous interpretation.
But, if an act incites violence and is against integrity of the country,
Sedition law must be applied. With vibrant civil society, active
media, independent judiciary at service, it is possible to rectify the
anomaly. But, unrestricted freedom to even instigate violence to
overthow the established democratic rule is unacceptable. Hence,
detailed guidelines must be formulated to apply Sedition charges for
serious and genuine cases.

General Studies 2

Topic: Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the

protection and betterment of vulnerable sections
4) The latest Budget has made a pensioned society one of
the nine new pillars for growth. Critically evaluate how
recent budgets have tried to provide social security to
senior citizens. (200 Words)

The Hindu
Social security provision in the union budget 2016.,
The decision to follow EET (Exempt, Exempt, Tax) model for EPF
contribution, i.e. taxing the 60% of the money accrued in PF proceeds at the
time of withdrawal. This initiative discourages employees to withdraw the EPF
money in lump sum.
Tax exemption to 60% of EPT at the time of withdrawal if it is invested in an
annuity program Encourages to invest and to secure perpetual monthly
income
Bringing parity in EPF and National Pension scheme (40% tax exempt)
Encourages investment in pension schemes.
Minimum of 1,000 Rs. pension to all the employees invested in Employee
Pension Scheme (EPS) (component of EPF contribution)
The partial revival of Varishta Pension Bima Yojana (VPBY) which was
introduced during Sri.Vajapayee government
The introduction of Atal Pension Yojana (APY) - for workers of the
unorganized sectors in the budget 2015-16.
Deposits unclaimed in EPF /PPF account would be used for the welfare of
senior citizen .
But,
Taxation of EPF contribution at the time of withdrawal is unwarranted (Long
term commitment of the employee is compromised eg. Buying a house,
marriage expenses of Children)
Initiatives like increasing the threshold for EPF contribution from a monthly
salary of 6,500 Rs. to Rs. 15,000 for increasing the take home salary (But, this
will be counterproductive in the long term, even though it increase the take
home salary).

India, with 82% of the work force engaged in unorganized sector, universal
pension scheme is the need of the hour, which is missing in the budget.
Agriculture laborers and farmers, without any formal social security scheme
also need pension scheme with mandatory contribution from the government
(Atal pension yojana need to be universalized even without contributions from
the farmers)
Money from IGOAPS is meager, must be raised to meet the age old
requirement of citizen.

Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger; Mechanisms, laws,

institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and
betterment of vulnerable sections
5) The Food and Agriculture Organizations (FAO) annual
report on the State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) 2015
explores the potential of social protection programmes in
developing countries to tackle hunger and poverty. What
constitutes social protection? How can they address
poverty? Discuss. (200 Words)
Frontline
What is social protection?

Social protection is commonly understood as all public and

private initiatives that provide income or consumption transfers
to the poor, protect the vulnerable against livelihood risks and
enhance the social status and rights of the marginalised; with the

overall objective of reducing the economic and social

vulnerability of poor, vulnerable and marginalised groups

objectives of social protection vary widely, from reducing

poverty and vulnerability, building human capital, empowering
women and girls, improving livelihoods, and responding to
economic and other shocks.

Social protection programmes fall into three main categories.

These are

1.Social assistance is direct, regular and predictable cash or in-kind resources

transfers to poor and vulnerable individuals or households. it has helped in
reducing poverty in the following ways:

Cash transfer:form of cash increases the purchasing power of

the poor, who demand goods and services produced largely in
the local economy.Indias direct benefit transfer is the best
example.

Social pensions: are state pensions, a form of cash transfer

targeted by age. Pensions are the most common social
protection tool, with the widest global coverage and often
highest national spend.It can prevent deeper deprivation by
preventing loss of assets, creating resilience against shocks.
(e.g., health insurance like PMRSBY, crop insurance, pension
schemes of indian government etc)

Health and education:

Programs like ICDS have helped in reducing the maternal and child
mortality rates by providing maternity treatment,nutrition requirements
Immunization drives like the pulse polio program,Indradhanush have helped
in reducing major communicable and non-communicable diseases.

 fosters more investment in the education and health of children, and

reduces child labour.
Philippines shows very promising results. School enrolment of children in
poor beneficiary families has risen, and the incidence of severe stunting has
declined.

food security:

Schemes like PDS, MDM, Food for work ensure basic nutrient intake. Money
saved here can be used by the farmers for more farm inputs, fertilizers which
in turn increases their produce

and eventually income.

