100 Most Probable Questions with Answers (Vol-II) for CSE Mains 2022 by INDIA BHAI

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 100 Most Probable Questions with Answers (Vol-II) for CSE Mains 2022 by INDIA BHAI

FOREWORD

It is my pleasure to introduce to you all, who are writing CSE Mains 2022, one of the most
SOUGHT AFTER and TIME TESTED document - The 100 most probable questions by India
Bhai.
India Bhai's name has been one of the most trusted names among aspirants community.
I called it sought after because in last few days you need a concise but comprehensive set
of papers, which would help you in last minute revisions. I said time tested because most of
the selected candidates in the last few years including me have been following these 100
questions before the mains exams.
Also, this document has been designed after lot effort and research about of the past trends
of the UPSC. And it contains exhaustive list of expected questions.
This is the 8th year of 100 most important questions since 2015. Over the years the
document has been a reliable source.
I also said the most trusted because these questions are coming from the originator of the
concept called Top 100 questions, after which others followed! Moreover, the name INDIA
BHAI is the most trusted name in the UPSC exam preparations. Also, these questions, if
you go through will get to know, are framed after lot of study of the past trends of UPSC and
the quality is also in similarity with it. If you go through these questions you will definitely
get a competitive edge over others. Best thing is you also get model answers which help you
to NUDGE your path in the right direction.
My best wishes to all the aspirants!!!

Gaurav Kumar, IAS

AIR- 313, CSE 2021

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 100 Most Probable Questions with Answers (Vol-II) for CSE Mains 2022 by INDIA BHAI

PREFACE
Dear Friends!
Barely 15 days left and now the time is to revise whatever important questions that can
come in Civil Service Mains Exam 2022. This booklet is based on mostly Current Affairs in
Question-Answers format covering GS2 & GS3 primarily and is released in two volumes
covering 100 Questions with Model Answers. This is the 8th consecutive edition of 100 Most
Probable Series since 2015, when it was released the very first time. Since then almost 15-
18 questions are directly or indirectly present in the mains exam GS paper from these 100
questions. In last year 2018 mains there were around 30 questions in mains exams directly
or indirectly from lectures and 100 most probable question series! In CSE 2019, 2020 &
2021, around 15, 18 and 24 questions were there directly and indirectly from this booklet in
its 5th and 6th edition respectively.
Now the question is how to make best use of this ‘100 Most Probable Questions with
Answers’? The best use of this material is to read it thoroughly and revise it atleast 3 times
for the best recall during mains examination. These questions are handpicked and sorted
out from hundreds of other questions and finally termed as most important or most
probable questions for mains examination 2022. You can expect 15+ questions from this
booklet in 2 volumes to come directly or indirectly in the Mains Exams 2022. Even many
answers of various questions can be used as a content or fodder material for Essays and
attempting other questions also.
Friends! This is the time when one should increase their study hours and revise whatever
they had studied till now. So utilize this time and make best use of it to improve your mains
score. I hope and firmly believe that this booklet will help you in improving your scores.
Use this time judiciously and push yourself little more for that extra edge. Push yourself,
because no one is else is going to do it for you. Always remember, Great things never come
from comfort zone!

Don’t stop when you are tired. Stop when you are done!!!
Dream it. Wish it. Do it!!!
All the Very Best for 2022 Civil Service Mains!!!
India Bhai
(Your Personalised Mentor)
(Faced 4 UPSC interviews)
A friend, mentor and guide for civil service aspirants
Telegram Channel:@IndiaBhai @IndiaBhaiChannel1, Website: www.indiabhai.in

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 100 Most Probable Questions with Answers (Vol-II) for CSE Mains 2022 by INDIA BHAI

100 Most Probable Questions for Mains 2022

VOLUME – 2
51. Compare and contrast the pardoning powers of President and Governor in India as
enumerated in the Constitution.
Model answer:
The Governor’s powers of pardon or remission under Article 161 of the Constitution have
been in the spotlight with the Supreme Court judgment ordering the release of A.G.
Perarivalan, one of the seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. Power of
Pardons under Articles 73 and 161 of the Constitution is different from judicial power as the
governor or the President can grant a pardon or reduce the sentence of the court even if a
minimum is prescribed.
Constitutional Provisions
Pardoning Power of President of India: Article 72:
The President shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of
punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any
offence;

 In all cases where the punishment or sentence is by a Court Martial;

 In all cases where the punishment or sentence is for an offence against any law
relating to a matter to which the executive power of the Union extends;
 In all cases where the sentence is a sentence of death.

Thus, Article 72 empowers the President to grant pardons etc. and to suspend, remit or
commute sentences in certain cases.
• Pardoning Power of Governor: Article 161:
The Governor of a State shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or
remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any
person convicted of any offence against any law relating to a matter to which the
executive power of the State extends.
Difference between the Pardoning Powers of the President and the Governor
• The scope of the pardoning power of the President under Article 72 is wider than the
pardoning power of the Governor under Article 161.
• The power differs in the following two ways:

1. Court Martial: The power of the President to grant pardon extends in cases where
the punishment or sentence is by a Court Martial but Article 161 does not provide
any such power to the Governor.

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 100 Most Probable Questions with Answers (Vol-II) for CSE Mains 2022 by INDIA BHAI

2. Death sentence: The President can grant pardon in all cases where the sentence
given is the sentence of death but the pardoning power of the Governor does not
extend to death sentence cases.

Process of Granting Pardon in India

 Mercy petition: The process starts with filing a mercy petition with the President
under Article 72 of the Constitution.
 Ministry of Home Affairs: Such a petition is then sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs
in the Central Government for consideration.
 State Government: The above-mentioned petition is discussed by the Home Ministry
in consultation with the concerned State Government.
 President: After the consultation, recommendations are made by the Home Minister
and then, the petition is sent back to the President.

Pardoning Power under Judicial Review

 In Maru Ram v Union of India, the Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court held
that the power under Article 72 is to be exercised on the advice of the Central
Government and not by the President on his own and that the advice of the
Government binds the head of the Republic.
 Kehar Singh v Union of India: It held that the grant of pardon by the President is an
act of grace and, therefore, cannot be claimed as a matter of right. The power
exercisable by the President being exclusive of administrative nature is not
justiciable.
 Swaran Singh v State of U.P: The Court held the order of Governor arbitrary and,
hence, needed to be interdicted.

Power of Pardoning In Various Countries

• British: The modern practice of pardoning finds its origin in the British system in which it
was a Royal Prerogative of the King to forgive. In the UK, the Constitutional monarch
can pardon or show mercy to a conviction on ministerial advice.
• The American Constitution gives the President the power to grant reprieves or pardons
for offences against the USA, except in case of impeachment.
o However, this power is available only in case of violation of Federal law and
pardon in the case of violation of a State law has to come from the Governor of
the State concerned.
• Canada: pardons are considered by the National Parole Board under the Criminal
Records Act.

52. How useful can the Parliamentary committees be considered for parliamentary work?
Discuss, in this context, the role of the Public Accounts Committee.
Model answer:

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 100 Most Probable Questions with Answers (Vol-II) for CSE Mains 2022 by INDIA BHAI

The Parliamentary committees are smaller deliberative bodies drawn from the members of
parliament to assist the parliament in discharge of its duties. Parliamentary Committees are
eyes, ears and hands of legislature and sometimes becomes the brain of the house too.
They play an important role in ensuring the accountability of the executive in the following
ways:
1. Financial accountability: Parliamentary committees examine the budget, demand of
expenditure, allocation trends, policy priorities and spending at the ministerial level
2. Detailed scrutiny: Since committees meet throughout the year, they help make up for the
lack of time in Parliament and help in in-depth scrutiny.
3. Technical Expertise: The Committee can consult a range of stakeholders including
scientist, domain experts, etc for better their understanding of the issues and facilitate
informed debate.
4. Parliamentary Committees have closed door meetings, which allow them to freely
question the executive rising above party lines.
5. Action Taken Report: They examine policy issues, and make suggestions to the
government. The government has to report back on action taken. Thus, holding the
government accountable.
However, there are some shortcomings too like:
1. Recommendations are not binding on executive.
2. Most committees are constituted for one year only.
3. Low attendance of MPs at meetings of the committees
4. Examination of a bill by a committee is not compulsory (only 25% of the bills
introduced were referred to the Committees in the 16th Lok Sabha)
5. Too many ministries under single committee.
Public Account Committee (PAC) is a financial committee of Parliament consisting of 22
members (15 from LS and 7 From RS) elected for one year term. It plays an important role in
ensuring accountability of executive as follows:
1. Examine the annual audit reports of the CAG and reports its finding to the
parliament.
2. PAC acts as the watchdog of the public purse by examining the audit report on
appropriation accounts and finance accounts.
3. The accounts of State corporations, manufacturing units and trade concerns are
examined by the committee.
4. Examines public expenditure from the point of view of economy, prudence, wisdom
and propriety to bring out the cases of waste, loss, corruption, extravagance, and
inefficiency.
However, there are some drawbacks like:
1. It mainly does a post-mortem examination.
2. Its recommendations are advisory and not-binding on ministries.
3. No scopes of dissent, as all decision are taken by consensus.

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 100 Most Probable Questions with Answers (Vol-II) for CSE Mains 2022 by INDIA BHAI

4. It is not concerned with policy decisions.

5. It cannot issue an order and only parliament can take a decision on its findings.
There needs to further strengthen parliamentary committees, including PAC. Their
procedures should be made more transparent and all laws should necessarily be referred to
parliamentary committees to improve quality of parliamentary deliberations.

53. "Just because a person is offended by someone's speech or word; it does not mean
that an offence has been committed." In this context, discuss the issues surrounding the
use of the section 295A and 153A of IPC.
Model answer:
Section 153A of the IPC intends to punish those who promote enmity between different
groups on grounds of religion, race, and place of birth, residence and language. Section
295A of the IPC makes “deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings”
a punishable offence. Though the two acts are aimed to prevent hate speech, their usage
has been questioned by the experts, as:
1. As per experts, the misuse of sections 295A and 153A of the IPC leads to arbitrary
arrests, judicial pendency and infringement of fundamental rights. E.g., arrest of the
members of Dastan live in Goa.
2. There has been an exponential rise in the number of frivolous and malicious
complaints under the sections 295A and 153A of the IPC. E.g., as per NCRB, cases
registered under 153A increased 6 times between 2014-2020, and the conviction
rate for the same stands at approximately 20%.
3. The critics have highlighted the vague nature of the wording of sections 295A and
153A of the IPC makes it liable to manipulation. E.g., no clear yardstick to quantify
religious feelings.
4. The two sections have a chilling effect upon the freedom of speech, and expression.
E.g. FIR against Netflix for depicting scenes hurting religious sentiments.
5. These sections have been used in trivial cases. E.g., FIR against cricketer Mahendra
Singh Dhoni for being portrayed as God of big deals.
6. Sections 153A and 295A have the potential to silent intellectual debates and can act
as a hindrance in the path of democracy.

