2018 Mains GS Solved

UPSC - CSE (MAINS) - 2019
Hints/Answer/Approach
(GS Paper-I)
1. Safeguarding the Indian art heritage is the need of the moment. Comment
Approach
• Introduction:
 Briefly mention importance of Indian art heritage.
• Body:
 Mention reason to safeguard Indian art heritage.
 Challenges before Indian art heritage.
• Conclusion:
 Mention wayforward.
Model Answer:
India is one of the ancient civilization where different cultures existed together. Indian
history saw many rulers of different religion and culture who brought variety to art and
architectural forms giving richness to indian heritage.Indian art heritage reached its
architectural and artistic excellence from ancient to medieval to modern times.This rich
culture and heritage needs to be safeguarded at earliest.
REASONS TO SAFEGUEARD INDIAN HERITAGE:
1. Rich cultural art heritage is our NATIONAL IDENTITY from which we all take
pride and honour as united citizens of india.This rich art heritage helped us to
fight against Britishers in india’s freedom struggle.Therefore conserving these
art heritage is our duty.for example TAJ MAHAL is symbol of love and this monument
attract millions of visitors.
2. Preserving and conserving these heritage is having immense potentials to attract
millions of tourists by which we earn precious forex reserve and can generate
millions of jobs to indian youth in various sectors such as tourists guide,hospitality
etc.
3. Our traditional dance,art forms,singing,dressing,architecture, handicrafts etc are
important part of our art and heritage. Conserving this can preserve our ancient
civilization which is going through significance evolution.for example
Bharatnatyam,kuchupudi,odishi,sun temple,aayurveda etc are results of
conservation and preservation efforts taken by our ancestors.
4. India is a hetrogenous country with 6 religions of world living together on one
land which we can see in every aspect of life such monuments like temples,
gurudwaras, masjid and important government buildings. Protecting this
hetrogeneous heritage is in our national interest
5. This rich heritage has attracted foreigners which is great advantage for this
ancient land, creating curiosity among foreigner to visit to India, FAHIEN, visited
25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

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Metro Pillar Number 117 • Tel. : 011-41251555, 9205274743
India to understand its rich heritage and social life. This greatness and rich
heritage attracted many foreign invaders such as Ghajnis, Khiljis and Britishers.
Therefore significance and importance of indian art heritage is immense. To conserve
this rich heritage we must take care of this ancient treasure.
But this heritage is now facing various challenges from Anthropogenic to Natural
phenomena.Some of the important challenges are following.
1. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India, in its audit report on preservation
of monuments and antiquities (2013), notes that “irregularities in carrying out
conservation works” such as no mandatory requirements for inspection by
Superintending Archaeologist,absence of complete and proper documentation of
works estimates,non-preparation of inspection notes after site inspection,faulty
budgeting of conservation works,delays in work completion.
2. Increasing population of India and human activities such as increasing
industrialisation, illegal enchroachment in monuments area,developemental needs
like implementation of infrastuctural projects,natural events like floods are
destroying our heritage.For example industrial developement in subordinate are
of TAJ MAHAL caused acid rain and it impacting TAJ MAHAL dangerously by
leaching white marble.
3. Increasing tourism has created significance challenges such as defacing of
monuments, spitting on monuments, writing on walls of these monuments and to
manage this crowd in india we dont have proper guidelines
4. The constitution of India talks about preservation of monuments and art heritage
in it’s FUNDAMENTAL DUTY in which every citizen of India must value and preserve
the rich heritage of our composite culture of India in A-51A and in DPSP Article
49: Protection of monuments and places and objects of national importance are
two constitutional tools to preserve it but peoples are not aware of there side to
protect these art heritage.
5. Increasing globalisation is another threat to our rich art and heritage.
Therefore to protect,conserve,and preserve our monuments government of india has
taken number of steps.These are
1. Establishment of The Archeological survey of India is very important step toward
conserving and preserving ancient art and heritage.It is now looking for more
than 3000 monuments and various other cultural importance sites for conservation
and protection.
2. The ‘Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan’ scheme is an initiative of
the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the
Archaeological Survey of India.. Under it, the government invites entities, including
public sector companies, private sector firms as well as individuals, to develop
selected monuments and heritage and tourist sites across India.
3. Government of India launched the National Heritage City Development and
Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme,with a focus on holistic development of
heritage cities. The scheme aims to preserve and revitalise soul of the heritage

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city to reflect the city’s unique character by encouraging aesthetically appealing,
accessible, informative & secured environment
4. Establishment of museum in various part of india in another important step for
preserving and conserving important art facts and culutural significant things.
the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 ,destroys,
removes, injuries, alters, defaces, imperils or misuses a protected monument is
punishable offence
5. Social Science Project for Students Taking Care of Our heritage, Monuments and
Architecture of our past. Declaring cutural sites as ntional impotance and these
site consequently declared by UNESO as WORLD HERITAGE site, this has been
proved game changer in art and heritage conservation and protection
WAY FORWARD:
Making law’s are not enough but creating awarness among citizens about heritage
conesrvation can be prove game changer also attitudinal change among citizens
especially youths of our country is vital to conserve our rich national heritage treasure,
strict implementation of laws and involving civil societies in conservation and
protection efforts can significantly change goverments conservation efforts. Giving
lessons at school level regarding heritage conservation which is said by our
Constitution in FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES AND DPSP and finally making heritage
conservation a people’s movement.
2. Assess the importance of the accounts of the Chinese and Arab travellers in the
reconstruction of the history of India
Approach:
• Introduction:
 Briefly describe foreign traveller’s accounts as source of history.
• Body:
1. Mention about Chinese travellers and their importance.
2. Mention about Arab travellers and their importance.
• Conclusion:
 Mention relevance of these accounts in history reconstruction.
Model Answer
Every region of India has its own cultural and historical identity. Foreign travellers,
travels and their experience covers the local customs, traditions and lifestyle in a
travelogue, due to this we get an exclusive opportunity to read and learn earlier times
era.
CHINESE TRAVELLERS:
1. FA-HIEN (405-411 AD):
• Fa-Hien is a Foreign Envoy who visited India at the time of Chandragupta II,
known as Vikramaditya.

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• He was a Chinese pilgrim. Fa-Hien was the first Chinese pilgrim to visit India.
• Fa-Hien came to India to collect Buddhist texts and relies.
• Fa-Hien visited Lumbini, the Buddha’s birth place.
• He compiled his experiences in a travelogue “Record of Buddhistic Kingdoms”
• He travelled through the Gupta empire and also wrote down his impressions
about India.
• As his main interest was religion, we know nothing about the political condition
of India from his account.
• However, his account helps us to know something about the social and religious
condition of that period.
2. HIUEN-TSANG (630-645 AD):
• Hiuen-Tsang is a Foreign Envoy who visited India during the time of
Harshvardhana.
• He reached India through Tashkent and Swat Valley.
• He wrote his experiences in his book Si-yu-ki or the ‘Records of Western World.
• His visit to India was an important event of the reign of Harshvardhana. India
is much indebted to this Chinese traveller for the valuable accounts he left
behind with many details of political, religious, economic, social conditions of
those days.
3. I-TSING (671-695 AD):
• I-tsing visited India in connection with Buddhism.
• I-tsing has left behind two important works. The Qiufa Gaoseng Zhuan is a
series of brief biographies of Chinese Buddhist pilgrims he met or heard of
while he was in India. This work is interesting in that it gives an impression of
the numbers of pilgrims who went to India but have left no records of their
own.
• His major work, Nanhai Jigui Neifa Zhuan meaning ‘A Record of the Buddhist
Religion sent Home from the Southern Sea’, is quite unique among the records
left by the Buddhist pilgrim. He describes the Buddhist practices in India.
ARAB TRAVELERS
1. AL-MASUDI (915AD):
• He explained about India in his book Muruj-ul-Zehab.
• Came to Malabar on the Western coast of India in 915-16 in the course of his
visit to several countries and region in the world.
• We can get a fair amount of information about Western India from his work.
2. AL-BERUNI (1024-1030 AD):
• Al-beruni is a Foreign Envoy who visited India along with Ghazni at the time of
his Indian raids.
• He popularly known as Founder of Indology.

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• His famous book was Tahqiq-i-Hind which explains about India.
• He did not write much on battles and wars. He wrote on contemporary culture,
traditions and customs.
3. IBN BATUTA (1333-1347 AD):
• Ibn Batua was A Morrish traveller, he wrote the book ‘Rehla’ (The Travelogue).
• In his book he explained the dynasty of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq and also the
economical, social and geographical status of his time.
• His memories were narrated and recorded after his return almost thirty years
later and hence carry inconsistencies because of several layers of filtering.
4. SHIHABUDDIN AL-UMARI (1348 AD):
• He was A traveller from the country Damascus.
• His book is Masalik albsar fi-mamalik al-amsar. He explained Indian History
in it.
5. ABDUR RAZZAQ (1443-1444 AD):
• Abdur Razzaq was a foreign envoy. He was the Ambassador of Shahrokh of
Timurid Dynasty.
• He came during the rule of Devaraya II of Sangam dynasty of Vijaynagar empire.
• In India he stayed at the court of the Zamorin at Calicut.
• He gives a clear account of the Vijaynagar empire and his kingdom.
From very ancient times, foreigners visited India. Some of them left valuable accounts of
their travels or visits. Ancient Greek and Roman historians also wrote about India from
their knowledge and information. All these foreign accounts prove useful for writing history.
For, some of the travellers made certain observations about India which are not correct.
Possibly in some cases the foreigners had failed to assess correctly the Indian ways of life
due to lack of their knowledge about the Indian languages, and hence the misrepresentation.
History demands devotion to truth. Historians construct history from various sources to
present the truth of the past to the men of today and the future.
3. Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of MAHATMA GANDHI in the

present times
Approach
• Introduction-
Briefly mention present time problems.
• Body
• Mention Signification of Ghandhi ji in present time pointwise.
Conclusion – Mention way forward.
Model Answer:
The present time have become easier with advancement in technology,greater economic
activity,globalisation,more man to man interaction due to presence of social media but
these has created many challenges as well.These challenges are wide spread from personal

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life to political life, from national to international level for instance rising conflicts,ethno-
religious wars,fundamentalism,High income-inequality gap,corruption,moral degradation
etc.These current develpoments make thoughts and ideas of Mahatma Gandhi more
relevant today.
Signification of Ghandhi ji in present time :-
1. Gandhism: Gandhism is a body of ideas that describes the inspiration, vision and
the life work of Mohandas Gandhi. It is particularly associated with his
contributions to the idea of nonviolent resistance, sometimes also called civil
resistance.
The two pillars of Gandhism are truth and non-violence.Gandhism and his
ideas of truth and non-violence is having immense significance as in India in
every day life we experience violence in some kind or other, political morchas and
dharnas often become very violent in which public properties are damaged.
In the world currently so many issues are going on such as terrorism, syrian
crises,Israel-palestine issue, power struggle between USA and RUSSIA in various
part of the world which is resulting in human life. This can be end with Gandhian
principal NON-VIOLENCE.
2. Styagraha: Satya means truth and aagraha means firmness or force. This principle
reverses the idea of an-eye-for-an-eye policy which, as he says ends in making
everybody blind, or blind with fury,the TIT-FOR-TAT attitude which can be seen
presently at international level. The tussle between USA and RUSSIA over syrian
crisis,one country testing missile then other rival country immediatly conducts
missile tests. So Satyagrah needed for humanity at present.
3. Economic Independence: For Gandhiji, spinning their own cloth – khadhi – at
home, was employment for entire villages. This was not only a political decision,
but also an economical one. This idea is relevent in contemporary India because
still millions of people are dependent for two times meal on government bacause
of poverty. Eliminating poverty and making villages self sustainable is vital for our
economic growth. Same is true for many African countries who are still dependent
on developed countries and United Nations aid for meeting their primary needs.
4. Against Superstition and Untouchabilty: Gandhi was a rational person hence
there was no place for superstitious beliefs.Though people are more advanced
today,superstitions still plays a part in people’s lives,this is hard truth in India.To
find peace and prosperity they start following self styled GOD MEN /GOD WOMEN
who often exploit people and recent case of AASARAM, RAM RAHIM etc.Many
temple still practice Untouchabilty,dalits are barred from entry, other case being
women in periods not allowed to enter sabarimala temple on which recent
judgement of Supreme court is a progressive development.
5. Love and Compassion Towards Animals: Rising man animal conflict due to hyper
urbanisation ,killing and poaching of animals,linear infrastructure projects
fragmenting the habitat of aniamls needs policy makers and people to realise the
need of living in harmony with other creation of mother nature for which GANDHIS
teaching of compassion towards animal is quite relevent.

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6. Nature has enough to satisfy everyone’s need but not to satisfy Man’s greed:
Rising consumerism has led to increased exploitation of natural resources without
being concerned about the natures abilty to replenish itself and this has resulted
into occurence of extreme weather condition, calamities. In this scenario GANDHIS
teaching of living in harmony with nature by utilising as much as need not for
greed is relavant today.
7. Peaceful Co-existance Sarva Dharma Sambhav: Increasing instances of
fundamentalism, religious conflicts and cast violence in India of late has made
GANDHIS this teaching more needed to be practiced today.
8. Gandhijis ideas on socialism and political decentralisation is stiil very important
for India as economic inequality is rising day by day and poverty is still present in
our country. Socialistic principle can greatly redistribute wealth and meet
INCLUSIVE GROWTH objective.He aligned CAPITALISM AND SOCIALISM in which
he said about trusteeship doctrine.
Way Forward:
Gandhi ji said “you can chain me,you can torture me,you can even destroy this
body but you will never imprison my mind” His thoughts are still relevant in present
times and by following and practicing these,humanity can unchain and free itself
from various negativities which has creeped into this world and make the world
more positive and beautiful to live.
Q4. Why is the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How
does it help in navigation?
Approach:
• Introduction:
Briefly describe about IRNSS.
• Body:
1. Mention needs of IRNSS for India.
2. Mention IRNSS features and navigational procedure.
• Conclusion:
Mention its future importance for India.
Model Answer:
The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), with an operational name
of NAVIC, is an autonomous regional satellite navigation system that provides accurate
real-time positioning and timing services. It covers India and a region extending 1,500 km
(930 mi) around it, with plans for further extension.
Needs:-
• IRNSS will provide Standard Positioning Service (SPS) which is provided to all the
users. Some applications of IRNSS are:
 Terrestrial, Aerial and Marine Navigation

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 Disaster Management
 Vehicle tracking and fleet management
 Integration with mobile phones
 Precise Timing
 Mapping and Geodetic data capture
 Terrestrial navigation aid for hikers and travellers
 Visual and voice navigation for drivers
• The IRNSS System is expected to provide a position accuracy of better than 20 m
in the primary service area. Thus it is more accurate than GPS. When India is
developing advanced and accurate cruise missiles like ‘Nirbhay’ accuracy is very
important factor for their precise hit.
• It is must for Indian defence prospect because access to foreign government-
controlled global navigation satellite systems is not guaranteed in hostile
situations, as happened to the Indian military depending on American GPS during
the Kargil War.
• It provides Restricted Service (RS), which is an encrypted service provided only to
the authorised users. This service specially used by Indian armed forces for better
surveillance of border.
• It will boost make in India and also it would also get Indian scientists a lot of
experience in this field.
Working:
The fully
deployed IRNSS
system consist
of 3 satellites in
GEO orbit and 4
satellites in
GSO orbit,
approximately
36,000 km
altitude above
earth surface.
Each satellite is
configured
around I-1K bus
which means it
is continuously
monitored and
maintained by
ground segment.
The proposed
system would
consist of a

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constellation of seven satellites and a support ground segment. Three of the satellites
in the constellation will be placed in geostationary orbit. These GEOs will be located
at 34 East 83 East and 132 East longitude. Two of the GSOs will cross the equator at
55 East and two at 111 East. Such an arrangement would mean all seven satellites
would have continuous radio visibility with Indian control stations. The satellite
payloads would consist of atomic clocks and electronic equipment to generate the
navigation signals.
India also planned to be a part of European Space Agency’s Galileo programme but there
also military rights of the system were denied. China is already building its BeiDou
system and has committed to provide military grade signals to Pakistan. In these
circumstances IRNSS is a much sought military asset.
5. Why is India taking a keen interest in resources of the Arctic region?

Approach:
• Introduction:
Briefly describe Arctic region.
• Body:
1. Mention India’s economic interest in arctic
region.
2. Mention India’s climate and geo-political
interest in arctic region.
• Conclusion:
Summarise with current situation.
Model Answer:
The Arctic is the region around the North Pole,
usually understood as the area within
the Arctic Circle. It includes parts of Russia,
Scandinavia, Greenland, Canada, Alaska and the
Arctic Ocean.
Although Arctic region belongs to the whole of the world and more properly to humanity,
the scenario involving the significance of Arctic ranges from its economic interests to
geopolitical. Reasons for India’s interest in this region are:-
Economic Interests:
• The northern sea route along Russia’s edge, that is likely to be free of ice first,
can reduce the sailing distance between Asian ports and northern Europe by 40
percent. The other major Arctic shipping route is the Northwest Passage, which
connects Europe and Asia. It is nearly 5,000 nautical miles shorter than the
12,600 nautical miles distance between Europe and Asia through the Panama
Canal.
• Arctic will also open up new major shipping hubs and ports at the cost of lower
trades in Asia hub, particularly Singapore. Moreover it will become easier to
transport oil from the Arctic reserves to East Asia, Americas and Europe than
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from the Middle East. India already has several ships operating in the route.
Opening of Arctic can give fillip to India’s shipping industry.
• Arctic can supply large amount of gas and oil which can reduce price, as it has
13% of oil in the world in just 3 geological provinces. More than 70% of mean oil
resources are estimated to occur in 5 provinces. Large amounts of these resources
occur off shore, making it easy to explore. India’s ONGC Videsh can have an eye
on these resources.
• In view of the political conflicts as in the Middle East, the supply of these energy
resources will become significant and India has to have its presence felt in this
area.
Climatic Interest:
• The aforementioned phenomenon of melting ice may also add to the problem of
global warming with its reduced capacity to absorb carbon dioxide. This worries
Indian scientists, as they know that any imminent change in the Arctic is going
to affect the monsoons in India, which may fall worst on the agrarian economy.
• Warm Arctic means cold continents in winter, The Northern hemisphere will
have harsher winters and longer lasting droughts.
Geopolitical Interests:
• Russia will have a stronger economy because shipping lanes will be open for a
time along its Northern coast most summers. Russia will be able to export and
import more easily. This will help India recast its policy towards Russia.
• India has good relations with the countries in the northern temperate and Arctic
Circle regions.
India’s interests in the Arctic region are scientific, environmental, commercial as well as
strategic. Even though India has been planning to increase participation in Arctic matters,
there is currently no clear path ahead. It is proposed that India should leverage trade
talks with South Korea to achieve this goal, especially since we can’t have strategic
partnerships with Russia or China going by our current US-leaning foreign policy. Our
dependence on oil, especially crude oil, should make the Arctic doubly important when
looking at India’s perpetual problem of energy security.
6. Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics.

Approach:
• Introduction:
Describe mantle plume.
• Body:
1. Give details of mental plume.
2. Explain its role in plate tectonics
Conclusion:
Model Answer
A mantle plume is a large column of hot rock rising through the mantle. The heat from

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the plume causes rocks in the lower lithosphere to melt. The largest (and most persistent)
mantle plumes are presumed to form where a large volume of mantle rock is heated at
the core-mantle boundary, about 1,800 miles below the surface, although smaller plumes
may originate elsewhere within the mantle. Once the temperature increases sufficiently
to lower the rock density, a column of the hotter-than-normal rock (perhaps 2,000 kilometres
in diameter) starts to rise very slowly through the surrounding mantle rocks.
Eventually, the rising column of hot rock reaches the base of the lithosphere, where
it spreads out, forming a mushroom-shaped cap to the plume. The overlying lithosphere is
pushed up and stretched out as the plume cap spreads. Heat transferred from the plume
raises the temperature in the lower lithosphere to above melting point, and magma
chambers form that feed volcanoes at the surface. This area is also known as a hot spot.
Because the plume remains anchored at the core-mantle boundary, it does not shift
position over time. So, as the lithospheric plate above it moves, a string of volcanoes (or
other volcanic features) is created.
Suggested mantle plume location:
Mantle plumes have been suggested as the source for flood basalts. These extremely
rapid, large scale eruptions of basaltic magmas have periodically formed continental
flood basalt provinces on land and oceanic plateaus in the ocean basins, such as
the Deccan Traps, the Siberian Traps the Karoo/Ferrar flood basalts of Gondwana
and the largest known continental flood basalt,
the Central Atlantic magmatic province(CAMP).
Role in plate tectonics:
Plumes were chimneys of warm, buoyant rock about
100 to 200 kilometres wide that were rooted at
the core-mantle boundary. These narrow conduits
of deep-mantle material rise through the solid
mantle before spreading out laterally, like a
thunderhead, in the upper asthenosphere — the
ductile zone of the upper mantle that lies below
the brittle lithosphere. From there, they can cause
the lithosphere to swell and shear, disgorge
massive flood basalts, and form age-progressive
volcano chains.
In addition to having deep roots and high temperatures relative to surrounding mantle
rock, plumes transport primordial mantle material from below the zone of active
convection; are fixed relative to one another; produce time-progressive volcanic chains;
break up continents; and drive plate tectonics.
It can seen in the formation of the Hawaiian Island-Emperor Seamount chain in the
middle of the Pacific Plate. The islands and seamounts exhibit age progression, with
the youngest near present-day Hawaii and the oldest near the Aleutian Trench was
indicative of a plate moving over a stationary hot spot. The bend in the chain indicated
that the Pacific Plate changed direction roughly 47 million years ago.
Thus the cause of volcanism far from a plate boundary is explained by mantle plum
and it has important role in plate tectonics.

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7. What are the consequences of spreading of ‘Dead Zones’ on marine ecosystem?
Approach:
• Introduction:
Briefly describe ‘Dead Zones’
• Body:
Mention consequences of spreading Dead Zone on marine ecosystem.
• Conclusion:
Mention way forward to solve the issue.
Model Answer:
Hypoxic zones are areas in the ocean of such low oxygen concentration that animal life
suffocates and dies, and as a result are sometimes called “dead zones” because most
marine life either dies, or, if they are mobile such as fish, leave the area. Habitats that
would normally be teeming with life become, essentially, biological deserts. One of the
largest dead zones forms in the Gulf of Mexico every spring.
Hypoxic zones can occur naturally, but scientists are concerned about the areas
created or enhanced by human activity. There are many physical, chemical, and biological
factors that combine to create dead zones, but nutrient pollution is the primary cause of
those zones created by humans. Recently, researchers returned to the Gulf of Oman and
found that the dead zone has expanded far more than expected, raising serious concerns
about the future of local fisheries and ecosystems, researchers reported in a new study.
Consequences of spreading Dead Zones:
1. Habitat compression and the loss of fauna as a result of hypoxia have profound
effects on ecosystem energetics and function as organisms die and are decomposed
by microbes.
2. As the benthos die, microbial pathways quickly dominate energy flows. Ecologically
important places, such as nursery and recruitment areas, suffer most from energy
diversion into microbial pathways because hypoxia tends to occur in summer,
when growth and predator energy demands are high.
3. Areas within ecosystems exposed to long periods of hypoxia have low annual
secondary production and typically no benthic fauna. Estimates of the missing
biomass in Baltic dead zones that are now persistently hypoxic are ~264,000
metric tons of carbon (MT C) annually (7) and represent ~30% of total Baltic
secondary production (26).
4. Further expansion of dead zones will depend on how climate change affects water-
column stratification and how nutrient runoff affects organic matter production.
General circulation models predict that climate change alone will deplete oceanic
oxygen by increasing stratification and warming as well as by causing large changes
in rainfall patterns, enhancing discharges of fresh water and agricultural nutrients
to coastal ecosystems.
Currently, hypoxia and anoxia are among the most widespread deleterious
anthropogenic influences on estuarine and marine environments, and now rank
with overfishing, habitat loss, and harmful algal blooms as major global environmental

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problems. There is no other variable of such ecological importance to coastal marine
ecosystems that has changed so drastically over such a short time as DO. We believe
it would be unrealistic to return to preindustrial levels of nutrient input, but an
appropriate management goal would be to reduce nutrient inputs to levels that
occurred in the middle of the past century, before eutrophication began to spread
dead zones globally.
8. “Caste system is assuming new identities and associational forms. Hence, caste
system cannot be eradicated in India.” Comment. (10)
Approach
• Introduction-
 Start by defining caste. Mention two or three important feature
• Body
 Write why it was assumed that caste will end
 Write how caste identity become a force in itself.
 Write manifestation of caste system in new identity and associational form.
 Give few contemporary example.
- Political sphere
- Economic sphere
- Social sphere
• Conclusion-
 In conclusion give your opinion by giving argument
Model Answer:
Caste is a form of social stratification characterized by endogamy, hereditary transmission
of a lifestyle which often includes an occupation, status in a hierarchy, customary social
interaction, and exclusion.
Earlier it was assumed that with spread of modernity and establishment of modern
state based on democratic values combined with effect of Industrialization and Urbanization
will lead to eradication of Caste. After independence of India, constitution of India made
provisions like abolition of untouchability, reservation of seats, right to equality to ensure
that Indian society could become modern and caste wouldn’t leave any impression on the
future India.
Unlike it was believed, caste didn’t get eradicated rather it has changed its form and
assumed new identities and association form. Earlier caste identity specially for lower
caste was a mark of humiliation and symbol of exploitation. The same identity has now
become a representation of their voice, their demand, their need and their fight for
equality in society. This new identity and associational form is manifesting itself in secular
sphere i.e. political and economic dimensions.
Political sphere - Since the 1960s a new assertiveness has characterized India’s
formerly silent majority, the lower castes that comprise more than two-thirds of the
population came together and formed political party based on caste identity. These party
not only gave voice to this silent majority but also came into power by winning election.

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Christophe Jaffrelot rightly called it ‘silent revolution’. Another examples are:
- Coming together of people for implementation of Mandal commission report
- In recent time Patel Andolan, Jat Andolan for reservation
Economic sphere- In economic sphere also we can find associations based on caste
which work for betterment of that particular caste. For ex- Dalit Indian Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (DICCI) working for Dalit Capitalism.
Social sphere- Even though caste identities have weakened a lot in social dimension
like practice of untouchability has reduced to a large extent, commensality restrictions
are not strongly practiced etc. but in marriage even today caste identity plays a very
important role. Matrimony page of any newspaper will show us how caste is one of the
important factor in marriage.
Pressure group - Caste associations act like pressure group. Caste associations make
representation to the government demanding educational facilities, land ownership and
its distribution, government jobs etc. for their caste members. Some of them submit
memoranda or organise public meetings demanding infrastructure facilities like irrigation,
electricity, loan and subsidy for fertiliser for agriculture development.
Recently people of SC/ST communities came together against supreme court’s
judgment on bringing change in Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of
Atrocities) Act. Similarly anti-reservation Bharat Bandh was called by people belonging to
General category against reservation.
Caste has adapted with change in time and has created space for itself even in
contemporary India. Max Muller has rightly said that caste cannot be abolished in India.
As a religious institution, caste may die, but as a social institution, it will live and improve.
9. Despite the implementation of various programmes for the eradication of poverty

by the government in India, poverty is still existing’. Explain by giving reasons.
Approach:
• Introduction:
Briefly explain given quotation.
• Body:
1. Mention reasons for poverty in India.
2. Mention reason for failure of poverty eradication schemes
• Conclusion:
Give some solution.
Model Answer
Poverty imposes an oppressive weight on India, especially in the rural areas where almost
three out of four Indians and 77 percent of the Indian poor live. Although poverty has been
reduced during the past four decades, it remains painfully high. Despite government
launched lots of poverty elimination schemes from Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana(JGSY)
to Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), however, has
not been sufficient to reduce the absolute number of poor. India has 269 million (21

14
percent of total population) people under the poverty line, as per the latest official headcount
of the poor in India.
Reasons for Poverty in India:-
1. The Colonial Rule - The colonial British rule laid the foundation for a long term
and chronic poverty in India after they departed. In 1947 when colonial British
left India, they left 70 percent Indians in deep poverty and a tiny elite class that
controlled everything. Over six decades later in 2011-2012, poverty is down to 21
percent despite the multifold increase in population. However, despite the
significant progress, even 21 percent poverty means a huge headcount in a country
of 1.3 billion people.
2. Social Inequality Leading to Exclusion and Marginalization - Lower caste people
have traditionally been excluded from the mainstream society governed by the
so-called upper caste communities. They have historically lived isolated in the
periphery of the villages and townships and subsisted doing only those tasks
considered “unfit” for the other castes. Another segment of society that is still
very much detached from the mainstream is the tribal community forming 8% of
the population. These tribal people have historically lived in secluded areas such
as forests. The policy of reservation in government jobs for the backward
communities has certainly helped them to rise up to some extent. But it is
insufficient because government jobs are limited.
3. Illiteracy - High level of illiteracy, particularly in the rural areas and among women,
has been a crucial factor not only in perpetuating economic backwardness but
also for high population growth. The persistence of high illiteracy has created a
situation where poverty and population have been feeding each other.
4. Population - Ever increasing population is not a direct cause of poverty but it is an
effect. More people mean the need of more resource, food etc. But if this surplus
is trained in a right way then it can take part in the economic development of the
country.
5. Gender Inequality - Gender equality is both a core concern and an essential part
of human development. Indian social fabric is highly patriarchal which has left
women significantly exploited and discriminated.
6. Unequal Distribution of Wealth - According to the latest edition of Oxfam
International’s global inequality report titled Reward Work, Not Wealth published
in Jan 2018, the richest 1 percent in India bagged 73% of the wealth created last
year; the poorest half got just 1 %. Rising inequality is working against the efforts
of poverty eradication; it is also fracturing the society and undermining Indian
democracy.
7. Faulty Economic Reforms - It is believed that economic reforms started in early
1990s are responsible for the fall down of rural economy in India. It also led to the
agrarian crisis. Also villages in India are not self sufficient like they used to be.
The rural youth is mostly not well educated, lack of skill and even not interested
in farming.
8. Jobless Economic Growth - The Economic Survey 2015-16 estimated that informal
sector provided 90% of jobs through the period 2004-05 to 2011-12. Further, the