In Indonesia, social protection programs provide over 65 million low-income

households with everything from cash support to subsidized food and
insurance.

children:

In Zimbabwe, during 2013, almost 60,000 children at risk of and exposed to

violence, exploitation and abuse received quality support and care
South Africas Child Support Grant, introduced in 1998, has become the
countrys largest social assistance programme, covering over 10 million
children.A recent evaluation [PDF] shows

that the Grant directly

impacts on poverty and vulnerability reduction, while helps break intergenerational cycles of poverty and exclusion.
2.social insurance: pooled, contributory insurance programmes and labour
market protection: and 3.provision of unemployment benefits, building skills
and enhancing workers productivity and employability..they help reduce
poverty in the following ways:

GENDER EMPOWERMENT: Women get more leeway in

society and their skills and capabilities are enhanced.

(Swavalamban scheme) Maternal health improves leading to

better health for future generations.

Political

(i) Involvement of women from all sections in local governments due to

decreased gender and class inequalities
(ii) Mobilization of poorer sections against exploitative practices (e.g. pressure
groups of farmers in NW India after Green revolution)

unemployed:

Chinas Dibao program, which provides cash to Chinas needy, is the

backbone of the system. It is also the largest program of its kind in the
world..Workers laid off from State-owned

enterprises

and the unemployed accounted for over two-fifths of the programs

beneficiaries. Today, the focus of the Urban Dibao program has shifted to the
elderly living in poverty, the working poor and low-income families with adult
members with low skills, disabled or without a support network.This has
allowed a five-fold increase in the average transfer amount to families, along
with the vast expansion in coverage
Indiass NREGA has provided employment to vast number of poor
households and raised their standard of living and brought them out of the
penury.

skill development:

It allows the poor to think of investing in their future rather than their day to
day survival. Skill india, Start up India, stand up India and other initiatives by
India make sure that

disadvantaged get the

opportunity be be self made.

Infrastructural schemes like Mega Food Parks to reduce crop losses.
problems:

Only a few countries in the region have generated high-quality

statistics on their social protection programs.

In general, the social protection systems operated by

governments in the region are not terribly effective outside a few
developed countries, such as Japan, Republic of South Korea, and
Singapore. They tend to suffer from fragmentation, weak
coordination, and poor beneficiary targeting.

In Asia and the Pacific, public expenditure for social protection

programs for women is about 1.15% of gross domestic product
(GDP) while that for men is 1.6% of GDP.

Greater attention must be given to gender-related dimensions

in the design and implementation of social protection programs
to support inclusive growth in the region.

suggestions:

ADBs Social Protection Index has pulled together data on

central government social protection programs in 35 countries
and presents the figures in a variety of ways.this has to be
followed.

With most of the worlds poor and hungry still living in the
countryside and still dependent on agriculture, twinning social
protection with agricultural development programs makes
compelling sense

Political commitment, adequate funding, partnerships, and complementary

actions in health and education will be key elements in transforming this
vision into reality. Policy and planning frameworks for rural development,
poverty reduction, food security and nutrition need to promote the joint role
of agriculture and social protection in fighting poverty and hunger, together
with a broader set of interventions, notably in health and education.

General Studies 3

Topic: Government budgeting; Infrastructure transport;

Environmental pollution
6) In India personal transport has now reached saturation
limit in the cities, resulting in gridlock, rising air pollution,
lost productivity and ill-health. To address this problem,
encouraging public transport has become vital aspect of
policy making. In this regard, critically comment how the
recent budget strives to improve public transportation in the
country and examine what else needs to be done. (200
Words)
The Hindu
EPW
Indias urban population is rising at a faster rate from 377 million in 2011 to
approximately 600 million by 2030.In 2014-15 India added nearly 20 million
vehicles to the existing 172 million registered motor vehicles there are severe
environmental health impacts threating the humans.So there is a very urgent
need to make public transport the priority.
why public transport has become important ?

sustainable development of these cities depends on developing

safe and low carbon transport systems which provide access to
the required goods,services and activities for all citizens.

Lack of efficient public transport combined with inadequate

access infrastructure are resulting in users looking for alternative
means of mobility,including an increased use of private
vehicles,leading to further deterioration of air quality,reduced
trafiic safety and increasing congestion of roads.