Although the two sections have caused controversy through their arbitrary use, they are
also necessary, as:
1. To prevent the miscreants from misusing the religious sentiments for vested
interests.
2. India is a diverse country; therefore, legal restraints are necessary to maintain
communal harmony.
3. External inimical interests can also act through proxies to instigate religious
sentiments leading to riots, communal strife etc.

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 100 Most Probable Questions with Answers (Vol-II) for CSE Mains 2022 by INDIA BHAI

4. The sections are relevant to ensure a feeling of oneness between countrymen,

protecting the unity and integrity of the country.

In this context, there is a need to move ahead with caution:

1. The misuse of hate laws for personal/political interests should be checked.
2. The yardstick of application should be based on the sensibilities of a reasonable
person, and not that of an overtly sensitive being.
3. As per 1957 SC judgement, the definitive link between the speech/action and
disorder has to established.
4. The lower/trial court should restraint from taking reflective cognizance of trivial
matters.
5. More clarity should be ensured to prevent manipulation/misuse

While protecting religious sentiments is an imperative, over-zealous approach having a

chilling effect on the speech and expression of the people has to consciously avoid.

54. The adoption of technology can act as a force multiplier for law enforcement agencies.
Discuss.

Model answer:
Police forces have the critical responsibility of maintaining law and order among citizens.
They are responsible for ensuring citizen safety without disrupting their daily lives.
Maintaining the balance between being vigilant and being obtrusive is a challenge that the
police forces face quite often.

Another challenge for the police is monitoring a large population for potential threats. In
India, the police to population ratio is less than 150 per 100,000, whereas the United
Nations recommends 222 police officials per 100,000 residents.
While more police does not necessarily mean less crime, technology in today’s world can
help law enforcement agencies (LEA) perform their duties better and ensure public safety.
Moreover, the adoption of technology in their operations can act as a force multiplier.

Advantages of Technology in Law Enforcement

 Citizen-Friendly Policing: Most citizens in India are averse to going to a police
station. Technology can help make this interaction more pleasant. For example:
o These digital portals also provide an easy and transparent mechanism to the
citizens to register their complaints, provide feedback and track their
complaint status.
o Technology can also be used to provide senior police officials’ dashboard
views for their areas of jurisdiction identify trends, patterns, outliers and take
corrective action.
 Leveraging Social Media: The social media interaction can be both “push” — alerts
are sent to citizens — or “pull” — citizens access the social media page/handle in
order to get the desired information.

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 100 Most Probable Questions with Answers (Vol-II) for CSE Mains 2022 by INDIA BHAI

o In addition, social media can be used by LEAs to reach out directly to citizens
— providing information on traffic jams, how to protect against cybercrime,
dispelling rumours, countering fake news.
 Crime Detection: Technology can effectively help get a digital footprint of the
criminal. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to match fingerprints, facial images,
analyze CCTV footage and recognize vehicle number plates.
o Big Data can be used to integrate data from multiple sources such as social
media tools, financial institutions, travel records, hotel stays, CDRs and
criminal records. This can help create a 360-degree view of the criminal and
draw linkages between criminal associates.
 Crime Prevention: Big Data can play a major role as it can be used to identify crime
patterns and hot spots. AI can be used to draw correlations between the type of
crime, time, and location.
 Improving Efficiency: Technology can address gaps associated with hiring, training,
postings of LEAs, thereby ensuring a more “balanced” and effective organization.
o Similarly, key performance indicators such as the time taken to file a charge-
sheet, types of crimes solved, time is taken to address complaints, citizen
feedback scores can be used to determine an officer’s performance in a more
objective manner.
 Real-time Integration: The five pillars of the criminal justice system are police,
courts, prosecution, jails and forensics. Countless man-years are lost in taking
physical files from one place to another.
o Real-time integration between the information technology systems of these
pillars will help in reducing duplicate data entry and errors.
o This will significantly increase the efficiency of our LEAs and, at the same
time, drastically reduce the time taken to provide justice.

Way Forward
 Police Reforms: Technology can aid the LEAs’ functioning to a great extent, but
cannot completely become a replacement for the human element.
o Therefore, technology adoption needs to be corroborated by long-pending
police reforms.
 Tackling Side-Effects of Technology: Technology usage faces issues like privacy,
police versus community concerns, data retention and public disclosure policies, and
financial considerations.
o In this context, it is the duty of the state to expedite the enactment of the
Personal Data Protection Bill 2019 and DNA Technology (Use and Application)
Regulation Bill, 2018.
o Further, debate and deliberations regarding these issues must be put in the
public domain in a transparent manner.
 Digital Trust Framework: There is a need to imbibe Digital ethics, which is a broader
framework that includes technology, transparent data and digital ethics to create
digital trust in society.

New digital technologies are transforming the ways police protect and serve, allowing
agencies to prevent crimes more effectively and solve crimes faster. There is a need for

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 100 Most Probable Questions with Answers (Vol-II) for CSE Mains 2022 by INDIA BHAI

keeping pace with technologies that assist law enforcement globally and adopt them, as
suited to the Indian environment.

55. "The increasing influence of social media in global politics and national elections
demand strong measures." Comment.
Model answer: In recent years internet has expanded exponentially to every corner of the
world. With rise in social media and its penetration, a wave of ‘mediatisation’ of Indian
politics i.e. the media’s ability to set political agendas has expanded, and elections have
been transformed into an image contest between prominent personalities. As media and

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 100 Most Probable Questions with Answers (Vol-II) for CSE Mains 2022 by INDIA BHAI

politics grow ever more intertwined, media exposure has impacted voting behaviours and
opinions. This Demand strong measures and regulation by the government,
Why political Advertising need stricter regulation?
1. Democracy requires free and fair elections. Voters should be given all the details
they need to make an informed decision.

2. The spike in circulation of unverifiable information or fake news has been a major
cause for concern during the current elections.

3. Media is used to influence vote-choice through election ad campaigns and other

propagandas.

4. Misinformation is proliferated and highly emotive subjects handled in ways that

could easily be construed as manipulative. This harms the spirit of fair elections.

5. The distribution of this manipulative content through TV and social media is proving
destructive for the democracy.

6. Political parties are morally responsible to follow a code of conduct during elections.
In the absence of independent controls, the only thing we are left to cling to in the
hope that political campaigning follows some set of rules are the morals of
politicians which is absurd.

7. Politicians simply shrug off the issue and continue without any regulation. Self-
regulation model of media has failed and brought fissures to the surface and it needs
to be regulated.

8. Freedom of speech does not grant the right to deceive. Freedom of speech provides
that political advertising should not be strictly regulated. But freedom of speech is
meant to ensure protection of diversity of opinion and the individual’s right to
express in a reasonable manner. Lies, deception and treachery are not covered
under freedom of speech to influence voting behaviour. Manipulated content is
incongruous with freedom of speech.

9. There is a blurred line between editorial content and advertising. Advertisements

must be distinguishable from editorial content. However, by mimicking the style of a
news program or documentary, party political broadcasts intentionally lose that
distinction.

10. Online advertising allows, especially on social networks, personalised targeting

based on multiple attributes that wasn’t possible at the same level before. These
platforms make it possible to go from manufacturing consent to manipulating
consent. A person is continuously fed with information to vote for a particular party.

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 100 Most Probable Questions with Answers (Vol-II) for CSE Mains 2022 by INDIA BHAI

11. Invisibility of online political advertising. In advertising on a social media platform,

not everyone gets to know the sponsor of the advertisements. These advertisements
are frequently treated as content.

Some initiatives and positive aspects:

1. There are several initiatives pushing for change. The Election Commission of India
recently launched an app to encourage voter mobilisation. Fact-checking websites
such as Alt News and India Spend’s FactChecker.in attempt to debunk
misinformation.

2. Similarly, other platforms such as Jaano India and Mumbai Votes aim to equip
citizens with relevant information on government policies and candidates’
performance. However, the effectiveness of these programmes, and the impact of
various media on voter behaviour in India, has not been rigorously analysed.

3. An analysis of randomised evaluations conducted across the world allows some

insights into the role of the media in improving the quality of political participation.
It shows that it is indeed possible to deliver information through the media in a way
that positively impacts citizen engagement in the democratic process, and that the
magnitude and duration of impact varies by content type and delivery mechanism.

4. Increasing access to political information through the mass media may enable
citizens to monitor incumbents’ behaviour, and use this information in voting
decisions.

Exposure to debates improves voters’ political knowledge and the alignment between
voters’ reported policy positions and those of the candidates they voted for.
What should be done?
1. Digital media literacy awareness/education initiatives are needed.

2. Fact checking initiatives, i.e. Facebook and the Journal.ie partnership to identify fake
news

3. Data Protection law requires data processors to have consent from data subjects for
processing their data.

4. The ECI must ensure parity of treatment between political advertising on social
media and traditional media.

5. Election commission should strictly enforce model code of conduct and should
increase vigilance on cyber activities of political parties.

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 100 Most Probable Questions with Answers (Vol-II) for CSE Mains 2022 by INDIA BHAI

To summarise the efforts taken by the EC to tackle digital media, it would not be wrong to
say that the self-regulations are not enough for the social media platforms to keep an eye
over the content.
Also, EC is unable to enforce its powers effectively due to absence of specific laws to deal
with the upcoming issues like propaganda spreading, fake news, paid news, etc for which
the use of digital media and social media is being made.

56. A scheme on the lines of Agnipath for the government service will make the
bureaucracy more efficient, performance-oriented, and aid in promoting new skills and
flair for innovation in administration. Critically analyse.
Model Answer:
Recently, the government has launched an Agnipath scheme for the armed forces of the
country with a view to make these a leaner force without compromising on their combat
abilities. Thereafter, a similar scheme is being demanded with regard to the Bureaucracy
and other All-India Services (AIS).
Argument Against such a scheme for Bureaucracy/AIS
• The AIS have rendered excellent services to the country despite the severe constraints
under which the officers function.

• To cope with the increasing responsibilities, there has been a steady expansion of the
civil services.

• The government activities today cover a much wider spectrum. Now the welfare
schemes are being undertaken on a massive scale. To cope with the increasing
responsibilities, there has been a steady expansion of the civil services.

• The law-and-order problems have become far more complex and people are not happy
with police. But, still, no one would ask for abolition of police as it would result in
lawlessness and chaos. Thus, it is same with the civil services.