15
Survey also pointed to a shift in the pattern of employment from permanent jobs
to casual and contract employment. The increasingly “temporary” nature of work
has an “adverse effect” on the level of wages, stability of employment, and employees’
social security. It also indicates preference by employers away from regular/
formal employment to circumvent labour laws.
9. Corruption - India, if not completely but is almost synonymous with the word
corruption. Numerous scams in the recent years explain the saga of corruption.
Almost all the government departments are affected from it. Corruption is regarded
as one of the biggest reasons of poverty in India.
10.Lack of small scale sectors – Majority of economic policies and reforms are not
friendly towards small scale industries. So these policies are making and creating
bureaucrats but suppressing entrepreneurs.
Reasons for failure of Poverty eradication schemes:
1. While a large number of poverty alleviation programmes have been initiated, they
function in silos. There is no systematic attempt to identify people who are in
poverty, determine their needs, address them and enable them to move above the
poverty line.
2. There is no commitment by the government to support an individual or a household
for getting minimum level of subsistence through any programme or group of
programmes. The resources allocated to anti-poverty programmes are inadequate
and there is a tacit understanding that targets will be curtailed according to fund
availability.
3. There is no method to ensure that programmes reach everybody they are meant
for. While our plans have taken cognisance of the literature on chronic poverty
and dynamics of poverty, alleviation programmes and schemes have not used this
understanding to address this issue.
Way Forward:
India needs a comprehensive “human development” plan in order to really crush the
widespread poverty.
1. It needs an economy that supports millions of small and medium enterprises that
are suitable to employ low skilled poor people.
2. Focus on good governance to root out deep rooted corruption that eats away major
chunk of the welfare budget.
3. Finally, promote women empowerment through education and healthcare; it will
greatly help deal with poverty fed by the population growth.
10. How the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of
secularism? Discuss.
Approach:
• Introduction:
Briefly define secularism
• Body:
1. Mention Indian and western model of secularism.
16
2. Give points of difference between both of them.
• Conclusion:
Mention speciality of Indian secularism.
Model Answer:
Secularism, as defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is the “indifference to, or
rejection or exclusion of, religion and religious considerations.” As a philosophy, secularism
seeks to interpret life on principles taken solely from the material world, without recourse
to religion. In political terms, secularism is the principle of the separation of government
institutions and persons mandated to represent the state from religious institution and
religious dignitaries.
Secularism is among the most complex terms in social and political theory. In the
western context the main sense of these terms has to do with the separation of church
and state. The separation of religious and political authority marked a major turning
point in the social history of the west. This separation was related to the process of
“secularisation” or the progressive retreat of religion from public life, as it was converted
from a mandatory obligation to a voluntary personal practice. Secularisation in turn was
related to the arrival of modernity and the rise of science and rationality as alternatives
to religious ways of understanding the world.
The Indian meanings of secular and secularism include the western sense but also
involve others. The most common use of secular in everyday language is as the opposite of
communal. So, a secular person or state is one that does not favour any particular religion
over others. Secularism in this sense is the opposite of religious chauvinism and it need
not necessarily imply hostility to religion as such.
There are two fundamental features of secularism which are true in both cases:
1. State does not have an official religion nor does it discriminate or favour citizens
on grounds only of religion
2. Freedom of citizens to practice any religion of their choice or be atheist.
Western secularism implies strict separation/distancing of Church and state. The
state has an attitude of indifference towards religion. The Indian secularism is
however distinct in three ways:
1. Rather than indifference, there is an equal respect for all religions. So in India,
we have public holidays on major religious festivals, state subsidy for pilgrimages
like haj, tirupati etc.
2. Indian constitution gives certain rights to religious denominations to establish
and administer religious institutions. State can provide support in form of grants,
tax concessions etc. Religious minorities can also establish educational
institutions.
3. Indian secularism also provides scope for state supported religious reforms. for
instance, abolition of untouchability. Religious freedoms can be curtailed subject
to social reforms. Recent sabrimala temple decision by supreme court shows it.
So one can see that Indian secularism is conditioned to India’s history of religious
pluralism and tolerance , its deeply religious society where religion exerts its influence
as a social force much beyond the confines of personal affairs of individuals as in
17
western society.
It is also clear that in west, state can’t do anything in case of injustices arising
within particular religion as long as they do not violate the law of land. Indian
secularism provides scope for progressive religious reforms and ensure both inter-
religious and intra-religious equality.
11. The Bhakti movement received a remarkable re-orientation with the advent of Sri
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Discuss.
Approach:
• Introduction:
Give brief account about Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
• Body:
1. Mention his teachings and his role in bhakti movement.
2. Mention his contribution in bhakti movement.
Conclusion:
Model Answer:
One of the greatest saint of the Bhakti movement was Shri Chaitanya, popularly known
as Gouranga Mahaprabhu. He was born in 1486 A.D. at Navadweep in West Bengal in a
Brahmin family. He was the chief proponent of the Achintya Bheda Abheda and Gaudiya
Vaishnavism tradition within Hinduism. He also expounded the Vaishnava school of Bhakti
yoga based on Bhagavata Purana and Bhagavad Gita Of various forms and direct or indirect
expansions of Krishna such as Lord Narasimha, Maha-Vishnu and Garbhodakshaya Vishnu
respectively, he is Krishna in the mood of a devotee. He popularised the chanting of
the Hare Krishna mantra and composed the Siksastakam(eight devotional prayers)
in Sanskrit. His followers, Gaudiya Vaishnavas, revere him as a Krishna.
Teachings of Shri Chaitanya:
• Chaitanya’s teachings centred round ‘love’ – from intense human love to divine
love. He opened the doors of divine love to all by chanting and singing the glories
of Krishna in the form of Kirtans. Kirtan is not merely a religious song, but a
feeling of ecstasy emanating from love and devotion, accompanied by singing and
dancing of the highest spiritual order when one can feel the presence of Almighty.
In fact, Chaitanya believed that by singing Kirtan alone one can realise God,
because it transports the mind from the material world to the divine world.
Re-orientation of bhakti movement by Chaitanya mahaprabhu :
• Chaitanya was an exponent of the Radha-Krishna cult. His biographer Krishnadas
Kaviraj has summed up his teachings in the following manner:
• “If a creature adores Krishna and serves his guru, he is released from this world
of illusion and attains Krishna’s feet and leaving these temptations and religious
system based on caste, the true Vaishnava takes refuge with Krishna.”
• Thus, for him, God was Krishna or Hari who would be pleased only by intense love
and devotion of the devotee. He advises his followers to listen to the recitation of

18
God’s name, recollect his kindness, bow to him and worship him, do what he wills
as a servant, believe him as a friend. Then dedicate yourself to him. This surrender
is unconditional (Nishkama).
• Such adoration is known as Madliura bhava and Chaitanya’s exposition of Rasalila
is one of his most profound contributions to Indian philosophy. Chaitanya was a
champion of social liberation. He denounced caste system and stood for the
universal brotherhood of man. At the same time he was very much opposed to the
domination of the priestly class and superfluous rituals and ceremonies. It was
due to his attitude of social liberation that people of socially oppressed classes
became his disciples. Indeed, one of his most favourite disciples was a Muslim
named Haridas.
• True to the Vaishnava way of life Chaitanya stood for truth and non-violence. He
led an ascetic life and maintained celebacy. His teachings were simple and,
therefore, had a universal appeal. The Radha-Krishna cult and Chaitanya’s
preaching through singing Kirtans generated remarkable impact in Bengal and
Orissa and the impact continues to be felt even today. Chaitanya died in 1533 in
the premises of Jagannath temple at Puri while singing kirtan. His followers
believed that Shri Chaitanya merged with Lord Jagannath whom he considered
to be the embodiment of Krishna. Thus Chaitanya gives new heights to Krishna
bhakti.
12. Discuss whether formation of new states in recent times is beneficial or not for
the economy of India. (15)
Approach:
• Introduction:
Formation of new states in recent past.
• Body:
Positive and negative impact of new states of Indian
economy.
• Conclusion:
Creation of new states only in economic viable conditions
otherwise empower local self governance.
Model Answer:
Article 3 of Indian Constitution says that Parliament may by law
form a new State by separation of territory from any State or by uniting two or more
States or parts of States or by uniting any territory to a part of any State;
In recent times, three new states, Chhattisgarh, Uttaranchal, and Jharkhand from
reconstituting Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, respectively in 2000. In 2014,
Telangana was formed by bifurcating Andhra Pradesh.
Impact of formation of new states for Indian economy:
Positive Impact:
a) New state formed increases consumption for the formation of new capital,
19
secretariat etc. For instance Andhra Pradesh is building Amravathi as new capital,
which has led to increased consumption of cement, steel and other construction
activities. This has benefitted Indian economy.
b) New canal building activities for growth of agriculture like Polavaram dam,
Kaleshvaram Project in Telangana have also led to economic boost.
c) New business activities could reach new region which were hitherto neglected.
For example Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. This would spur inclusive growth in
India.
d) The three new states have grown fast as compared to mother states. Uttarakhand
has averaged 9.31% growth annually, Jharkhand 8.45%, and Chattisgarh 7.35%.
All three states belong to what was historically called the BIMARU zone and have
capacity to compete and bring major population out of poverty.
e ) More states will lead to more diverse set of policies and more opportunities for
investors. This will encourage industrial growth and trigger a competition for the
state policies that attract the most investors. This will eventually benefit the
people.
f) Distribution of resources can be done more efficiently in smaller states and there
won’t be an unfavourable balance of economic resources. The best example is the
state of Chhattisgarh, which has flourished after its separation from Madhya
Pradesh.
g) Smaller states will resemble local government more and state government will be
able to pay adequate attention to the local problems. Lack of Socio–Economic
development among tribals, farmers, other weaker sections gives rise to issues
like Naxalism. Smaller states would take state closer to people and people
participation in governance can be improved. This would solve issues like farmer
suicides and help in growth of India.
But many times if formation of new states are not done on the basis of rational and
scientific criteria, it could have NEGATIVE IMPACT on Indian economy:
a) Economic viability – If new small state formed is not economical viable, then it
would become burden on center and always depend on center’s funds. For example
Gorkhaland and Bodoland, two new states demand, economy is totally depended
on tea estates and tourism, which may not be sufficient for these states self-
sufficiency.
b) More number of smaller states increases more trade barriers for inter-state trade
thus decreasing ease of doing business in India.
Smaller states are beneficial to economy when created after proper deliberations and
scientific analysis like in case of Uttarakhand and Chattisgarh. In case, where it in not
feasible, an alternative to creation of new states is to implement proper decentralization
and devolution of power: to State governments; to district authorities; to the blocks and
mandals; to the panchayats; and the municipalities.

20
13. Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to their colonies?
Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?
Approach:
• Introduction:
Briefly give information about indentured labour system.
• Body:
1. Mention reasons for indentured labour immigration by British
2. Give information about Preservation of cultural identity by them.
• Conclusion:
Mention about Indian Diaspora by indentured system.
Model Answer:
The defining feature of nineteenth century plantation labour was the indenture system.
The term indenture refers to a written contract entered into by a person to work for
another for a given period of time. As stated by Carter, indentured labour was an individual
who had not paid his or her passage but had entered into an agreement to receive
transported assistance to a colony in return for a fixed period of labour.
Reasons for indentured labour immigration by British:-
1. After the abolition of slavery, newly free men and women refused to work for the
low wages on offer on the sugar farms in British colonies in the West
Indies. Indentured labour was a system of bonded labour that was instituted
following the abolition of slavery. Indentured labour were recruited to work on
sugar, cotton and tea plantations, and rail construction projects in British colonies
in West Indies, Africa and South East Asia. From 1834 to the end of the WWI,
Britain had transported about 2 million Indian indentured workers to 19 colonies
including Fiji, Mauritius, Ceylon, Trinidad, Guyana, Malaysia, Uganda, Kenya
and South Africa.
2. The lack of slave labour which the British had installed on the tropical plantations
(producing sugar, coffee, bananas, tea) quickly made itself felt, and an international
migration of free labourers replaced the forceful importation of slaves. Countries
whose economy had depended on the continuous importation of slaves found other
sources of labour supply within a few decades.
3. India, as a British Colony, was the natural choice from which to import labour.
Indian workers were perceived as being quiet, docile and industrious. Also due
British economic policies the conditions of Indian are very bad. Farmers and
artists are in bad condition they are ready to work abroad.
4. Indian convicts from Bengal and Bombay are ready to work as ready to work as
indentured labour. Some were sent to work on sugar plantations. Many were
skilled and worked as tailors, cooks, cotton spinners, indigo manufacturers. Some
helped to launch, very successfully, opium and silk production.
Preservation of cultural identity by Indentured labours of India:-
• The children of indentured labour live in migrated country from 2-3 generation.

21
These people develop Cultural- Pluralism and Multi-Culturalism. This develops
feelings of togetherness, expressing “Indianness” (as is the case of Indians), which
is shared by all Indian communities and which helps form an Indian Diaspora
that has transnational affinities.
• There emerges a psychological feeling, translated into words such as, “They are
like us and belong to the same country from where I come”. In social structure,
many features can be the same, such as, the vernacular language, kinship
nomenclature, ideology of caste, religion and culture. The difference is in
endogamous marriage patterns, practices and ritual performances. There is always
a tendency to marry within endogamous group. If the rules are broken there is
always a danger of social ostracization. The group maintains its distinctiveness
which helps keep its uniqueness intact. With integration policy of certain behavioral
values of the ethnic group are not in conflict with broader values, patterns and
legal forms common to the entire society preserved
Over the following century, the descendents of those who stayed back became significant
parts of the population of a number of countries including like Guyana, Surinam, Trinidad,
Jamaica, Malaysia and South Africa, and, to a lesser extent, in the East African countries
of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
14. “The ideal solution of depleting ground water resources in India is water harvesting
system.” How can it be made effective in urban areas?
Approach:
• Introduction:
Mention briefly about importance of rainwater harvesting.
• Body:
Mention methods for effective rainwater harvesting in urban areas.
Conclusion: Mention some steps to make it more effective.
Model Answer
Rainwater harvesting including rooftop rainwater harvesting is very effective in checking
the fall in the groundwater table and restoring it to normal level. In certain critical areas,
rainwater harvesting is also used as a measure to mitigate to a limited extent the problem
of drinking water. Water harvesting can also be achieved by in situ harvesting (collection
of water in original place), storage of water in aquifers (artificial recharge of groundwater
by percolation tanks, check-dams, etc.), soil conservation methods which help to increase
groundwater recharge, enhancement of surface runoff collection and evaporation control
by chemicals films, hydrophobic coating materials, etc.
• In urban areas, rain water available from roof tops of buildings, paved and unpaved
areas goes waste. This water can be recharged to aquifer and can be utilized
gainfully at the time of need. The rain water harvesting system needs to be
designed in a way that it does not occupy large space for collection and recharge
system. A few techniques of roof top rain water harvesting in urban areas are
described below.

22
Recharge pit:
• In alluvial areas where permeable rocks are exposed on the land surface or are
located at very shallow depth, rain water harvesting can be done through recharge
pits.
• The technique is suitable for buildings having a roof area of 100 sq.m. These are
constructed for recharging the shallow aquifers.
Recharge trench:
• Recharge trenches are suitable for buildings having roof area of 200-300 sq. m.
and where permeable strata are available at shallow depths.
• Trench may be 0.5 to 1 m wide, 1 to 1.5m. Deep and 10 to 20 m. long depending
upon availability of water to be recharge.
Tube wells:
• In areas where the shallow aquifers have dried up and existing tube wells are
tapping deeper aquifer, rain water harvesting through existing tube well can be
adopted to recharge the deeper aquifers.
Trench with recharge well:
• In areas where the surface soil is impervious and large quantities of roof water or
surface runoff is available within a very short period of heavy rainfall, the use of
trench/ pits is made to store the water in a filter media and subsequently recharge
to ground water through specially constructed recharge wells.
•· These techniques are ideally suited for area where permeable horizon is within
3m below ground level.
Apart from these techniques some more work need to be done as water harvesting should
be made mandatory and also more awareness should be created. Indiscriminate digging
of bore wells should be stopped. Lakes and ponds should be rejuvenated. In urban areas,
where annual recharge to groundwater has reduced considerably due to urban activities,
the rooftop rainwater harvesting could be made mandatory, by amending buildings byelaws,
awareness generation system of incentives and prizes, empowering of RWA’s, and listing
of names of people related to water wastage etc.
15. Defining blue revolution, explain the problems and strategies for pisciculture
development in India.
Approach:
• Introduction:
Define Blue revolution.
• Body:
1. Mention problems for pisciculture development in India.
2. Mention strategies for pisciculture development in India.
• Conclusion: Way forward.

23
Model Answer:
Blue revolution refers to the increase in the production of aquaculture (i.e production of
all kinds aquatic animals like animals and plants occuring in marine and fresh waters
etc). Blue Revolution, the Neel Kranti Mission has the vision to achieve economic prosperity
of the country and the fishers and fish farmers as well as contribute towards food and
nutritional security through full potential utilization of water resources for fisheries
development in a sustainable manner, keeping in view the bio-security and environmental
concerns.
Piscicultutre is major part of blue revolution. Fish farming or pisciculture involves
raising fish commercially in tanks or enclosures such as fish ponds, usually for food.
It is the principal form of aquaculture, while other methods may fall
under mariculture. The problems related to pisciculture in India are:-
1. Major zoological degradation owing to increased abstraction of water by industrial
and human settlements and washoff of agricultural pesticides.
2. Many reservoirs are understocked, unexploited and not well managed.
3. Sometimes outbreak of major disease like which spot viral disease may damage
the growth and present production.
4. Absence of proper extension network with field and laboratory facilities.
5. Shortage of high quality fish meal for feed.
6. Shortage of quality and healthy fish seeds and other critical inputs.
7. It may be mentioned that freshwater aquaculture is not only compatible with any
of the farming systems. Crop-based or livestock-based, but also that these systems
could receive, process and treat a number of organic wastes, mainly domestic
sewage.
8. Lack of resource-specific fishing vessels and reliable resource and updated data.
9. Inadequate awareness about nutritional and economic benefits of fish.
10. Inadequate extension staff for fisheries and training for fishers and fisheries
personnel.
11. Absence of standardization and branding of fish products.
Strategies to solve these problems and development of pisciculture in India:-
• Technology transfer and linkage development: Strong linkages between research
organisations and development agencies are essential not only to transfer the
technologies from laboratory to the field, but also to obtain feedbacks on the
prevalent problems and technology adoption levels.
• Infrastructure for quality seed and feed: Seed and feed being two key inputs in
aquaculture, appropriate policy measures need to be taken to provide the
infrastructure for production of quality fish and shellfish seed across the country
as also encourage private entrepreneurship in the sector.
• Ownership of water bodies: As most water bodies comprising ponds, tanks and
small reservoirs are public waters, fishing and aquaculture rights need to be
properly delegated to aqua culturists with leasing policies allowing reasonable
durations of ownership. This will enable entrepreneurs to invest and develop the
24
water bodies for long-term fish culture practices.
• Mobile laboratories: With aquaculture management increasingly becoming
scientific and farms located in far flung areas, the concept of mobile laboratories
for soil and water testing, fertilizer recommendations, fish health checks and
advisory services for pond management, is to be put into practice. Mobile fish
disease diagnostic laboratories are particularly important. This will aid fish culture
practices.
• Eco-friendly aquaculture: With pollution control and environmental management
being of great concern, it is necessary that farming practices incorporate them in
management. This aspect needs to be exploited to develop resource recovery-
based waste treatment measures.
• Aquaculture financing: Freshwater aquaculture technologies provide for a wide
array of culture systems. Aquaculture financing needs to consider wide possible
varieties in inputs and scales of investment.
• Data management: Information base for fisheries sector has been found to be
weak as compared to crop systems that are vital for policy decisions at the macro
level. It is necessary to develop data bases on different aspect of fisheries and
aquaculture regarding resources and production-consumption patterns, for
formulating strategies for investment and development in the sector.
• Human resource development: Trained manpower at different levels of
management and application has become a necessity in the wake of increasing
entrepreneurial interest in freshwater aquaculture sector.
• Insurance coverage: With aquaculture becoming commercial it is necessary to
provide due insurance coverage to operations that involve several risks like natural
calamities, disease incidence and crop failure.
• Use of modern bio-technology.
Considering the limited scope of the capture fisheries from coastal waters and natural
inland waters like rivers and estuaries, emphasis on aquaculture and culture based
fisheries from reservoirs and floodplain wetlands to meet the targeted fish requirement
of 8.3 million tons by 2020 is appropriate considering the availability of vast water resources,
rich cultivable species diversity, sound technological and strong human resource.
16. What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identify industrial corridors,
explain their main characteristics.
Structure of answer:
• Introduction:
Briefly describe about industrial corridors in India.
• Body:
1. Mention the significance of these industrial corridors.
2. Describe different industrial corridors and their main characteristics.

25
• Conclusion:
Summarise with its role in development of India.
Model Answer:
An industrial corridor is a package of infrastructure spending allocated to a specific
geographical area, with the intent to stimulate industrial development.
An industrial corridor aims to create an area with a cluster of manufacturing or
other industry. Such corridors are often created in areas that have pre existing
infrastructure, such as ports, highways and railroads. These modalities are arranged such
that an “arterial” modality, such as a highway or railroad, receives “feeder” roads or
railways. Concerns when creating corridors include correctly assessing demand and
viability, transport options for goods and workers, land values, and economic incentives for
companies. The government has conceptualised five industrial and economic corridors
and all are at different stages of implementation.
Significance of Industrial Corridors
It is argued that benefits of industrial development should be reaped by all states
and regions so as to avoid developmental divide between states.
1. The establishment of NMIZ in a scattered manner along the industrial corridor
across the length of the state would prevent distress migration and provide people
with job opportunities close to their dwelling place.
2. It will prevent concentration of industries in one particular location which exploited
the environment beyond its carrying capacity and caused environmental
degradation.
3. As efficiency creeps in India’s industrial production structure due to improved
transportation system and health labour force, the production costs would come
down. The lower costs would make Indian goods competitive in the global market
and thus open avenues of export.
4. The production of export surplus would generate employment opportunities and
raise per capita incomes.
5. Moreover, people would find job opportunities close to their homes and would not
have to migrate to far-off places thereby preserving family as an institution. This
will also increase social integration in the country.
6. The spread effects of industrial corridors in socio-economic terms are many such
as setting up of industrial townships, educational institutions, roads, railways,
airports, hospitals that will generate employment and raise standard of living.
The Government is developing 5 Industrial Corridors in the country, as follows:
1. Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) covering the States of Uttar Pradesh,
Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
2. Chennai Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) covers the States of Tamil Nadu,
Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
3. Bengaluru Mumbai Economic Corridor (BMEC) covers the States of Maharashtra
and Karnataka.

26
4. Amritsar Kolkata Industrial
Corridor (AKIC) covers the States
of Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand,
Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand
and West Bengal.
5. East Coast Economic Corridor
(ECEC) covers the States of West
Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh
and Tamil Nadu.
Characteristics of Industrial
Corridor
• Industrial Corridors recognize the
inter-dependence of various
sectors of the economy and offer
effective integration between
industry and infrastructure
leading to overall economic and
social development. Industrial
corridors constitute world class
infrastructure such as high-speed transportation (rail, road) network, ports with
state-of- the-art cargo handling equipment, modern airports, special economic
regions/ industrial areas, logistic parks/transshipment hubs, knowledge parks
focused on feeding industrial needs, complementary infrastructure such as
townships/ real estate, and other urban infrastructure along with enabling policy
framework.
• Industrial corridor provides opportunities for private sector investment in the
provision of various infrastructure projects associated with the exploitation
industrial opportunity. However, the successful utilization of opportunities that
arises from industrial corridors depends on availability of efficient transport and
other infrastructure support systems. Corridor approach for industrial development
primarily takes advantage of the existence of proven, inherent and underutilized
economic development potential within the influence region.
Apart from the development of infrastructure, long-term advantages to business and
industry along the corridor include benefits arising from smooth access to the industrial
production units, decreased transportation and communications costs, improved delivery
time and reduction in inventory cost. The strategy of an industrial corridor is thus intended
to develop a sound industrial base, served by world-class competitive infrastructure as a
prerequisite for attracting investments into export oriented industries and manufacturing.
17. Mention core strategies for the transformation of aspirational districts in India
and explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its
success.
Approach:
• Introduction:

27
Briefly describe aspirational district program.
• Body:
1. Mention core strategies for transformation of aspirational district.
2. Explain the nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success
• Conclusion:
Mention the aim of program.
Model Answer:
The Transformation of Aspirational Districts programme (ADP) focuses on transforming
115 districts across 28 states which account for more than 20% of the country‘s population
and cover over 8,600 gram panchayats, that have witnessed the least progress along
certain development parameters like districts affected by Left-wing extremism and poor
connectivity.
Core strategies for transformation of aspirational district:-
1. Selection of districts- The 117 districts were identified from 28 states, at least
one from each state, in a transparent manner by a committee of Senior Officers
to the Government of India, in consultation with State Officials using a composite
index of key data sets that included deprivation enumerated under the Socio-
Economic Caste Census, key health and education sector performance and state
of basic infrastructure.
2. Institutional framework- This programme is a policy priority of Government of
India. NITI Aayog anchors the programme with support from Central Ministries
and the State Governments. While NITI Aayog is steering the initiative in 30
districts, various central ministries oversee 50 districts besides the Ministry of
Home Affairs, which focuses on 35 Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts.
Officers at the level of Joint Secretary / Additional Secretary have been nominated
to become the ‘Central Prabhari Officers’ of each district. States have appointed
state-nodal and Prabhari officers. An Empowered Committee under the
Convenorship of the CEO, NITI Aayog will help in the convergence of various
government schemes and streamlining of efforts.
3. Focus areas- The Government is committed to raising the living standards of its
citizens and ensuring inclusive growth for all – “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas”. To
enable optimum utilization of their potential, this program focuses closely on
improving people’s ability to participate fully in the vibrant economy. Health &
Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Financial Inclusion & Skill
Development, and Basic Infrastructure are this programme’s core areas of focus.
After several rounds of consultations with various stakeholders, 49 key performance
indicators have been chosen to measure progress of the districts. Districts are
aspiring to first catch-up with the best district within their State, and subsequently
aspire to become one of the best in the country, by competing with, and learning
from others in the spirit of competitive & cooperative federalism.
4. More autonomy to local government: Since the local government is in a unique
position to understand the complexities of the districts, greater autonomy is given
to local government in form of flexible spending components, etc.

28
5. Change in attitude: The districts have been described as aspirational rather
than backward so that they are viewed as islands of opportunity and hope rather
than areas of distress and hopelessness.
6. Partnering with civil society: This programme has opened its door to civil society
and leveraged the tool of corporate social responsibility to form partnerships which
will bring new ideas and fresh energy
7. Methodology-
a. Baseline Ranking - The objective of the program is to monitor the real-time
progress of aspirational districts based on 49 indicators (81 data-points) from
the 5 identified thematic areas.
b. Real time Data collection: NITI Aayog has created a dashboard to monitor the
real time progress in the districts and large-scale efforts have been done to
collect, distill and disseminate data regarding selected Key Performance
Indicators.
c. Sector Ranking - Health and Nutrition (30%), Education (30%), Agriculture &
Water resources (20%), Basic Infrastructure (10%) and Financial inclusion &
Skill Development (10%).
The nature of convergence, collaboration and competition for its success:-
1. Convergence: It brings together all levels of government, from central and state
officers driving operations, to the district collectors implementing innovative
measures on the ground.
2. Collaboration: It is a collaborative effort between central and state governments,
various foundations and civil society. Through partnerships with several voluntary
organisations, the programme benefits from different perspectives, technical skills
and on-the-ground experience.
3. Competition: It takes the principle of competitive federalism down to district
administrations. It permits autonomy at the level of local governments. Each
district will be ranked on the focus areas which are disaggregated into easily
quantifiable target areas.
Thus the broad contours of the programme are Convergence (of Central & State
Schemes), Collaboration (of Central, State level ‘Prabhari’ Officers & District Collectors),
and Competition among districts driven by a spirit of mass Movement. With States as the
main drivers, this program will focus on the strength of each district, identify low-hanging
fruits for immediate improvement, measure progress, and rank districts.
Launched in January 2018, the ‘Transformation of Aspirational Districts’ initiative
aims to remove this heterogeneity through a mass movement to quickly and effectively
transform these districts. This programme is committed to raising the living standards of
its citizens and ensuring inclusive growth for all.
18. ‘Women’s movement in India has not addresses the issues of women of lower
strata’.substantiate your view.
Approach
• Introduction-

29
 Briefly mention problems of women and aim of the women movement in India.
• Body
 Mention history of women movement.
 Mention why women movement not able to addresses the issues of women of
lower strata.
 Mention some positive move in this direction.
• Conclusion
 Mention way forward.
Model Answer:
Women in india has been traditionally deprived section of our society. Derogatory practices
such as sati,purda system,widow remarriage, child marriage,female foeticide,
marginalisation of women has been at every stage of her life which are against her
dignity. Some of these are still practised.
Women’s movements in India are aimed at defining, establishing, and defending
equal political, economic, and social rights for women. The right to equal pay for equal
work, the right to have equal access to health and education, and equal political rights
are the demands. Also these movement started against culture-specific issues within
India’s patriarchial society, such as inheritance laws and the practice of widow immolation
known as Sati.
History of women’s movement in India can be divided in 3 phases:
FIRST Phase: In eighteenth century when Europeans started to speak out aginst sati
SECOND Phase:From 1915 to indian independence when Gandhiji incorporated
women’s movement into Quit India movement
THIRD Phase: Post independence,which was focussed on fair treatment of the women
at home and after marriage, against sexual harassment at work place, against human
trafficking,right to political parity.
Women movement in India has started with aim to address women’s issues but
unfortunately it failed to address the issues of women of lower strata.
1. Women’s movement in India largely focussed on urban and some times in town
areas, it’s Geographical reach was also limited. Women from country side are
not very aware of their rights and independent existance.
2. Traditionaly women are home bound in villages and in urban areas women have
not actively participated in these movements.As they are considered marginalised
and our patriarchial society not easily allowed them to take part in these
movement.
3. Women belonging to dalit and tribal communites are more vulnerable to atrocities
for example khairlangee case in maharashtra is evident,many tribal womens
are sexually exploited by outsiders such as mining contractors, and at
MGNAREGA work place,women working in house hold are also victims of
physical and verbal abuse.
4. Women working in unorganised sectors(especially in construction sector) are

30
not getting equal pay to their male counterparts for same work. This is another
example of denying women their equal right.Since women in lower strata are
usually homemakers ,their work is not celebrated because it is unpaid.
5. Acess to quality health care is still distant dream for large sections of women
belonging to dalit,tribal,lower economic and social strata and women working
in agriculture this is evident that still maternal mortality in india is about to 130/
100,000. In India two third women from these communities are affected by Cancer
because these women are habitual to tobbaco consumption and smoking bidis.
6. These movement has limited success in area of human trafficking,commodifying
women and trading in the market for sex work,is still black side modern India.
These movements benifited just small fraction of urban educated middle and
upper class women.
7. Still female infanticide high in rural india (also in urban India) where most of
women population belong to dalit, aadivasi, muslims, lower income group. Absence
of capacity bulding,such as providing them skill is still in its infant stage, and
these women are completly dependent on their male partner.
8. Personal law is one more hindrence in dignity of muslim women ,until recently
supreme court struck down tripple talaq and given them equal status as per The
CONSTITUTION .
• Therefore in India women are still facing various issues which are creating
problems for women to achieve their full potential as human being.When
India is moving fast forward in economic growth rate still benifits of these
economic growth not reached to this strata of women still they are dependent
,marginalised, vulnerable to various crimes and age old social coustoms,lower
participation in work force and lower productivity of women are still big
challenges.
• Though still these problems are existing in our society but few movements are
started again specific women issues such GULABI GANG against wide spread
domestic abuse and other violence,establishing women SHG’s,government of
India in 2005 enacted to protect women from DOMESTIC VIOLENCE,
VISHAKHA guidelines given by supreme court on which govt of India passed
sexual harrasment of women at workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and
Reddressal)act 2013,establishment of National Women Commission is another
important step,strong penal provision made by government against human
trafficking and female foeticide are relevant in this regard, BETI BACHAO
BETI PADHAO is another step taken by government.
WAY FORWARD:
For inclusive developement and making just and egalitarian society we need to focus
on these issues.Creating awarness and attitudinal change in male dominant indian
society is first and foremost step,capacity building of women,entrepreneurship among
women can be prove as a game-changer,strict implementation of law’s and awarness
regarding these law’s is very necessary,elimanation of poverty is watershade in women
developement as women are first who suffer in poverty.