An efficient public transport system helps meet the mobility

needs of a city,using fewer financial and energy
resources,compared to private vehicle oriented mobility.It also
helps in improving the public health and well being of inhabitants
by improving safety on roads.

Recent budget initiatives:1.Regulatory

The Motor Vehicles Act will be amended to allow private

players to invest in the bus service sector. This will help reduce
permit raj and increase private entrepreneurship through
START UP INDIA in the public transport sector. It will also now
allow buses to run on variable route. There will also be an
increase in funds for battery operated and bio fuelled public
transport.The Motor Vehicles Act is to be amended to open up
the passenger segment, and more entrepreneurs will be able to
operate bus services. It will be up to the States, though, to
accept the new liberalised regulatory system.

Accepting Kelkar Panel recommendations such as establishing

Public Dispute Resolution Body and PPP contract renegotiationguidelines

START UP INDIA project which may encourage more

entrepreneurs to come up with radical solutions on traffic
pollution problems

2. Funding

Renewed impetus to Pradhan mantri gram sadak yojana and

construction of 10k new roads.Rs. 97,000 crore has been
allocated to roads and road sector

Infrastructural cess- 1% on small cars, 2.5% on diesel cars of a

certain variety, 4% on diesel powered SUVs. This will reduce
demand for private transport.

3. Procedural

Increasing competition of State corporations by revamping

current route-specific permit policy for private bus-operators

Measures to improve air connectivity in remote areas and

enhance port efficiency

4.Initiatives by the state governments like odd-even scheme has its own
benefits.additional benefits including reducing on road congestion, increase of
average car speeds, reduced fuel usage and made significant impact on public
awareness -The Budget proposal to open up the sector has the potential to
reverse the effects of the neglect and obsolescence.
Neglected areas:

The law enabling State road transport undertakings dates back

to 1950, and many States have failed to progressively augment
their operations after opting for full or partial nationalisation,
especially in the cities

Buses are also unpopular because they are not ergonomically

designed as per the national bus code. No proper modern design
standards are present in this sector.

The biggest problem in using public transport is last-mile

connectivity : buses wont drop at the door step- for that one
needs rickshaws, autos, etc.

However, issues such as inclusion of Intermediate Public

Transport(IPT) in the planning process as a result the public

transport interventions in the cities have only resulted in

providing or augmenting the city bus services and mass transit
systems., specific deadline Bharat VI standards etc. were not
touched upon.

So far the bus fleets sanctioned by the ministry of urban

development were decided based on the population of the city
without considering any other mobility or development
characteristics of the city such as area,population density,travel
demand patterns etc..,

Suggestions:

Setting up Unified Metropolitan Transport Authorities for

planning and implementation of transport solutions as
recommended by 2nd ARC

Integrating land use planning with multi-modal transport

planning

Reducing State VAT on CNG to promote sale of CNG

vehicles(recommended by Saumitra Chaudhary Committee)

Follow BS VI norms and its quick implementation

Local train services should be improved with high maintenance

of time table and maintain platforms highly clean

National Transport Development Policy Committee 2013 said in

its report, there is a need for a strategy panel at the national and
State levels. This is necessary to take a comprehensive view of
rail, road, waterway and non-motorised modes.

london model-this model is the use of intelligent transport

systems of the kind the new taxi companies in India use to
determine whether the contractor is adhering to schedules, and
to analyse demand-supply patterns

Routes should be tendered as per schedules and owners can

be paid according to mileage.

Mobile app for real time service operation for passengers.

Reforms in policies for fleet modernization and vehicle

inspection and certification with SIAM (Society of Indian
Automobile Manufacturers)

FAME India -( Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and

Electric vehicles in India is a part of the National Electric
Mobility Mission Plan),Green railways, car pooling-(eg: rahagiri),
Setu bharatam, increase in ethanol content from 5 to 10% need
to be effectively implemented.

Public transportation is a immediate concern for cities all over the world
especially developing countries like India.So in keeping sustainable
development in mind the government has to take serious efforts.

Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology;

7) Recently, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave
Observatory (LIGO) India project was approved by the
union Cabinet. Briefly discuss about the significance of the
project and its likely impact on India. (200 Words)
Frontline
LIGO-India project:

LIGO-India is a planned advanced gravitational-wave

observatory to be located in India as part of the worldwide
network. The project recently received the in principle approval
from the Indian government. LIGO-India is planned as a
collaborative project between a consortium of Indian research

institutions and the LIGO Laboratory in the USA, along with its
international partners Australia, Germany and the UK.

Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO)

project operates three gravitational-wave (GW) detectors(2 at
Hanford USA)The proposed LIGO-India project aims to move one
Advanced LIGO detector from Hanford to India

significance of the project:

Discovery of gravitational waves will provide stimulus to

research on the origin of universe,black holes and the later
events. Can be helpful for the study of earth and understand it
better.

Adding a new detector to the existing network will increase the

expected event rates, and will boost the detection confidence of
new sources

the dramatic improvement from LIGO-India would come in the

ability of localizing GW sources in the sky.

Collaboration with scientists across the world will improve the

research capabilities, infrastructure and equipment etc.
academia and industry can benefit with this at large for
improving research in India.Will serve as an example of
productive international collaboration for scientific research in
the lines of LHC of CERN and attract further investments

Impact on india:

The gravitational waves have to combine measurements from

different places to get correct data.India is at the right distance
from the two other Us laboratories.This is a huge thing to be
proud of being part of such a legendary news.

Impact on Indian science:

1.

The proposed LIGO-India project will help Indian scientific

community to be a major player in the emerging research

frontier of Gravitational wave astronomy. A major initiative like

LIGO-India will further inspire frontier research and development
projects in India.
2.

The nature of the experiment is intrinsically multidisciplinary. It

will bring together scientists and engineers from different fields
like optics, lasers, gravitational physics, astronomy and
astrophysics, cosmology, computational science, mathematics
and various branches of engineering.

3.

In order to fully realize the potential of multi-messenger

astronomy, the LIGO-India project will join forces with several
Indian astronomy projects like astrosat,india based neutrino
observatory and optical and radio telescopes.

Impact on industry:
1.

The high-end engineering requirements of the project (such as

the worlds largest ultra-high vacuum facility) will provide
unprecedented opportunities for Indian industries in collaboration
with academic research institutions.

2.

LIGO project has facilitated major industry-academic research

partnerships in USA and Europe, and has produced several
technological spin offs. LIGO-India will provide similar
opportunities to Indian industry.

3.

Atleast 700 crore of orders of indian companies with

enhancement of engineering in optics and alloys,building giant
magnets and control systems,developing state of the art control
systems.

Education and public outreach:

1.

A cutting edge project in India can serve as a local focus to

interest and inspire students and young scientists. The LIGOIndia project involves high technology instrumentation and its
dramatic scale will spur interest and provide motivation to young

students for choosing experimental physics and engineering

physics as career options.
2.

The multi-spectral reach to physics will attract a large number

of talented and motivated young researchers and students to the
program, as it has done in other countries.

3.

Also, the observatory will be one of the very few research

facilities in India of this scale, international relevance and
technological innovation to which the general public and
students can have access.

An Indian mega gravitational wave astronomy project, especially in the wake

of this historic discovery of gravitational waves, means a great opportunity for
showcasing Indian capability at the cutting-edge of science and technology

Topic: Awareness in biotechnology; Agriculture in India

8) It is argued that Biotechnologies can improve yields,
nutrition quality and provide security to farmers. Illustrate
with examples. (200 Words)
Down to Earth
With the challenges like malnutrition,agriculture sustainability,sustainable
development ,food security debates taking place on a daily basis and future
goals like zero hunger by 2030,60% increase in crop productivity globally by
2050 biotechnology has a huge role to play.
Benefits of Biotechnology:
1.Improving Yields:

It helps in attaining higher yields with fewer external inputs.For

instance in the technique of interspecific hybridisation favourable
traits from different species are combined.It has been successful
in the development of Asian Rice and new rice for african
varieties,Triticale(between rye and wheat) and
Raphanaobrassica(between raddish and mustard)

micropropagation-growing plant tissue culture in lab conditions

has been very successful for cloning superior quality trees of
desirable traits at lab itself.disease free sweet potatoes and
bananas have been developed usng this method and have been
highly successful in increaing the quality of the products.