Argument in favour of Agnipath like scheme for Bureaucracy/AIS

There is a huge sense of dissatisfaction over the performance of the civil services,
particularly AIS. For example, the people are generally dissatisfied with the performance of
the police and there are credible complaints about its brutality, third-degree methods and
extra-judicial killings.
• It has been noticed that once an officer is selected for the AIS, he/she develops a smug
attitude that his/her career for the next 30/35 years is now secure. Therefore, there is a
lack of pressure to perform, an incentive to innovate, and a desire to excel.

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• Senior officers of the IAS and IPS have gone to the Supreme Court for reforms in the
civil services and the police.

• The judiciary has, from time to time, given directions for reforms but these have not
been implemented in letter and spirit.

In the last few decades, the AIS have grown in size and have become very, very top-heavy.
There are a number of officers who are holding top positions but have very little work to do.
Therefore, they are frustrated and look for politicians to get a top post in the bureaucratic
mainstream.
What could be the Features of the Agnipath Scheme for Bureaucracy/AIS?
Performance Appraisal System
1 There should be a performance-appraisal system in three stages. There should be
strict review once when the AIS officers have completed 15 years of service, then
after 25 years of service, and, finally, after 30 years of service.

2 After the first stage of performance appraisal, 25% officers should be weeded out,
10% officers at the second stage and 5% officers at the third stage. Weeding out
should be for poor performance, charges of corruption, any other misconduct of a
serious nature, or for being physically unfit.

Screening at each stage will have to be very rigorous and the mechanism to do so must be
impartial.
The appraisal system should be devised to doubly ensure that the officers are not victimised
for political reasons. The officers may be given copper/silver/golden handshakes at the
three stages.
Panel for weeding out Bureaucracy/AIS

 There should be a panel for weeding out at different stages. The members can be
the retired judges, officers of impeccable integrity drawn from different services,
distinguished members of the civil society and representatives from all the state
governments of the country.

 Every time the review is undertaken, three to five from the panel should be chosen
by lottery, taking care that they are from states other than the one whose officers’
performance is going to be reviewed.

 If an officer feels aggrieved by the decision of the panel, he should be able to

approach a tribunal.

Benefits of this scheme for Bureaucracy/AIS

 The periodic trimming of services would ensure that officers become performance-
oriented, acquire new skills and a flair for innovation in administration. The
complacency and smugness would disappear in a majority of cases.

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 100 Most Probable Questions with Answers (Vol-II) for CSE Mains 2022 by INDIA BHAI

 The bureaucratic top would become lighter. It would also ensure that the structure
of services becomes pyramid-shaped and not the trapezium it is now.

57. There have been several debates surrounding the delimitation exercise in India. Also,
highlight the process of delimitation in India.
Model answer:
Delimitation is the act or process of fixing limits or boundaries of territorial constituencies in
a country or a province having a legislative body. The job of delimitation is assigned to a
high power body known as Delimitation Commission. In India such Delimitation
Commissions have been constituted four time i.e. in 1952, 1963, 1973 and latest in 2002.
Commission’s orders have the force of law and cannot be called in question before any
courts.

Under Article 82 of the Constitution, the Parliament by laws enacts a Delimitation Act after
every census. After coming into commencement of the Act, the Central Government
constitutes a Delimitation Commission. This delimitation is based on the principle of equality
in ratio of number of seats allotted to each states and population of that state. Article 81 of
the Constitution defined the expression population as ascertained during the last preceding
Census of which the relevant figures have been published.

Current delimitation is based on the Delimitation Act 2002, which took reference of Census
data of 2001 and will continue till 2026, however, total number of seats is still as per census
1971.
However, the current delimitation process is surrounded by some debates:

• Population the primary criteria for the process: States which took a lead in population
control faced the reduction of legislative seats and States which are having high
populations have more number of seats and are controlling the politics in India and will
continue to do so in near future thus dis-incentivizing the former.
• Implication on governance: Due to less political weight, States like those of North East
which are having less population are allegedly paid less attention by the Government
while designing any policy or schemes. Policy formulations are targeted towards high
population states like UP and Bihar.
• Implication on representation: In most probability, the next delimitation will be based
on 2031 census data, which will increase the number of seats in Parliament. It will be
difficult to maintain decorum of the house as current number is also creating too much
chaos. The sudden increase in numbers will render the task of the Speaker more
difficult and onerous.

With increasing population, it will be difficult for public representative to address each and
every issue in his/her constituency and will thus create a sense of grievance among
population which in turn may undermine democracy.

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Keeping in mind the above identified issues, there is need for wider consultation before
starting the next delimitation exercise. Even the proposals for electoral reforms which have
been recommended by various Commissions over the past decade have not sought to
address these issues appropriately. These are challenges which our political leaders have to
address in the immediate future.

58. Trade and connectivity hold the key for India to better engage its neighbours. Examine
the opportunities and challenges in South Asia in this context.

Model Answer:
In recent times, India has reiterated the importance of engagement with its neighbours
through its Neighbourhood First policy. It has assumed greater significance with growing
Chinese economic and strategic presence in the region. In this context, India should make
use of the vast unrealized potential for trade and connectivity in the South Asian region as:
• Intra-regional trade in South Asia remains well below its potential at 5% of the region’s
global trade. Actual trade among South Asian countries was just $23 billion in 2015 as
against the potential of $67 billion.
• According to an analysis by the Department of Commerce, imports into the country
from South Asian nations have not shown any substantial increase from 2012-13 to
2016-17, but exports from India have been rising steadily for the most part.
• Lack of Connectivity in South Asia: Despite geographical contiguity, connectivity
initiatives in South Asia have been underdeveloped. Roads, Rail Networks, Inland
Waterways, Air Corridors and Maritime Connectivity are all lacking in south Asia.
o It is widely recognised that connectivity corridors may pave the way for
economic corridors. However, there are some challenges that need to be
resolved to attain the potential in the region:
• Size and capacity asymmetry between India and its neighbours make its neighbours
view India with suspicion and mistrust. Further, India’s hard power tactics, e.g. – Nepal
blockade, criticism of emergency in Maldives etc. increase this gap.
• Due to mistrust between the exporting and importing countries, it becomes difficult to
bring all on the same page, share data electronically, and set up agreed and preferably
harmonised systems for cargo clearances.
o There is a lack of consensus in the core security and developmental issues.
Further, South Asia is one of the only regions without any security
architecture in the region.
• The average trading cost between pairs of countries in South Asia is 20 percent higher
than those in ASEAN, and it is cheaper for India to trade with Brazil than with Pakistan.
Non-tariff measures (NTMs) are also a major hurdle in trade between countries in the
region.

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o The shadow of historical conflicts also looms large over the region such as
border conflicts between India and its neighbours, issue of terrorism, ethnic
violence, counterfeit goods trade, fake currency etc.
• Trade investment and connectivity are intimately linked and there is an opportunity for
the private sector in India to invest in the neighbouring countries and help accelerate
regional value chains and increase regional trade in parts and components. Such
opportunities can arise in sectors like IT services, tourism, spices, garments, leather
products, agricultural products etc. Moreover, firms from neighbouring countries can
also invest in India, to create the same positive impact on regional trade and value
chains. India can help with capacity building for standardisation and testing, so that
exporters from neighbouring countries can get their products more easily certified.
India is providing such support to Bangladesh, Nepal, and Afghanistan etc.
Timely execution of the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement, as well as bilateral initiatives with
Bangladesh and Nepal are much needed in present contest

59. "As the Taliban have taken control of Afghanistan, India must not only protect its
interests there, but also find a long-term solution to the Afghan situation." Examine.
Model Answer:
Barring a brief pause in the 1990s, India has historically enjoyed good ties with Afghanistan
which go back to the 1950 Treaty of Friendship. Indian interests and influence suffered
when the Taliban, backed by Pakistan, captured Kabul in 1996.But India was back in action
as soon as the Taliban were ousted from power after the US invasion in 2001.India has
made huge investments and commitments ever since, which run into over USD 3 billion, and
cultivated strong economic and defense ties with the Afghan government. Now, it is again
staring at uncertainty with the US pullback having effectively changed the balance of power
in Afghanistan and the Taliban making rapid territorial gains.
Concerns for India
1. Growing Pakistan Shadow: Pakistan Army will now play a major role in the power
dynamics within Afghanistan. Most of the senior Afghan leadership is believed to be
in Pakistan, in close contact with the Pakistani Army.

2. Strengthening of terrorist groups at the border: Terror groups inimical to India like
Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed are likely to be bolstered with victory of
Islamic fighters over a superpower and may take this opportunity to push for
heightened levels of insurgency in J&K.

3. Risk to India's economic interests: India has already invested deeply in

infrastructure, education, and power generation and irrigation development
projects. New projects like the building of the Shahtoot dam near Kabul, may get
delayed or scrapped.

4. Receding Diplomatic Influence in the region: Since India could have any substantial
linkages with the Taliban, any take-over in Kabul by Taliban will leave India out of its
diplomatic influence in the region. Hence, there is a convergence of interests among

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India, Central Asian countries and key regional players (China, Russia and Iran) in
seeing a political settlement in Afghanistan.

WAY FORWARD ON ENGAGING TALIBAN

1. Engagement with Taliban: It is said that there are no permanent friends and no
permanent enemies in international relations and the only aim is to secure one’s
national interest. As the Taliban's rise to power is imminent, it will be better to have
some diplomatic engagement with them.

2. Thus, India should be accommodative in opening its door to the Taliban leadership.
Continued talks with them would allow New Delhi to seek security guarantees from
the insurgents in return for continued development assistance.

3. Keep investing in Afghanistan: India must continue its investments in Afghanistan as

development leads to stability. Even, Taliban has been in favour of India’s supportive
role.

4. Intelligence sharing and training exercises: Militarily strong Afghanistan civilian

government will have better bargaining power at the table in Intra Afghan- peace
talks with Taliban.

5. Enhancing bilateral trade: It will help India retain its diplomatic leverage irrespective
of who is in power.

6. Forging cooperation with other regional powers like Russia, Iran and China.

7. India should continue to support Afghan owned Afghan led political solutions in
Afghanistan.

8. India should facilitate Inter-Afghan dialogue and reconciliation.

India, as would be impacted by the consequences of American withdrawal, has to work with
Eurasian powers to protect its interests and stabilise Afghanistan. If India remains active and patient
too, many opportunities could open up in the new Afghan phase.

60. "World community has reservations about Indian satellite vehicles can easily be
converted to deliver nuclear warheads". How have such apprehensions been ward off in
the global governance of nuclear warheads?

Model Answer:
For India, Nuclear weapons are political weapons and not weapons of war and their sole
purpose is to deter the use of nuclear weapons by India’s adversaries. India has not only
established itself as a responsible nuclear state, but guided the world about how to be a
responsible nuclear state through No first use policy.