31
19. ‘Globalization is generally said to promote cultural homogenization but due to
this cultural specificities appear to be strengthened in the Indian Society. Elucidate.
Approach:
• Introduction:
Define globalisation and build context for next part of answer
• Body:
Question demands you to analyse impact of globalisation on culture. Here try to
give all dimensions of impact of globalisation on culture. Divide your answer into
subheadings
• First show how Cultural Homogenisation is taking place give examples for it
• Then show how
- Glocalization or Hybridization
- Heterogenization
- Cultural Clash
• Is happening and how these lead to strengthening of cultural specificities in
Indian society.
• Conclusion:
• In conclusion show how globalisation is making local things global
Modcl Answer:
Transnational flows of people, financial resources, goods, information and culture
have recently been increasing in a drastic way and have profoundly transformed
the world. This phenomenon has been labeled as globalization. Generally it is believed
that globalisation spread the culture of sameness which lead to cultural homogenisation,
but there are other impacts of globalisation also which strengthen cultural specificities
i.e. Hybridisation, Heterogeneity, cultural clash
Cultural Homogenisation
• The cultural homogenization is a process of increasing global interdependence
and interconnectedness that lead toward growing cultural standardization and
uniformization. This is also manifested by the increasing homogeneity of world
values like rationalization, free market competition, commodification and
democratic or human rights and above all a global culture.
The impact of global culture is very much felt across India.
- Brands like Nike, Reebok, Levi’s, Lee and others, which were available earlier in
some selected cities of India, are now available everywhere in India.
- The homogenization of consumption patterns and lifestyles is reflected by the
process of McDonaldization, CocaColalisation, Disneyfication or simply
Americanization of India and its Culture.
- The prominent popular American and Western cultural symbols such as Coca-
Cola, Blue Jeans, Rock Music and McDonald’s Golden Arches are spread all over
India and accepted by its people as quality of life.
This homogenizing influence of globalization weakens and destroys existing cultures

32
and move towards world culture. However, Indian society is segmented in communities
which enjoy ‘enormous cultural autonomy’. This provides colossal cultural resilience
to communities in India to filter the effect of globalization through refectory and
prismatic adaptation. The interaction of homogenising global culture with diverse
and vibrant Indian culture lead to following response:
Glocalization or Hybridization
Glocalization refers to the phenomenon of ‘world products’ adapting to local cultures
and markets i.e. a process of looking in both directions. This process can be termed
as the process of localization of global culture thus giving global culture a local touch
and strengthening local cultural specificities upto some extent. Glocalisation can be
seen in different dimension of everyday life of people.
- Popular food chain like McDonald, Domino’s adding items in menu which confirm
with local need like Navratri special pizza and burger.
- In India, one can see that, all the foreign TV channels like Star, MTV, Channel-V
and Cartoon Network use Indian language as well Indian content.
- In Music the popularity of ‘Bhangra-pop’, ‘Indi-pop’, fusion music and even remixes
are all examples of growing glocalization of cultures of India.
- In the field of dress wearing Kurta (Indian dress) over Jeans is an example of
glocalisation
Heterogenization
• These flows due to globalisation do not eradicate local cultures, they only
change some of their traits and reinforce others. It contends that local
cultures, which are fluid constructs, have become part of a heterogeneous
transnational field of culture.
• In India people celebrate festivals like Diwali, Durga Puja, Pongal, celebration of
region specific new year like Vaisakhi in Punjab, Vishu in Kerala etc. at the
same time celebration of father’s day, mother’s day, valentine’s day and New
Year of Gregorian calendar go hand in hand. Thus cultural specificities is not
only getting strengthened but by negotiating with globalisation, space for both
are created.
Cultural identity
• Globalisation has with spreading its global and fusion culture has created threat
to the local indigenous culture. In such situation local people mostly find themselves
in condition of crisis of cultural identity. In response of that people start to search
for roots, identity and try to link with it. This can be found in popularity of Ayurvedic
product or in popularity of New age sadhus. Thus globalisation by creating a crisis
of identity, strengthen the local cultural specificities.
Conclusion
• Globalisation is a two way process it not only brings global to local but also take
local things to global arena. Acceptance of Yoga worldwide and celebrating yoga
day on 21st June is one of the many example. Thus globalisation is leading to
homogenisation as well as it is also leading to hybridisation and heterogenization
of culture.

33
20. ‘Communalism arises either due to power struggle or relative deprivation.’ Argue
by giving suitable illustrations. (15)
Approach:
• Introduction:
Define communalism
• Body:
a) How power struggle give rise to communalism
b) How relative deprivation gives rise to communalism
c) Explain above points with examples
• Conclusion:
Give way forward to solve communalism.
Model Answer:
Communalism refers to a politics that seeks to unify one community around a religious
identity by strengthening attachment of a person to his religious identity.
With time, this identity is developed in hostile opposition to another community. It
seeks to define this community identity as fundamental and fixed.
This identity and community interests are opposite and colliding with other
community.
Power Struggle and Communalism –
During communal riots, people are willing to kill, rape, and loot members of other
communities in order to redeem their pride, to protect their home turf. A commonly
cited justification is to avenge the deaths or dishonour suffered by their co-religionists
elsewhere or even in the distant past. This shows relation between power struggle
and communalism.
a) Many Muslims in Hyderabad thinks they are from ruling elites and hence must
be given privileges. Hindus are not ready accept this as to maintain the ‘power
distance’. This increases tension in the society and convert to communalism.
b) Agricultural labourers who belong religious minorities are often exploited by ‘other
religion’ landlords. This increases tension in rural areas and instances of
communalism when these labourers try to assert their rights.
c) Eve teasing case of girls of one religion by boy of other religion provides sparks to
communal riots. For example muzzafarpur riots starting was from a case of eve-
teasing. Here power struggle is shown in form of male v/s female belonging to
different religion or caste.
d) The third stage of communalism is about this struggle for limited resources
especially jobs. There is a power struggle between various communities to get
particular job. This is evident from the fact that religion and caste are important

34
markers in every resume in India. Same religion and same caste employer –
employee bonds are stronger and more faith is there. Hence are religion person
are preferred.
e ) Power struggle between political parties resulting into vote bank politics and each
trying to attract voters based on identity markers such as religion. For example
many major parties have been accused of appeasement of one religion or other
and this has only increased the gulf between various religions.
f) Power struggle between majority and minority groups in a region. Eg. Sikhs and
Hindus struggle in Punjab had been the reason for communalism.
Relative deprivation and Communalism-
Communalism reflects a psyche of relative deprivation resulting from specific
grievance of lower class.
a) Limited resources and fight for that leads to deprivation of one group or the other.
This makes the group to identify ‘oneness’ in their interest and fight together to
get it. For example Assamese v/s illegal migrants from Bangladesh or even
northern plain migrants. Deprivation of the native groups led to movements
throughout the state of Assam.
b) Violence breeds in the soil of deprivation. Deprivation makes it easier to influence
and control a group since it is unsatisfied and have to fight even for two time
meal. Such depreived people provide ground for terrorist recruitment. The ex-
Vice President Hamid Ansari had pointed out the relative deprivation among
Muslims to be the biggest causes of communal tension.
c) Conflict generated by the lower class confronting the higher feudal class over
matters of economic deprivation turns into communal conflict because of the
confluence of class and community. Thus, if the upper class in some regions was
predominantly Muslim and the lower class Hindu, or vice versa, a communal
tinge would result. Such ‘lower class communalism’ was sporadic and relations
would normalize after an outbreak.
Communalism in India is a socio-economic problem which requires a multi-pronged strategy
to tackle. Along with sensitization of public servants and inculcating values of secularism,
fast development of nation to fulfill the aspiration of every section of society needs to be
done.

35
Total 20 questions diectly/indirectly appeared in Civil Services Mains 2018 from our Mains
Test Series -2018. These are the questions which can be satisfactorily / partially answered
from our model answer.
Questions that can be Questions that can be

satisfactorily answered partially answered
UPSC Mains Dhyeya IAS MainsTest UPSC Mains Dhyeya IAS Mains Test
Question No. Series Question No. Question No. Series Question No.
GS Paper-II Q-1 Test No. 15-Q-6 GS Paper-II Q-10 Test No. 14-Q-2
GS Paper-II Q-6 Test No. 1-Q-14
GS Paper-II Q-8 Test No. 2-Q-16 & 20
GS Paper-III Q-3 Test No. 7 - Q-13 GS Paper-III Q-1 Test No. 8 - Q-1
GS Paper-III Q-6 Test No. 2 Q-19 & GS Paper-III Q-7 Test No. 13 - Q-16
Test No. 7-Q-6
GS Paper-III Q-10 Test No. 11-Q-15 GS Paper-III Q-12 Test No. 15-Q-2
GS Paper-III Q-11 Test No. 14-Q-11 GS Paper-III Q-14 Test No. 7 - Q-13
Two Essays can be answered satisfactorily from our GS Mains Test Series.
UPSC Dhyeya IAS

Essay No. Test Series Q. No.
Section - A Essay Test-1

Topic - 3 Sec.-B Topic - 1
Section - A Test - 15 Q- 9
Topic - 4
25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar, New Delhi.
1
(Opp. Metro Pillar Number 117) • Tel. : 011-49274400, 9205274743
UPSC - CSE (Mains) - 2019
Hints/Answer / Approach
(GS Paper-II)
1. In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines
(EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure
the trustworthiness of elections in India? (10)
Structure of the Answer:
• Introduction:
 Give brief details of EVM being used in India. Write about the controversy here
• Body:
 Mention the challenges faced by election commission of India to ensure
trustworthiness of elections in india.
• Conclusion:
 Write suggestion with respect to EVMs Model
Model Answer:
With a view to overcome certain problems associated with use of ballot papers and taking
advantage of development of technology so that voters cast their votes correctly without
any resultant ambiguity and removing the possibilities of invalid votes totally, the
Commission in December, 1977 mooted the idea of EVM. However, recently there have
been accusations of EVM tampering from various corners of the country eg. Accusations
by Delhi CM, UP opposition parties as well as opposition parties.
Following are the various challenges before election commission to ensure
trustworthiness of elections :
There are various reports of malfunctioning of EVMs.
1. EVM can be tampered with by physically opening it up and replacing the
chipset inside it. The chipset used is non-reprogrammable and data is ‘burnt’ into
the device. So, today it is possible to replace the chip if we have access to EVMs
2. On the VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail) front too, there are reports of
malfunctioning. Also, as per the rules, paper ballots and VVPAT machines are not
counted until the Returning Officer asks for it.
3. The outcome of the recent Uttar Pradesh civic polls suggests that tampering
could be happening.
4. Oldest democracy, US, still uses paper ballot system for the presidential elections
as Americans feel safer in using paper ballots as compared to electronic voting
machines.
5. For holding simultaneous elections of loksabha and legislative assemblies enough
number of EVMs will be needed, procurement issue can arise as elections are
nearing.
6. In case of technical glitches backup EVM machines remains a challenge.

1
7. There have been cases of malfunctioning of EVMs in various elections. Eg. There
was accusation from Bhind in MP whereby there were reports which claimed that
during demonstration, more vote went to BJP than actually cast for it.
8. Reports of malfunctioning of EVM machines has caused downslide in people’s
confidence in them.
However, though there are various issues with the initial rollout of EVM machines
but it’s a safer and wiser option as the use of paper ballot do not ensure free and fair
elections due to concerns like:
1. Transporting them and guarding them is a problem.
2. Ballot boxes can be captured as there have been experiences of booth capturing
and rigging in the past.
3. Manipulation with the vote’s casted can take easily happen.
Against these concerns, following safeguards are available in EVMs:
1. Stand alone machines: EVMs are not connected with any type of internet or with
each other. Hence, they can’t be controlled by any remote device.
2. No connection ports: EVMs do not have any outside hardware port or any chip for
receiving any kind of signal like, WIFI, Bluetooth etc.
3. First key press: This feature allows registration of only first key pressed during
voting. Connection is cut after pressing first key, hence no further key pressing
registers any vote.
4. VVPAT: Many EVMs are now connected with VVPAT machine, which shows the
paper trail of vote pressed by the voter.
5. Tamper detection: New EVMs are equipped with detection of any kind of tempering
upon start of machine.
6. EVMs data are in encrypted form and dynamic coding of key is used.
7. Date and time stamping of every key press. So any kind of external input or fault
can be easily detected.
8. EVM tracking software is used for logistic of EVM. Location of any EVM can be
easily known by ECI.
However, to overcome the above mentioned issues being faced due to EVMs, following
steps may be taken:
1. VVPAT should be given to the voter who should then drop it in the box by himself.
2. Manual counting should be mandatory in case the vote count of winner and first
runner is less than 10% instead of current method of moving to court for recounting
of ballots.
3. Initiatives like EVM Hackathon should be regular feature to ensure the credibility
of EVMs.
2. Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the
implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the
religious minority institutions? Examine. (10)

2
Approach
• Introduction:
 Write briefly on Minority institutions and provisions in Constitution regarding it.
• Body:
 Write briefly on National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)
 Write what position of constitution and Supreme Court on reservation in Minority
institution.
 Briefly write what NCSC is asking in Aligarh Muslim University issue
• Conclusion:
 Write a concluding statement which brings out the core of the answer.
Model Answer:
Minority institutions as stated in Article 30 of Constitution are the ones which are
established and administered by the religiously or linguistically minority communities, to
keep alive and foster what it considers its unique and special features. Any institution
established by any community is designated the status of a minority institution depending
on the community’s relative strength in that particular state.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is a constitutional body, it is
directly established by Article 338 of the Constitution. It investigate and monitor all
matters relating to the constitutional and other legal safeguards for the SCs and to
evaluate their working. NCSC broadly looks into the protection, welfare and development
and advancement of the SCs.
Constitutionally, reservation for SC, ST provided under article 15(4) cannot be forced
in case of minority educational institution. Moreover, the Supreme Court held in the
Case (P.A. Inamdar vs State of Maharashtra) that the policy of reservation to admit students
is not applicable to a minority institution. So NCSC cannot enforce implementation of
constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions.
Recently National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has asked Aligarh Muslim
University authorities to provide reservation to SC, ST and OBC students since it is not a
“minority institution” and receives grants from the Centre.
National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) monitor the implementation of
reservation in educational institutions but it cannot implement it in minority institution
as constitution as well as supreme court restricts imposition of reservation in Minority
institutions, so that minority groups can protect their language and religion without any
interference.
3. Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the

President of India? What consequences follow when such a declaration remains
in force? (10)
Approach
• Introduction-
 Give a brief introduction of Emergency provision in Constitution (Mention article
352 to 360)

3
• Body -
 Divide answer into two sub parts
1. Grounds for Financial Emergency
2. Effects of Financial Emergency
• Conclusion
Model Answer:
Emergency Provisions have been inserted in the Constitution for dealing with extraordinary
situations that may threaten the peace, security, stability and governance of the country
or a part thereof. They are included in part XVIII from articles 352 to 360. Financial
emergency is one of them.
Grounds for Financial Emergency
• Article 360 empowers the president to proclaim a Financial Emergency if he is
satisfied that a situation has arisen due to which the financial stability or credit
of India or any part of its territory is threatened. A proclamation declaring financial
emergency must be approved by both the Houses of Parliament within two months
from the date of its issue. No financial emergency has ever been imposed in
India.
Effects of Financial Emergency
The consequences of the proclamation of a Financial Emergency are as follows:
1. The executive authority of the Centre extends (a) to directing any state to observe
such canons of financial propriety as are specified by it; and (b) to directions as
the President may deem necessary and adequate for the purpose.
2. Any such direction may include a provision requiring (a) the reduction of salaries
and allowances of all or any class of persons serving in the state; and (b) the
reservation of all money bills or other financial bills for the consideration of the
President after they are passed by the legislature of the state.
3. The President may issue directions for the reduction of salaries and allowances
of (a) all or any class of persons serving the Union; and (b) the judges of the
Supreme Court and the high court.
Thus, during the operation of a financial emergency, the Centre acquires full control over
the states in financial matters. Till now, financial emergency had not been imposed in
country.
Our constitutional forefathers have envisaged niche response to extreme circumstances.
Financial emergency is one such enabling provision.
4. Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary
work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee. (10)
• Introduction:
Show why parliamentary committees are important
• Body:

4
Divide sub headings into following ways:-
i. How Committees are useful for parliamentary work
ii. Write briefly on Estimate Committee
iii. Function of Estimate Committee
iv. Challenges that limit the effectiveness of the role of the estimate committee
v. Challenges that Parliamentary committee
vi. Reform needed
• Conclusion:
 Write why parliamentary committees remains useful in ensuring smooth
functioning.
Model Answer:
The functions of the Parliament are varied, complex and voluminous. It has neither the
adequate time nor necessary expertise to make a detailed scrutiny of all legislative
measures and other matters. Therefore, it is assisted by a number of committees in the
discharge of its duties. To address various challenges faced by the parliament,
departmentally related parliamentary standing committees were set up in 1993 in India.
Currently, there are 24 such committees, organized on the lines of departments and
ministries.
Committees are useful for parliamentary work in following ways
1. The deliberations and scrutiny by committees ensure that Parliament is able to
fulfil some of its constitutional obligations in a politically charged environment.
2. They also help in obtaining public feedback and building political consensus on
contentious issues.
3. They help develop expertise in subjects, and enable consultation with independent
experts and stakeholders.
4. The committees perform their functions without the cloud of political positioning
and populist opinion.
5. These committees allow the views of diverse stakeholders.
6. They also offer an
opportunity for
detailed scrutiny of
bills being piloted
by the government.
7. They increase the
efficiency and
expertise of
Parliament.
8. Their reports allow
for informed debate
in Parliament.

5
For example - The PAC examined and scrutinised the CAG’s report of a presumed
loss of Rs. 1.76-lakh crore in the allocation of the 2G spectrum and bought it before
the Parliament.
About Estimate Committee
• The first Estimates Committee in Independent India was constituted on the
recommendation of John Mathai. The committee has 30 members, all of them are
elected from Lok sabha according to the principles of proportional representation
by means of a single transferable vote. Thus, all parties get due representation in
it.
The function of the committee is to examine the estimates included in the budget
and suggest ‘economies’ in public expenditure. Hence, it has been described as a
‘continuous economy committee’.
Function of estimate committee:
i. To report what economies, improvements in organisation, efficiency and
administrative reform consistent with the policy underlying the estimates, can
be affected
ii. To suggest alternative policies in order to bring about efficiency and economy in
administration
iii. To examine whether the money is well laid out within the limits of the policy
implied in the estimates
iv. To suggest the forth in which the estimates are to be presented to Parliament
The other functions of the committee may be identified as:
i. Examining the appropriation account and the finance accounts of the Union
Government and any other accounts laid before the Lok Sabha.
ii. Scrutinizes the appropriation accounts and the audit report of CAG or satisfying
itself that the (i) money disbursed was legally available for the applied service or
purpose; (ii) expenditure conforms to the authority that governs it; (iii)
reappropriation has been made in accordance with the related rules.
iii. Examines the accounts of state corporations, trading concerns and manufacturing
projects and the audit report of CAG on them.
iv. Examines accounts of autonomous and semi-autonomous, the audit of which is
conducted by the CAG.
v. Examines money spent on services during a financial year in excess of the amount
granted by the Lok Sabha.
The committee in the exercise of this function is assisted by the CAG
i. To examine whether the money is well laid out within the limits of the policy
implied in the estimates.
ii. To suggest the form in which estimate are to be presented in the Parliament.
iii. To suggest alternate policies to enhance efficiency.
However there are few challenges that limit the effectiveness of the role of the
estimate committee

6
(a) It examines the budget estimates only alter they have been voted by the Parliament,
and not before that.
(b) It cannot question the policy laid down by the Parliament.
(c) Its recommendations are advisory and not binding on the ministries.
(d) It examines every year only certain selected ministries and departments. Thus,
by rotation, it would cover all of them over a number of years.
(e) It lacks the expert assistance of the CAG which is available to the Public Accounts
Committee.
(f) Its work is in the nature of a post-mortem
Parliamentary committee ensures that detailed scrutiny of government finances,
legislation and working continues to take place even if Parliament sessions are
disrupted. With a representation of members from across political parties, these
committees also act as a consensus-building platform. There are few challenges
that Parliamentary committee faces:
i. Fewer bills referred – In 16th Lok Sabha only 27 percent bills were referred to
committees.
ii. Tenure of member is only 1 year, it defeats the purpose of developing technical
expertise in members on a particular subject and ensure better deliberation
iii. Recommendatory nature of Committee - The committees make several
recommendations in their reports after thorough analysis and feedback from
stakeholders. Since these are recommendatory in nature, the executive may not
necessarily accept them.
iv. Research supports are not available to them to handle technical subject adequately
Way forward:
• The national commission to review the working of the Constitution has
recommended
• The need for referring all bills to committee,
• Longer tenure for members
• Strengthening committees with adequate research support
Parliamentary committee plays a very important role in functioning if Parliament but it is
facing few challenges which needs to be tackled to ensure smooth functioning of committee
system in India. Strengthening the committee system can go a long way in improving the
quality of laws drafted and minimise potential implementation challenges. The need of
the hour is for greater and effective utilisation of Parliamentary Committees to strengthen
Parliament as a deliberative body which can ensure effective oversight.
5. “The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.” Explain
how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the
range of powers he can exercise. (10)
Approach:

7
• Introduction:
Write briefly on CAG. Here mention Article 148.
• Body:
Here focus on how the importance of CAG is reflected in its appointment, Terms
etc. Here focus on how independence of CAG is ensured by constitution.
• Conclusion:
Conclude it with a balance statement
Model Answer:
CAG is the guardian of the public purse and controls the entire financial system of the
country at both the levels—the Centre and the state. His duty is to uphold the Constitution
of India and laws of Parliament in the field of financial administration. The Constitution
of India (Article 148) provides for an independent office of the Comptroller and Auditor
General of India (CAG).
In the recent past CAG’s reports on 2G spectrum, Coal blocks allocation, Delhi Airport
PPP have made the Government very uncomfortable with the audit findings. Having a
foresight of such situation, constitution framers of our country has ensured independence
of CAG so that it can discharge the duty of auditor faithfully. The importance of CAG is
reflected in the method, terms of his appointment and power in following ways:-
Appointment:
• CAG is appointed by the president of India.
• He has a tenure of six year or upto the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Thus ensuring secure tenure
Removal
• He can be removed either by resignation addressing the resignation letter to the
president or removed by the president on same grounds and in the same manner
as a judge of the Supreme Court. Thus protecting CAG from influence of political
influences.
Terms of Appointment
• He is not eligible for further office, either under the Government of India or of
any state, after he ceases to hold his office.
• His salary and other service conditions are determined by the Parliament.
• Neither his salary nor his rights in respect of leave of absence, pension or age of
retirement can be altered to his disadvantage after his appointment.
• The administrative expenses of the office of the CAG are charged upon the
Consolidated Fund of India. They are not subject to the vote of Parliament.
Range of Power
• He is only responsible to Parliament
• Report submitted by CAG is tabled before parliament by president.
• Above conditions ensure independence of CAG and its functioning.

8
Duties of CAG
• He audits the accounts related to all expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of
India, consolidated fund of each state and consolidated fund of each union territory
having a Legislative Assembly
• He audits all expenditure from the Contingency Fund of India and the Public
Account of India as well as the contingency fund of each state and the public
account of each state.
• He audits all trading, manufacturing, profit and loss accounts, balance sheets
and other subsidiary accounts kept by any department of the Central Government
and state governments.
• He audits the receipts and expenditure of the following:
- All bodies and authorities substantially financed from the Central or state
revenues;
- Government companies; and
- Other corporations and bodies, when so required by related laws.
• He audits the accounts of any other authority when requested by the President
or Governor. For example, the audit of local bodies.
• He acts as a guide, friend and philosopher of the Public Accounts Committee of
the Parliament.
CAG has very important role of maintaining financial administration of India and
Constitution of India reflects its importance by ensuring it independence and protecting
it from undue political interferences.
6. “Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have

resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation to environment.”
Comment with relevant illustrations.
• Introduction:
 You can start with highlighting the status of protection of environment in
India. Also State the importance of coordination among various stakeholders
in ensuring protection of environment.
• Body:
 Give examples where Policy contradictions lead to environmental degradation.
• Conclusion:
 Give way forward
Model Answer:
India ranked 177 out 180 countries in Environment Protection index. This pathetic
performance of India reflects the poor status of policies regarding to environment in our
country. Policy contradiction is one of the major reason of it.
Policy contradiction is when governments or stakeholders of a policy appears to be
pursuing contradictory or mutually exclusive goals. It is one of the major issues which
leads to inefficiencies in the government ultimately harming the overall its stakeholders.
9
For example:
1. The policy of HYV seeds which led to Green Revolution in northern states of
Haryana, Punjab, Western UP as well as Tamil Nadu necessitated the use of
Chemical fertilizer and higher undergroundwater extraction. This policy though
increased the production of food grains, however led to increased salinity of the
soil as well as unsustainable use of underground water in these areas ultimately
leading to its depletion.
2. Minimum Support Price policy has led to growing of high water consumption plants
in draught prone areas aggravating the problem.
3. Mining Policy ignoring the rights of tribal has led to the displacement of tribal
people which were the ultimate protector of the ecosystem.
4. Policy of rampant urbanization has taken toll on green cover, wetlands etc.
5. Providing free electricity for irrigation lead to depletion of Underground water
6. Giving permission for organising cultural festival on river banks lead to compaction
of flood plain soil and disturbs the natural system.
Actions of other different stakeholders of the society are also in contradiction to the
protection of environment.
• Citizen:
- Immersion of idols leads to river pollution and threaten aquatic biodiversity
- Use of fireworks for celebration of different festivals lead to air pollution
- Open burning of solid waste lead to emission of polluted gases
• Industry:
- Discharge of Harmful waste into river is one of the leading cause of river
pollution
- Deforestation and land acquisition for industry lead to reduction in number of
trees
- Many industries do not take care of negative externalities thus causes pollution
• Agriculture farmer:
- Rampant use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides lead to pollution of water
table
- Stubble burning by farmers in Punjab lead to air pollution in Delhi
Way forward
• People should be made aware about environment degradation and should become
an active participant in environment protection.
• Industries should follow environmental standards and ensure that no negative
externalities is caused due to their action
• NGOs should be vocal and should bring any policy contradiction to foreground so
that our legislator could solve it
• Proper implementation of Environment Impact assessment should be done

10
7. Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to
achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain.
Approach:
• Introduction -
 Introduce by giving how our constitution and global community give importance
to healthcare.
• Body -
Give how community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite like
 Trickle-down effect,
 Reduce the pressure on secondary and tertiary care hospitals,
 Reduce doctor dependency,
 Care at home
 Democratise Health Care
• Conclusion -
 Here show how it will led to ‘Health for All’. Here also mention Ayushman
bharat scheme
Model Answer:
Article 47 of Indian Constitution the Directive Principles of State Policy says that it shall
be the duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to
improve public health. Theme of “Health for all” also resonates with the SDG 3: Good
Health and Well-being.
Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite due to
many reasons:
Trickle-down effect
• Primary health care services help to promote health, prevent disease and detect
disorders early for effective treatment.
• By preventing serious complications, they contain overall health expenditure and
improve population health outcomes.
• They also assure continued ambulatory care when patients return from tertiary
or secondary care hospitals.
Reduce the pressure on secondary and tertiary care hospitals
• Majority of our secondary and tertiary care hospitals are overburdened due to
cases that could have either been prevented or effectively treated at the primary
care level.
• A strong primary care system will ensures gate-keeping for more expensive higher
levels of care.
Reduce doctor dependency
• Much of primary care can be provided by trained community health workers,
nurses and allied health professionals.

11
• Technology-enabled frontline health workers can operate even in remote rural
areas where doctors are not available.
Care at home
• Well-planned, primary health services comfort people by providing care at home
or close to home.
Democratise Health Care
• They also provide a close connection between the community and public health,
with an opportunity for peoples’ participation in the design, delivery and monitoring
of health services.
New global construct
• The experiences of other low and middle-income countries show that efficient
primary care services can dramatically improve population health indicators.
• Rwanda, with its emphasis on community health workers in primary care, has
achieved the steepest ever globally recorded rate of decline in maternal and child
mortality in the last two decades.
Primary health care in India has increasingly become important not just because of the
huge resources it is going to attract (as committed in the National Health Policy 2017) but
also because of its role in containing the rising disease burden. With the launch of
Ayushman Bharat it is imperative that India invests in a strong primary health care
system if it has to achieve the Universal Health Coverage.
8. E-governance is not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but
also much about critical importance of the ‘Use Value’ of information.Explain
Approach of the answer:
• Introduction:
Define e-governance in simple terms with an example.
• Body:
 Give various examples of utilisation of new technologies in e-governance.
 Also highlight the importance of the use value of the information to complement
the utilisation of technology.
• Conclusion:
 Conclude positively by calling for reforms.
Model Answer:
Electronic governance or e-governance is the application of information and communication
technology (ICT) for delivering government services, exchange of information,
communication transactions, integration of various stand-alone systems and services
between government-to-customer (G2C), government-to-business (G2B). Examples like
IRCTC,BHIM APP,direct benifit trasfer, using aadhar deta base to identify true benificiaries
of government scheme,e-returns filing, GST filing, e-biz portal etc are some of the the
technologies using by government.