2.Improving nutritional quality:

Biofertilisers like Rhizobium,Azotobacter etc help plants absorb

nitrogen and make phosphate soluble which leads to increase in
crop productivity and increase in nutrition,higher export
potential and easier to use.

Biopesticides like ChitoSan and Spinosad lead to reduction in

pesticide spraying and they affect the target pest right away.

genetically modifies crops like bt.cotton take genes from soil

bacterium that prevents gall disseases of natural cotton.The
famous example has been of the Vistive gold soyabean oil-the
beans are modifies such that they produce zeroithas been a
source of nutrition with improved quality and alternative for
traditional oils.

Artificial insemination in animals:India has 6.36 million

crossbred cows (jersey,holstein etc) which increase the potential
for milk production,best breeds,reduced disease transmission
and an alternative source of employment to the farmers which is
very lucrative.

3.Use of molecular Markers in developing new varieties and breeds:

Cassava is the most important source of nutrition for poor

people in sub saharan Africa.With the use of cell biology and
molecular markers the south american variety of cssavas
germplasm are transferred into this which led to increase in
yields in Nigeria.scientists did this because of genetic diversity
superior varieties can be developed

4.Disease Diagnostics:

Biotechnology offers important tools to diagnose plant diseases

of both viral and bacterial origin.For instance Sorghum faces
periodic drought and competition from parasite like witchweed.so
with biotechnology drought resistant,disease free sorghum can
be developed which can be used to fight malnutrition especially
in the subsaharan Africa.

By altering DNA and early detection of viral diseases led to

reduction in the losses of shrimp farming .This provided huge
employment to the farmers with minimum production costs and
high profits as was seen in the Andhra movements of aqua
culture

5.Environmental Benefits:

with challenges like Food security along with occurence of

calamities everyday biotechnology is a boon as it provides a
major role to integrate adaptation,vulnerability and resilience
with agriculture strategies.

with more environmental friendly practices greater financial

returns have been guaranteed farmers adopting reduced and
conservative tillage methods which use herbicidal weed control
rather than ploughing had reaped benefits in the form of

improved soil health and water retention ,reduced run off ,fuel
conservation ,reduced green house gas emissions and more
efficient carbon storage in the soil.In 2007 this was equivalent to
removing 14.2 billion kilograms of carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere.
What needs to be Done?
-strengthening of local human and institutional capacities to adopt available
technology to local needs
-effective public private partnerships need to be developed
-linkages should be along the value chain i.e.., farmers-processors who add
value to the produce keeping in mind the urban people demands.proper
infrastructure like roads,training in enterpreneurship skills,enhanced credit
facilities need to be looked by the government.
Recently approves national biotechnology programme and the past cartagen
protocol have to be remembered to avoid misuse of transgenic organisms
,unnecessary complications in the future with respect to super bugs,super
weeds etc..,

General Studies 4

Topic: Laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical

guidance;;

9) The best safeguard against fascism is to establish social

justice to the maximum extent possible. Critically
comment. (150 Words)
General
The Constitution of India strives to secure to all its citizens social justice along
with economic and political justice. Social justice constitutes providing justice
in distribution of wealth, opportunities and access to basic needs and services
within a society. A just society is the best bet against rise of fascism as the
latter thrives on divisions and discontent in the society.
Fascist regimes, which are inherently unethical, encourage corruption, further
marginalization of weaker sections, creation of income inequality, support to
cronies, unlimited power to police and armed forces, suppression of labour
power, misuse of religion to divide society and many other unethical means to
strengthen their hold on political power. This is evident in many past fascist
regimes such as Hitlers Germany and Mussolinis Italy.
Can social justice safeguard a society against such fascist forces?
It is utopian to think of a totally just society. However, a society where citizens
are provided equal opportunities, ensured security of income, health, food and
shelter, given freedom to practice and profess their religions, freedom to
express and debate their ideas, chances are less for fascist forces to
manipulate such a society. Social justice ensures that no section of society is
discontented. Lesser the discontent, lesser the chances of rise of fascism.
Many countries, such as Britain, France, USA and many Nordic countries
didnt become fascist nations thanks to their strong political system and civil
society.
Social justice alone cant prevent fascism. Strong institutions, stable political
system, vigilant civil society and vibrant diversity are equally important.

Also important are strong values and ethics in society. A society strong in
universal values can always act as buffer to the rise of fascist tendency of
certain ambitious individuals.