Features of India’s nuclear doctrine:

1 Building and maintaining a credible minimum deterrent.

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2 “No First Use” policy i.e. nuclear weapons to be used only in case of any nuclear
attack on Indian Territory or on Indian forces anywhere.
3 Non use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states.
4 Nuclear retaliatory attacks to be authorised only by civilian political leadership
through the Nuclear Command Authority.
5 Nuclear retaliation to a first strike will be massive and designed to inflict
unacceptable damage.
6 India may retaliate with nuclear weapons to retaliate against attack with biological
or chemical weapons.
7 Strict controls on export of nuclear and missile related materials and technologies.
8 A commitment to goal of nuclear weapon free world.

India’s Nuclear Weapon Program:

• India tested its first nuclear device in May 1974, and remains outside both the Treaty on
the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Comprehensive Nuclear Test
Ban Treaty (CTBT).
• However, India has a facility-specific safeguards agreement in place with the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) a waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group
(NSG) allowing it to participate in global civilian nuclear technology commerce.
• It was admitted as a member into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in
2016, Wassenaar Arrangement in 2017 and Australia Group in 2018.
• India maintains its official commitment to no-first-use of nuclear weapons.

India’s NFU policy

1 NFU policy helps in deterring nuclear wars.

2 It helped to create India an image of responsible state.
3 If a nuclear weapons state is powerful and is at advantage with respect to its
enemies in non-nuclear capabilities, it does not need to threaten first use of its
nuclear bombs. India is a stronger conventional power as compared to Pakistan.
4 India today has access to much better technology than it had in 2003 when it
released its nuclear doctrine. New Delhi now has more missiles which are more
accurate. It has high quality surveillance platforms.
5 If India shifts to first use policy, then it will lead to competition and adversaries may
seek to develop and deploy more sizeable and quickly useable nuclear
forces/weapons. This will lead to nuclear arms race, as happened at the time of Cold
War.
6 India’s missiles have enabled it to move towards canister systems for storing its land-
based ballistic missiles. Such systems can reduce turnaround time. Canister has
further enabled India’s nuclear deterrent to move to the seas.

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7 With INS Arihant, a nuclear propelled ballistic missile submarine. India has a credible
sea-based deterrent. With a couple of more SSBNs, it can boast of a genuine nuclear
triad. Sea-based deterrence thus increases the strain on NFU policy.

India should maintain its NFU (no-first-use) doctrine, as it has helped India in gaining many
benefits at international level. It was due to India’s nuclear prudence, that Japan has
recently signed nuclear deal. India plans for first use policy, then preparation and
expenditure would be required for complex command and control and sophisticated
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems, which targets to hit first, etc.

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61. Analyse the role that Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022 can play in to protecting the Antarctic
environment and regulate activities in the region. Discuss in the light of Indian interests in
the Antarctic region.

Model Answer:

The draft bill is the first domestic legislation with regard to Antarctica in India. Nearly 40
years after India first signed the Antarctic Treaty, the government has brought in a draft
Indian Antarctic Bill, 2020. The draft bill is the first domestic legislation with regard to
Antarctica in India. Twenty-seven countries already have domestic legislations on
Antarctica.

Antarctica Treaty

• The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 by 12 countries — Argentina, Australia,

Belgium, Chile, French Republic, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Union of South Africa,
USSR, the UK of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the US of America, and came
into force in 1961.
• The Treaty covers the area south of 60°S latitude.
• The objectives of the treaty are to demilitarize Antarctica and establish it as a zone used
for peaceful research activities and to set aside any disputes regarding territorial
sovereignty, thereby ensuring international cooperation.
• Currently, 54 nations are signatories to the Antarctic Treaty, but only 29 nations have a
right to vote at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings – this includes India.
• India signed the Antarctic Treaty in 1983 and received consultative status the same
year.

The Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) was
set up in 1980 for the protection and preservation of the Antarctic environment and, in
particular, for the preservation and conservation of marine living resources in Antarctica.
• The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1991
and came into force in 1998.
• It designates Antarctica as a “natural reserve, devoted to peace and science”.

What are the main provisions of the Bill?

While the most significant provision of the Bill remains the extending of jurisdiction of
Indian courts to Antarctica, and the investigation and trial for crimes committed on the
Arctic continent, the Bill is a comprehensive document of regulations, particularly keeping in
mind environmental protection and the fragile nature of the region.

• The Bill introduces an elaborate permit system for any expedition or individual who
wishes to visit the continent.
• These permits will be issued by a Committee that will be set up by the government.

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• The Committee will comprise of the Secretary Earth Sciences ministry and will also have
officials from Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, Finance, Fisheries, Legal Affairs,
Science and Technology, Shipping, Tourism, Environment, Communication and Space
ministries along with a member from the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research
and National Security Council Secretariat and experts on Antarctica.
• The permits can be cancelled by the Committee if deficiencies are found or activities in
contravention of the law are detected.

While India does not carry out commercial fishing in the area, since every country has an
allotted quota, the Bill now provides for this activity.

However, strict guidelines are in place in accordance with international law.

• Like fishing, while India does not carry out any tourism activity in the region, and very
few Indian tourists visit Antarctica, when they do, they do so through foreign tour
operators.
• Antarctica receives a number of tourists from foreign countries.

The Bill now enables Indian tour operators to operate in Antarctica, although, like for
commercial fishing, this is circumscribed by strict regulations. The Bill further enlists
elaborate standards for environmental protection as well as waste management.

The prohibitions/regulations in the region

• The Bill prohibits drilling, dredging, excavation or collection of mineral resources or

even doing anything to identify where such mineral deposits occur — the only
exception is for scientific research with a granted permit.
• Damaging of native plants, flying or landing helicopters or operating vessels that could
disturb birds and seals, using firearms that could disturb the birds and animals, remove
soil or any biological material native to Antarctica, engage in any activity that could
adversely change the habitat of birds and animals, kill, injure or capture any bird or
animal have been strictly prohibited.
• The introduction of animals, birds, plants or microscopic organisms that are not native
to Antarctica are also prohibited.
• Extraction of species for scientific research needs to be done through a permit.
• The central government can also appoint an officer to carry out inspections.
• The draft Bill proposes the setting up of a separate designated court to try crimes
committed in Antarctica.
• The Bill further sets high penal provisions — the lowest penalty comprising an
imprisonment between one-two years and a penalty of Rs 10-50 lakh.
• Extraction of any species native to Antarctica, or introduction of an exotic species to the
continent can draw imprisonment of seven years and a fine of Rs 50 lakh.

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62. With an aim to invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of Indian citizens, the
central government has kicked off the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign under the aegis of
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The campaign became an identity of "duty-bound citizen of
India". Discuss. Also, mention the salient features of the Flag Code of India 2002 and the
issues concerning flag disposal.
Model Answer:
‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ is a campaign under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to encourage people to
bring the Tiranga home and to hoist it to mark the 75th year of India’s independence between 13-15
August. From villages to cities, people from all across the country are hoisting the Tiranga and
expressing their gratitude towards the freedom fighters that fought bravely for our country.

 Our relationship with the flag has always been more formal and institutional than personal.
Bringing the flag home collectively as a nation in the 75th year of independence thus
becomes sym6olic of not only an act of personal connection to the Tiranga but also an
embodiment of our commitment to nation-building.

 The idea behind the initiative is to invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of the
people and to promote awareness about the Indian National Flag.

 The Indian National Flag represents the hopes and aspirations of the people of India.

 It is the symbol of our national pride and there is universal affection and respect for, and
loyalty to, the National Flag. It occupies a unique and special place in the emotions and
psyche of the people of India.

 ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign has become a people’s movement wherein everyone is coming
together in unity and displaying the National Flag. This is line with the ideal of Fundamental
Duties as added by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976. (Art 51A(a) and (b) place a duty
on citizens to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the
National Flag and the National Anthem and to cherish and follow the noble ideals which
inspired our national struggle for freedom.)

 The campaign has especially impacted the youth and children and has encouraged them to
preserve the memories of India’s freedom struggle.

Since its announcement, this campaign has witnessed participation from all walks of life. NGOs and
Self-Help Groups from across the country are actively contributing to large-scale flag production and
making them available to the masses.

The use, display and hoisting of the National Flag guided by the ‘Flag Code of India 2002’ and the
Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. The Flag Code of India brings together all laws,
conventions, practices, and instructions for the display of the National Flag. It governs the display of
the National Flag by Private, Public, and Government Institutions. The Flag Code of India took effect
on 26th January 2002.

Salient Features of Flag Code of India, 2002

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● The Flag Code of India, 2002 was amended in December, 2021 and National Flag made of
polyester or machine made Flag have been allowed. Now, the National Flag shall be made of
hand spun and hand woven or machine made.

● A member of public, a private organization or an educational institution may hoist/display

the National Flag on all days and occasions, ceremonial or otherwise, consistent with the
dignity and honour of the National Flag.

● The Flag Code of India, 2002 was amended to provide that where the Flag is displayed in
open or displayed on the house of a member of public, it may be flown day and night.

● The National Flag shall be rectangular in shape. The Flag can be of any size but the ratio of
the length to the height (width) of the Flag shall be 3:2.

● Whenever the National Flag is displayed, it should occupy the position of honour and should
be distinctly placed.

● A damaged or dishevelled Flag shall not be displayed.

● The Flag should not be flown from a single masthead simultaneously with any other flag or
flags.

● The Flag should not be flown on any vehicle except of the dignitaries mentioned in Section IX
of Part III of the Flag Code, such as President, Vice-President, Prime-Minister, Governors etc.

● No other flag or bunting should be placed higher than or above or side by side with the
National Flag.

During this campaign, millions of flags have been hosted by the residents of the country and their
disposal has become a major concern. The flags need to be disposed with the dignity and honour
they deserve. Although the Flag Code provides guidelines for the disposal, the implementation
remains a challenge.

 As per paragraph 2.2 of the Flag Code of India, if the National Flag is damaged, it shall be
destroyed as a whole in private, preferably by burning or any other method considering
the dignity of the National Flag.

 The National Flag, if made of paper, is waved by the general public, these flags should not be
discarded on the ground. These should be discarded in private, keeping in mind the dignity
of the National Flag.

 The local bodies and the RWAs need to ensure that the flags hoisted in their premises are
disposed correctly. The citizens’ duty does not end with showing patriotism by hoisting the
flag but also ensuring its proper disposal as per procedures.

The campaign has democratized the National Flag which have been the preserve of the Government
and the administration in the sense that they are being hoisted on official functions by officials and
ministers. But the campaign has brought the flag closer to the people and in fact bestowed its true
ownership within the people. Apart from the inspiring patriotism, the democratization and de-
elitisation have been the hallmarks and outcomes of the campaign.