12
Some of the technologies using by government in e-governance:
• Computerisation of land records in collaboration with National informatics center.
• Bhoomi project – online delivery of land records.
• Gyandoot- It is an internet based government to citizen service delivery initiative.
• Lokwani project in UP:- It is a public – private partnership project to handling
grievances.
• E-procurement projects in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.
• Khazane project in Karnataka – It is a comprehensive online treasury
Computerisation programme.
• National e-governance plan to improving government service delivery to citizens
and businesses.
• Admission to Professional Colleges – Common Entrance Test (CET) etc..
• E-seva ,a govrnment to citizen programme.
• Other examples such as e-office, immigration, e-Visa and foreigners registration
and tracking, UID, pension, banking, posts, e-governance in municipalities, crime
and criminal tracking network and system, PDS, health, e-panchayat, e-district
etc these are number of areas where e-governance system has increased
efficiency, transparency and accountability.
• Recent initiatives such as DBT, digital India, Aadhar enabled payment system,
my govt. citizen portal, E-kranti scheme, digital cloud for every Indian m-
governance
Use value of information
Actionable information
• Language compatibility with the target audience. In India region wise change in
mother tongue another important area to increase value of information provided
to targated groups.
• Websites of govt. and other information sources should have accessibility and
ease of surfing so that requisite information can be found easily. All most all the
government of india websites are in Hindi and English but peoples from
south,western and north east region some don’t understood these languages
properly.Making all the information available in all the languages can increase
use value of information.
• Processed information should be given e.g. online RTI specific to demand and
actionable information should be given.Often 100 of pages of information hand-
over to consumers and all the information is not required to consumers and they
get confused this should be avoid by authorities.
• Target reach of the information should be ensured to enhance its usability e.g.
entrepreneurs should be given information about Govt policies supporting start
ups, industries.
• Skill development programmes and its various stakeholders like officers, users
etc should be ensured to enhance the usability of information by giving information
of which beneficiaries demanded.This can enhance efficiancy of particular scheme

13
developement programme and ultimately can give desired resuts.
• Actual utilasation of technology and it’s success depends on it’s use value of information.
Example like technology introduced in income tax filing has increased efficiency in
income tax filing by reduced time to visit the income tax office,online filing of patent,
copy right etc made this process more easy for companies and individuals.
Advantages of e-governance: e-governance make digital India initiative a successful
one,can reduce red tape in governance of country(can boost investment and reduce
corruption),proper use of e-governance technologies can make our democracy more
representative and inclusive.
Even though e-governance is having enormous potential to increase citizen
participation in governance of the country. There is gap between available technology
and ‘Use value’ of information in following way.
• Digital divide; It refers to the separation that exists between individuals,
communities and business that have access to information technology and those
that do not have such access.
• Social, economic, infrastructural and entho-linguistic indicators provide
explanations for presence of the digital divide.
• Presence of poverty, a individual in BPL cannot afford to have computer and use it
for online access to services.
• Awareness is lacking among citizens about using of these electronic service delivery
systems.
• Cost is one of the most important prohibiting factor that comes in the path of
implementation of e-governance.
• Privacy and security:- recent incident of theft of data from UID, banking system
etc created doubtful situation of e-governance systems.
• Other problems such as free internet connection, such as railway wifi, is using
against actual purpose where people are watching porn videos, you tube etc which
is defeating actual purpose of these facilities.
• Citizens are not aware of many government mobile applications which are useful
for there solving problems.
• Having smart phone is not enough but wise use of this available technology is
vital for success of e-governance. These gadgets are used against society.
• Lower penetration of internet is still impeding the application e-governance
• Citizens are not interested regarding there own interest and they preferred to go
directly and offer some money to complete his/her work.
Way forward:-
In the last decade government has taken may steps to improve use value of information.
Many government projects which we discussed earlier has been launched. But need
to take more efforts to make e-governance the great success.
• Increase participation of people in policy making by empowering them with right
information at right time.From administrative side there is need some more steps
for making information easily available in mother tongue and it’s language should
14
be easy and comfortable to understand to the consumers and targeted groups.
• Projects should be completed on time and making administrative machinary flexible
to accept these new technology .Secured cyber space is very important to make e-
governance successful and it’s value of information can only be protected by these.
9. ‘India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which
cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.
• Introduction:
 Give brief background of the relationship between India and Israel
• Body:
 Discuss different dimensions of the relationship between India and Israel to
showcase depth and diversity of the relations.
 However also discuss about the irreversibility of the relationship. Also highlight
the importance of taking decisions on its merit and cite instances when India
has done so.
• Conclusion:
 Write some positive/optimistic statement about geopolitics of Asia mentioning
the role of India.
Model Answer:
• Introduction:
 In 1992 India and Israel established full diplomatic relations. It was the start
of an era which has culminated into completion of 25 years of their diplomatic
relationship.
• Body :
 Of late the relations have acquired depth and diversity as can be seen by
following dimensions
• Defence deals:
 Today Israel is third largest defense supplier to India and accounts for over
40% of Israel’s defence exports. They range from Barack missiles to powerful
Phalcon radar on AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System).
• National security and counter-terrorism
 Israel backs India’s defence against terror and also completely understood
India’s nuclear tests in 1998.
 Mumbai attack in 2008 paved a way to creation of a joint working group to fight
against terrorism.
 India is adopting hi-tech anti-infiltration systems and innovative tactics from
Israel to safeguard its western and eastern borders.
• Water and agriculture
 Israel has become one of the foremost technology superpowers in areas such

15
as rainwater harvesting, use of oceanic water and using that for irrigation in
the most dry land. Israel has mastered water conservation techniques and
India can learn from it.
 It helps India to face its water stressed condition.
 Another area of potential cooperation is cleaning polluted rivers.
• Commercial trade
 Commercial relations between the diamond traders in Gujarat and Israel grew
from $200 million to nearly $5 billion with gems and jewellery accounting for
nearly 40%.
 Science and technology, agriculture, biotech and space emerged as new areas
of cooperation.
• Tourism:
 Tourism provided an impetus to people-to-people relations.
 India emerged as the preferred destination for young Israelis wanting to unwind
after their compulsory military service and Hebrew signage in Varanasi, Manali
and Goa.
• Start-ups:
 Israel today boasts of nearly 4,500 start-ups and 140 incubators/accelerators.
 In a recent study, NASSCOM and Accenture estimated that cooperation with
Indian start-ups has the potential to generate $5 billion within five years.
Thus the relationship has entered
into a phase of irreversibility by
the sheer diversity of the
relationship. However it does not
mean that the India cannot take
decision which might not go along
with the Israel. India’s recent
vote at the UN against America’s
move on Jerusalem was a
reflection of that underlying
reality.
• Conclusion : Indo-Israeli
bilateral ties will increasingly
be shaped by the rapidly
evolving geopolitical realities in Asia and the Middle East. India shall take decision
based on her enlightened self interest.
10. A number of out side powers have entrenched themselves in central asia,which is
zone of interest to india.Discuss the implication,in this context,of India’s joining
the Ashgabad agreement, 2018.
Approach:
• Introduction:
Give brief information with facts that why central Asian region is important?
16
• BODY :
 Countries which entrenched themselves and brief information of their policies.
 Brief points of ashgabd agreement and india’s joing this agreement and it’s
importance for India.
 India’s other areas of partnership with central Asian countries.
• Conclusion:
 What india should do to increase it’s presence In CAR and it’s connectivity
efforts.
Model Answer:
In 21st century central Asian region happens to be hot spot of international politics where
all the major powers are present. Central Asian region is the region of integration with
Eurasia. CAR occupies strategically important location in world politics. This region has
vast economic potentials (huge market, human and natural resources). CAR finds itself
at the Juncture of Eurasian transportation corridors and posses a vast transport and
communication network.
Following major powers are entrenched themselves:-
• USA: US primarily engaging with central Asian countries through bilattral
relationship. US is having strategically engaged with central Asian countries. US
assistance to Afghanistan for reconstruction purpose. US presence in the region
is factor for stability and security.
• Russia: economic, military, political ethnoculture and spiritual links of Eurasia
has been centre of political and business activity for Russia. Relations between
central Asian countries and Russia regional organisation commonwealth
independent states, Eurasian economic community and collective security treaty
organization.
• China: Chinease political and economic influence in this region is significant.
China is most certainly interested friendly relations with central Asian countries
which bordering with trouble some western province, xintiang. Shanghal
cooperation organization is key to china, chinease influence on the regions
economic development very significant.
• European Union: European commissions regional bureau has its central office in
capital of Kazakisthan, Asthana. EU’s cooperation in the field of energy security,
space programme is significant with CAR. EV and central Asia; strategy for new
partnership was approved by EU.
India recently joined Aashgabad Agreement
• As CAR is hotspot in today’s 21st century foreign policy. India’s significant presence
is very vital for it’s interest. If we go with Kautilya’s mandal siddhanta theory
neighbour’s neighbour is your friend and enemy’s enemy is your friend then we
can say central Asian countries are our real friends.
Significance to India of accession to agreement:
• It will enable India to utilize this existing transport and transit corridor to facilitate
trade and commercial interaction and ties with central Asia and Eurasian region.

17
• It will synchronise India’s efforts to implement the international North south
corridor for enhanced connectivity.
• It will provide India an opportunity to reorientation of the freight traffic from the
traditional sea route to transcontinental route.
• India’s access/connectivity to central Asia become easier after completion and
inauguration of Shahid Bahesti (Chahbar Port) port. It’s significance increased
after signing up of Aashgabad agreement.
• The Iran – Turkmenistan – Kazakisthan railway line will be the major route
under ashgabad agreement. It has included as part of India funded INSTC.
• In general, joining the Ashgabad Agreement would make it easier for India to
reach out to central Asia which houses strategic and high value minerals including
uranium, copper, titanium, fergoalloys, yellow phosphorus iron ore, rolled metal,
propane, butane, zinc, cooking coal. Without direct transport access, India cannot
procure the central Asian riches needed for it’s manufacturing economy.
• India’s current trade with central Asia is minimal at a little over 1 billion dollar
and is not growing much. Trade Volume is mere 0.11 percent and total share of
India’s trade in central Asia is just 1 percent.
• India’s participation in Eurasian connectivity projects through Ashgabad Agreement
will serve to address the integration process under EAEU and shanghai cooperation
organization in more viable ways.
Other areas of partnership with Central Asia:
Central Asia is very important for following reasons.
• Energy need:- Central Asia is rich in various mineral such as Natural gas.
Uranium, which are important for India’s energy needs and diversifying it’s energy
source areas. In nuclear energy India already have agreement with Kazakisthan.
TAPI gas pipeline is another example
• Security: India is surrounded with two hostile neighbours, China and Pakistan.
To counter chinese string of pearls theory, which is major threat to India’s security,
also to counter China’s CPEC project and Silk route corridor is necessary to have
strategic partnership with central Asian countries india’s annual bilateral military
exercise “Prabal Dostyek” with Kazakisthan and countries first outside air base
in farakhor (Tazikistan) shows significance of India’s security reasons.
• Trade:- Trade is most important to connect with central Asian countries. India
have good opportunity to capture central Asian market and increase it’s significant
presence in the region and become part of power politics of the region.
• India’s constant engagement with central Asian countries can be cheered by
naming heart of Asia conference which is mainly focused on reconstruction of
war form Afghanistan. In this conference many central Asian countries represent
themselves.
Way Forward:
• Central Asia is going to play major role in future and now major powers like USA,
Russia, China, European union etc are playing there respective role to safeguard

18
there own interest therefore to secure our interest India must focus on following
things.
• Enlarge strategic role of Chahbahar port for evolving an integrated transportation
network involving both INSTC and proposed transit corridor, infact Chahbahar –
Iranshah – Zahedan-mushad is ideal corridor to connect to sarakhs (Turkman
border). This corridor can be connect to Eurasian railway this route can be hook
on to ongoing. Corridor plans and programmes like transport corridor Europe –
caucasu- Asia (TRACECA), central Asia (TRACECA), central Asia regional economic
cooperation.
• Active participation with Eurasian region India needs to participate in transport
projects as container transport if significant in this region.
• India’s connectivity approach need not be limited to increasing trade and commerce
but should aim to enhance investment and services, interlinking sources of raw
material, centers of production and markets between India and Eurasia for
example free trade agreement between India and Eurasian economic union could
spur unhindered flow of raw materials as well as inflow of capital and technology
through new industrial infrastructure along Chahbhar and INSTC corridor.
11. Whether the Supreme Court Judgement (July 2018) can settle the political tussle
between the Lt. Governor and elected government of Delhi? Examine. (15 marks;
250 words)
Structure of the Answer
• Introduction:
 Background of political tussle between LG v/s elected government of delhi
• Body:
 Give SC judgment in brief and analysis its significance
• Conclusion:
 Need for co-operation between the two.
Model Answer:
Supreme Court recently held that the L-G is bound by the aid and advice of the Delhi
government.
Article 239 AA gave Delhi a special constitutional status as:
• It has the elected assembly with powers to enact laws
• A council of ministers responsible to the assembly.
• It could legislate on matters under the state and concurrent lists with exceptions
such as public order, police and land which are reserved for LG.
• The shoddy drafting that went into Article 239AA into the Constitution is the
source of the power tussle between LG and elected government of Delhi.
• The tussle started with Jan Lokpal Bill passed by Delhi Assembly and LG keeping
it for review of President. Then the issues of not obliged to send files to CM,
annulment of bureaucratic appointments by LG, fight over appointment of Delhi

19
Commissioner, Chairman of Delhi Women Council and latest being the issue of
doorstep delivery of ration
In the recent judgement (July 2018), SC laid down principles to solve the tussle:
a) Delhi LG cannot act independently and must take the aid and advice of the CoM
because national capital enjoys special status and is not a full state. Hence, the
role of the L-G is different than that of a Governor.
b) The only exception to this rule was a provision in Art 239AA , which allowed the
LG to refer to the President any issue on which there was a difference of opinion
with the CoM. In such a case, the LG would be bound by the President’s decision.
c) It observed that neither the state nor the L-G should feel lionized, but realize
that they are serving Constitutional obligations and there is no space for absolutism
or anarchy in our Constitution. L-G has not been entrusted with any independent
decision-making powers and should work harmoniously with the aid and advice of
the CoM or implement the decisions taken by the President.
Positives of Judgement:
SC made it clear that, L-G must keep in mind:
• The standards of constitutional trust and morality,
• Principle of collaborative federalism and constitutional balance,
• Concept of constitutional governance and Objectivity
• Nurtured and cultivated idea of respect for a representative government while
taking into account his discretionary powers.
• The recent passage of bill for doorstep delivery of 40 public services for the people
living in Delhi is evidence that things are moving in right direction.
Challenges ahead:
• It should be remembered that the conflict between the L-G and the Delhi
government was not driven purely by personal dislike or partisan concerns.
• Such dysfunction can also be traced to the problematic drafting and compromised
positioning of Article 239AA.
• Although the Supreme Court has not fully resolved all issues, it has set the
framework for addressing them.
• All the specific cases of tussle between LG and Delhi government is pending
before judiciary. Judgments in those cases will also decide the direction of success
of this SC judgment.
• A recent example in post judgement period is issue over installation of CCTV in
New Delhi, which shows the issue is far from over.
• The five-judge Constitutional Bench has favoured a purposive interpretation of
the Article 239AA, drawing from the concepts of pragmatic federalism, federal
balance, constitutional morality, and constitutional objectivity outlined by BR
Ambedkar. But the extent of its success would depend on spirit in which the
verdict is perceived and followed.
12. How far do you agree with the view that tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary

20
courts? In view of the above, discuss the constitutional validity and competency
of the tribunals in India.
• Introduction:
Tribunals as quasi-judicial body.
• Body:
a) Analysis of Tribunal v/s ordinary courts
b) Constitutional validity of tribunals
c) Competency of tribunals vis-à-vis courts.
• Conclusion:
Creation of specialised divisions in high courts
Model Answer:
Tribunals are quasi judicial bodies of administrative character that has been powered
with judicial powers to adjudicate one question of law or fact that affects rights of citizens.
Court is understood as the judicial institution which is established by the Constitution
to administer justice.
Tribunals are established as per appropriate statutory provisions and are observed as
an alternative medium to the conventional judicial bodies for the redressal of grievances
and settling disputes.
Tribunals curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts:
• Tribunals have replaced HC for disputes under the Companies Act, Competition
Act, SEBI Act,Electricity Act among others.
• Any person aggrieved by an order of an appellate tribunal can directly appeal to
the SC, side-stepping the HC. This is given in Art 323 A(2d) and Art 323 B (3d).
• Conferring a direct right of appeal to the SC from tribunals has changed the SC
from being a constitutional court to a mere appellate court.
• Thus becoming final clearing house for every appeal under every statute.
• When HC are side-stepped in favour of tribunals, SC judges hearing appeals from
tribunals would have to deal with the finer nuances of disputes under specialised
areas of law for the very first time. This is not ideal for a court of last resort.
• Specialized nature of tribunal has meant that cases are now directly heard in
tribunals instead of ordinary courts. This has led to curtailing the jurisdiction of
ordinary cases w.r.t. specialised cases.
Tribunals don’t curtail the jurisdiction of ordinary courts:
• In R. K. Jain v. Union of India, SC referred held that the Tribunals are not the
effective substitutes of the High Courts.
• The power of judicial review is exclusively available to HC and SC.
• All matters referred to tribunals can also be referred to ordinary courts.
• Tribunals are performing a supplemental as opposed to a substitutional role; i.e.,

21
in exercising their powers, such Tribunals cannot act as substitutes for HC and
SC. The decisions of these Tribunals will be subject to scrutiny before a Division
Bench of the High Court within whose jurisdiction, the concerned Tribunal is
located.This is clear judgement of SC.
• Tribunal has to function under the Statute, whereas the courts has a Constitutional
authority, which is entrusted not only with the task of interpreting the laws and
the Constitution, but also to exercise supervisory control over the Tribunals.
• There is no doubt that specialist tribunals have come to stay. Speedy disposal of
cases, especially of technical cases, is the prime aim. The questions related to
their independence, judges’ role in appointing its members, and the presence of
non-judicial members, which dilute judicial character needs to be addressed.
Tribunals must be institutionally as strong as the courts they replace.
• SC in L. Chandra Case vs UoI (independent agency for the administration of
tribunals) and R Gandhi vs UoI (equal rank and capacity of tribunal member who
is doing the function of judiciary) needs to be implemented to maintain
independency of Tribunals.
Constitutional validity of Tribunals:
• Tribunal were not present in original Constitution. They were added in the
Constitution by 42 nd Amendment Act, 1976 as Part XIV-A, with Art. 323-A
(Administrative Tribunals) and 323-B (deals with tribunals for other matters).
These are the enabling Constitutional provisions for providing constitutional
legitimacy to tribunals.
• Further Tribunals can be described as minor courts, that adjudicates disputes
arising in special cases whereas Court refers to a part of legal system which are
established to give their decisions on civil and criminal cases.
Competency of Tribunals:
• Tribunals do not enjoy the same constitutional protection as high courts. The
appointment process and service conditions of HC judges are not under the control
of the executive. The enormous institutional investment to protect the independence
of high courts is dispensed with when it comes to tribunals. Many tribunals still
owe allegiance to their parent ministries.
• Tribunals are also not as accessible as high courts. For example, there are just
four benches of the Green Tribunal for the whole country. In comparison, high
courts were easily accessible for environmental matters.
• Further, when retired high court judges invariably preside over every tribunal,
the justification of expert adjudication by tribunals disappears.
• “Independence of the judiciary” is the basic feature of our constitution which is
necessary to deliver free and fair justice. Tribunals which strive for “natural
justice” must also be provided with safeguards to preserve their independence.
• Simultaneously, focus should be in the creation of specialised divisions in high
courts for tax, company law and environmental disputes etc. (600 words)
13. Indian and USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenets on which

22
the two political systems are based.
• Introduction:
Give political system of the two nations.
• Body:
Give basic tenets of these systems and examine them (give pros and cons)
• Conclusion:
Reform the existing Indian parliamentary system.
Model Answer:
Indian political system is based on Parliamentary system of government and US political
system is based on Presidential system.
Presidential Form Parliamentary Form
President is elected directly by the people Prime Minister is the leader of the party
and is answerable to the voters, but not to that secures the majority of votes to the
the legislature. legislature.
Irrespective of numbers in both the Prime Minister’s term is directly linked to

houses, president’s tenure is fixed and it the confidence of the legislature enjoyed
is not linked with that of legislature by the government.
Single Executive: The President is both Dual Executive: While the Prime Minister
the head of the State and the head of is the head of the government (de facto
government head’), the President is the head of the
State (de jure head)
There is a clear cut and absolute There is no clear-cut separation of powers

separation of power between executive, between executive and legislature. The
legislature, and judiciary. executive comes from the parliament and
is responsible to it
Power is centralized in the hands of Power is more decentralized i.e. power is

President. assigned to different government bodies.
Accountability of executive to legislative is Executive branch is accountable to

almost negligible. legislature.
USA, Brazil, South Korea follow this India, UK, Australia follow this system.
system.
Pros of Parliamentary System (Cons of Presidential System):

• Prevents Despotism:Dispersal of authority among council of ministers checks
the dictatorial tendencies of the executive. In Presidential system, President is
all powerful and may become despot.
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• Responsible Government:Ministers are responsible to the Parliament for all their
acts of omission and commission. Executive is not responsible to legislature,
therefore poor check and balances.
• Harmony between legislature and executive: Parliamentary democracy provides
scope for Executive and Legislature to cooperate with each other, thus reducing
conflicts and disputes. In presidential system, since executive is not part of
legislature, it may give rise to deadlock as happened during Obama administration.
• Debates and Discussion –Though there are instances of delayed decision, the
Parliamentary debates and discussions over every government actions reflects
the collective wisdom of the house, and leads to a well deliberated policy making
mechanism. Many infamous decisions made by Trump administration without
much debate and discussions shows importance of debates and discussion.
Pros of Presidential System (Cons of Parliamentary System)
• Stability of government:Fixed tenure in Presidential system infuses stability
into the administration whereas in Parliamentary system a no confidence motion,
political defection or multiparty coalition often makes government unstable.
• Administrative efficiency –Presidential system allows for appointment of experts
to the Cabinet, irrespective of their political affiliations, whereas in a Parliamentary
system, the choice of cabinet is restricted only to the politicians who are MPs.
• Quick decision making: In Presidential system decisions can be taken speedily
and implemented effectively. However, logjam and stalling have become a common
sight in Indian legislature delaying key initiatives like GST, FDI, labour reforms,
etc.
• Executive influence over legislature: Absolute separation of power means
legislator is comparatively free from executive and party influence in a Presidential
system. On the other hand, instances of ‘horse trading’, office of profit, and
decreased efficiency of Parliament shows lacunas in Parliamentary system.
There have been demands in India to accept presidential system due to lacunas in
Parliamentary system. Instead of changing the system we should try reform it to overcome
the limitations through comprehensive electoral reforms, strengthening Parliamentary
Committees, better vigilance, public awareness, lateral entry in administration etc.
14. How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about
the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss.
Approach:
• Introduction:
 Write briefly on Finance commision and also about recently constituted 15th
Finance commission.
• Body:
 Write on what asked in question
 How finance commission is constituted

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 Term of reference
 Also give issues around Term of reference of 15th Finance Commission and
2011 census.
• Conclusion:
Conclude it by suggesting wayforward or simply conclude by a balanced statement
Model Answer:
Finance commission is a quasi judicial body. It is provided in constitution in Article 280.
Recently 15th Finance Commission headed by N.K. Singh has been constituted, which
will make recommendations for the five years commencing 1 April 2020 till 31 March
2025.
Constitution of Finance Commission
• The Finance Commission is constituted by the President under article 280 of the
Constitution, mainly to give its recommendations on distribution of tax revenues
between the Union and the States and amongst the States themselves.
• It is constituted by the president of India every fifth year or at such earlier time
as he considers necessary.
The 15th Finance Commission terms of reference are as follows:
• Principles governing the Vertical devolution of taxes between union and states.
• Principles governing the Horizontal distribution between the states.
• Grant in aid to states, supplement the resources of PRI, ULBs from states’
Consolidated funds.
• Performance Based incentives for States.
• Review the current status of finance, deficit, debt levels, and cash balances and
fiscal discipline efforts of the Union and the States.
• Recommend a fiscal consolidation roadmap for sound fiscal management.
• Take into account the responsibility of the Central Government and State
Governments to adhere to appropriate levels of general and consolidated government
debt and deficit levels.
• Foster higher inclusive growth in the country, guided by the principles of equity,
efficiency and transparency.
• Examine whether revenue deficit grants be provided at all.
• Review the present arrangements on financing Disaster Management initiatives,
with reference to the funds constituted under the Disaster Management Act,
2005 (53 of 2005), and make appropriate recommendations thereon.
• The Commission shall use the population data of 2011 while making its
recommendations
Issue with Term of Reference of 15th finance commission
• The ToR of 15th Finance Commission have drawn protests from many states,
especially from southern ones, over its mandate to use 2011 Census data over
1971 Census data for resource allocation.

25
• The ToR of FFC as decided by centre have been criticized by southern ones, as
being against spirit of cooperative fiscal federalism.
• The centre has mandated to FFC that population data for determining states’
share of tax revenues should be based on the 2011 Census, rather than the
earlier practice of using the 1971 Census.
Issue with 2011 Census:
• Southern states, as well as states such as Punjab and Odisha have succeeded in
reducing their population growth rates in recent decades while growth rates of
most northern states including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have remained high.
Southern states allege that if FFC uses 2011 Census data, more resources will
be transferred to northern states, thus penalizing states that have succeeded in
controlling population.
Finance commission has the responsibility of maintaining fiscal federalism in country and
should make recommendation in such a way that none of the states fill disadvantaged over
other. It should used such parameters which help in equitable and rational distribution of tax.
15. Assess the importance of the Panchayat system in India as a part of local
government. Apart from government grants, what sources the Panchayats can
look out for financing developmental projects? (15)
• Introduction:
 Give brief introduction of Panchayati raj system India.
• Body:
 Importance of the Panchayat system
 Challenges to PRI, here focus on finance
 Mention the sources apart from government grants they can look out for
financing the development projects.
 Show poor status of PRI finance (Here give data from Economic survey and
Second ARC)
 Suggest way forward
• Conclusion:
 Write how financial empowerment can play a crucial role in their functioning
in future.
Model Answer:
The 73rd amendment to the Indian constitution (1992) has made has given constitutional
status to Local Self Government and thus made Panchayats the third tier of the Indian
political system. Panchayat raj system is an institution of administration which seeks to
involve the people at the grass-root level in planning and administration. People’s
participation at the local level in both planning and implementation is essential for the
success of decentralization and democracy.
Importance of the Panchayat system are as follow:-

26
1. PRIs are the level of government nearest to the people. It is a system of governance
nearest to direct democracy.
2. Grassroots level system increases participation of people in democracy. Instruments
like Social audit and social impact assessment are easier to implement at the
platform of Gram Sabha.
3. Responsive grassroots level systems increase social capital which is a basic
necessity in a democracy.
4. Grassroots level systems increase awareness among people about various
government policies and programmes. This helps in reducing corruption and
exclusion errors and thus improve effectiveness of government policies.
5. Increase in people’s participation leads to increase in transparency and
accountability which in turn strengthens democracy.
Challenges with PRIs are as follow
1. Major issues with PRIs has been Funds, Finances, and Functionaries. Panchayats
lack enough taxation powers. Financial devolution from centre and states has not
been enough. State authorities do not abide by decisions of local bodies.
2. Devolution of powers as per XI th Schedule, except in few states like Kerala,
Maharashtra and MP, has not taken place.
3. State finance commissions are not effective and independent as Central Finance
commission. Various issues with respect to appointment and autonomy remain.
Finances of the Panchayats
< Tax revenues from those on land and buildings, etc. and non-tax revenues (for
example, from auction of Panchayat resources) could be an important contributor
to their finances. Although these sources provide the main income to the
Panchayats of some states, there is an utter neglect of own revenue sources
designated to the Gram Panchayats in many states. There is no systematic effort
either by the State Governments or by the Panchayats to fully tap their assigned
sources of revenue.
Some sources of finance for PRIs apart from government grants are:
• A study of State Legislations indicates that the Village Panchayat finances include
more than 60 taxes & fees including property and house tax, profession tax, land
tax, taxes/tolls on vehicles etc. there is need to properly implement these taxes.
• Tax on Lands and Building - This gives a sizeable income to the village Panchayats
in Maharashtra, Kerala and Karnataka.
• Earlier the profession tax was the main source of income to the village Panchayats.
However, in many States this tax has been taken over by the State Government
and a small compensation is paid to the village Panchayats.
• Advertisement tax, entertainment tax, shows tax is also levied in some States.
• Auction of Panchayat land, ponds, etc. - important source of income for the
Panchayats of Haryana and Punjab.
• The charges recovered for services such as water supply and sanitation are user

27
charges. However, these are more often not levied/collected.
• The Panchayats cannot become effective institutions of local self - governance
unless they have a strong financial base with clearly defined sources of revenues
and the revenues are properly managed to optimize the resources. Economic
Survey 2017-18 has noted that “Panchayats received 95 per cent of their revenues
from the devolved funds from the centre/state, while generating only 5 per cent
from own resources” Similarly 2nd ARC notices that Internal a situation has been
created where Panchayats have responsibility but grossly inadequate resources.
Following are some of the ways in which financial condition of PRI can be improved
1. To strengthen local bodies’ finances, the Commission recommended that a State
Finance Commission be constituted in such a manner that it can take into account
the recommendations of Central Finance Commission.
2. State Finance Commissions should evolve objective and transparent norms for
devolution and distribution of funds. The norms should include area-wise indices
for backwardness. State Finance Commissions should link the devolution of funds
to the level/quality of civic amenities that the citizens could expect.
3. Best practices should be replicated across the nation.
4. A report of Ministry of Panchayati Raj suggested - Providing incentive is an effective
tool for motivating individuals and institutions for better performance. Accordingly,
PRIs showing higher revenue collection – including adopting innovative steps –
should be suitably rewarded viz. by linking some part of the award of the Finance
Commissions to the revenue generation efforts
5. Proper implementation of Taxes which are in domain of Panchayats.
Panchayati Raj institution is third tier of Indian federal system and financial self-
sufficiency is one of the important thing that should be ensured for independent and
unhindered functioning of PRIs. Only after this the vision of bringing democracy to
the grassroots can be realised.
16. Multiplicity of various commissions for the vulnerable sections of the society
leads to problems of overlapping jurisdiction and duplication of functions. Is it
better to merge all commissions into an umbrella Human Rights Commission?
Argue your case. (15 marks; 250 words)
• Introduction:
 List various vulnerable sections and various commissions for them
• Body:
 Give arguments for and arguments against Umbrella Human Right Commission.
• Conclusion:
 Give some way forward
Model Answer:
As per the World Bank a vulnerable section in nation’s population is defined as “one that
has some specific characteristics that make it at higher risk of falling into poverty than
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others”. In India, there are multiple vulnerable sections exists and for each of them, we
have set up a commission like:
a) NCSC and NCST for SCs and STs respectively.
b) NCBC for backward classes.
c) NCW for women.
d) NCM for minorities.
e ) NCPCR for children etc.
Need of Umbrella Human Right Commission:
a) Overlapping jurisdiction -Passing the case from one commission to other. The
victim gets frustrated with this and ultimately withdraws the case and goes to
court for justice.
b) Duplication of functions – many cases of human right violation of vulnerable
section leads to duplication of functions.
c) An example of above two points can be seen in cases of custodial rape of women
which is looked by NHRC, NCW and if women belongs to minority or SC/ST then
their respective commission also comes into functions.
d) There is no cooperation and coordination between the NHRC and other
commissions. Neither of the commissions utilise the other’s potential or expertise,
thus losing the opportunity for a mutually beneficial relationship.
Issue that may be faced by Umbrella human right commission:
a) Already there is huge number of pending cases with NHRC. Making it umbrella
organisation without increasing its capability will improve nothing.
b) Each commission for particular section of society gives expertise way to solve the
issue of that particular section.
c) Umbrella organisation may not be adequately representative all sections. For example
even current NHRC does not have a single women member on its governing body.
Way forward:
• Empower the existing institutions, capacity building and inclusion of social activists
in their membership.
• Proper co-ordination mechanism between all commission. NITI Aayog has suggested
establishing a coordinating agency for this purpose. (315 words)
17. How far do you agree with the view that the focus on lack of availability of food as
the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human
development policies in India? (15 marks; 250 words)
• • Introduction:
 Data about hunger in India.
• Body:
a) Non- availability of food - Hunger is more than just food
b) Human development policies – ineffectiveness – cause of hunger