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63. Democracy is important because it gives representation to a larger section of society in

the Government. But the world still witnesses flawed democracies and even authoritarian
regimes. At the same time, democracy also needs to have various internal checks so that
its real goals are achieved. Discuss with examples.

Model Answer:
Democracy is a form of government in which power ultimately comes from the people who
are governed, either through direct voting or through elected representatives. To protect
the ideas of democracy worldwide and promote its principles, the International Day of
Democracy is observed on 15th September every year. India is today the largest functioning
democracy in the world. The word “Democracy” is derived from the Greek means “The
people hold power”

According to the latest report titled ‘Democracy Report 2022: Autocratisation Changing
Nature?’ from the V-Dem Institute at Sweden’s University of Gothenburg, the level of
democracy enjoyed by the average global citizen in 2021 is down to 1989 levels, with the
democratic gains of the post-Cold War period eroding rapidly in the last few years.

What Parameters were used to assess the Status of a Democracy?

 The report classifies countries into four regime types based on their score in the
Liberal Democratic Index (LDI):
 Liberal Democracy, Electoral Democracy, Electoral Autocracy, and Closed Autocracy.
 The LDI captures both liberal and electoral aspects of a democracy based on 71
indicators that make up the Liberal Component Index (LCI) and the Electoral
Democracy Index (EDI).
 The LCI measures aspects such as protection of individual liberties and legislative
constraints on the executive, while the EDI considers indicators that guarantee free
and fair elections such as freedom of expression and freedom of association.
 In addition, the LDI also uses an Egalitarian Component Index (to what extent
different social groups are equal), Participatory Component Index (health of citizen
groups, civil society organisations), and Deliberative Component Index (whether
political decisions are taken through public reasoning focused on common good or
through emotional appeals, solidarity attachments, coercion).

Main Findings of the Report

Top Performance:
 Sweden topped the LDI index, other Scandinavian countries such as Denmark and
Norway, along with Costa Rica and New Zealand make up the top five in liberal
democracy rankings.

India’s Performance:

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 India is part of a broader global trend of an anti-plural political party driving a

country’s autocratisation.
 It was ranked 93rd in the LDI, India figures in the “bottom 50%” of countries.
 It has slipped further down in the Electoral Democracy Index, to 100, and even lower
in the Deliberative Component Index, at 102.
 In South Asia, India is ranked below Sri Lanka (88), Nepal (71), and Bhutan (65) and
above Pakistan (117) in the LDI.

Spreading Autocratisation:
 Autocratisation is spreading rapidly, with a record of 33 countries autocratising.
 Signalling a sharp break from an average of 1.2 coups per year, 2021 saw a record 6
coups, resulting in 4 new autocracies: Chad, Guinea, Mali and Myanmar.
 While the number of liberal democracies stood at 42 in 2012, their number has
shrunk to their lowest level in over 25 years, with just 34 countries and 13% of the
world population living in liberal democracies.

Biggest Drivers of Autocratisation:

One of the biggest drivers of autocratisation is “toxic polarisation”.
• Polarisation has been defined as a phenomenon that erodes respect of counter-
arguments and associated aspects of the deliberative component of democracy.
• It is a dominant trend in 40 countries, as opposed to 5 countries that showed rising
polarisation in 2011.
• Toxic levels of polarisation contribute to electoral victories of anti-pluralist leaders and
the empowerment of their autocratic agendas.
• Noting that “polarisation and autocratisation are mutually reinforcing”, the report states
that “measures of polarisation of society, political polarisation, and political parties’ use of
hate speech tend to systematically rise together to extreme levels.”
“Misinformation” has been identified as a key tool deployed by autocratising governments
to sharpen polarisation and shape domestic and international opinion.

SAFEGUARDS OF LIBERAL DEMOCRACY:

 Constitutional Renaissance: It refers to the process of constant repair and renewal

of “constitutionalism” as a function of adjudication.
 It includes the following:
o Obeisance to the constitutional spirit, vision and letter.
o The interpretation of the constitution by the judiciary in a way that glorifies
its democratic spirit and reflects a ‘reverence’ towards the constitution.
o Protection of “rights of all, which means that people are true sovereign and
they should not be treated as just ‘subjects’ and all forms of public power
should be placed at the service of constitutional ends.
 Constitutional Morality: It specifies norms for institutions to survive and an
expectation of behaviour that will meet not just the text but the soul of the

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Constitution. It also makes the governing institutions and representatives

accountable.
 Purposive Interpretation: This refers to the interpretation of the constitution by the
judiciary in light of the interest of the people of India and maintaining institutional
integrity.
 Good Governance: The ultimate motive of constitution-related judicial articulation
and government schemes and programmes should be enabling a good governance
system.
 Voices Should be Heard: The Government should hear criticism rather than rejecting
it out-rightly. Suggestions on eroding democratic values need a thoughtful and
respectful response.
 Checks on Executive Powers/ Separation of Powers: The press and the judiciary,
which are considered the pillars of India’s Democracy, require it to be independent
of any executive interference to enable auditing of the
 Need For Strong Opposition: Strong democracy requires strong opposition. Without
an alternative choice, the very objective of election to provide a check on arbitrary
power gets defeated.
 Social Equality: If redistributive public welfare policies are effective, the inequality in
the society would be reduced. Thus, it must be the priority of the government to
maintain social and economic equality and inclusive growth.

Democracy is important because it gives representation to a larger section of society in the

Government. But the world still witnesses full democracies, flawed democracies, hybrid
regimes and even authoritarian regimes. Efforts from institutions like United Nations and
nations world over are needed so that representation by citizens of various nations of the
world may be met and their voices be heard. At the same time, democracy also needs to
have various internal checks like independence of judiciary so that its real goals are
achieved.

64. The public's trust in Parliament is gradually eroding, while their trust in the judiciary is
steadily increasing. Explain the reasons behind this. What damage does it cause to the
democratic system?

Model Answer:

There is a worldwide trend in recent years that people's confidence in elected bodies is
decreasing and confidence in technical and non-elected bodies has increased. In western
countries it is indicated by low turnout during elections and in India it is indicated by
increase in civil society movements.

Various reasons have been responsible for the fall in people's trust in Parliament:

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1. Efficiency of Parliament has also declined. Number of bills passed has

declined over the years. Around 340 bills were passed in the 1st Lok Sabha.
And in the 16th Lok Sabha only 133 bills were passed.
2. Over the years there is a rise in criminalisation in politics. A number of
parliamentarians have also got involved in large scale corruption cases like 2G
spectrum scam, CoalGate scam and commonwealth games scam etc.
3. In recent years both houses of parliament are witnessing continuous
disruptions. Opposition prefers walkout over debates and discussions. Rajya
Sabha’s research wing pulls out statistics from the last five years (2015- 19)
which reveal that nearly 60% of the time allotted for the hour has been lost
due to disruptions.
4. Parliament's inability to connect with the people. The major source of
information on Parliament is the media which deals with the business appeal
of the functioning of Parliament. Therefore, the disputes of the Parliament
are visible more than the specifics in the functioning.
5. There are also problems in the functioning of political parties. The
functioning of the party is undemocratic. Parties are suffering from high
command culture, family politics etc.
All these issues have led to distrust in politicians and ultimately in Parliament. But, at the
same time there is rise in people's faith in judiciary:

1 Access to judiciary, especially after the introduction of PIL's (Public interest

litigations) in 1980 has improved.
2 The judiciary is able to keep its generally spotless reputation. With a few exceptions,
the judiciary is seen to be clean, in contrast to politicians.
3 Judicial activism, in which the court has not only plugged loopholes, but has also
directly intervened and, in certain cases, taken over the powers of the Executive. All
this has helped people in more than one way. SC judgments like Vishaka guidelines,
expansion of right to life under article 21, transgender judgment, establishing SIT on
black money etc. are very popular

But this trend shows that all is not well in Indian polity. Nehru called parliament as the
temple of democracy. Thus, the decline of parliament is never good for democracy.

1 The lack of trust and interest of the public in parliament is harming the public itself,
they don't participate in the process of policy formulation.
2 The decline of parliament has led to judicial activism and in some cases judicial
overreach. This jeopardises not just the system of checks and balances, separation of
powers but also undermines parliamentary democracy.
3 Having negative perception about parliament thwarts a large number of young
populations from entering the electoral arena. This further breeds corruption and
criminalisation of politics.

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As a result, there is an urgent need to halt Parliament's deterioration and restore people's
faith. The parliament must devise techniques for reaching consensus through debates and
discussions. The opposition must participate constructively. Electoral changes are required
to combat criminalization and the use of money in politics. People's participation in
governance must also be increased.

Criminalisation of Politics

• 46% of Members of Parliament have criminal records. The current cohort of Lok Sabha
MPs has the highest (29%) proportion of those with serious declared criminal cases.
• In the third all-India survey commissioned, the Association for Democratic Reforms
(ADR) found that-
A nationwide survey involving more than 2.7 lakh people revealed that for 41.34%
respondents, distribution of liquor, cash and freebies was an important factor behind voting
for a particular candidate in an election.

• 86% interviewees felt that candidates with criminal background should not be in
Parliament or State Assembly.

• 89% were willing to vote for a candidate with criminal records if the candidate had done
good work in the past.

Political Funding
• As much as 67% of donations to national parties in 2018-19 came from “unknown
sources,” an increase from 53% in the previous financial year, said a report released by
the Association for Democratic Reforms.
• As per a report released by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), more than
half of the income of 23 regional parties whose annual audit and contribution reports
were analysed came from unknown sources in 2018-201

65. There has been concern regarding criminalisation of politics in the country. How far
does this reflect on the Representation of People's Act effectiveness in ensuring fair
politics? Discuss in the context of contempt of recent SC judgement in this regard.

Model Answer:
The Representation of People Act (RPA) 1951 enacted by the parliament under Article 327
of the Indian constitution provides the rules and regulations regarding the conduct of
elections to parliament and the state legislature.

RPA 1951 is significant in maintaining the sanctity of electoral politics:

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1 Controlling corrupt practices and electoral offenses: RPA 1951 empower the
Election commission of India to disqualify a member of parliament and legislative
assembly based on various corrupt practices and offenses mentioned in Section 129.
2 Free and fair elections: Prohibition of malpractices like booth capturing, promoting
enmity etc. has ensured the free and fair election which helped in the
democratization of elections.
3 Decriminalization of Politics: It plays important role in cracking the political-criminal
nexus, by restricting the entry of criminals into the politics of India.
4 Transparency and Accountability: Declaration of assets and monitoring of
expenditure of political parties provide much-needed transparency in the funding of
elections.

However, there are shortcomings to this act and there is need of reformation as discussed
below:

1 Lack of action against bribe: ECI had to resort to extraordinary power under the
constitution for countermanding polls in RK Nagar by-election in Tamil Nadu due to
excessive bribing.
2 The criminalization of politics: Though Section-8 of RPA 1951 prohibits convicted
politicians. However, the under-trial electors no matter how serious are charges still
allowed to contest the election.
3 Controversy regarding role of ECI: ECI does not have contempt power. Accusations
of EVM getting hacked has reduced trust about the functioning of EVM. Similarly,
there are issues of transparency, secrecy in regards to EVM.

In recent times, the allegation of hacking of EVMs, violation of MCC such as during Bengal
elections, hate speech during Delhi elections etc. has resulted in the demands of Election
Commission of India for reforms in RPA 1951 and Model Code of Conduct.

ECI has suggested following reforms in RPA 1951 and Model Code of Conduct:
1 Penal provisions for paid news: ECI have recommended the introduction of paid
news as electoral offenses under RPA 1951.
2 Bribing as electoral malpractice: The ECI pleaded for insertion of section-58B to RPA
1951 so that EC can take action against giving bribe to the voters. This was not
accepted by the government.
3 More power to ECI: ECI must be empowered with deregistering of a political party
under Section 29A of RPA.
4 Filling of false information should be qualified as a corrupt practice under Section
123 of RPA 1951 as suggested by the Law Commission of India.
5 Reforms in MCC: ECI acts in a weak or delayed manner against the violation of MCC.
With the advent of digital content on social media indirectly flouts MCC. For
example: I.T cell of political parties violates MCC. MCC should be provided with
statutory backing to make it more powerful.

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The provisions of fast-track court to solve the violation cases at a faster rate.

Implementation of these reforms in the model code of conduct and RPA 1951 would only
strengthen the free and fair election to promote participative democracy in the country.

66. How does learning poverty threaten India's efforts to build human capital and achieve
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? Suggest measures to address learning
poverty.

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Model Answer:
World Bank defines learning poverty (LP) as the inability to read and understand a simple
text by age 10. It is a sign of learning crisis that stifles economic growth, employment
opportunities and reduce human capital quality. Human capital refers to knowledge, skills,
and health that people accumulate throughout their lives. India launched various initiatives
to develop human capital like National Education Policy, Skill development mission, etc.

LP threatens India’s efforts and thereby achievement of various SDGs in following ways:

1 Economic growth and poverty reduction: With poor foundational learning, students
often fail to thrive later in school or when they join the workforce, keeping them
under poverty (SDG 1). The lack of learning reduces the quality of the labour force
due to lack of essential cognitive, digital, and technical skills. LP prevents citizens to
contribute in economic growth, innovation and industry (SDG 8, 9).
2 Health outcomes: LP impact health outcomes (SDG 2, 3) of a country which is critical
for human capital. It not only hinders development of cognitive abilities but also act
as hurdle in improved health outcomes (including reduction in fertility).
3 Political life: With LP citizens are unable to understand their rights and duties, they
do not actively participate in civil and political life (SDG 16). For example, LP prevents
individual to understand the importance of voting.
4 Social progress: LP hinders social progress and social cohesion. Due to learning crisis,
there is lesser intergenerational social mobility perpetuating inequality (SDG 10),
lower levels of social trust, and a high likelihood of social conflicts. It prevents
development of socio-emotional skills like tolerance, resilience, optimism, and
acceptance.
5 Gender equality: Learning crisis perpetuate gender insensitivity, patriarchal mindset,
thereby, hindering gender equality (SDG 5).
Following measures are needed to address LP:

1 Fulfilling right to education: To unlock human capabilities and reduce LP, it is

essential to ensure that the right to education is fulfilled in a meaningful way for all
children.
2 Sound Infrastructure: Schooling infrastructure with adequate number of classrooms
and teachers are important to ensure access of education.
3 Teacher Training: Teachers and support staff should be given with proper training to
provide quality education to the children and developing critical thinking abilities in
them.
4 Cognitive development: Focus should be given on revising and developing the
curriculum so that cognitive development of the child takes place instead of rote
learning.
5 Teaching in mother tongue: It is important as it enables individuals to understand
and grasp knowledge more easily.

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The term LP underlines how important achieving at least a minimum proficiency in reading
ability is as a vehicle to a productive, fulfilling life in the modern world. Just as monetary
poverty excludes people from economic, social, and political opportunity, so does a lack of
basic reading skills.

The Covid pandemic has increased the risk of inequality in learning and quality of learning. If
India has to reap the demographic dividend, we have to ensure that our younger population
is well educated. This requires a well comprehensive plan and community level awareness
for reducing LP.

67. Highlighting the issues faced by the institutions of local self-governance in India,
suggest measures that can be taken to improve their effectiveness in the delivery of public
goods and services at the grass-root level.

Model Answer:
73rd Amendment, 1992 added a new Part IX to the constitution titled “The Panchayats” covering
provisions from Article 243 to 243(O); and a new Eleventh Schedule covering 29 Subjects within the
functions of the Panchayats. The 74th constitutional amendment 1992, added Part IXA and
Schedule 12 with the aim of giving urban local bodies a constitutional status with uniformity in
functions and structure and greater devolution of powers to promote self-governance.

It has been more than 25 years to these Constitutional Amendment Acts. Democratic
decentralization has also rooted at local levels. States have set up State Finance Commissions (SFCs),
District planning committee. Elections held regularly. Some states have given 50% reservation to
women. Southern states given more power devolution on 29 subjects. Despite these positive
developments, the local government institutions face multiple challenges which are impacting their
service delivery efficiency. These are:

PRI CHALLENGES ULB CHALLENGES

The Panchayati Raj scheme is defective in so The urban governance landscape is quite
far as the distribution of functions between fragmented and India’s ULBs are currently like an
the structures at different levels has not been institutional jungle with issues of lack of
made along scientific lines. coordination and overlap.

The three-tiers do not operate as functional The problem is in built in the 74th CAA itself as has
authorities. The tendency on the part of the provided only for three types of ULBs.
higher structure to treat the lower structure
For instance, any urban area having more than 1
as its subordinate is markedly visible.
million population can be a municipal corporation
The inadequacy of funds has also stood in the but this means a city like Bombay and a city like
way of successful working of the Panchayati Nazik will have same governance structure despite
Raj.. They have very little funds doled out to their differences in population, economic activities
them by the State Government. and governance challenges they face.

Introduction of the Panchayati Raj aimed at The Mayoral system of governance has serious
securing effective participation of the people. lacunae that the indirectly elected mayor and the

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But in reality this hardly happens since the key council has no real power but are merely
administrative and technical positions are deliberative bodies. The real executive power is
manned by the government officials. wielded by the Municipal Commissioner.

There is lack of clarity in regard to the concept The agencification/parastatals of the services
of Panchayati Raj itself and the objectives for delivery in urban areas like water, land, power,
which it stands. Some would treat it just as an transport etc have created multiple power structure,
administrative agency while some others look diffused responsibility, and lack of accountability.
upon it as an extension of democracy at the
Additionally, the flagship schemes of the Centre like
grass roots level, and a few others consider it
the SMART City etc have completely by passed the
a charter of rural local government.
urban political structure.
The Panchayati Raj bodies experience several
Even for performing functions that are within its
administrative problems. They are the
purview (such as levying local taxes or undertaking
tendency towards politicization of the local
civic projects above a certain budget) the local
administration, lack of co-ordination between
government requires State government permissions.
the popular and bureaucratic elements, and
apathetic attitude of the government servants Hence, municipalities are not yet autonomous units
towards development programmes etc. that can be genuinely called as the “third tier” of
government in India’s federal system

Many committees like 2nd arc, M.M Punchi commission and even Niti Aayog has founded some
structural deficiencies in working of local bodies like Problems:

1 3Fs

2 DPCs/MPCs are not working

3 SFCs are not effective

4 Elite capture

5 Traditional/parochial society

6 Too much politics

7 Bureaucratization

In such a situation, there must be immediate institutional reforms in the local governance
ecosystem. The broad contours can be:

● Adopt the categorisation of the urban municipal bodies into five based on population
criteria.
● Zonal offices with all administrative powers delegated to them may be set up immediately
in Metropolitan Corporations and Municipal Corporations and become the main point of
contact for people in respect of services and amenities.
● The local government should be responsible for providing civic amenities in its jurisdictional
respect of all downstream activities of a particular State utility, as soon as it enters the
geographical and administrative boundary of an Urban Local Body, the Government
utility/parastatal should become accountable to the ULB.

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● Municipal governments should have full autonomy over the functions/activities devolved to
them.
● Following the lead taken by Kerala, Karnataka and West Bengal, the DRDAs in other States
also should be merged with the respective District Panchayats (Zila Parishad).
● Punchi commission has given radical recommendation that a local list should be created in
the schedule 7 (federation within federation- principle of subsidiarity), so that local bodies
are not dependent for finance on states.
● There should be third tier of financial structure like GST, at local level, to collect and
monitoring finance of local institution.
● The DPC and MPC need to be set up and empowered fully for decentralised planning as per
Second ARC recommendations.
● Empower the gram Sabha and set up Ward Sabha in urban areas.

The local bodies require structural, institutional, legal, and capacity building reforms and there must
be genuine third federal tier based on effective transfer of 3Fs. Democratization and empowerment
of the grassroots institutions is a must for making the local bodies’ true and efficient instruments of
quality service delivery, socio-economic planning and accountability.

68. Judicial accountability and independence are mutually reinforcing. Do you agree? In
what ways can judicial accountability be enhanced without impinging on its
independence?

Model Answer:
Judicial Independence implies separating the judiciary from the executive and the legislature
to ensure its autonomy and prevent undue influence on its functioning. Judicial
Accountability means that judiciary should conduct itself in a transparent manner and
judges should be held responsible for their judgements.
While judicial independence is recognized as a part of the basic structure of the
constitution, critics argue that judicial accountability has been found lacking in India. One of
the few mechanisms to hold judges accountable is their removal, but the process is very
complex and can be initiated only in parliament.

Many legal experts argue that judicial accountability can dilute its independence because:

1 Accountability can manifest itself in form of answerability towards

legislature/executive. This can bring judiciary under undue influence of government,
which is also the largest litigant.
2 Judicial accountability can open the courts to criticism, making judges vulnerable to
public opinions and popular sentiments. It will also reduce dignity/status of the
judiciary.
3 Judges are accountable only to the constitution. Additional measures of
accountability can negatively impact their privacy and ‘dirt’ in their private life can
be used to manipulate them.

However, many other scholars argue that accountability is not only necessary but also that
accountability and independence are mutually reinforcing because:

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Necessity of Judicial Accountability

1 Collegium system is opaque and there have been repeated allegations of nepotism in
appointments.
2 Accountability of judiciary is necessary to curb corruption in judiciary.
3 Judicial activism has been criticised as usurpation of executive and legislature power
without corresponding accountability.
4 Arbitrariness in allocation of cases and huge pendency demands accountability.
5 There has been incidence of improper conduct by judges. E.g.; Ex-CJI Ranjan Gogoi
heard a case against himself, violating Principle of Natural Justice.