29
c) How effective development policy could solve problem of hunger.
• Conclusion:
 Focus on Human development policies for long term gain of demographic dividend.
Model Answer:
India has a “serious” hunger problem and ranks 100th out of 119 countries on the Global
Hunger Index (GHI) — behind North Korea, Bangladesh.
GHI scores are based on four indicators:
• UNDERNOURISHMENT: caloric intake is insufficient;
• CHILD WASTING: low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition
• CHILD STUNTING: low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition
• CHILD MORTALITY: fatal mix of inadequate nutrition and unhealthy environment
• From above it can be seen that Hunger is not just about intake of calories (focus
on the food). Government schemes like National Food Security Mission and Mid
Day Meal Scheme etc are focusing more on availability of food.
• The country’s serious hunger level is driven by high child malnutrition and
underlines need for stronger commitment to the social sector.
• No doubt availability of food is pre-requisite but once it is done focus on more
sustainable methods like focusing on human development policies is needed.
Ineffectiveness of Human development policies:
a) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan – focus on sanitation and clean environment. Success of
this policy must be focused for fighting child wasting (repeated illness and poor
sanitation) and mortality.
b) Gender inequality is one of the prime contributors. Typically, women in many
societies consume food after the men consume. This continues even when they
are pregnant or immediately post their delivery. From mother’s womb to first
1,000 days the child experiences malnutrition, the child will experience serious
health complications at different stages in life.
c) Failure of poverty reduction policies - Inadequate weight and stunted height
are generally a consequence of poverty and lack of access to nutritious food.
d) Even with the massive scale up of national nutrition-focused programmes in India,
drought and structural deficiencies have left large number of poor in India at
risk of malnourishment. Need to properly re-structuring of TPDS and type of
nutrition available via TDPS needs to be relooked.
e ) There has been massive scale up of two national nutrition programmes – ICDS
and National Health Mission but they are yet to achieve adequate coverage.
India has developed and launched an action plan on ‘undernourishment free India’ by
2022. The plan shows stronger commitment and greater investments in tackling
malnutrition in the coming years.
Nepal’s remarkable reduction in child stunting is attributed to increased household assets,
increased maternal education levels, improved sanitation levels and implementation and
utilization of health and nutrition programs, including anti-natal and neonatal care.
18. The Citizen’s Charter is an ideal instrument of organisational transparency and
accountability, but it has its own limitations. Identify the limitations and suggest
measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizen’s Charters.
• Introduction:
Define Citizen Charter and give principles of citizens charter.
• Body:
a) List down Limitations of Citizen Charters.
b) Measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizen’s Charters
• Conclusion:
Need for a bill for timely government services.
Model Answer:
Citizens’ Charter is a document which represents the commitment of an organisation
towards standard, quality and time frame of service delivery, grievance redress mechanism,
transparency and accountability. It provide more responsive and citizen-friendly governance.
2nd ARC report provides for NINE principles of service delivery to Be Adopted In
Citizen Charter which maintains organisations Transparency & Accountability:
• Set standards of service;
• Be open and provide full information;
• Consult and involve;
• Encourage access and promote choice;
• Treat all fairly;
• Put things right when they go wrong;
• Use resources eûectively;
• Innovate and improve; and
• Work with other providers.
2nd ARC report gives following limitations of Citizen Charters:
• Designing is poor and content is weak to satisfy the citizens.
• Responsibility of the citizens is not mentioned.
• No penal provisions for non-implementation of spirit of charter.
• Top down model of charter without much interaction with public while framing it.
• Ill trained staff and transfer of Staff at crucial stage of Charter formulation and
implementation.
• Standard of Service delivery marked in Charters are either too lax or too high
• Less budgetary support.
• Inadequate Groundwork by Government Agencies for making Citizen Charter. In most
cases they had done just form filling exercise as observed by Public Accounts Committee.
• Charters are rarely updated according to changing needs and technology. So
after some years they become useless.
• Resistance to change within Bureaucracy itself which was given the task for
delivery of Services. Still believe in culture of secrecy.
• Absence of Feedback mechanism and proper monitoring system.
2 ARC gives following measures for greater effectiveness of the Citizen’s
nd
Charters:
• Charters should clearly spell out the remedy / penalty / compensation in case
there is a default in meeting the standards spelt out in the Charter.
• Better give a few promises that can be kept, rather than a long list of lofty but
impractical aspirations.
• Before the organization makes charter, it should restructure its internal system
and processes.
• One size does not fit all. Citizens’ Charter should be close to ground reality and
local conditions.
• Consult all stakeholders before finalizing the charter including CSO
• Firm Commitments should be made. GRM should be citizen friendly
• Evaluation of charters periodically.
• Hold officers accountable for results
Transparency and accountability are most important pillars of good governance and Citizen
Charters are an instrument to strengthen these pillars. Bihar is the only state to have
laws like Bihar Right to Public Services Act, 2011 and Bihar Right to Public Grievance
Redressal Act, 2015. This should be done by all states to fulfill the promise of good
governance.
19. What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context
of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (15 marks; 250
words)
• Introduction:
Give context of trade war between US and China
• Body:
a) Interest of India in WTO
b) Issues faced by WTO
c) Key areas of reforms needed if WTO has to survive
• Conclusion:
Need of rule based international trade based on mutual benefit.
Model Answer:
Trade war is a situation when one countries try and damage other’s country’s economy
through the imposition of tariffs, quotas or other restrictions on imports and exports. This
can hurt other nation’s economies and lead to rising political tensions between them.
As protectionism has started to rule the roost, member nations are increasingly
imposing new trade restrictions, including tariff increases, stricter customs procedures,
imposition of taxes and export duties.
• US has accused China of unfair trade practices, IPR violations and restricting US
investments. So, to balance out rising trade deficits with China and protect local
manufacturing and jobs, US imposed multiple tariffs on Chinese products.

32
Interest of India:
a) Free and fair trade to boost India’s growth.
b) Keeping CAD in control - US tariff’s on steel and aluminium would cost India
$241 million. This, when oil prices are rising, would threaten to widen CAD thus
impacting India’s macroeconomic stability.Control the fall of rupee that is fuelling
inflation.
c) India has its own battle to fight over discriminatory WTO subsidy regime. interests
of farmers – public stakeholding agreement
WTO is the principal forum for setting the rules of international trade. In its two
decades, it has helped reduce barriers to trade in both goods and services and created
a dispute resolution system that supporters say has reduced the threat of trade
wars.
However, the institution is under considerable pressure.
• Negotiations on a comprehensive development agenda have foundered on
disagreements over agricultural subsidies and intellectual property rights,
• Members have increasingly turned to separate bilateral and regional free trade
agreements to advance their trade interests.
• U.S. President Trump has criticized the WTO for what he sees as its weakness in
confronting China’s trade abuses and constraints on U.S. sovereignty, placing the
future of global trade rules into doubt.
• WTO rules overrule national sovereignty, and in doing so erode environmental
and labor protections.
• India and China confronts WTO for step-motherly treatment.
Reforms needed:
• Rich nations should reduce trade-distorting farm subsidies by 2019, as India and
China are demanding.
• China has called for WTO reform to make the global trade system fairer and more
effective.
• Taking help of WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) for adjudicating trade disputes
• WTO’s member should agree on a new work programme that will address trade-
distorting policies and preserve the multilateral rule-based trading system.
• One of the main reform proposals, advocated by the US & EU, is to move away
from consensus-based decision-making. Such a reform would eliminate individual
countries’ veto power, allowing agreements to progress within the WTO even if
certain members oppose them.
• This would result in plurilateral negotiations – talks involving only some countries
rather than the WTO’s entire membership – and could become WTO’s main way of
doing business.
• Empowering the WTO Secretariat to do more to support policy dialogue in WTO
bodies.
• Establishing a review mechanism that incorporates self-assessment by WTO bodies

33
can present Members with facts they may not be fully aware of, and information
on working practices, Member engagement and outcomes.
Sticking to status quo modes of operating is a recipe for the institution’s gradual demise.
The recent report of EU on WTO , ‘Revitalizing Multilateral Governance at the World
Trade Organization’ has started the talks on WTO reforms and they have to taken ahead
for long life of WTO.
20. In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the
national interest of India? How should India respond to this situation?
• Introduction:
 Explain the context of the question by briefly describing Iran nuclear Deal,
withdrawal by United States and fresh economic sanctions.
• Body:
 Discuss impact of this move by US on India
 Suggest how should India respond to this situation
• Conclusion:
 Conclude by the importance of the caution India should adopt
Model Answer:
Iran nuclear deal, also known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was an
agreement between Iran and P5+1 (UN Security Council members + Germany) countries.
Under the agreement
Iran had agreed to completely eliminate its stock of medium enriched uranium,
reduce the stock of low enriched uranium by 98% and reduce almost by 2/3rd its gas
centrifuges for 13 years. It provided for rigorous monitoring process by IAEA in lieu of
lifting of sanctions from Iran. USA unilaterally pulled out of nuclear deal in May 2018.
Likely Impact on India:
• It will make Indian oil import costlier and jeopardise our energy security. (India
imports over 80 percent of its oil)
• That will also make India’s currency weaker and widen the Current Account
Deficit. The impact has already been visible as Indian currency hit all time low
vis-à-vis US dollars.
• India-Iran pipeline project will be further delayed.
• India’s strategic port of Chabahar and trade route to Central Asia and Europe
(International North-South Transport Corridor) is endangered.
• India will have to rethink the complex geo-politics of Middle East.
• Shanghai Cooperation Organisation- Iran’s inclusion in the SCO as proposed by
China may position it as an anti-American group which may further impact Indo-
US relations.

34
• There may not be that much impact on non-oil trade with Iran. It is because of
the several measures taken by the countries like allowing Indian investment in
rupees, initiating new banking channels between them etc.
• Support for NSG membership: USA has been the supporter of the India’s NSG
membership. However equation might change as USA would pressure India to
support its sanctions.
How should India respond ?
• India should strongly argue for waivers regarding oil trade (given Iran’s importance
to Indian energy security) and critical projects like Chabahar port. The absence of
Iranian oil could shoot up prices in the oil market, subsequently raising India’s
import bill
• India can contemplate lowering tariffs for U.S. goods in exchange for a sanctions
waiver.
• New Delhi also needs to strongly push for Chabahar and frame it in tandem with
Trump’s objectives in Afghanistan – the port would reduce Afghanistan’s
dependence on Pakistan and would allow India to engage more constructively in
the region.
• India should negotiate with Iran for a rupee-rial system and efforts should be
made to revive Irano-Hind, a jointly owned shipping company that was shut down
in 2013.
• India should coordinate with EU countries along with Russia and China to promote
the Iran nuclear deal or any alternative arrangement, in case the United States
remains firm on sanctions. India needs to do a holistic assessment of the situation
and not tie itself to any particular country.
India needs to trade wisely between the powers of Middle East, to safeguard its national
and strategic interest.

35

Test No. 7-Q-6
UPSC Dhyeya IAS


Topic - 4
1
UPSC - CSE (MAINS) - 2019
Hints/Answer / Approach
(GS Paper-III)
1. Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non
to achieve sustainable development Goals. Comment on the progress made in
India in this regard.
Approach to the answer.
• Introduction:
 Define what are the SDG.
• Body:
 Define which goal is related to energy.
 Link other SDG to energy related SDG goal
 Give brief information about India’s initiatives.
• Conclusion:
 Suggest some steps need to take.
Model Answer:
The sustainable development goals are the blue print to achieve better and more sustainable
future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to
poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity and peace and justice.
The goals inter connect and in order to leave no one behind, it is important that we
achieve each goal and target by 2030.
In SGD’s goal number 7 is related to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable
and modern energy. Energy is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity
the world faces today. Working towards this goal is especially important as it interlink
with other SDG. Increased use of renewable energy through new economic and job
opportunities is crucial to creating more sustainable and inclusive communities and
resistance to environmental issues like climate change. Following SDGs are linked with
affordable, reliable, modern, sustainable energy such as a
1. Goal no 1 talks about end poverty and in it’s all form .In India still millions of
households don’t have electricity
2. Goal no 4 related to QUALITY EDUCATION to achieve this goal India need to have
twenty four into seven electricity to every households of the country.
3. Goal no. 8 concern about Decent work and economic growth, to achieve this,
having affordable and sustainable energy is important.
4. Goal no. 11. “SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES” this target is very
important for smart , green and sustainable cities where energy is produced by
modern and affordable ways
5. Goal no. 13 talks about CLIMATE ACTION today to combat climate change we
need to produce energy from smart ,sustainable ,affordable and reliable resources.

1
India’s initiative:
• National green corridor programme – green energy corridor project – synchronizing
electricity produced from renewable sources.
• National clean energy fund:- for funding research and innovative projects ion
clean energy technologies.
• National biogas and manure management programme :- to set-up family type
biogas plants in rural and semi-urban areas of the country.
• Draft national wind solar hybrid policy. Promotion of large grid connected wind
solar PV hybrid system.
• Development of Solar parks and ultra mega solar power projects.
• National solar mission – to achieve 100 GW capacity by 2022.
• India’s intended nationally determined contribution:-
At the UNFCC has stated that India will achieve 40% cumulative electric power
capacity from non fossil fuel based energy resources.
Government of India has set a target of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy
capacity by 2022. This includes.
• 60 GW from wind power.
• 100 GW from solar power
• 10 GW from biomass power
• 5 GW from Small hydro power.
Other sustainable, modern, reliable and affordable energy initiative in various other
sectors.
• Urja Ganga Project: It is gas pipeline project to access clean gas energy for cooking
in Varanasi Uttar Pradesh.
• Under Make in India Government of India is also promoting renewable energy.
• Formation of national adaptation fund will initiate policies towards renewable
energy to achieve target of reducing carbon emission by 33 to 35% by 2030.
• Recent policy of development indigenous nuclear power plant under this India
will built 10 indigenous nuclear power plants.
• Government promoting indigenous manufacturing of solar panels.
• Promoting solar roof top energy production.
• International agreement like TAPI gas projects.
• Policy initiative of for promoting offshore and onshore gas as well as hydrocarbon
production.
Conclusion: (Way forward)
• To support growing renewable energy, the expansion of transmission infrastructure
should be strengthened.
• Investment in R and D programmes, as well as human resource development is
necessary.

2
• Nation wide not metering so that home owners can sell excess energy. This
would incentivize installing solar roof tops.
• Mandate conditions such as meeting a minimum level of renewable purchase
obligation.
• Proper project studies before installing power projects to assess environmental
impact and mitigate the same.
• Citizen awareness to encourage use of renewable energy.
• Draft energy policy- which calls for reducing the dependency on fossil fuel and
developer renewable energy for achieving sustainable development goals.
• Therefore any efforts towards sustainable development community participation
and awareness is the sine qua non.
2. Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long-term Capital

Gain Tax (LTCG) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for
2018-2019.
Approach
• Introduction:
 Introduce by mentioning the changes introduced in budget 2018-19
• Body
 Write in two parts:
• List the benefits
• List the drawbacks of the introduced changes in LTCG and DDT in the budget.
• Conclusion
 Suggest a way forward which strikes the balance between the benefits and
drawbacks.
Model Answer:
In the Union Budget for 2018-19, government introduced Long Term Capital Gains Tax
(LTCG) of 10% tax on gains of over 1 lakh made on any form of investment in listed
equities and mutual funds with a holding period of over one year and a 10% Dividend
Distribution Tax on dividends doled out by equity-oriented mutual funds
Benefits of the changes introduced in the budget:
1. It will help in plugging the fiscal deficit of the country
2. It will help avoid tax base erosion
3. Ensure level playing field between financial assets and investment in
manufacturing.
4. Greater revenue generation will mean increased public spending when credit
growth is low due to bank’s NPA issues.
5. Greater liquidity in stock markets as the LTCG tax will favour short-term trading,
thus increasing supply and demand of the stocks in market.

3
Drawbacks of the changes introduced in the budget
1. The smaller differential between short and long-term capital gains tax itself will
discourage the long-term holding of stocks in favor of short-term trading activity.
2. It is also likely to discourage to some extent the growing culture of investing in
equities for the long run.
3. Being the only country in the world to impose both the Securities Transaction Tax
(STT) and LTCG, India is also likely to become a little less attractive to foreign
investors when compared to its peers.
4. DDT will act as a dampener for the mutual fund industry that has been seeing a
steady flow of inflows.
5. DDT will also impact those institutional investors who invested through mutual
fund route.
India should strike a balance in framing the policy to boost capital investments while
providing the government more money for genuine public goods. The investment policy
should promote higher benefits to investor thus making India a lucrative investment
market at the same time it should not lead to tax evasion which leads to loss to exchequer.
3. What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the
farmers from the low-income trap?
Approach
• Introduction:
 Explain briefly about the MSP
• Body:
 Mention methods of MSP calculation
 Give the specific advantages of the MSP which helps in increasing farmer’s income.
• Conclusion:
 Conclude positively while giving steps needed to revamp the MSP regime.
Model Answer
Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a form of market intervention by the Government of India
to insure agricultural producers against any sharp fall in farm prices. The minimum
support prices are announced by the Government of India at the beginning of the sowing
season for certain crops on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission for
Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). MSP is price fixed by Government of India to protect
the producer - farmers - against excessive fall in price during bumper production years.
There are several cost concepts that the Commission for Agricultural Costs and
Prices (CACP) considers while recommending MSPs of 23 crops.
• Cost A2 - These are the costs the farmer actually pays out of his/her pocket for
buying various inputs ranging from seeds to fertilizers to pesticides to hired labour
to hired machinery or even leased-in land.
• Cost A2 +FL - In agriculture, farmers also use a lot of family labour and if their
cost is imputed and added to cost A2, that concept is called cost A2+FL.

4
• Cost C2 - the Comprehensive cost (cost C2), it includes imputed costs of family
labour, imputed rent of owned land and imputed interest on owned capital.
MSP can help to rescue the farmers from the low-income trap in many ways:
1. Price volatility - MSP acts as a tool for the government to control sharp fall and
rise in the prices of any crops. This prevents distress sell by farmers as they can
sell it at MSP.
2. This helps them cover the minimum amount expenses in cultivating the crops
and pay of the debts which they have.
3. It can guide farmers to grow crops short in supply. The government can offer more
price support for these crops so that more and more farmers are tempted to grow
these crops. This will increase the supply of crops while providing the farmers to
choose higher prices crops as per market demands.
MSP has many advantages but need is to raise the awareness among the small and
medium scale farmers who don’t reap the complete benefits of this scheme. 1.5 times
higher MSP introduced by government in 2018-19 is a positive step in right direction. Also
there is need to introduce few more crops in the MSP regime which is right now cereal
centric. This will help in achieving the target of doubling the farmers’ income by 2022.
4. Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables

and food items. How do they eliminate number of intermediaries? (10)
Approach
• Introduction:
 In introduction mention some Supermarket chain
• Body:
Write it in two parts
1. What role supermarket plays in supply chain management
 Forward linkage
 Backward Linkage
2. Show how supermarkets remove intermediaries
• Conclusion - Conclude it in such a way that it sum up your whole argument
Model Answer:
Supermarkets play a very important role in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables
and food items. Supermarket chain such as SAFAL, Reliance Fresh, Easy Day, Big Basket,
TESCO etc. provide backward as well as forward linkage in the supply chain.
Forward Linkage:
• The product is quality tested and preserved in well controlled condition thus
better quality to consumers.
• Better and standardized packaging.
• Adhere to proper regulation and guidelines.
• Supermarkets with wide procurement network provides huge variety under one roof.

5
Backward Linkages
• Direct procurement from farmers from the doorstep.
• Input and production services are offered to farmers.
• Guaranteed and fixed pricing structures.
• Many times they provide credit through advances to the farmers
• Often provide the farmers new technology, training and extension services.
• Open up new markets that would have been inaccessible to the small farmers.
Supermarkets eliminate intermediaries in following way:-
In traditional supply chain agriculture produces passes through a whole network of
intermediaries. When produce passes from one intermediary to another price of
product increases.
Ordinarily the supply chain is
With supermarkets
Supermarket brings forward and backward linkage in supply chain this reduces the
number of hands the product changes before getting in the hands of the consumers
it reduces the final price and increases the profit margin for the stakeholders. It
also reduce the total time it takes the product to reach the final consumer.
Reducing intermediaries helps consumer in getting quality agriculture produce at less

price. It helps farmer in getting better and assured return for their produce. It helps in
increasing income of agricultural household thus reducing rural - urban migration, it
also prevents farmers from falling into trap of informal moneylenders. Thus streamlining
the supply chain either by supermarket or by cooperative not only helps in reducing
intermediaries but also helps in bringing prosperity to rural community
5. Discuss the work of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ done by Prof. Satyendra Nath Bose
and show how it revolutionized the field of Physics. (10)
Approach:
• Introduction -
Write briefly about Satyendra Nath Bose and his contributions.
• Body:
Question has two part so answer both in two subparts (by giving sub heading) :
1. Bose-Einstein Statistics - write in simple words what ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ mean.
2. Contribution of ‘Bose-Einstein Statistics’ in revolutionizing Physics
• Conclusion:
 Give a conclusion which can show how it revolutionized the field of physics

6
Model Answer:
Satyendra Nath Bose was Indian physicist specializing in theoretical physics. His work on
quantum mechanics laid the foundation for Bose–Einstein statistics and the theory of the
Bose–Einstein condensate. For his work on the Boson - a class of particles named after him
because they obey Bose–Einstein statistics - he is known as ‘Father of the God Particle’.
Bose–Einstein statistics
• Bose-Einstein statistics means the statistics of a system where you can not tell
the difference between any of the particles, and the particles are bosons. The
Bose-Einstein distribution tells us how many particles have a certain energy.
The Bose-Einstein distribution predicts that at very low temperatures, very nearly
absolute zero, all particles in the system will condense into a single state, called
the Bose-Einstein condensate. This is particularly true for the bosons, but not for
the fermions which obey Pauli-Exclusion principle.
Contribution
• The Bose-Einstein statistics has applications in
various aspects of physics like relativity, Bose-Einstein
Condensate - fifth state of matter, super fluidity, laser
cooling, etc.
• Because of Bose–Einstein condensates’ obeisance to
quantum mechanical rules, scientists have used their atoms as proxies for
individual particles like electrons and then simulate their interactions.
• Such simulated systems could be used to tease out the properties of topological
insulators, Majorana fermions and new super fluids – all being lucrative areas of
research in contemporary condensed-matter physics.
The race for and discovery of Bose–Einstein condensate triggered an explosion in atomic-
physics research, and Bose–Einstein condensate is one of the major areas in the field.
Thus Bose -Einstein statistics and Bose–Einstein condensate lead to revolutionizing of
physics by expanding the area of study.
6. What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid
wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the
toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment?
Approach to the answer:
• Introduction:
 Define what is solid waste and solid waste management.
• Body :
 Discuss impediment’s.
 What are the toxic elements give some example.
 Discuss available technologies to remove toxic elements from the
environment.
• Conclusion:
 Suggest important reforms in SWM.
7
Model Answer:
Solid waste means any garbage, refuse, sludge from waste water treatment plant and
other discarded materials including solid, liquid, semi solid or contained gaseous material
resulting from industrial, agricultural, commercial, mining and community activities.
Solid waste management: The collecting , treating and disposing of solid material
that is discarded because it has served its purpose or is no longer usefull.
Waste management rules in India are based on the principles of “sustainable
developement “,”precautions “,and “polluters pays”.
Impediments:
1. Rapid urbanization, the country is facing massive solid waste management
challenge. 377 million population lives in 7935 towns and cities and generate 62
million tone of municipal solid waste per annum. 43 MT waste is collected,11.9
MT is treated and 31 MT is dumped at landfills.
2. Absence of proper segregation of the wastes at the source and unawareness
among citizens created added problem in collecting and disposing solid wastes.
3. In India SWM is a responsibility of urban local bodies but most of municipalities
struggle to provide efficient solid waste management services due to lack of
infrastructure and technology, lack of involvement from private sector and non
governmental organization
4. Poor community participation in sustainability initiative also in west management
involvement of informal sector is very high who charge nominal fees and collect
wastes from door to door and dump it openly
5. In India ULBs don’t charge any fees on collecting solid waste which creating
financial burden of ULBs which ultimately resulting into inefficiencies in collecting
waste and low territorial coverage. As well as heath risk and collection transporting
wastes in open truck, limited waste recovery and processing and indiscriminate
dumping at open dumping site without leach ate treatment.
6. Urban poor involved in collection of waste who called rag pickers who are
instrumental in solid waste collection ,processing and recycling are highly
vulnerable to health damages and highly dangerous work condition as collection
of west involved in coming contact with toxic substances.
Following toxic substances can be found in solid waste: Increasing electronic wastes
and various industrial and household wastes generated number of toxic wastes these
are Lead, Mercury, Uranium, Cadmium, Bio-medical wests etc.
Following steps can be taken to remove toxic elements from our environment
1. Dumping of electronic unused electronic items such as battery, cell phone, TV
sets and other electronic gadgets should be sent to recycling processing units
2. Phytoremidiation technology in which using of plants to remove pollutants from
soil and ground water and to assist in degradation of contaminants in less toxic
form.
3. Plant tissues: Which is rich in accumulated contaminate which can be harvested
and safely removed

8
4. Phytoextraction: In which use of plants to remove contaminates from environment
and concentrate on above ground plant tissues
5. Phytostabilation: It involves the reduction of the mobility of heavy metals in soil.
The mobility of contaminants is reduced by the accumulation of contaminants by
plant roots, absorption onto roots, or precipitation within the root zones some of
the government initiative to increase efficiency in solid waste management
government in 2000 enacted municipal solid waste {management and handling}
rule, solid waste management rules 2016, swacch bharat abhiyan, smart city initiatives.
Steps taken:
• Even government has taken number of steps but to address the rising problem of
solid waste we should focus on creating awareness among people and attitudinal
change which can make break through in solid waste management. Educating
masses about segregation and its possible benefits is also very important. Making
municipalities financially independent or giving them financial resources is vital
for making urban India sustainable, clean, smart .Giving chance to urban self
help groups to come forward and start collecting solid wastes, processing it, and
recycling it at collection point. Rag pickers are nervous system of this solid west
management efforts government should take steps to organize them and provide
safety gears to all these rag pickers
WAY FORWARD:
Attitudinal change, awareness campaign, nukkad nataks , awareness SABHAS at gram
panchayat level and making towns and cities financially viable, also creating processing
units at city-town level from which we can generate a good amount of fertilizer which can
give flip to clean, smart and sustainable cities and towns of the country so that they can
contribute more meaningfully in India’s growth story.
7. What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of
wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India
• Introduction:
 Define the wetland (preferably give standard definition or include keywords
from the definition)
• Body:
 Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland conservation
 Give examples of two Ramsar sites from India
• Conclusion:
 Conclude by raising concern for wetland conservation and the importance of
the same
Model Answer:
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands defines wetlands as: areas of marsh, fen, peat-land or
water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or
flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low
tide does not exceed six meters.

9
The convention states that the “Wise use of the wetlands” is the maintenance of
their ecological character, achieved through the implementation of ecosystem approaches,
within the context of the sustainable development.
Through this concept of “wise use”, which was pioneering when the Convention was
drafted, the Convention continues to emphasize that human use on a sustainable basis is
entirely compatible with Ramsar principles and wetland conservation in general.
The Ramsar wise use concept applies to all wetlands and water resources in a
Contracting Party’s territory, not only to those sites designated as Wetlands of International
Importance. Its application is crucial to ensuring that wetlands can continue fully to deliver
their vital role in supporting maintenance of biological diversity and human well-being.
The three key elements of the of wise use are:
• Ecological character, which is the
combination of the ecosystem
components, processes and benefits/
services that characterize the wetland
at a given point in time
• Ecosystem approaches, which consider
the complex relationships between
every element of an ecosystem, and
promote the integrated management of
land, water and living resources
(including humans)
• Sustainable development, which is a
pattern of resource use that aims to
meet human needs while preserving the
environment so that these needs can
be met not only in the present, but also
for generations to come.
• Wise use of wetlands results in benefits for poverty eradication, mitigation of and
adaptation to climate change, and prevention of disease and natural disaster.
• Emphasis in the wise use of wetlands is in their sustainable utilization for the
benefit of mankind. It is done to ensure compatibility with the maintenance of
the natural properties of the ecosystem
In India this can be seen in following examples
• Banning of activities: Certain activities are banned in notified wetland like
setting up of industries, dumping of solid, electronic, hazardous and construction
wastes, poaching of animals, conversion of wetland area into non-wetland purposes
etc. This is to prohibit the “unwise use of the wetland”
• Catchment area treatment and lakefront eco-development which may include
bunding, fencing, shoreline development, creation of facilities for public
recreation and entertainment
• Chilika lake in Odisha, Keoladeo (Rajasthan), Sambhar Lake ( Rajasthan) etc
are prominent Ramsar sites of India.