Mutually reinforcing nature of Judicial Accountability and Independence

• Independence is given to judiciary because of trust that people repose in judiciary.
Accountability maintains this trust and promotes public confidence.
• Accountability brings scrutiny to ensure that prospects of post-retirement jobs do not
affect pre-retirement judgements (political neutrality).
• Accountability also ensures that personal biases and prejudices do not affect judges
while hearing cases or delivering verdicts.
• With great power comes great responsibility, Judicial independence has made Indian
judiciary the most powerful judiciary in the world. Accountability is corollary of
independence.

So, we can see that too much of accountability can create a ‘timid/dependent’ judiciary
while absence of it can lead to arbitrariness in conduct of judges and verdicts of courts.
Thus, there is need to enhance judicial accountability without impinging on its
independence which can be achieved in following ways:

1. Collegium system can be made more transparent by clearly defining rules of

appointment/removal.
2. Peer review and regular performance evaluation system for judges should be
established.
3. Amend contempt power to allow constructive criticism; contempt cases
should be tried by independent commissions.
4. Judiciary can also be brought under the scope of Lokpal ( like Sweden) and
scope of RTI should be enhanced.
5. Proactive disclosure of assets and liabilities, conflicts of interests etc., use of
ICT for process automation can bring transparency and reduce corruption.

As transparency and accountability have same aim, justice, they should not be seen as
conflicting principles. Separation of power with checks and balances is part of basic
structure. Appropriate balance between them is necessary for fulfilling the constitutional
ideal of justice for all.

69. The extent of gain from global power rebalancing for India will depend on its ability to
balance long standing trilateral with Russia and China with emerging quadrilateral
involving US, Australia and Japan. Analyze.
Model Answer:

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QUAD is an informal strategic forum between India, United States, Japan, and Australia
which aims to address issues of common and global importance based on democratic ideals.
India is also a part of RIC trilateral consisting of Russia, India and China which tends to
address the common issues of emerging nations in the global order. With a changing global
order, QUAD has become an important foreign policy engagement for India due to the
following factors:
1. Countering China: China’s aggressive border pursuits along with its Belt and
Road initiative (BRI) undermining our sovereignty and causing a security
threat (String of Pearls), India along with other members are trying to contain
assertive China.
2. East Asia: QUAD provides India a powerful platform to advance its interests
in East Asia and strengthen the Act East policy.
3. Economic growth: QUAD is important for India’s economic growth. It will
help India with better market reach and will lead to more employment
opportunities in India.
4. Indo-Pacific interests: Indo-Pacific is an important region in terms of
resources and economic potential it holds. QUAD will help India in pursuing
its interests in Indo-Pacific region.
5. Defence and technology interests: Partnering with members like USA and
Japan can benefit our Make in India program with increase India’s
technological capabilities and security advancements with exercises like the
Malabar exercise.

Although QUAD is important for India’s interests, there is need to strengthen relations
with Russia and China due to following reasons:

1. Strategic interests and multi-alignment policy: Both Russia and China are
important to balance relations with QUAD. Solely depending on QUAD will
make India aligned to USA’s interests and may be pulled into unnecessary
issues and wars.
2. Economic interests: India has economic interests both with Russia and China.
Russia is resource rich and India imports critical raw materials from China.
3. Good relationship with neighbours: Though QUAD will bring developmental
projects, it will considerably erode India’s primacy in the neighbourhood
region. India needs to keep healthy relations with its neighbours especially
China to avoid unnecessary border disputes and sub-regional geopolitics.
4. Defence purposes: Russia is a time-tested and reliable ally. It has provided
India with defence weapons and technology when no one stood with India.
5. To work on regional issues: With India being a part of SCO and BRICS with
China and Russia, regional issues like anti-terrorism (Regional Anti-Terrorist
Structure of SCO) and economic structures like NDB, AIIB can help India
achieve its basic goals of poverty alleviation and development.

Foreign policy is all about promoting national interests and India needs to ensure it by
balancing the major power blocks in following ways:

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• Cooperation: Increased cooperation with QUAD across a range of sectors is

important to deal with the wide array of challenges and opportunities in the Indo-
Pacific region.
• At the same time a robust mechanism for economic coordination with Russia and
China need to be evolved with focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• India should work with Russia and China on area of common interests and should
find a way to reduce frictions.

With China emerging as next superpower and Russia drifting away from India, a
recalibration of approach is needed in India’s foreign policy. Focus must be on balancing
relationship with QUAD and with China and Russia.

70. The Constitution and voting rights in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) doesn't
reflect contemporary global economic reality. Comment. What sorts of reforms are
needed to address this problem? Suggest.
Model Answer:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was conceived at the Bretton Woods Conference
mainly to help members during the Balance of Payment (BoP) crisis and to stabilize the
currency exchange rates of countries, and giving practical/technical help to members by
helping in framing economic or financial policies etc.
Given its unequal voting power mechanism and quota parameters IMF doesn’t always
serve the interests of poor & developing countries:
1. The flaw lies in the voting process and the weights assigned to countries based on their
quotas. Unlike the General Assembly of the United Nations, or the World Trade
Organisation, where each country has one vote, decision-making at the IMF was designed
to reflect the position of each member country in the global economy.
2. It is almost impossible to make any reform in the current quota system as more than
85% of total votes are required to make it happen. The 85% votes does not mean 85%
countries but countries which have 85% of voting power and only USA has voting share of
around 17% and G7 collectively own >40% while India and Russia have barely 2.5% each.
BRICS, G20 and emerging market economies are against this scheme especially after
Subprime crisis and declined economic strength of USA & G7.
3. Currently in Executive board, 5 out 24 directors are permanently decided by five largest
quota holders. Applying these weights to all policy decisions and in the selection of a
suitable head to lead the institution, representing 187 member countries, make the
decision- making process totally biased against most of the countries.
4. The 2008 and 2010 reforms have no doubt resulted in redistribution of weights in
favour of emerging market group, including countries such as China and India, but, this has
not altered the dominant position of the US and European countries in decision making.

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Reforms needed to address this problem:

1.Voting rules: At least for handful of crucial decisions, a double majority of quotas and
countries could be required, thus ensuring that those decisions affecting key aspects of the
institution commands unquestionable support.

2. Participative decision making: The dynamic decision making has to be changed to

decisively increase the input of developing and emerging economies.

3. Quota reforms: Recently, the IMF has made country quota reforms by the G20 in 2010 a
reality. Under this emerging and developing economies gained more influence in the
governance architecture of the IMF.

4. Affirmative facility for borrowing: Borrowing capacity and raising fund resources must be
determined through current economic positions and performance of member countries
rather than on fixed norms.

If implemented, about 6 percent of quota shares will shift to emerging market countries.
As a result, quota shares of traditionally strong economies such as the USA, Saudi Arabia,
and European countries will be diminished.

The IMF could turn irrelevant unless it reforms to keep up with rival global institutions and
reflects contemporary global economic reality. With its core resources increased, IMF will be
able to better respond to the ongoing financial crisis.

71. The world has witnessed a huge surge in climate-induced disasters, which are largely
driven by anthropogenic factors. In this context, analyse the role of early warning systems
in mitigating the impact of the disasters and ways to present such disasters, especially
landslides and floods.
Model answer:
From 1970 to 2019, weather, climate and water hazards accounted for 50% of all disasters,
45% of all reported deaths and 74% of all reported economic losses. More than 91% of
these deaths occurred in developing countries. (WMO statistics)

The Council of Scientific And Industrial Research National Geophysical Research Institute
(CSIRNGRI) has launched an ‘Environmental Seismology’ group to develop a ‘Landslide and
Flood Early Warning System’ for the Himalayan region.

 Its need was necessitated following the flash floods at Chamoli district in
February when a steep glacier on the Nandadevi peak in Garhwal Himalaya got
detached.
 It caused a major avalanche and inducing flash floods in the Rishi Ganga and
Alaknanda Rivers in Chamoli (Uttarakhand). It killed several people’s downstream
and caused damage to two power plants.

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WMO also highlighted that improved early warning systems and disaster management,
the number of deaths decreased almost threefold between 1970 and 2019 - falling from
50,000 in the 1970s to less than 20,000 in the 2010s. the report explains.

About ‘Landslide and Flood Early Warning System’

 It is based on real-time monitoring with dense seismological networks, coupled with

satellite data, numerical modelling and geomorphic analysis.
 This would enable a crucial warning several hours prior, which will save human lives
and property.

What are Landslides?

 Landslides are more widespread than any other geological event and can occur
anywhere in the world.
 They occur when large masses of soil, rocks or debris move down a slope due to a
natural phenomenon or human activity.
 Mudslides or debris flows are also a common type of fast-moving landslide.
 Landslides can accompany heavy rains or follow droughts, earthquakes or volcanic
eruptions.

 Areas most vulnerable to landslides include:

o steep terrain, including areas at the bottom of canyons;
o land previously burned by wildfires;
o land that has been modified due to human activity, such as deforestation or
construction;
o channels along a stream or river;
o any area where surface runoff is directed or land is heavily saturated.

 Which part of India is landslide-prone?

o The entire Himalayan tract, hills/ mountains in sub-Himalayan terrains of
North-east India, Western Ghats, the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu Konkan areas are
landslide-prone.

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 Impact:
o Landslides can cause high mortality and injuries from rapidly flowing water
and debris. The most common cause of death in a landslide is trauma or
suffocation by entrapment.
o Broken power, water, gas or sewage pipes can also result in injury or illness
in the population affected, such as water-borne diseases, electrocution or
lacerations from falling debris.
o People affected by landslides can also have short- and long-term mental
health effects due to loss of family, property, livestock or crops.
o Landslides can also greatly impact the health system and essential
services, such as water, electricity or communication lines.
 Steps:
o The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has taken initiatives in the field of
landslide risk reduction and management through landslide susceptibility
mapping in various scales in different parts of the country including
the North-Eastern Region (NER) and Sikkim.
o GSI in its landslide studies included Pre-disaster studies (multi-scale landslide
susceptibility/hazard/risk mapping & conducting landslide awareness
programme); and Post-disaster studies (landslide inventory mapping and site-
specific detailed geological mapping, slope stability analysis and landslide
monitoring).
o LANDSLIP project has developed a prototype regional Landslide Early
Warning System (LEWS) for India, and the same is currently being evaluated
and tested by GSI in two pilot areas in India

Flood and its Types

 It is a temporary inundation of large regions as a result of an increase in the

reservoir, or of rivers flooding their banks because of heavy rains, high winds,
cyclones, storm surge along the coast, tsunami, melting snow or dam bursts.
o Flash Floods: It is defined as floods that occur within six hours of the
beginning of heavy rainfall. In the case of flash floods, warnings for timely
evacuation may not always be possible.
o River Floods: They are caused by precipitation over large catchment’s areas.
These floods normally build up slowly or seasonally and may continue for
days or weeks as compared to flash floods.
o Coastal Floods: They are associated with cyclonic activities like Hurricanes,
tropical cyclones etc.
 Steps:
o A Flood Management Programme (FMP) was launched during XI Plan for
providing assistance to States for works related to flood management and
erosion control.
o Various training programmes are run by the National Water Academy, Pune
which serves the objective of the National Flood Management Institute
recommended by NDMA.
o Central Water Commission (CWC) has initiated actions for expansion and
modernisation of its flood forecasting network.