10
Due to Urbanization, wetlands are encroached and this lead to many problems like Urban
flood, lowering of water table etc. Keeping this in view and to protect 2 lakh wetland
across the country government in its Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules,
2017 inserted the ‘wise use’ principle, giving powers to state-level wetland authorities to
decide what can be allowed in larger interest.
8. Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State’ in India. What are the ecological and economical
benefits of Organic State. (10)
Approach:
• Introduction -
 Introduce by defining Organic farming and then write briefly on Sikkim
becoming Organic state
• Body:
1. Divide answer into two sub-parts dealing with both ecological and economical
benefits of Organic state.
2. Very briefly write some impediments in adoption of Organic farming.
• Conclusion:
 Give some way forward, here mention recent initiatives and schemes
Model Answer:
Organic farming is a system of farming which avoids the use of synthetic inputs such as
fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, feed additives etc. It depends upon crop rotations, crop
residues, animal manures, off-farm organic waste and biological system of nutrient mobilization
and plant protection. Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic state by implementing
organic practices on around 75,000 hectares of agricultural land and getting it certified.
Organic states have following ecological benefits
1. Soil Conservation- Organic farming doesn’t use harmful chemical fertilizers and
pesticides rather they depend on green manure, composting etc which protect
soils in maintaining fertility for long time.
2. Soil Quality - They improve the soil physical properties such as granulation and
good tilt, good giving good aeration easy root penetration and improved water
holding capacity.
3. Water - Heavy use of fertilizers in conventional farming pollute groundwater and
also causes eutrophications in water bodies which doesn’t happen in case of
organic farming.
4. Biodiversity- Pesticides used in conventional farming not only kill pests but also
affect other flora and fauna thus organic farming which doesn’t depend on intensive
use of chemicals help in protecting biodiversity
5. Climate change - Lower greenhouse gas emissions for crop production, drought
tolerant in nature, coupled with additional benefits of biodiversity and other
environmental services, makes organic agriculture a farming method with many
advantages and considerable potential for mitigating and adapting to climate
change.

11
6. Organic farming helps to prevent environment degradation and can be used to
regenerate degraded areas.
Organic State have following Economical benefits
1. Organic farming are less resource intensive and doesn’t need costly inputs
like chemical fertilizers, pesticide etc. Becoming organic state will have following
benefits
- Increased income of Farmer
- Poverty alleviation
- Reduce farmer suicide
2. Becoming ‘Organic state’ will help farmers in marketing their product and get
better price.
3. Organic food can fetch higher price in International as well as domestic market.
4. The diversity of crops on organic farms can have other economic benefits. Diversity
provides some protection from adverse price changes in a single commodity.
Diversified farming also provides a better seasonal distribution of inputs.
5. Tourism - It will boost tourism industry. For example - In Sikkim resorts have
already been marketing themselves as completely organic where tourists can
pluck, cook and relish fresh organic food from their kitchen gardens.
Challenges of Organic farming
1. Certification of organic food,
2. Ensuring food security
3. Risk of yield loss while shifting to organic farming
4. Specialized farmer training costs, higher processing and inventory holding costs,
and increased packaging, logistics and distribution costs add to the price of end
products.
5. There is low awareness at the producer level on the difference between conventional
farming and organic farming.
6. Due to relatively small volumes, the costs of organic food products are relatively high
These are few challenges in bringing more area under organic farming and making
more Organic state.
Conclusion: To bring more area under Organic farming government has launched
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana and to distinguish Organic product from non - organic
products Jaivik Bharat logo has been introduced. Implementation of these schemes are
necessary to bring more land under organic farming
9. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of

China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and
enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (10)
Approach:
• Introduction:
 Briefly write what “One Belt One Road” is.
12
• Body:
1. Give brief description of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) here also
mention significance of CPEC in OBOR
2. Mention reasons why India is distancing itself from CPEC. Here try to make
answer multi-dimension as question is asked in GS3 paper so focus on security
and economic dimension.
• Conclusion:
 Here give recent initiative like Asia Africa Growth corridor.
Model Answer:
The ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative is an ambitious effort of China to improve regional
cooperation and connectivity on a trans-continental scale. The initiative aims to strengthen
infrastructure, trade, and investment links between China and about 65 other countries
that account collectively for over 30 percent of global
GDP, 62 percent of population, and 75 percent of known
energy reserves. The BRI consists primarily of the
Silk Road Economic Belt, linking China to Central
and South Asia and onward to Europe, and the New
Maritime Silk Road, linking China to the nations of
Southeast Asia, the Gulf Countries, North Africa, and
on to Europe. The OBOR has following two
components:-
China - Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

• China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is project which will connect Kashgar in
Xinjiang province of China, with Gwadar port in Baluchistan. It is connected
through a vast and complex network of roads as well as other infrastructure
projects. The CPEC has potential to serve as a fusion of Maritime Silk Road and
Silk Road Economic Belt. This corridor is an extension of China’s Silk Road
initiative. This project will provide economic growth to Pakistan and will help in
boosting infrastructure development with the help of China. Focus area of CPEC
will be:-

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Reasons of India distancing itself from CPEC
1. CPEC passes through Pakistan - Occupied - Kashmir and it completely encroaches
on sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.
2. Security threat due to presence of Chinese naval vessels in the area, the
establishment of a naval base in Gwadar. Gwadar Port can be seen as part of
China’s “String of Pearls” bases.
3. There are concerns that the BRI will function as a ‘debt trap’, by making smaller
nations indebted to China for infrastructure development, as in the case of
Hambantota port of Sri Lanka. This can give China control over these nations and
damage their economies.
4. CPEC and OBOR will help China in politically influencing member countries and
gaining regional domination
5. There are fears that China may have imperialistic designs on nations where it
implements projects under BRI.
6. Expanded commercial presence around the world will eventually lead to expanded
military presence.
Way forward : OBOR will lead to increased presence of China in Asia, Africa and Europe.
Keeping this in light, India, Japan and Multiple African Countries have come together to
form Asia-Africa Growth Corridor. This will give India opportunity to not miss the
development train without compromising with its sovereignty and Territorial integrity.

14
10. Left wing extremism is showing a downward trend but still affects many parts of
the country. Briefly explain the government of India’s approach to counter the
challenges imposed by LWE.
• Introduction:
Define what is LWE.
• Body:
 Present LWE presence in affected areas and it’s declining trend in country
with some facts.
 Government steps to counter LWE.
• Conclusion:
 With some suggestion and reforms needed to do.
Model Answer:
Present naxal presence in our
country:
• Incidents of left-wing
extremism have declined by
60% from 2,258 in 2009 to 908
in 2017, according to union
home ministry statistics.
Recently union home
ministry’s data shows it has
removed 44 districts from the
list of left-wing extremism
(LWE) hit states, bringing the
number of affected districts
down to 30. in May 2018
security forces killed more
than 40 Naxalites in
Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli
district. Incidents of left-wing
extremism have declined by
60% from 2,258 in 2009 to 908
in 2017, according to Union
home ministry statistics. The
geographical expanse of LWE-
affected areas has also decreased by 40-45%.
• Still many other states are in the grip of LWE such as Maharashtra, Assam,
Andhra pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal etc. Presence of naxalism has created
impediments for developmental activities in these states. Problems such as killing
of innocent peoples, killings of security personals is still a big threat from LWE,
destroying communication networks and roads ,running of parallel government
collecting money from tribal community etc are still affecting these states.

15
GOVERNMENT STEPS TO COUNTER LWE:
• The Government’s approach is to deal with Left Wing Extremism in a holistic
manner, in the areas of security, development, ensuring rights and entitlements
of local communities, improvement in governance and public perception
management. In dealing with this decades-old problem, it has been felt appropriate,
after various high-level deliberations and interactions with the State Governments
concerned, that an integrated approach aimed at the relatively more affected
areas would deliver results.
• SAMADHAN, is one such solution for the problem of anti-development left wing
extremism.
SAMADHAN stand for:
1. S- Smart Leadership
2. A- Aggressive Strategy
3. M- Motivation and Training
4. A- Actionable Intelligence
5. D- Dashboard Based KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and KRAs (Key Result Areas)
6. H- Harnessing Technology
7. A- Action plan for each Theatre
8. N- No access to Financing
SAMADHAN is an aggressive strategy for to deal with LWE who have been causing
heavy casualties on armed forces and the common man living in the left wing affected
areas. It also aims at efficient utilization of technology to combat LWE.
Other such initiatives taken by government of India and various state government
these are following
1. Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme-Modernization of Police Forces Under
the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme, the central Govt. reimburses to
the State Governments of 11 LWE affected States relating to training and
operational needs of security forces, compensation to Left Wing Extremist cadres
who surrendered, community policing, Security related infrastructure for village
defence committees and publicity materials. The SRE Schemes aims at
strengthening of the capacity of the LWE affected States to fight the LWE problem.
2. Special Central Assistance (SCA) for 30 most LWE affected districts: This
Scheme has been approved by the Government on 27.09.2017 as a sub-scheme of
the Umbrella Scheme, ‘Modernization of Police Forces’ for a period of 3 years i.e.
from 2017-18 to 2019-20. Main objective of the Scheme is to fill the critical gaps
in Public infrastructure and Services
3. Civic Action Programme (CAP): This Scheme has been approved by the
Government on 27.09.2017 as a sub scheme of the Umbrella Scheme Modernization
of Police Forces for a period of 03 years i.e. from 2017-18 to 2019-20. CAP in LWE
affected areas is being implemented since 2010-11to bridge the gaps between
Security Forces and local people through personal interaction and bring the human
face of SFs before the local population. The Scheme has been very successful in
achieving its goal. Under the Scheme, funds are released to the CAPFs, deployed in
LWE affected areas, for conducting various civic activities in welfare of the local people.
16
4. Road Connectivity Project for LWE affected areas (RRP-II):The Government
approved this scheme on 28.12.2016 for further improving road connectivity in 44
districts of 9 LWE affected States. This Scheme envisages 5412 km roads and 126
bridges at an estimated cost of Rs. 11,725 Crores. Ministry of Rural Development
is the nodal Ministry for this project. The roads included under the scheme have
been identified by the Ministry of Home Affairs in consultation with the State
Governments and the security agencies.
5. Left wing mobile tower project: To increase mobile connectivity in LWE . Phase
one has completed and government approved phase two
6. Aspirational District: The Ministry of Home Affairs has been tasked with the
monitoring of Aspirational districts programme in 35 LWE affected districts.
WAY FORWARD: To tackle LWE, with above govt. initiative, we must focus upon capacity
building of tribal community and continuous efforts toward building trust among these
communities. Proper implementation of government programme and equipping our security
forces with modern gadgets and weapon system and armored vehicle is vital against LWE.
It is the belief of the Government of India that through a holistic approach focusing on
development and security related interventions, the LWE problem can be successfully
tackled.
11. How are the principles followed by NITI Aayog different from those followed by
the erstwhile planning commission in India?
• Introduction:
 Give background of NITI and its mandates.
• Body:
 Give multiple points of comparison between the Principles of NITI and PC
• Conclusion:
 Era of co-operative and competitive federalism by NITI.
Model Answer:
National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog serves as a ‘think tank’ of the
government. NITI Aayog provides governments at the Central and State levels with relevant
strategic and technical advice across the spectrum of key elements of policy. Its mandates
are includes to:
• Foster cooperative federalism,
• Evolve a national consensus on developmental goals,
• Redefine the reforms agenda,
• Platform for resolution of cross-sectoral issues between Center & State Govt,
• Capacity building
• Act as a Knowledge and Innovation hub.

17
Difference between NITI and Planning Commission:
a) The centre-to-state one-way flow of policy, that was the hallmark of the Planning
Commission era, has been replaced by a genuine and continuing partnership of
states. States are seen as equal partners in policy making and development partners
of the nation.
b) Previously the Planning Commission that formulated plans and then asked the
States to implement them (provided they agreed), this time the States themselves
will be able to actively participate in the planning so that there is no communication
gap and the plans can be implemented effectively. This has started the era of co-
operative federalism in India.
c) Instead of top-down approach followed by Planning Commission, NITI’s focus is on
principle of bottom up approach.
d) NITI is a think-tank and does not have the power to impose policies. PC imposed
policies on states and tied allocation of funds with projects it approved.
e ) There would be better inter-ministry coordination in NITI due to presence of
ministers as members. PC lacked such type of co-ordinate efforts. It was more of
compartmentalization efforts by individual ministries.
f) With no role in allocation of fund, NITI Aayog does not go into work of finance
commission and finance ministry; as done b PC.
g) NITI Aayog can invite tech experts as its members thereby bringing expertise
views in policy framing. This principle of experts of given field for suggestions in
decision making was not done by PC.
h) Unlike PC, NITI does not follow the system of five year planning and principle of
planned development. It has moved ahead with short term, medium term and
long term agenda reports
NITI Aayog has fostered a new era of co-operative and competitive federalism. The next
step should be to provide it more legitimacy and independency by giving it Constitutional
status.
12. How would the recent phenomena of a protectionism and currency manipulations
in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India?
• Introduction:
Define protectionism and currency manipulation.
• Body:
Why protectionism is rising.
 Give some examples of trade wars
 What are the negative implications on India.
 Currency manipulation and its impact over India.
• Conclusion:
 Suggest some measures to combat protectionism and currency manipulation.

18
Model Answer:
Protectionism is the economic policy of restricting imports from other countries through
methods such as tariff on imported goods, import quotes and varieties of other government
regulations.
Protectionist policies help immune the producers, businesses and workers of import
competing sector in the country from foreign competitors.
What is currency manipulation :-
• Currency manipulation is act done by central bank of the country to manipulation
currency to serve their agenda. By manipulating currency increase value of
currency. The word manipulation has negative connotation and it’s typically
associated with activity outside rule of law
Why protectionism is gaining prevalence:-
• To protect indigenous industrial sectors especially infant and sunrise sectors.
• High unemployment rate.
• Slow growth recovery post global financial crisis.
• Rising apprehensions with respect to immigrants leading to xenophobia.
• Some of the following examples related to recent trade war among the nations.
• China: US recently imposed tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum to protect
American producers.
• US Imposed 25% tax on steel and 10% tax on aluminum imports from EU, Mexico,
Canada.
Protectionism led USA to withdraw for TPP.
• Recently NAFTA was renegotiated because US pressure, in previous NAFTA US
thinks that it was against US economic interest, this is also an example of
protectionism.
• Recently India imposed retaliatory tariffs on US goods.
• Negative implications of protectionism on India.
According to World BANK protectionism can significantly drop in global trade.
• Recently International monetary fund cautioned that rising protectionism in
developed countries, the greatest deterioration in corporate balance sheet would
occur in India.
• Combination of declining global trade and growth would increase corporate
vulnerability and borrowing costs, that may lead to financial stability risks in
these economies”. It is said in IMF’s Global Financial stability report.
• Rise in protectionism could trigger capital out flows and heart demand and it can
raise risk in already facing NPA crisis led Indian banking system.
• Protectionism can negatively impact India’s export which can lead to increase
current account deficit slow growth rate can increase unemployment.
• Increasing tendencies of protectionism can further increase trade war between
developed and developing economies can negatively impact India’s socio-economic goals.

19
Currency Manipulation and it impact over India:
• Recently US treasury department included India in the watch list of currency
manipulator but the actual Scenario is completely different.
• Currency manipulation can largely/badly heart India’s export and increase current
account deficit.
• Import become more cheaper which can lead to flooding of goods and ultimately
heart domestic manufacturing.
• Falling export and trade with world can decrease wages of employee and increase
in unemployment rate.
• Firms who buy imported raw material can be negatively impacted & foreign
exchange and tourists Industry growth rate will be slow.
• Those on fixed incomes/wages who see inflation rise foster.
Way forward:
• As experts said BRICS countries should stand together to fight new wave of
protectionism and shared agenda bringing two largest economies of BRICS, India-
China closer together.
• India-China trade relations, a united front against US protectionism
• Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi said at World Economic forum meeting
that free trade should be encouraged. Later Prime Minister said forces of
protectionism are raising their hands against globalization.
• Recently held strategic-Economic Dialogue India and China displayed wider
convergence on threats to globalization and rising protectionism.
• To counter currency manipulation keep stable rupee exchange rate RBI can take
following steps:
• After being added in US treasury is monitoring list of currency manipulation RBI
will give freeze rein to rupee when rises against the dollar.
• RBI can intervene in forex exchange market and purchase dollars to keep rupee
value at stable mode.
• India should increase it’s export and should take advantage it’s cheaper goods to
sell in new markets.
13. Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production,
productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in
increasing the income of farmers? (15)
Approach:
• Introduction- Write briefly about National Horticulture Mission (NHM)
• Body:
 Write role of NHM in boosting production, productivity and income of
Horticulture farm.
 Also give some data on how income of farmers increased due to NHM
 Give some challenges of NHM
• Conclusion:
 Relate it with doubling farmers income by 2022

20
Model Answer:
National Horticulture Mission (NHM) is one of the sub schemes of Mission for Integrated
Development of Horticulture (MIDH) which is being implemented by State Horticulture
Missions (SHM) in selected districts of 18 States and four Union Territories.
• National Horticulture Mission envisages productivity improvement of horticulture
crops including fruits and vegetables through various interventions. For holistic
growth of horticulture sector, Mission emphasizes on activities such as:
• Production - NHM plays a very important role in increasing production of fruit,
vegetable etc by taking initiative which helps in increasing production. Few of the
role which NHM plays in production are as follow:-
 Vegetable seed production.
 Coverage of area with improved cultivars.
 Production of planting material
 Rejuvenation of senile orchards.
• Productivity - To increase the efficiency of production NHM helps farmer in utilizing
the resource in such way that more output can be gained with same or lesser
input of resources. Such roles of NHM are:-
 Creation of water resources and improving water use efficiency.
 Adoption of Integrated Pests Management (IPM) and Integrated Nutrients
Management (INM)
 Nutrient use efficiency and pest management form important components to
bring about sustainability in horticulture.
 Adoption of organic farming including in-situ generation of organic manure
Income of Horticulture Farms - NHM not only focuses on production and productivity
but also helps farmer in getting better price for their product. Under NHM following
things are done to improve income from horticulture:-
• Capacity building of farmers and technicians for adopting improved technologies.
• Creation of Infrastructure for Post-Harvest Management.
• Horticulture marketing.
Data shows that horticulture production in the country has been increasing since
implementation of NHM:
• The average area under horticulture has increased from 0.71 hactare per
household to 1.01 hactare after the adoption of NHM.
• Average household income for the selected beneficiaries before the implementation
of the Programe was Rs.0.73 Lakhs per annum, which increased to Rs.1.30 lakhs
per annum after the implementation of the programme (an increase of 78%)
• The annual employment creation from NHM/HMNEH scheme is about 322 man-
days.
• “Impact Evaluation of NHM” report of Ministry of Agriculture states that most of
the beneficiaries have reported a substantial increase in productivity, net income
per ha and incremental income.
21
Apart from the progress made by NHM so far the horticulture sector still has few
challenges such as
• lack of good quality planting material,
• lack of post-harvest produce management chain from farm to fork,
• multiplicity of intermediaries,
• distress sale
• mass destruction.
National Horticulture Mission plays very crucial role in improving production, productivity
and income from horticulture farms. Focus is necessary on improving post harvest
management chain, availability of infrastructure like cold storage, removal of intermediaries
and distress sale. By overcoming the challenges that NHM faces today, NHM can help
farmer in doubling the farmers income by 2022.
14. How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns
in recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millets production and consumption.
Approach-
• Introduction:
 Define cropping pattern and change in cropping pattern. Here give example of
emphasis on particular crop leading to change in cropping pattern
• Body:
 Show imbalance in cropping pattern
 Reasons of imbalance in cropping pattern
 Emphasis on benefit of producing millet; also mention government initiative
 Emphasis on consumption of millet
 Challenges in increasing production and consumption
• Conclusion:
 Suggest way forward
Model Answer:
Cropping pattern refers to the proportion of area under different crops at a particular
period of time. A change in cropping pattern means a change in the proportion of area
under different crops. In India change in cropping pattern is noticed in following way:-
• Area under cultivation of Commercial crop is increasing
• Traditionally, Marathwada grew millets and oilseeds (require less water) but,
now sugarcane - a water intensive crop is produced in this region leading to
ignorance of millets and oilseeds
• Pulses are most often neglected while wheat and rice get preference because of
better MSP(Minimum support price)

22
• In India, there is an existing imbalance in the cropping pattern of the food grains
because a large proportion of the area under food grains is occupied by cereals.
Rice is the major cereal crop among food grains and showed a gradual increase in
the area and so also the wheat. But coarse grains like Jowar, Bajra and Maize
showed a decline in the percentage of the area. Also there was a gradual shift
from non-food grains to food grains.
Reasons of emphasis
• Cultivation of food crops has become highly remunerative and productive under
the influence of new technology.
• Minimum Support Prices - The Minimum Support Prices for wheat and rice have
been maintained reasonably high (in comparison to millets such as Jowar and
Bajra) and this has lead to “cerealization” of agriculture.
• Consumption habits - Consumption pattern of people have changed , people have
moved from coarse cereals to wheat and rice for their main dietary grain.
Millets are one of the oldest foods known to humans and it has many benefits to both
consumer and producer. Seeing the importance of Millet government has approved
2018 as the ‘ National Year of Millets’
Benefits of Millet production
• Less water requirement as compared to other crops due to an efficient root system.
• The short growing period assist in meeting the food demand.
• Less affected by diseases and pests, thus minimum requirement of pesticides.
• Used as food and fodder in mixed farming system.
• Intercropped with wide variety of vital crops.
• Gives more output with less input cost.
• It can be alternative to major crop under the pretext of rising temperature and
climate change.
• It has good ability to sequester carbon and assist in climate adaptation.
• It utilizes mainly organic fertilizer, thereby, reducing both the economic and
environmental cost associated with chemical fertilizers.
• It can be alternative to major crop under the pretext of rising temperature
and climate change.
• Government has following scheme for increasing production of millet
• Integrated Cereals Development Programmes in Coarse Cereals based Cropping
Systems Areas(ICDP - CC).
• Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion (INSIMP)
aimed to bring 0.5 million hectare under Millets Cultivation, supply hybrid seed,
establish composite millets processing units.
Benefits of millet consumption
• Millets are rich sources of minerals like iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium,
phosphorus and potassium.
• Ragi (Finger millet) is very rich in calcium and bajra in iron.

23
• Beneficial to gluten intolerant and high diabetic people.
• With regard to Global Hunger Index (GHI), India ranks 64 (among the 81 nations);
and in child malnutrition, it occupies the second place in this condition nutritional
food like millet could help in solving the problem
• Due to their high dietary fibre content coupled with low glycaemic index,
millets can help in curbing overweight/obesity as well as lowering the risk of
hypertension, CVDs, cancers as well as in preventing constipation.
Following are some of the challenges of increasing production and consumption of
Millet in our country
1. Unfavorable agricultural Policy - Crop loan, subsidies, Public Distribution
System (PDS) are favorable for crops such as Rice, Wheat etc. These things act
as impediment in increasing production of Millet
2. People in urban area like wheat and rice more than millet.
3. Millets have a tag of ‘‘a poor man’s food’ which further reduce its consumption
4. Lack of awareness among farmers and consumers about benefits of Millet
Need of the hour is to have a proper Millet development strategy encompassing seed
availability, awareness generation, soil health etc. Adding few varieties of millets under
Mid day meal scheme and Public distribution to increase demand and also processing
millets into products which have higher appeal will help in increasing consumption.
15. Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How
has this activity benefitted the field of Biopharma? (250 Words, 15 Marks)
• Introduction:
Define Biotechnology.
• Body:
a) Activities in biotech in India and Reasons for these activites
b) Benefit to Biopharma
• Conclusion:
Model Answer:
UN Convention on Biodiversity defines biotechnology as “Any technological application
that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify
products or processes for specific use.”
Reasons for huge activities in biotech in India:
• In the Union Budget 2017-18, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) received Rs
2,222.11 crores, increment of 22%, for its national biotech strategy and target increasing
the turnover from the sector to $100 billion by 2025 from $7 billion in 2016.
• Telangana signed MoU with PE firm Cerestra to explore a ‘Life Sciences
Infrastructure Fund’ with a corpus of Rs 1,000 crore to create a sophisticated
modular plug and play infrastructure for pharma, biotech and medical devices
industry.

24
• The demand for biotechnology products and services is driven by India’s growing
population. On one hand, changing lifestyles will give rise to lifestyle-related
ailments like diabetes, stroke and cancer, on the other, rising economic prosperity
and growing consciousness towards physical well-being will accelerate the demand
for healthcare services. Adding to the growth prospects is the role that the sector
plays in addressing major global challenges in healthcare, agriculture and energy.
• India’s pool of scientists and engineers and its reputed public institutes and
universities that impart stellar education in the field of biotechnology are
contributing tremendously to the nation’s capabilities.
• Government’s focus on innovation and R&D has been driving the sector further.
The objective is to usher USD 100 Billion bio-economy by 2025, has launched a
series of policies to strengthen the biotechnology landscape in India.
• A supportive regulatory framework in areas such as FDI and IPR also add value.100%
FDI is allowed under automatic route for green field projects and 74% in brown
field projects.
• National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy lays down processes to expedite
IPR filings that are critical for the success of biotech. A consistent efforts for
providing funding assistance to startups in the sector.
• Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) set up by DBT, acts
as an Interface Agency to strengthen and empower emerging Biotech enterprises
to undertake strategic research and innovation, addressing nationally relevant
product development needs.
• DBT, in line with the Start-Up India Action Plan has undertaken a number of
initiatives centered on the three pillars of an ideal innovation ecosystem - funding,
mentoring and capacity building, and the infrastructure to translate scientific
research into commercial products.
• A National Biotechnology Development Strategy (2015 - 2020) has been launched
to realize the country’s vision of becoming a world-class bio-manufacturing hub.
The Strategy envisions to create an ecosystem for development of new biotech
products by creating state-of- the-art infrastructure for R&D.
• Government launched a virtual centre across five IIT to promote innovation in
biofuels. Also, 30 bio- incubators and biotech parks were set up. Rotavac, country’s
first indigenously developed vaccine was launched recently.
• To provide training in new areas of biotechnology, the government has enacted an
Act for setting up of a Regional Centre for Biotechnology. GoI in collaboration with
UNESCO and will serve as an institution of education, training and research. BIRAC
has plans to set up five Regional Entrepreneurship Centers with a purpose of
imparting training to entrepreneurs in the field and hence to aid them in turning
their innovative ideas into successful ventures. 9
• With all of Government’s efforts and the potential that the sector presents, the
vision to “create an innovation driven biotech ecosystem and amplify the growth
of Indian biotechnology to global excellence” is likely to be achieved in the near
future.

25
The bio-pharma segment deals in
biopharmaceuticals that include drugs,
diagnostics and therapeutics.
a) Innovate in India Program (I3P) – World
Bank sponsored project has been for bio
pharma industry.
b) Young population who focus of good
health. Demand is great for bio-pharma
sector.
c) Most of the R & D going on are in
biopharma sector. Health is the focus
area. Most of the start ups which came
up focusing on well being of individuals.
d) DBT and BIRAC set up under have their
special focus on biopharma industry.
e ) National Bio-Pharma Mission - It is an
industry – Academia Collaboration Mission for accelerating discovery research to
early development of biopharmaceuticals.
Biotechnology sector has the potential to not only boost export but also provide huge
number of skilled employment, usher R & D and Intellectual Property Rights. It can also
provide solution to rising diseases just like Rotovac vaccine for diarrhea.
16. With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy
programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (250
Words, 15 Marks)
• Introduction:
Energy needs of India and role of nuclear energy
• Body:
a) Arguments in favor of nuclear energy expansion in India
b) Arguments against Indian nuclear energy expansion
• Conclusion:
Need of energy and nuclear as supplement but with full safety and protection.
Model Answer:
India’s energy consumption is set to grow 4.2% a year by 2035. India’s gas demand to
expand 162%, followed by that of oil (121%) and coal (105%). Renewable rise by 712%,
nuclear by 317%, and hydro by 97% between 2015 – 2035.
Arguments against nuclear energy:
• Ever since the Fukushima nuclear meltdown in Japan, dramatic course corrections
have been initiated in various countries having nuclear power plants. France, for
example, a law enacted in 2015 requires that the country should reduce nuclear

26
power generation
from the current 75
% to 50% of the
aggregate by 2025.
This will mean
shutting down 17 of
58 nuclear reactors.
• The per MW capital
cost of even the
cheapest nuclear plant is about 5 to 8 times the cost of coal power plants or hydro
power stations. We need to re-examine our minimum electricity needs and cater
to it through minimum-cost, reliable and environmentally acceptable generation
technologies.
• As renewable energy is promoted under ambitious solar and wind power
programmes, the case for nuclear power will get progressively weakened.
Renewable energy costs are rapidly falling and becoming competitive with fossil
fuels in India. But nuclear power costs are rising to a point.
• Nuclear power plants are high-cost purchases without any independent oversight.
And this could easily result in disastrous consequences in the case of hazardous
technologies like nuclear power installations, especially in India where nuclear
regulatory capture is already a reality and no independent safety regulatory
oversight is possible.
• Of the operating reactors, some are very old and partially disabled and others are
of dangerously outdated design which DAE is continuing to operate, though
recommended by the original supplier to be permanently closed down.
• India does not have enough uranium to sustain a large-scale indigenous
conventional nuclear programme. Its much-touted three-stage programme, based
on fast-breeders followed by thorium reactors but Fast-breeders have failed
everywhere - not been proven viable on a pilot, leave alone industrial, scale.
• The issue of nuclear waste generated.
• Land acquisition and public opposition as seen recently in Koodamkulum and
Jaitapur.
Arguments in favour of nuclear power:
• In its NDC, India is committing to reduce the economy’s carbon intensity and
increase clean energy capacity to 40% of the total installed capacity. Nuclear
energy with its massive potential will have to play a key role in the country’s
future energy mix.
• According to the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2015, the
country’s power sector needs to almost quadruple by 2040 to keep pace with
electricity demand that boosted by rising incomes and new connections to the
grid will increase at almost 5 percent per year.
• A significant expansion of nuclear power can both enable the connectivity of
millions of Indians who currently lack access to the power grid.

27
• Focus on manufacturing sector under Make In India would increase huge demand
for energy and with focus more on renewable source, nuclear has important role
to play.
• To address the issue of nuclear liability, Convention on Supplementary
Compensation for Nuclear Damage has been ratified and an insurance pool of Rs
1,500 crore ($225 million) for liability risks that may arise from the construction
and operation of nuclear power plants in the country has been set up.
Due to increasing need of energy and keeping up with Paris commitments, it would be
difficult for India to forgo nuclear power in near future. India should keep up with the safety
measures of nuclear plants and make AERB independent for stringent regulatory mechanism.
17. How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002
helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (250 Words, 15 Marks)
• Introduction:
Define Biodiversity and Biological richness of India.
• Body:
a) Explain Biodiversity of India – flora and fauna
b) Biodiversity act 2002 – Imp provisions
c) How these provisions helps in conservation
• Conclusion:
Suggestion for conservation of Biodiversity
Model Answer:
Biodiversity is defined as “the variability among living organisms from all sources including,
inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of
which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.”
Biodiversity In India:
• India is one of the mega biodiversity centers in the world and has two of the
world’s 18 ‘biodiversity hotspots’ - Western Ghats & Eastern Himalayas.
• With just 2.4% of the land area, India accounts for ~7% of the recorded species.
• In terms of endemism of vertebrate groups, India’s position is 10th in birds, 5th in
reptiles and 7th in amphibians. According to MoEF Report, the country is estimated
to have over 45,000 plant species and 81,000 animal species representing 7% of
the world’s flora and 6.5% of its fauna.
Variation of Biodiversity in India:
1. Himalayan Mountain System-
• Himalayan foothills
 Flora: Sal, giant bamboos; tall grassy meadow with savannahs in terai.
 Fauna: elephant, sambar, swamp deer, cheetal, hog deer, barking deer,
wild boar, tiger, panther, hyena, black bear, sloth bear, Great Indian one-
horned rhinoceros, wild buffalo, golden langur.
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• Western Himalayas (High altitude region)
 Flora: rhododendrons; dwarf hill bamboo and birch forests mixed with alpine
pastures.
 Fauna: Tibetan wild ass, blue sheep; antelopes, deers (hangul of Kashmir
stag); golden eagle, snow partridges; snow leopard, black and brown bears;
birds like Griffon vultures.
• Eastern Himalayas
 Flora: Oaks, magnolias, birches covered with moss and ferns; coniferous
forests of pine, fir, yew and junipers with undergrowth of
scrubby rhododendrons and dwarf bamboos; lichens, mosses, orchids, and
other epiphytes dominant.
 Fauna: Red panda, hog badgers, forest badgers, porcupines etc.
2. Peninsular India - tropical moist deciduous to tropical dry deciduous and scrub
vegetation
• Flora: Sal in north and east extensions (higher rainfall) and teak in southern
plateau are dominant trees..
• In dry areas of Rajasthan and Aravalli hills, trees are scattered and thorny
scrub species predominate. The forests give way to more open savannah habit.
• Fauna: Elephant, wild boar, cheetal , swamp deer or barasinga, sambar, barking
deer, antelopes (four-horned antelope, nilgiri, blackbuck, chinkara), wild dog
or dhole, tiger, leopard, cheetah, lion, wild pig, monkey, striped hyena, jackal,
gaur.
3. Indian desert (Thar desert)
• Flora: Thorny trees with reduced leaves; cacti, other succulents are the main
plants.
• Fauna: Burrowing Animals. Other animals are, Asiatic wild ass, black buck,
desert cat, caracal, red fox; reptiles (snakes, lizards and tortoise) well
represented. Desert lizards include agamids, and geckos. Among birds - Great
Indian bustard.
4. Tropical rain forest region - Western Ghats and north east India.
· Flora: Extensive grass lands interspersed with densely forested gorges of
evergreen vegetation known as sholas occur in the Nilgiris.
• Dense and lofty trees with much species diversity. Mosses, ferns, epiphytes,
orchids, lianas and vines, herbs, shrubs make diverse habitat. Ebony trees
predominate in these forests.
• Fauna: It is very rich with all kinds of animals. Wild elephants, gaur, hoolock
gibbon, Assam macaque and the pig-tailed macaque, lion-tailed macaque,
Nilgirilangur slender loris, bats, giant squirrel, civets, flying squirrels, Nilgiri
mongoose, spiny mouse.
5. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Flora: Home for tropical rain forests. Mangroves are distributed in the coastal
areas.
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• Fauna: Among mammals, bats and rats; Andaman pig, crab-eating macaque,
palm civet and deers. Among marine mammals there are dugong, false killer
whale, dolphin.
• Birds - Narcondum hornbill, white-bellied sea-eagle.
• Salt- water crocodile, many marine turtles, coconut crab, lizards (water monitor),
40 species of snakes including cobra, viper, voral and sea snake, python, etc.
are present.
6. Mangrove swamps of Sunderbans (Delta)
• Flora: Various species of mangroves.
• Fauna. In the higher regions of mangroves, there are spotted deer, pigs, monitor
lizard, monkeys. Royal Bengal Tiger is most famous.
• Biodiversity Act 2002 and conservation of Flora and Fauna
Objectives of the act:
• To conserve the Biological Diversity.
• Sustainable use of the components of biodiversity.
• Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of the B.D.
National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has been set up for conservation of biodiversity,
sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising
out of utilization of genetic resources.
• All foreign nationals require approval from NBA for obtaining Biological Resources
from India.
• All Indian individuals/entities are required to seek NBA approval before transferring
knowledge / research and material to foreigners.
• Prior approval of NBA before applying for any kind of IPR based on research
conducted on biological material and or associated knowledge obtained from India.
State Biodiversity Board (SBBs) -
• The function of advising the State Government on matters of biodiversity and its
equitable distribution and utilization in tandem with the guidelines of the Central
Government.
• To regulate granting of approvals or requests for commercial utilization of biological
resources.
Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC)
Preserve and promote local biodiversity- breeds of birds, animals and plants.
• Prepare People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR)- an Electronic database with inputs
from locals. This register would have comprehensive information on availability
and knowledge of local biological resources, their medicinal or any other use or
any other traditional knowledge associated with them.
• Maintain data medicinal plants/resources used by local Vaidhya (traditional
healer).
• Advice State & National Biodiversity Boards on matters related to local biodiversity.
• Under Nagoya Protocol of Convention on Biodiversity (CBD), they can collect fees
for granting access to Biodiversity register to researchers and commercial
companies.
• India’s efforts to meet Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 15 “protect,
restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, halt and reverse
land degradation and halt biodiversity loss” is seen in Biodiversity Act. Its proper
implementation through co-operation, collaboration of stakeholders, especially
local people, is sine quo non to meet this Goal.
18. Describe various measures taken in India for disaster risk reduction {DRR} before
and after signing sendai framework for DRR {2015-2030}.How is this framework
is different from Hygo framework for Action,2005?
• Introduction:
 Definition of disaster risk reduction.
• Body:
 Brief about India’s efforts taken before sendai framework and evolution of
DRR in India.
 Some important highlights sendai framework .
 India’s steps to align with sendai framwork.
 Discuss difference between sendai and Hyogo framework.
• Conclusion:
 Give some suggestions with positive reforms.
Model Answer:
Disaster risk reduction aims to reduce the damage caused by natural hazards like
earthquakes, floods, droughts and cyclones, through an ethic of prevention. Reducing
disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyze and reduce the factors of disasters.
wise management of land, the environment, and improving preparedness and early warning
for adverse events
Before signing of sendai framework india’s efforts toward disaster risk reduction:
1. In the decade 1990-2000, an average of about 4344 people lost their lives and
about 30 million people were affected by disasters every year.
2. The late 1990s and the early part of this century marked a watershed in Disaster
Management in India. The Orissa Super Cyclone and the Gujarat Earthquake
taught the nation a hard lesson.
3. Involvement of all stake holders such as states, NGO’S, and community participation
in making disaster management plan reality and mitigation strategy
4. Setting up of a High Powered Committee on Disaster Management in 1999 .Its
important recommendation was that at least 10 percent of plan funds at the
national, state and district levels be earmarked to disaster management.
5. First time in the planning history of India, planners devoted a separate chapter
titled ‘Disaster Management: The development perspective’ in the tenth five-year
plan document (Planning Commission, 2002).
6. Disaster management institution have come up in the country such as The
Ministry of Home Affairs (Disaster Management Division), National Institute for
Disaster Management (New Delhi), Disaster Mitigation Institute (Ahmedabad)
can be seen as initiatives taken in the right direction.
7. Enactment of National disaster management act in 2005 is most important step
towards DRR some of the provisions of the act are establishment of National
Disaster Management Authority,creation of national executive committee to
assist national authority,state disaster management authority,district disaster
management authority,and national disaster responce force.
Therefore in India we can see planning processes regarding disaster management
has history but after coming up of SENDAI framework in 2015 it has changed India’s
perspective on disaster management and opened way in global cooperation on disaster
management in India
SENDAI FRAMEWORK: The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-
2030) is an international document which was adopted by UN member states in
March 2015 at the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Sendai,
Japan. It is the successor agreement to the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005–2015)
Following four priority areas are.
The Sendai Framework sets four specific priorities for action:
1. Understanding disaster risk;
2. Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk;
3. Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience;
4. Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response, and to “Build Back Better”
in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
India has taken number of steps to cope up with sendai framework: The high level
India delegation participated in global platform for disaster risk reduction at Cancun,
Mexico. Were India presented brief abouts its steps taken after sendai framework.
1. In June 2016 Prime minister launched The national disaster management plan
which is aligns with sendai framework.
2. At regional level India had hosted first Asian ministerial conference of disaster
risk reduction after adoption of sendai framework. Which brought together more
than 50 countries from Asia-Pacific and adopted Asia regional plan for the
implementation of sendai framework.
3. Through strengthening statistical capacity India is putting in place system for
monitoring progress and taking practical steps toward achievement of sendai
targets.
4. In 2017 India had launched South Asia Geostationary Satellite with an aim to
support and improved communication, weather forecasting, natural resource
mapping, disaster information transfer etc among south Asian countries
5. India is also mainstreaming national sendai targets into its national flagship
programmes
6. DRR is work in progress. India is looking forward to collaborate with other countries,
learn from there experiences and share what we have learned with other countries.
Therefore we can say that after adopting sendai framework India has been taking
number of initiatives in various areas to mitigate the problem of disaster in our
country.

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In following way Sendai framework is different from Hyogo framework:
Sendai Framework Hygo Framework
It has clear scope It was focused on risk prevention and
preparedness.
Stronger focus on risk reduction. It was focused on losses occurred after

disaster.
It has guiding principles to Disaster In Hygo framework there wasn’t discussed

Risk Reduction about guiding principles.
Seven targets, and it is having clear It was talked about using knowledge,
articulation of measures at local innovation and education to build a culture
national/ regional/ global level. of safety and resilience at all level.
Stronger focus on reconstruction
and health.
Role of stake holder clearly defined Reduce underlying risk factors.
Therefore sendai framework is looking into various aspects of DRR. We can say in changing
climate scenario and increasing threats from various natural disasters the sendai
framework is coping up with these challenges and with SDG’s
WAY FORWARD: Even government has taken number of steps to improve disaster risk
reduction there is need to do lot more things to cope up with sendai framework and
actual reduction in disaster risk such as awareness about area specific disaster, capacity
building of community, resilient infrastructure at all level ,campaigns regarding risk
management and capacity buildings, taking mock drills to prepare citizens, making disaster
framework which can draw strategies which can be help full in actual disaster
management. Resilient India to disasters is in national interest and overall socio-economic
development.
19. Data security has assumed significant importance in digitized world due to rising
cyber crimes. Justice BN Shrikrishna committee report addresses issues related
to data security. What, in your view, are strengths and weaknesses of the Report
relating to protection of personal data in cyber space?
Approach to answer:
• Introduction:
 Define what is the data security.
• Body:
 Give some facts regarding internet users in India.
 What is significance of data security.
 Highlight’s of Shrikrishna committee report.
 Discuss its strength and weakness.
• Conclusion:
 Suggest measures should be taken:
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Model Answer:
Data security refers to protecting digital privacy measures that are applied to prevent
unauthorized access to computers, databases and websites. Data security is also known
as information security (IS) or computer security. Data Security concerns the protection
of data from accidental or intentional but unauthorized modification, destruction or
disclosure through the use of physical security, administrative controls, logical controls,
and other safeguards to limit accessibility.
SIGNIFICANCE OF DATA SECURITY:
• India has around 40 crore internet users and 23 crore social media users. As
India is moving forward with digitization, cyber security or data security has
immense significance from India’s point of view. In the knowledge based economy
e-governance, digital(mobile) banking and DIGITAL INDIA has assumed to be back
bone for achieving growth which is vital for development in every sector.
Deta security has following significance to India:
1. As the Digital India initiative progresses, cyber attacks have doubled year over
year, and Indian businesses and government sites have become more vulnerable.
2. Critical infrastructures such as banking, railway, nuclear power plants, and
government institutions like DRDO, CSIR, important ministries and department
have experienced cyber threat..
3. Aadhar bio metric information is vital for good governance and eradicating socio
economic problem etc it is vulnerable to data theft.
4. Data mining is emergent sector, Big enterprises such as Google, Amazon are
taking data of Indian consumers outside India in USA and processing it to know
consumer behavior which is against privacy of individual. This sector can generate
employment to our youth.
5. Recently supreme court of India declared that Right to privacy is fundamental
right under the constitution. Therefore protecting citizens data from cyber attack
is responsibility government.
Therefore govt of India appointed B.N. SHRIKRISHNA committee to address rising
deta security threat. Following silent featurs of the commeeties report
Stakeholders to discuss and debate various issues under the ambit of the ambitious
legislation, which includes issues pertaining to data transfer and accumulation,
informed consent, data portability, as well as appointment of a data authority.
Following recommendations are strength’s of the report:
1. Technology agnostic: The data protection law must take into account the continuous
change in technology and standards of compliance.
2. Holistic application: The law must cover both the private sector and the government
sector. The committee of experts, however, also talks about “differential obligations”
in case of “certain legitimate state aims”.

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3. Informed consent: It talked about “informed consent” and not just consent. It
says the consent should be “informed and meaningful”. wherein user’s permission
will be sought first and they will have the right to opt out.
4. Data minimization: The data collected or being processes should be minimal —
only that data which is necessary for the purpose for which it is being sought.
5. Controller accountability: The committee is clear on fixing accountability of data
controllers. It says, “The data controller should be held accountable for any
processing of data, whether by itself or entities with whom it may have shared
the data for processing.”
6. Structured enforcement: The committee proposes to set up “a high-powered
statutory authority”, which “must co-exist with appropriately decentralized
enforcement mechanisms.”
7. Deterrent penalties: It proposes for “adequate” penalties for “wrongful processing”
to ensure deterrence.
Short comings in report regarding personal data protection in cyber space-
The report, like every other thing, has its pros and cons. On one hand, the report
presents a comprehensive front for ‘protected’ data utilization in a country which is
devoid of any such framework. However, on the other hand the report
1) Fails to clearly set and define the government’s jurisdictions vis a vis its democratic
citizens’ data.
2) There is no mention of surveillance, another major conduit for data collection
and handling, and its regulation.
3) It recommends heavy penalties for private sector’s breach of data privacy laws but
adopts a lenient stand regarding the state’s infractions.
4) The report uses another quote “to unlock the data economy, while keeping data of
citizens secure and protected” to justify its seasoning of data protection laws with
the task of nurturing growth in the digital economy. This is most odd, because
the phrase does not exist in the ministry of electronics and information technology’s
office memorandum appointing the committee, though it does appear in other
government communication about the committee and how critical data privacy is
for the digital economy’s sustainable growth.
WAY FORWARD:
Nonetheless, the report submitted by the Justice BN Shrikrishna committee is the country’s
first step, and a crucial one too, into the arena of data and its ‘protected’ handling, and
would hopefully perpetuate a series of other initiatives in that direction. But other efforts
from government need to take, such as creating awareness among masses, should focus
on creating stronger and vibrant digital space of India where nobody can breach Right to
Privacy of individual, using modern technologies like quantum computing for cyber security.

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20. India’s proximity to two of the world’s biggest illicit opium-growing states has
enhanced her internal security concerns. Explain the linkages between drug
trafficking and other illicit activities such as gunrunning, money laundering and
human trafficking. What countermeasures should be taken to prevent the same?
(250 Words, 15 Marks)
• Introduction:
 India surrounded by golden triangle and golden crescent.
• Body:
a) How drug trafficking and other illicit activities are linked
b) Counter measures taken but they are not enough.
c) What else needs to done
• Conclusion:
 Issue is linked with India’s internal and external security.
Model Answer:
The drug trafficking scenario in India is largely attributed to various external and internal
factors. One of the prime external factors happens to be India’s close proximity to the
major opium producing regions of South West and South East Asia known as the ‘Golden
Crescent’ and the ‘Golden Triangle’, respectively. The geographical location of India as
such, makes it vulnerable to transit, trafficking and consumption of Opium derivatives in
various forms along the known trafficking routes.
Such linkage could be seen in Punjab and North Eastern states which are proximate to
Golden Crescent and Golden Triangle.
Linkages between drug trafficking and other illicit activities:
a) Most of the times Drug trafficking groups are frequently also involved in the
counterfeiting of goods, trafficking in human beings, smuggling of migrants and
trafficking in weapons. This has formed a type of organized crime.
b) The money earned through drugs is used to buy arms and payments to each
groups are mostly done by process of money laundering. Estimates suggest that
well over half of the gross profits generated by the drug trade are channeled into
money laundering.
c) Illicit funds generated from criminal activities such as fraud, corruption, extortion,
gun running, drug and human trafficking, and other forms of organized crime are
laundered into clean currency, and in turn are used to fund new criminal operations
or expand existing ones.
d) This translates into more fraud, more corruption, more drug trafficking and dealing,
more illegal firearms, more violent crimes, and most disconcertingly more
international terrorism.
Counter measures needed:
a) Kill the demand side create awareness. Seek help of loved ones of the addict like
family, friends, religious gurus etc.

36
b) C r e a t e
alternative
employment in
Golden Cresant
and Golden
Triangle area.
c) Due to global
nature of supply
chain, a global
co-operation and
collaboration is
needed to
prevent drug
trafficking.
d) M o s t
importantly,
focus needs to be
simultaneously
of all illicit
activities due to
their inter-linkages. If any one of them is controlled, others will also be impacted.
Hence, a collaborative approach among regulators of money laundering, drugs
traffickers and black money is needed.
e ) United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances, 1988, which specifically warned of “the links between illicit traffic
and other related organized criminal activities. Governments agreed on a broad
range of measures to fight drug trafficking, including extradition, confiscation of
proceeds, mutual legal assistance, precursor control, anti-money laundering
measures and controlled deliveries.
f) Under United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, also
called the Palermo Convention, signatories agreed to criminalize participation in
organized crime groups money laundering, corruption and obstruction of justice.
The Convention extended the framework for legal assistance, law enforcement
cooperation and extradition from drug trafficking to all forms of organized crime.
g) National Governments have also sought to counter the technology harnessed by
drug trafficking organizations by updating their standards on the acceptance of
electronic evidence, training their staff in the detection and use of this kind of
evidence, and introducing new strategies specifically targeting the use of social
and electronic media by drug traffickers.
Sustainable development goals: target 16.4 states that by 2030, significantly reduce
illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets
and combat all forms of organized crime. National as well international collaboration
is needed to solve the menace.

37

Test No. 7-Q-6
UPSC Dhyeya IAS


Topic - 4
1
(1)
ORIENT IAS
GS PAPER IV: ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE CIVIL

SERVICES (MAINS) EXAMINATION 2018 SOLUTIONS
By ATUL GARG
SECTION A
1.(a) State the three basic values, universal in nature, in the context of civil services and
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bring out their importance. (150 words, 10 marks)
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ANSWER
2nd ARC in its 4th report has mentioned several foundational values for civil services like dedication,
objectivity, impartiality etc. However the three most basic and core universal values among the range of
values for civil services include –
T
Integrity: Integrity is complete consonance of thought, speech and action. It is best risk management
preparedness against internal and external pressure for doing corruption. It is morally uplifting in nature
EN
and inspires a public servant to dedicate his life for public cause. Integrity is about doing right things even
when nobody is watching you.
Such officers with integrity don’t even need rules to guide them as they have internal locus of control.
Examples include officers like SaryendraDubeyand S. Manjunath, who derived intellectual courage from
RI
integrity to fight against injustice.

Compassion:Yudhishtra in Mahabharat proclaimed that compassion is the highest Dharma.
Compassion helps a public servant to be kind and empathetic towards the needs of citizens. It also helps
them to stay in touch with people and make realistic policies which are in line with ground realities. It also
O
prevent ego to get developed among bureaucrats.

Wisdom: is the charioteer for all other human virtues. Wisdom helps a public servant to make an
informed decision. Justice is also not possible without wisdom as it guides a bureaucrat to make an inclusive,
sustainable choice.
It also helps them to balance national, social and international goals and remain fair to all. Vinod Rai
showed wisdom while playing proactive role as the CAG of India.
Thus, a civil servant must always express these basic and universal values. They are the core values
and all other virtues can be regarded as their manifestations.
1.(b) Distinguish between “Code of ethics” and “Code of conduct” with suitable examples.
(150 words, 10 marks)
ANSWER
Both Code of ethics and Code of conduct are effective tools to regulate the behaviour of public servants
towards desired ends. Yet, they are different in their content, approach and extent of coverage. Differences
17, 3RD FLOO R, PUSA ROAD, ND110005 || WWW. ORIENTIAS.COM || +919643772112, 9810949873
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are mentioned in the table given below:

Code of Ethics Code of Conduct
1. It set out general values and principles that 1. It lay out specific guidelines and procedure
guide rather than dictate behavior. Like in form of dos and don'ts to determine what
integrity and transparency. Basic guidelines is right and what is wrong in a profession.
are given and rest is left on bureaucrats to Like taking no gifts of value above Rs. 5000/
decide as per the situation. or not giving any information to media
without government permission.
2. It is highly descriptive and abstract. Like 2. It is prescriptive and specific in nature. Like
what is fair can have different meanings for a civil servant cannot gamble or drink liquor
different individuals. in public.
3. Universal approach: Doesn't take into 3. Contextual approach: takes into account
account cultural considerations. Like specific requirements of a society. like civil
equality and nonpartisanship servants are not allowed to participate in
politics in India but same is allowed in
France.
4. Difficult to enforce due to their subjective 4. Easy to enforce due to its objective nature.
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nature. Like code of ethics given by ethics
committee in Rajya Sabha is not enforceable.
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5. No need to change on regular basis. Values 5. Regular updation required as civil services
like integrity, secularism are universal. environment keeps on changing. Recently
social media related conduct rules were
added to All India Service conduct rules 1968.
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6. One for all levels. Ex. Nolan committee seven 6. Different code of conduct is required at
principles of public life. different levels.
7. No readymade solutions as interpretations 7. Provide quick solutions in emergency
EN
have to be made by bureaucrats. Like what situations. Like no comments on social

he shall do if a particular act is beneficial for media regarding politics and government
public as well as for him. policies.
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As per 2nd ARC’s 10th report, a comprehensive code containing both is required to ensure ethical
behavior among public servants in the interest of the citizens.
2.(a) What is meant by public interest? What are the principles and procedures to be
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followed by the civil servants in public interest? (150 words, 10 marks)

ANSWER
Public interest is serving the needs and aspiration of people at large. Any act of commission or omission
which is done for the larger good of the society is public interest. It isabout working for people’s right as
guaranteed by theconstitution. As per Thomas Hobbes, public interest is the obligation on ruler under the
social contract.
However, it is an abstract idea and different people can have different interpretations of what
constitutes public interest. Like enforcing AFSPA1958 for law and order can be in public interest for
some but for others it is not.
Principles upholding public interest which must be followed by civil servants are as follows:
1. Constitutional principles – provided under Preamble, Fundamental rights and Directive
Principle of StatePolicy to develop a just society, reduce inequality, gender justice, and
environmental conservation among others.
2. Code of Ethics – that has values of Justice, equality, fraternity etc.
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3. Gandhian principles of ‘Sarvodaya’ (Welfare of all) and ‘Antodaya

4. Other ethical principles – like ‘common good’ approach and ‘Utilitarianism’ in governance.
There are various sources of guidance for procedure to be followed by civil servants –
1. Code of conduct – of civil services laid down the procedure to be followed. It has mean values
like objectivity,impartiality, nonpartisanship etc. which must be followed. It includes detailed
procedures to be followed.
2. Rules, regulations, policies and Legislations – Important acts on public interest like
Prevention of corruption act, Money laundering act etc. regulate bureaucrats to stay on the right
path.
3. Procedure laid down by the courts – In absence of legislation, civil servants must follow the
procedure laid down by courts. Ex. – SIT on Black money, ban on sale of alcohol on highways,
Sabarimalajudgment etc.
4. International conventions – and guidance provided there ine.g.–bribing foreign officials under
United Nations Convention against Corruption.
Public interest must be the essence of bureaucratic functioning, as it is the objective for which
bureaucracy has been created.
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2. (b) “The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens’ empowerment alone; it
essentially redefines the concept of accountability. Discuss. (150 words, 10 marks)
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ANSWER
Earlier in preRTI era, citizens were treated as subjects and were living under cloak of opaqueness. But
nowcitizens are empowered to seek transparency, ask question from administration and hold it
accountable.
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In a democracy, power flows not from the barrel of gun, but from information that citizens have
with them. RTI has made this vast power accessible to people. The act also had a domino effect as it led to
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the demand for several other equally important rights like the right to employment guarantee, the right to
education and the right to food security.
However, RTI act has not only empowered citizens but has also redefined the concept of
accountability by improving bothanswerability and enforcement on government. All organs of government
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have been affected like:

Scams Exposed: Several scams were exposed using the RTI Act like Adarsh Housing scam, 2G scam,
coal blocks allocations and Commonwealth Games scandals.
IT Returns of the Parties: In 2008, CIC ordered the disclosure of IT returns filed by political
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parties.
Accessible FileNotings: This has created pressure on bureaucrats to use their discretionary powers
in a responsible manner.
Assets of Ministers, Bureaucrats and Judges: As a result of pressures brought about by the
transparency law, the assets and liabilities of ministers, civil servants and judges are now available in
the public domain, and are updated annually.
� RTI act has clearly defined the time period under which information is to be provided and in case of
nonfulfillment the procedure of grievance redressal and punishment to the PIO. This has helped in
properenforcement of RTI.
� Simplification of processes for filing of RTI Requests and Appeals tocentral Government Authorities
which included setting up of a callcenters and portal for filing of RTI requestsin Government offices
have been done.
However, there is further need for a sustained mass awareness campaign, greatervoluntary disclosure
of information held with public Authorities, need to rid ourselves of the old mindset regardingsecrecy of
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government processes and transactions and the need for people demanding information under the RTI
act.
Lord Acton has rightly said that:”Nothing is safe that does not show that it can bear discussion and
publicity.”
3. (a) What is meant by conflict of interest? Illustrate with examples, the difference be
tween the actual and potential conflicts of interest. (150 words, 10 marks)
ANSWER
Conflict of interest (CoI) is said to arise when official duties, public interest, and personal interest are
taking priority over one another.
Because of the multiple roles public servants play in their daily lives, they inherently possess many
diûerent interests and loyalties. At any given time, these interests may compete and hence lead to a situation
of CoI.
Present Finance minister, ArunJaitley, when in opposition was legal advisor to Vodafone. After
becoming thefinance minister he delegated the matter of retrospective taxation of Vodafone to other
minister to avoid any CoI.
Such conûicts are a part oflife and are unavoidable. However, to maintain objectivity andprobity,
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their resolution in effective manner is necessary. They can be of two types:
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An actual CoIis when an officer is in a position to be inûuenced by their private interests when
doing their job. For instance –
(a) When, a judge gives a ruling in a case which involves his son as one of the party. It involves
actual as well as perceived CoI. (Happened with former CJI S.H. Kapadia in Vodafone case)
(b) When as a District Collector, you have to decide over circle rates of an area which also includes
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one of your ancestral properties.
(c) When your official duty calls for obeying your political boss but public interest requires going
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against his will.

A potential CoI is where an officer is in a position where they may be inûuenced in thefuture, by
their private interests when doing their job. Such conflict may also arise later in the service or after
retirement dueto the previous position held by a public servant. For example –
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(a) Lateral entry: a private sector CEO of a company will have a potential CoIif he makes a lateral
entry into Corporate Affairs Ministry.
(b) If a bureaucrat has work in law ministry for long and after retirement he/she intends to joins a
law firm, then hehas potential CoI.
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Thus potential CoI has future orientation whereas actual CoI has present one. A potential CoI will
become an actual CoI if not handled in advance.
Any such conûict can lead to feeling of injustice among citizens, as happened in case of ChandaKochhar
while giving loan to Videocon as the CEO of ICICI Bank.
3. (b) “In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence
and energy. And if they do nothave the first, the other two will kill you.” – Warren
Buffett
What do you understand by this statement in the presentday scenario? Explain.
ANSWER
Warren Buffett, in this quote, calls attention to the important qualities required in work place. For
innovation,efficiency, productivity and better work culture; integrity, intelligence and energy is required.
However he givesprimacy to integrity, as without it, others will work against the company.
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Intelligence (both intellectual and emotional) is necessary to understand the technicalities of job
requirement as well as establishing good interpersonal relations. Intelligence leads to credibility,
innovation and sustainable development of an organization.
Level of energy includes the enthusiasm and commitment of an employee towards the company. It
decides the pace with which organization will grow and is proportional to employee’s motivation.
Integrity, however, is the best risk management strategy forany organization. It ensures alignment
of values and behaviour. It is about doing right things, even when nobody is watching you. Thus, it is the
best mechanism to fight corruption.
If integrity is absent and intelligence and energy is present in a person then he/she is risky for the
organization and society because –
(a) Loopholes in the rules and laws can be found easily and can be used for personal gain. Like high
level of corruption in Indian bureaucracy despite of strict rules.
(b) Integrity is morality in action. Its absence can lead to graft and nepotism.
(c) Intelligence without Integrity leads to a clever evil, who works only for chauvinistic individual
interest. People like Osama Bin Laden, NiravModi, IAS Joshi Couple of Madhya Pradesh are
examples of it.
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(d) People without integrity have external locus of control and thus no character. Such people
destroy the work culture which effects company’s sustainability. Recent spat between CBI and
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government is an example in this regard.
(e) People (like Vijay Mallya)with no integrity but high energy have higher probability to use
wrong means to achieve their ends.
Thus, integrity is a small thing that plays a big role. People like SatyendraDubey, S. Manjunath and
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Ashok Khemka gives a testimony of this assertion. Test of integrity duringrecruitment process,
ethicaltraining, ethics audit, integrity pact among other tool must be used to inculcate this value.
It has been rightly said that if you have integrity, nothing else matters, if you don’t have integrity,
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nothing else matters.
4.(a) “In doing a good thing, everything is permitted which is not prohibited expressly
or by clear implication”.
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Examine the statement with suitable examples in the context of a public servant
discharging his/her duties. (150words, 10 marks)
ANSWER
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Laws, rules and regulation represent minimalist approach to administration and can only ensure
nonmaleficence. Secondly, not everything can be covered through written text as nobody knows what
exactly lies in the future. It is in this context that Public servants many times have to use their wisdom in
doing good.
In developing countries, resources are limited and civil servants have greater responsibilities for
thesocioeconomic development and fulfillment of constitutional promises of Justice and equality. To do
so, they have to take a proactive approach like:
� Armstrong Pame, a DM in Manipur, constructed 100 km long road. There were no funds in the
district. That did not stophim. He collected funding through crowd sourcing and ensured
expedited completion of the project before arrival ofmonsoon. He did everything he could
within the legal limits.
� Vinod Rai showed CAG activism during his tenure which led to probity in governance. Same
goes with T.N. Seshan who made positive connotation of powers provided to him by the
constitution as an election commissioner to cleanse the electoral process in India.
� U Sagayam, Senior IAS officer in Tamil Nadu, made voluntary disclosure of details of his assets.
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This proactiveapproach helps in building more trust and social capital. This was done even
when it was not required by the law.
� KiranBedi used her power to even issue challan against the car of PM, as it is nowhere written
that PM’s car cannot be fined.
Thus, the principle that: “Everything which is not forbidden is allowed” can be used by public servant
to fulfill the aspirations of people. However, unfortunately, it is often used for selfinterest rather than for
establishing common goods. Bureaucrats use loopholes of antgraft law to do corruption and favoritism.
Hence, the maxim shall be used seldom and only as a last resort. Public servants shall have right
intentions to bring innovation and novelty in public administration for public good.
4. (b) With regard to the morality of actions, one view is that means is of paramount
importance and the other view isthat the ends justify the means. Which view do
you think is more appropriate? Justify your answer. (150 words, 10 marks)
ANSWER
The deontological (duty based) and teleological (end based) schools of moral philosophy represent
two different approaches with same intention of doing right.
Many moral thinkers and Philosophers consider means to be of paramount importance. Gandhiji too
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said that means must have goodness of ends. If means are not good then there is bound to be some
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unintendedproblems despite achieving the end. For instance –
(a) When we just focus on end i.e.industrialization, growth and economic development and pay less
attention tomean i.e. compensation and rehabilitation to displaced people then social dissonance
and conflict starts.
(b) If the focus is on the end of getting the work done and wrong means of bribing government
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officials is adopted, then problem of corruption will never be solved.
(c) In the international arena the imposition of democracy by western countries on some countries
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in West Asiahas end values as democracy. However not following right means has devastated
the whole region.
(d) For civil servants mean values of transparency, objectivity, integrity etc. are important for
building social capital, trust,credibility and legitimacy. Without these, end of good governance
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and ethical governance cannot be achieved.

However sometimes decision may be end driven. Wrong means have to be used for right ends.
(a) In the climax of Mahabharata, to defeat the evil forces, Sri Krishnaadvised Yudhistra to lie to
Dronacharya. Many principles of a just war were broken.
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(b) USA bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end 2nd World War.
(c) In the national interest recently SC upheld the decision of government to send back Rohingyas
refugees.
As per my view, both approaches are not conflicting but are supplementary and complimentary to
each other. They must be used in an integrated manner to achieve the most optimum result. For a civil
servant, decisions shall be made as per the virtues and ideals mentioned in our constitution.
5.(a) Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a mountain

valley bond by forests andinhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy
should it resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies? (150 words, 10 marks)
ANSWER
Any unforeseen contingency can be resolved with cooperation and participation of all stake holders. A
multipronged strategy can be applied in this regard, which must include following principles and
components:
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� Principle of distributive justice: as propounded by Aristotle and John Rawls, benefits and
burdens must be sharedequally. Local people who might suffer because of the project must also
be given the benefit in terms of electricity and employment. Fishing rights can be given to local
ethnic communities as well. This will avoid any kind of protest or resistance from local
communities like what is happening in Naxalite areas.
� Principle of Sarvodaya through Antyodaya: Even the most weak and vulnerable person
must draw benefit out ofthe project either directly as employee in Dam maintenance after skill
development or indirectly through infrastructure development.
� Citizen’s Participation in governance process: citizens must be involved in the entire
process, from site selection, social impact assessment, environmental impact assessment and
amount of compensation. Effort shall be made to enhance social capital which will lead to more
trust and credibility between government and citizens. Local leaders must be included in all
decisions for greater acceptance and compliance.
� Plan on rehabilitation and resettlement: Immanuel Kant has said, “So act as to treat
humanity, in every case asan end withal, never as means only”. There must be proper
rehabilitation and resettlement plan to value humanlife.
� Principle of minimum disruption: of local way of life by minimizing acquisition of private
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land and displacement ofpeople. Cultural and religious traditions must be taken care of while
building the dam.
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� Team with high moral and professional standards: Integrity, intrinsic motivation, dedication
and spirit of publicservice must be in the team working for the project.
� Transparency and accountability: all relevant information should be in the public domain for
scrutiny and timelycourse correction. Local institutions of governance like Gram Sabha and
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tribal councils can be used for this purpose.
� National biodiversity act preparedness: People’s registry under the act must be prepared to
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keep record of floraand fauna in the area for regeneration in case of any catastrophe.
� Mass drill and training: to prepare local people to act smartly in the situation of any disaster.
We may not always know the problems ahead but preparedness at all levels will help in coping with
the unforeseencontingencies. Most importantly, compassion must be shown towards the locals as it has
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the strength to counter every situation.
5.(b) Explain the process of resolving ethical dilemmas in Public Administration.

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ANSWER
Public Administration is a tool to serve the whole society. All decisions must be taken with clarity and any
ethical dilemma must be resolved with right balance of reason and emotions.
Process of resolving an ethical dilemma may include following steps each having some questions
which a person has to answer to himself in order to make a decision.
1. Recognize the ethical dilemma and value concerns involved in the case: correct identification
is most important as it forms the essence of the case.
� Supreme Court’s interference in women’s temple entry issue leads to a dilemma between religious
rights and gender equality.
� Freedom of speech may create furor sometimes but has to be allowed for dignity to citizens,
independence of media and development informed public opinion.
� Justice versus mercy in case of Juvenile justice system in India.
2. Get the Facts: it includes following steps
• What are the relevant facts of the case?
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• What individuals and groups have an important stake in the outcome?

• What are the options for acting?
Like in case of juvenile justice, recent increase in heinous crimes (like rape and murder) by juveniles
and its repercussions on society must be taken into account. All vulnerable sections like women, children
and oldage must be considered. Options include deterrent, proportional or reformative justice.
3. Evaluate Alternative Actions: Evaluation can be done by using different ethical approaches:
� Which option will produce the most good and do the least harm? (The Utilitarian Approach)
� Which option best respects the rights of all who have a stake? (The Rights Approach)
� Which option treats people equally or proportionately? (The Justice Approach)
� Which option best serves the community as a whole and not just some members? (The Common
Good Approach)
� Which option leads me to act as the sort of person I want to be? (The Virtue Approach)
� Constitutional standardsof Gandhian philosophy, equality, justice, universal peace and harmony
� International conventionson labour rights, Children, women, refugees etc.
4. Make a Decision following things comes under this concluding part:
� Considering all these approaches, which option best, addresses the situation?
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� On what basis I will justify the option which has been selected by me?
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� How can my decision be implemented with the greatest care and attention to the concerns of all
stakeholders?
Final decision may take into account your conscience, recent Supreme Court judgments and precedents
set by people with wisdom.
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Thus, having a process for resolving ethical dilemmas is essential. When practiced regularly, the
method becomes so familiar that one can work through it automatically without consulting the specific
steps.
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6. What do each of the following quotations mean to you in the present context?
(a) “The true rule, in determining to embrace, or reject anything, is not whether it has
any evil in it; but whether ithas more evil than good. There are few things wholly
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evil or wholly good. Almost everything, especially ofgovernmental policy, is an in

separable compound of the two; so that our best judgment of the preponderance
between them is continually demanded.” Abraham Lincoln (150 words, 10 marks)
ANSWER
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Through this quotation Abraham Lincoln explains the difficulty in government decision making and also
the right approach to solve it.
All the choices that are present with different governments have their positives and negatives and
wisdom often lies in choosing that option which lead to greatest balance of benefits over harms.
These pros and cons are due to diversity of opinion, thoughtand ideas; conflicting rights of citizens;
values conflict; globalized economy and different socioeconomic aspirations ofdifferent section of
society. For instance –
� FDI in retail increases competition and improves quality of product for consumers. However it
also hurts the interest of small traders.
� Aadhar project is in public interest as it will help in disbursement of scholarships, subsidies etc.
without leakage. However there is risk of personal data leakage and social profiling.
� The battle between socialism and capitalism can be regarded as biggest battle between two
goods which has led to many wrongs during the cold war era.
� Similarly economical good or environmental good is another controversy.
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� Infrastructure projects like dams, highways etc. results in eviction and displacement of poor.
However it is also true that these projects act as multiplier factor in economy and improves
living standard of people.
Hence many times, decision has to be taken in larger public interest using the principle of utility and
common good. Continuous evaluation of anydecision needs to bedone to ensure benefits outweigh
disadvantages. For instance –
� During green revolution farmers were given subsidy on electricity. It was necessary for food
security of thenation. However later it was realized that overextraction has resulted in rapid
depletion of ground water. Thiscalled for change in policy.
� For competition, efficiency and fiscal prudence government deregulated petroleum market.
However withprices rising to unbearable limit for common man, policy intervention is required.
The purpose of ethicaldecisions is to serve the public interest. When prevailing conditions change, so
must our decision to ensure continuedpublic interest. For this flexibility, we must have values of
tolerance,scientific temperament and intellectual humility and continuous feedback from citizens.
(b) “Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding.” _ Mahatma
Gandhi (150 words, 10 marks)
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ANSWER
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For correct understanding we must consider all perspective and viewpoints of all stakeholders. There is
need of self and social awareness. It also requires clear thinking without bias or prejudice. However
negative emotionof anger and intolerance
� Does not allow emotional intelligence to function
� Destroys the objectivity and the power of rational thinking: selfregulation
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� encourages nonacceptance of one’s own mistake
� discourages understanding suffering and pain of others
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� harms the values of forgiveness and magnanimity

For example –
� Anger and intolerance does not allow correct understanding of historical perspective of evils
likecommunalism, racism, caste system, border dispute etc. Hence there is no resolution to
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these problems.
� In personal relation, in the spur of the moment, due to anger we take extreme steps like separation
or divorce.There is absence of correct understanding and reconciliation.
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� Incidents like mob lynching, cow vigilantism, road rage cases, acid attacks and communal riots
are all the result of anger and intolerance dominating our reason.
� Sikh riots of 1984 or Gujarat riots of 2002 are the result of this assertion only.
Almost every religion teaches us to be calm and tolerant. Anger or wrath has been declared as one of
the seven deadly sins in Christianity. Bhagavad Gita calls anger as one of the six enemies of mind. Jainism
gives the doctrine of Anekantavada which calls for tolerance to different viewpoints.
Buddhism teaches us that anger, like all mental states, is created by the mind “No one makes you
angry. You makeyourself angry.” Thus, one must develop emotional intelligence, like Gandhiji who used
his anger to win rights and freedom from imperialist powers.
(c) “Falsehood takes the place of truth when it results in unblemished common good.”
Tirukkural (150 words, 10 marks)
ANSWER
As per Mahabharata, Dharma is contextual and there can be no absolute principles of ethicality. Like
speaking truth even if it leads to a wrong will be unethical.
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� Yudhishtra lied to Dronacharya about his son’s death in order to win the war and establish
Dharma, the supreme common good in the society.
� Karl Plagge was a German government engineer who rescued Jews during World War II by
issuing work permits to nonessential workers. For this, he had to made false statements to the
government.
Moral perfection in not the goal of public servants and many times they have to use falsehood for
ensuring public interest. Like,
� If there is security threat from terrorist attack or bomb explosion then security agencies and
senior officials ingovernment may declare situation to be under control, even if it is not, to avoid
panic in public.
� Some state government comes with report on ‘Opendefecation’ stating very high death rate due
to snake bite.Data may be flawed but helps the cause of making state open defecation free.
However, falsehood has its own problems. Jainism and Gandhian philosophy is strictly against making
false statements. For Gandhi ji, no right end can be achieved through wrong means and honesty is always
the best policy.
Thus, it is against human dignity to try and influence behaviour based on wrong information. We
must rather try to developunblemished common good on the principle of truth that will be more sustainable
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and acceptable to all. Falsehood can only be resorted to as the last choice and the person speaking it shall
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at least remain truthful to himself.
SECTION B
7. Rakesh is a responsible district level officer, who enjoys the trust of his higher officials.
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Knowing his honesty, the government entrusted him with the responsibility of identify
ing the beneficiaries under a health care scheme meant for senior citizens.
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The criteria to be a beneficiary are the following:

(a) 60 years of age or above.
(b) Belonging to a reserved community.
(c) Family income of less than 1 Lakh rupees per annum.
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(d) Posttreatment prognosis is likely to be high to make a positive difference to the

quality of life of the beneficiary.
One day, an old couple visited Rakesh’s office with their application. They have been the
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residents of a village in his district since their birth. The old man is diagnosed with a rare
condition that causes obstruction in the large intestine.
As a consequence, he has severe abdominal pain frequently that prevents him from
doing any physical labour. The couple has no children to support them. The expert surgeon
whom they contacted is willing to do the surgery without charging any fee. However, the
couple will have to bear the cost of incidental charges, such as medicines, hospitalization,
etc., to the tune of rupees one lakh. The couple fulfils all the criteria except criterion
‘b’.However, any financial aid would certainly make a significant difference in their
quality of life.
How should Rakesh respond to the situation? (250 words, 20 marks)
ANSWER
The case presents conflict between two foundational values of civil services, objectivity and empathy &
compassion. Following are other values and issues involved in this case –
� Trust reposed by higher officials on Mr. Rakesh to implement the scheme with responsibility.
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� Maintaining the integrity of criterion of the scheme.

� Socioeconomic justice to old couple in unreserved category.
� Rights of genuine beneficiaries to avail social service schemes.
� Effectiveness and inclusiveness of government schemes.
� Means versus Ends
If Mr. Rakesh accommodates the old couple without fulfilling the criterion then significant difference
in the quality oftheir life will happen. It will also amount to distributive justice of John Rawls. It will fulfill
the spirit of equity of ourconstitution. State will also seem to oblige the social contract by helping citizens
in need.
However accommodation under the scheme without fulfillment of criterion will go against rule of
law. Also, taking an ad hoc decision may destroy work culture. It will have a demonstration and domino
effect on other employees and colleagues. This will destroy the basic essence behind creating a law and
will breed corruption and nepotism in the scheme.
It may also create discontentment in reserved category for whom the scheme has been formulated.
This will impact the image of civil service as being impartial and nonpartisan. The decision will alsogo
against the idea of Max Weber model of bureaucracy.
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Mr. Rakesh must use emotional intelligence to deal with the situation. He must express the foundational
values ofempathy and compassion within the contour of legal and rational bureaucracy. The problem of
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exclusion also has to be dealt holistically.Hence he can adopt following courseof action –
� Recommend to the concerned ministry/authority to amend the criterion of the scheme to fully
or partiallyaccommodate unreserved category as well.
� For this he can prepare a detailed report highlighting the need among unreserved category as a
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tool ofpersuasion.
� On immediate basis he can arrange for some financial help to the old couple from self, family and
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friends,NGO’s working in health sector, Philanthropist etc. crowd funding can also be used in
this regard. This will save Mr. Rakesh from possible crisis ofconscience and inner dissonance.
Mr. Rakesh must show attitude of a committed bureaucrat. He must work with dedication to fulfill
the constitutionalpromise of justice and support to senior citizens.
8. As a senior officer in the Ministry, you have access to important policy decisions and
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upcoming big announcementssuch as road constructions projects before they are

notified in the public domain. The Ministry is about toannounce a mega road project
for which the drawings are already in place. Sufficient care was taken by the planners
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to make use of the government land with the minimum land acquisition from private
parties.
Compensation rate for private parties was also finalized as per government rules.
Care was also taken to minimizedeforestation. Once the project is announced, it is expected
that there will be a huge spurt in real estate prices inand around that area.
Meanwhile, the Minister concerned insists that you realign the road in such a way
that it comes closer to his 20acres farmhouse. He also suggests that he would facilitate
the purchase of a big plot of land in your wife name atthe prevailing rate which is very
nominal, in and around the proposed mega road project. He also tries to convinceyou
by saying that there is no harm in it as he is buying the land legally. He even promises to
supplement yoursavings in case you do not have sufficient funds to buy the land.
However, by the act of realignment, a lot ofagricultural lands have to be acquired,
thereby causing a considerable financial burden on the government, and alsothe
displacement of the farmers. As if this is not enough, it will involve cutting down of a
large number of treesdenuding the area of its green cover.
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Faced with this situation, what will you do? Critically examine various conflicts of
interest and explain what yourresponsibilities are as a public servant.
ANSWER
This is a case of political corruption and test of my integrity and uprightness as a senior bureaucrat.
There are various conflicts of interest in the case –
� Professional interest of the concerned minister is in efficient execution of the road project. This
will createsocial capital and increase trust and credibility of government. However, his personal
interest is alteration ofthe project and increase in price of his farmhouse.
� For me as a bureaucrat, it is in my personal interest to have good relations with my minister and
gain financial benefits from his offer.However, as a senior bureaucrat, it is my duty to give
primacy to public interest i.e. optimum utilization of government resources and minimum loss
to environment.
� For my wife there is opportunity to buy new asset, however not at the cost of my integrity,
dignity andreputation.
Following are my responsibilities as a public servant –
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� Safeguarding my integrity andprofessional values: I have to protect and maintain probity of my
office, work culture oforganization and reputation of my ministry.
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� I am responsible to guide my minister and persuade him against any act of corruption.
� I am responsible to fulfill fiduciary responsibility of government to complete the project in most
cost effective manner.
� In the spirit of ethical governance, I must ensure minimum land acquisition, farmer’s suffering
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anddeforestation and loss to environment.
� Trust and credibility reposed by people in government must be not be breached.
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� I have responsibility to protect myself from any internal hedonistic tendency and temptation
through yoga, meditation and drawing motivation from literatures and life of great leaders and
civil servants.
My course of Action:
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� I will use Gandhiji’s Talisman to take final decision. I will work in the interest of weak and
vulnerable, farmers, environment and efficiently use public money to complete the project.
� I will show intellectual courage and will decline any offer of being a party to any form of
corruption.
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� I will also advice the minister to stay away from any such activity that go against public interest.
� If minister uses his discretion to change the road plan, then I will report the same to concerned
authorities and will mentioned it in file notings.
� I will also make sure that the same is not done by any of my colleague.
As Gandhi ji has rightly said: “I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.”
9. It is a State where prohibition is in force. You are recently appointed as the Superintendent
of Police of a districtnotorious for illicit distillation of liquor. The illicit liquor leads to
many death, reported and unreported, and causesa major problem for the district
authorities.
The approach till now had been to view it as a law and order problem and tackle it
accordingly. Raids, arrest, policecases, and criminal trials – all these had only limited
impact. The problem remains as serious as ever.
Your inspections show that the parts of the district where the distillation flourishes
are economically, industriallyand educationally backward. Agriculture is badly affected
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by poor irrigation facilities. Frequent clashes amongcommunities gave boost to illicit

distillation. No major initiatives had taken place in the past either from thegovernment’s
side or from social organizations to improve the lot of the people.
Which new approach will you adopt to bring the problem under control?
ANSWER
This case highlights the importance of persuasion for attitudinal change among people to develop avalue
laden society.
The details mentioned in the case calls for a multipronged strategy.
Ratherthan just punishing the unacceptable behaviour, state must also target
three components of attitude towards alcoholism i.e. cognitive, affective
and behavioral.
Statemust also alter the situation that encourages such behaviour
economic, industrial and educational backwardness;low prospect in
agriculture and communal disharmony.
Following persuasion techniques can be adopted in this regard –
�
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Value education in schools, panchayat and other social institutions
to instill dignity and selfworth. Socratic Method can be used in
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this regard.
� Motivating youth through speeches, literatures, videos, workshops, mohalla meetings to dream
and work hard to achieve their dream. They must inculcate perseverance and discipline.
� They must be taught the message of Rudyard Kipling
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If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
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Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,

� Female members of society can be organized(SHGs) and trained to explain the harmful impact
of liquor usingemotional intelligence.
� Males can be motivated to provide better future to family by invoking values of love and
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compassion.
� Explanatory videos and short films illustrating harmful physical, mental, psychological and
spiritual impact ofliquor must be popularized.
�
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Role modeling by people who have successfully overcome their liquor addiction.Movies like
Sanju can be showcased.
� Government sponsored Deaddiction centers and gifts, Credit facility for entrepreneurship,
appreciation by village etc. for people whosuccessfully overcome addiction.
Following administrative measures must also be taken to remove situation that favor such behaviour
� Educational institutions must be strengthened through funds, teachers training, use of ICT and
innovation likemidday meal, sports etc. for high retention.
� Increasing agricultural investment for irrigation, productivity, marketing, food processing
andentrepreneurship.
� Skill development and engaging youths in more productive jobs as Empty mind is devils workshop.
� Ease of doing business to attract investment and industrialization in the region.
� Ensuring communal harmony through cooperation of local politicians
� Spread of message of peace on socialmedia and regular media and implementing constitutional
provisions.
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These two steps shall be complementary to the already existing steps taken at law and order level like
raids, arrest, police cases, and criminal trials. But this hard approach must be taken against suppliers
rather than people suffering from alcoholism. Some other steps at this level can be:
� Police training to deal with the illicit liquor distillation seriously.
� Use of spies and informers
� Quick trials and convictions.
� Use of ICT to take swift action against culprits.
Human capital is the greatest asset of a nation. State must not allow its degradation through liquor consumption.
10. A big corporate house is engaged in manufacturing industrial chemicals on a large scale.
It proposes to set uponthe additional unit. Many states rejected its proposal due to the
detrimental effect on the environment. But onestate government acceded to the request
and permitted the unit close to a city, brushing aside all opposition.
The unit was set up 10 years ago and was in full swing till recently. The pollution
caused by the industrial effluentswas affecting the land, water and crops in the area. It
was also causing serious health problems to human beings
and animals. This gave rise to a series of agitation thousands of people took part,
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creating a law and order problemnecessitating stern police action. Following the public
outcry, the State government ordered the closure of thefactory.The closure of the factory
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resulted in the unemployment of not only those workers who were engaged in thefactory
but also those who were working in the ancillary units. It also very badly affected those
industries whichdepended on the chemicals manufactured by it.
As a senior officer entrusted with the responsibility of handling this issues, how are
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you going to address it? (250words, 20 marks)
ANSWER
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This case presents the challenge of balancing environmental sustainability with growth and
industrialization. The competingrights of citizens have to be fulfilled by government to honor its social
contract with the citizens.
As a senior officer, I will have to take into account following dilemmas and concerns:
� Economy versus Ecology
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� Short term versus long term orientation

� Right of workers to earn their livelihood versus right of citizens to live in clean environment
� Right to food and health:degradation of land and water will irreversibility destroy the ecology and also the
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way of life offarmers. Diseases caused by pollution will be passed on from generation to generation.
� Justice to the stakeholders of other factories dependent on this unit.
� Gandhi ji’s talisman which looks for the impact on poorest of poor person must be taken into
regard in this case.
� Trust and credibility of government
Good governance requires following steps to be taken in this situation.
� Factory shall be shut down forever as environmental pollution is an incurable disease that can
only be prevented.
� Law and order must immediately be restored as factory has already been closed.
Compensation and medical help can be given to victims of mob confusion and protest.
� A plan shall also be developed for the rejuvenation of land and water resources that have been
affected from poisonous chemicals.
� Workers unemployed must be upgraded in skill to be absorbed elsewhere or given some credit
facility for selfemployment. Skill India initiative and MGNREGA scheme can be useful in this regard.
(15)
� New supplier can be arranged for industries dependent on the chemicals from other parts of the
country orneighboring countries. Import tariff can also be reduced temporarily to prevent
economic shock.
� Government can also identify certain places at which such factories can be established, but only
after conducting comprehensive EIA and SIA surveys.
� The root cause of the problem – discharge of untreated effluents, must be addressed. In this
regard two stepshave to be taken –
(a) Environmental regulation and monitoring have to be strengthened. Transparency and
accountability in this regard must be ensured.
(b) Technology to treat factory discharge cost effectively has to be developed.
Thus, sustainable development is the only pathway to the future we want for all. It offers a framework to
generate economic growth, achieve social justice, exercise environmental stewardship and strengthen governance.
11. Dr. X is a leading medical practitioner in a city. He has set up a charitable trust through
which he plans to establish asuperspecialty hospital in the city to cater to the medical
needs of all sections of the society. Incidentally, thatpart of the State had been neglected
over the years. The proposed hospital would be a boon for the region.
S
You are heading the tax investigation agency of that region. During an inspection of
the doctor’s clinic, yourofficers have found out some major irregularities. A few of them
IA
are substantial which had resulted in considerablewithholding of tax that should be paid
by him now. The doctor is cooperative. He undertakes to pay the tax immediately.
However, there are certain other deficiencies in his tax compliance which are purely
technical in nature. If thesetechnical defaults are pursued by the agency, considerable
time and energy of the doctor will be diverted to issues which are not so serious, urgent
T
or even helpful to the tax collection process. Further, in all probability, it willhamper the
prospects of the hospital coming up.
EN
There are two options before you:

1. Taking a broader view, ensure substantial tax compliance and ignore defaults that
are merely technical innature.
2. Pursue the matter strictly and proceed on all fronts, whether substantial or merely
RI
technical.
As the head of the tax agency, which course of action will you opt and why?
O
ANSWER
The case raises questions about the ethical principles that must guide the conduct of a civil servant.
Facts Facts
• Philanthropic doctor wants to build hospital for • Government
poor. • Doctor X
• Irregularity in tax payment on part of doctor • Me as the head of tax investigation agency
• Technical procedures which hamper the • People of city
prospects of hospital.
Dilemmas and values involved Aim of Case
• Means versus Ends • Construction of hospital without delays.
• Empathy and justice for local people • Maintenance of rule of law.
• Right to health of citizens
• Virtues of Objectivity and Legality of a civil servant.
• Hospital as a common good
• Trust and credibility of the government
(16)
Analyzing both Options:

1. Taking broader view and ignore technicalities
� If we look from the lens of utilitarian principle, then ignoring technical issues will have utility. It
will lead to largest balance of benefits over harm.
� Tax agency will not have reputation of harassing citizens.
� Dr. X can focus more on his noble profession of treating patients.
� The neglected part of state will get justice in terms of medical facility.
� Social capital of tax agencies may increase resulting in more tax compliance.
� Dr. X will remain motivated and will have demonstration effect on others.
2. Pursue the matter strictly, even on technical grounds
� I will fulfill my professional duty of being legal and rational.
� Bhagavad Gita teaches to do one’s duty as highest dharma.
� As per Kant’s categorical imperative, if something cannot be made universal law it cannot be moral. We
cannot accept violation of technical rules universally; hence it cannot be ignored here as well.
� Gandhiji had remarked that “a duty well performed creates a corresponding right”.
� Integrity of the process of tax collection will be maintained. Diligence, work culture, and
S
organizational valueswill be safeguarded.
� Values of impartiality and nonpartisanship will be safeguarded which provides credibility and
IA
legitimacy tobureaucracy.
� People should not have a perception that the leading medical practitioner of the city has been favored.
� Corruption begins on a small scale and in benign form. However soon it snowballs into worst
forms,detrimental to socioeconomic development of society.
T
Based on above analysis I will follow the rule in totality. However certain steps can be taken to make
the tax filingprocess for Dr. X and others easy and quick in the spirit of good and ethical governance.
EN
Procedure can be relaxed only by my senior or the politician who have the discretion in this regard.
I can send a report to them in this regard to fasten up the process.
I can also help the doctor to fulfill administrative requirements in the construction of the hospital in
personal capacity and become part of a noble cause.
RI
12. Edward Snowden, a computer expert and former CIA administrator, released confidential
Government documentsto the press about the existence of Government surveillance
programmes. According to many legal experts and theUS Government, his action violated
the Espionage act of 1971, which identified the leak of State secret as an act oftreason. Yet,
O
despite the fact that he broke the law, Snowden argued that he had a moral obligation to
act. Hegave a justification for his “whistle blowing” by stating that he had a duty “to inform
the public as to that which isdone in their name and that which is done against them.”
According to Snowden, the Government’s violation of privacy had to be exposed
regardless of legality since moresubstantive issues of social action and public morality
were involved here. Many agreed with Snowden. Fewargued that he broke the law and
compromised national security, for which he should be held accountable.
Do you agree that Snowden’s actions were ethically justified even if legally
prohibited? Why or why not? Make anargument by weighing the competing values in
this case (250 words, 20 marks)
ANSWER
Laws are usually in congruence with ethics as the purpose of making any law is the enforcement of
societal morality. But sometime laws maycome in conflict with the morality of an individual and this
creates ethical dilemma.
(17)
Edward Snowden would have faced following concerns while making a decision on whistle blowing:
� Truth versus loyalty towards CIA
� Trust and credibility of the government
� Virtues of empathy and compassion towards citizens whose right to privacy has been violated
� Conscience versus professional conduct
� International image of nation versus justice to citizens
If Edward Snowden would have followed the Espionage act of 1971 and did not leak state secret then –
� He would have followed professional ethics and contract.
� He would be loyal to his organization, CIA.
� He would have not allegedly put national security in jeopardy.
� International reputation of his government would not have been marred.
However stand of Snowden can be justified based on following ethical principle –
� External whistleblowing was done only after resigning from the job (former CIA administrator
given in case).
� Gandhiji advocated for breaking the unjust law. He said, “An unjust law is itself a species of
violence”.
S
� As per the Rousseau’s social contract theory people do give up some of their rights to the sovereign
IA
powerto protect rest of their rights. However how much right has to be given up will be decided
by people. In this case permission of surveillance will have to be taken by government; otherwise
social contact will bebroken.
� Socrates also advocated for “speaking truth to power” if sovereign authority is using power in
an unjust manner.
T
� As per third Principle of Kant’s categorical imperative one has to behave like a “member of
kingdom ofends”. This means that one has to impose moral principle on oneself.
EN
� This will also enable value of transparency and accountability in administration.

� In short term, this action of Edward Snowden may harm the interest of nation but in long term,
it will only benefit the country in form of good governance.
Based on above analysis I agree that Snowden’s actions were ethically justified even if legally
RI
prohibited. Governmentcannot beak the trust reposed by people.

If such surveillance is in national interest then government must pass a law on it and inform people.
This will ensureapolitical use of it, only for national interest.
O
Vibhishana in Ramayana took the side of truth even against his brother and king Ravana, whereas
Karna in Mahabharata remained loyal to his friend, Duryodhana. We all know the results of their choices.
Mahatma Gandhi has rightly said: “Morality is the basis of things and truth is the substance of all
morality.”

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UPSC - CSE (MAINS) - 2019

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

3. Throw light on the significance of the thoughts of MAHATMA GANDHI in the

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

5. Why is India taking a keen interest in resources of the Arctic region?

6. Define mantle plume and explain its role in plate tectonics.

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

9. Despite the implementation of various programmes for the eradication of poverty

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

Questions that can be Questions that can be

GS Paper-II Q-6 Test No. 1-Q-14

GS Paper-II Q-8 Test No. 2-Q-16 & 20

GS Paper-II Q-9 Test No. 11-Q-14

GS Paper-II Q-15 Test No. 14-Q-9

GS Paper-II Q-18 Test No. 2-Q-7

GS Paper-II Q-20 Test No. 11-Q-5

UPSC Dhyeya IAS

Section - A Essay Test-1

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

3. Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

6. “Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have

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25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,

25B, 2nd Floor, Pusa Road, Old Rajendra Nagar,