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 CWC has provided necessary technical guidance to States for the

preparation of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) by concerned dam
owners.
 CWC had prepared a model bill on Flood Plain Zoning way back in
1975. The legislation has been enacted by three States namely,
Manipur, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand.
o Flood data is being collected in a systematic manner through the hydrological
and flood forecasting network of the Central Water Commission.
o A Water Resources System (WRIS) has been launched where such digitised
data is available.

72. What are virtual digital assets and how are they different from digital currency? What
are the recent regulations regarding the virtual digital assets and associated concerns.
Model Answer:

These basically are crypto-currencies, DeFi (decentralised finance) and non-fungible tokens
(NFTs). These exclude digital gold, central bank digital currency (CBDC) or any other
traditional digital assets, and hence aimed at specifically taxing crypto-currencies.

How does the government define virtual digital assets?

 A new clause (47A) is proposed to be inserted to section 2 of the Finance Act, in

order to define “virtual digital asset”.
 According to the Finance Act, virtual digital asset means
any information, code, number or token (not being Indian currency or foreign
currency), generated through cryptographic means or otherwise and can be called
by whatever name.
 They provide a digital representation of value exchanged with or
without consideration, with the promise or representation of having inherent value,
or functions as a store of value or a unit of account including its use in any financial
transaction or investment, but not limited to, investment schemes and can be
transferred, stored or traded electronically.
 Non-fungible tokens and; any other token of similar nature are included in the
definition.

Recent regulations of Virtual Digital Assets

 Popularity and Increased Transactions – Virtual digital assets have become

immensely popular in recent times, and the magnitude of trading in such digital
assets has increased substantially.
 Growing Market – This has resulted in the emergence of a market where payment
for the transfer of a virtual digital asset can be made using another such asset. The
magnitude and frequency of these transactions have made it imperative to provide
for a specific tax regime.

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 Gifting Culture – The gifting of virtual digital assets is also a popular mode of
exchange nowadays.

How are Virtual Digital Assets different from Digital Currency?

 Currency – medium of exchange can be defined as currency only if it is issued by the

central bank. E.g. dollar, rupee etc. Hence, crypto will be called a currency only when
it will be issued by the central bank.
 Digital Currency – What the RBI will issue in the next fiscal, beginning 1 April, will be
the digital currency. This digital currency will be called a ‘digital rupee’.
 Virtual Digital Asses – Anything which is created outside of the central bank are
virtual digital assets created by individuals. People, in general, refer to these digital
assets as crypto-currency, but actually, they are not. E.g. Bitcoin.
 These private virtual currencies do not represent any person’s debt or
liabilities, as there is no issuer. They are not money and certainly not
currency.
 Virtual Digital Assets also include Non-fungible tokens or NFTs, which are
cryptographic assets on a block-chain with unique identification codes and
metadata that distinguish them from each other. NFTs can also be used
to represent individuals’ identities, property rights, and more.
 Fungible tokens, like crypto-currencies, are generally identical to each other
and, therefore, can be used as a medium for commercial transactions, unlike
NFTs.

What are the recent regulations regarding virtual digital assets?

The government, in the budget of 2022, has announced certain regulations for the Virtual
Digital Assets, with effect from 1st April 2023.

 It was announced that the government will be taxing the profits which are made
during transactions of such private created assets or virtual digital assets at 30%.
 This will be done regardless of any long-term or short-term holding by the investor.
 No deduction on expenditure or allowance shall be allowed while computing such
income, except the cost of acquisition.
 TDS will be imposed on payments for the transfer of crypto assets at a rate of
1% for transactions over a certain threshold.
 If a virtual digital asset investor incurs losses during the transaction, it can’t be set off
against any other income.
 The gifting of virtual digital assets has also been proposed to be taxed in the hands
of the recipient.

Conclusion
The RBI for a very long time has been deliriously opposing private cryptocurrencies, as their
implications on national security and financial stability could be serious. This recent step
taken by the government recognises crypto as a legitimate asset class and crypto trading as

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a legitimate activity. But the higher rate of taxation clearly indicates that RBI wants to
reduce the appeal towards this virtual digital asset. Thus, the announcement addresses the
unreliability and concerns on the legal, regulatory and tax status of crypto-currencies to a
reasonable extent. A well-regulated crypto ecosystem will pave the way for the right
environment for innovation.

73. Rising inflation undermines growth and macroeconomic stability in India. Examine.
Model answer:
Inflation refers to a sustained rise in the general price level in the economy and a fall in
purchasing power of money over a period of time. Inflation can be caused due to demand
pull factors or cost push factors.

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Recent Scenario: Inflation has assumed a menacing proportion in almost all countries. The
situation is the worst in the United States where the consumer price inflation stood at
8.56%, a level not reached for several decades. Consumer price index (CPI) inflation in India
stood (in March 2022) at 6.95%. It is expected to rise further in the coming months. On the
other hand, the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation had remained in double digits since
April 2021. The GDP implicit price deflator-based inflation rate for 2021-22 is 9.6%.

Reasons for Increasing Inflation in India Lately

 Inflation in India cannot be described just as ‘cost-push’. Abundance of liquidity

has been an important factor. Beyond a point, inflation itself can hinder growth.
 Negative real rates of interest on savings are not conducive to growth. If we want
to control inflation, action on liquidity is very much needed with a concomitant rise
in the interest rate on deposits and loans.
 The high rate of inflation in March 2022 is primarily due to rise in prices of crude
petroleum and natural gas, mineral oils, basic metals, etc. owing to disruption in
the global supply chain caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
 On the other hand, the retail inflation rose mainly on account of rising prices of
essential food items like 'oils and fats', vegetables and protein-rich items such as
'meat and fish'.
Impact of inflation on Growth and Macro-economic stability:

• The purchasing power of a currency unit decreases as the commodities and services get
dearer.

• This also impacts the cost of living in a country. When inflation is high, the cost of living
gets higher as well, which ultimately leads to a deceleration in economic growth.

• A certain level of inflation is required in the economy to ensure that expenditure is

promoted and hoarding money through savings is demotivated.

• Changing consumption patterns where demand for certain items increases such as
protein- rich food due to rising incomes.

• Increase in government expenditure which results in putting large money in the hands of
public

• Rising population as well as increased wages also increases demand due to increased
consumption.

• Changing consumption patterns where demand for certain items increases such as
protein- rich food due to rising incomes.

• Rise in wages if greater than rise in productivity, increases cost.

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• Increase in indirect taxes such as customs, GST etc. raise the cost of production.

• Infrastructural bottlenecks increase the unit cost of production.

• Fluctuation due to seasonal and cyclical reasons, for example, failed monsoons leads to
drop in agricultural productivity, which inevitably results in increased input price for various
productions.

Measures to control inflation:

Monetary Measures:
• Credit Management: These measures are usually brought into effect through Monetary
Policy of the Central Bank. The principal tool under this method is regulating the interest
rate in the economy. The RBI may take recourse to tighter monetary policy to cool down
the demand-pull. For example, the RBI may increase the bank rates/repo rates etc. to curb
the supply of money in the market.
o RBI may also use qualitative control methods, such as raising margin on loans for
commodities for which traders have a tendency to speculate and hoard.
o The Reserve Bank may also resort to other operations such as the Open Market
Operations to mop out the liquidity from the market by selling government securities and
bonds.
Fiscal Measures: These measures are implemented by way of fiscal policy, popularly
through the Annual Budget. The government can take two routes to bring down the prices
under this method:
• If the key trigger behind rising inflation is government spending, then the government
can cut down on its own expenditure on various schemes, projects etc.
In cases where inflation is being driven by private spending, the government can increase
taxes to discourage spending. This works because of relatively less money in the hands of
people in case of direct taxation and increased prices of commodities in case of indirect
taxation.

74. The global water cycle is being radically intensified and accelerated by global warming.
Elaborate.
Model answer:
Climate warming is causing changes to weather in different regions of the world. In
particular, it is causing more extreme weather events than we have seen in the past. These
extreme weather events can have impacts on human health, limiting access to clean
drinking water, food, and shelter and taxing people’s ability to cope with heat, drought or
flood.
• More rain and flooding: With more evaporation, there is more water in the air so storms
can produce more intense rainfall events in some areas. This can cause flooding – a risk to
the environment and human health. Increasing events like GLOF, Avalanches putting
Himalayan states at risk.

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• More extreme drought: Warmer temperatures cause more evaporation, turning water
into vapour in the air, and causing drought in some areas of the world. Places prone to
drought are expected to become even drier over the next century. This is bad news for
farmers who can expect fewer crops in these conditions.

Water Cycle
• Stronger hurricanes: Warmer-ocean surface waters can intensify hurricanes and tropical
storms, leading to more hazardous conditions as these storms make landfall. Scientists
continue to research how climate change affects the number of these storms, but we know
that the storms will be powerful and destructive in the future.
• Heat waves: It is likely that heat waves have become more common in more areas of the
world. India in 2016, 2017, and 2020 and very recently in 2022 countries like Britain and
France also declared climate emergency. Incidences of forest fires in 2020 in Australia.
• Perennial water in rivers get disturbed initially widespread floods and later draught years
leading to failure of Inter-linking of Rivers Project altogether.
• Water from melting glaciers and ice sheets flows down rivers and is added to the ocean.
Over the past 100 years mountain glaciers, Arctic glaciers have decreased dramatically in
size. With less ice trapped on land in glaciers and ice sheets, there is more water in the
ocean, and sea level is higher. Melting ice that is already in the ocean, like sea ice, has a
minor impact on sea level rise, Coastal flooding, Coastal Submergence.
• Ocean water expands as it warms, increasing its volume, so the water in the ocean takes
up more space and sea level is higher. Since 1955, more than 90% of the excess heat held in
the atmosphere by heat-trapping gases has made its way into the ocean. If this didn’t
happen, climate warming would be much more dramatic. But because the heat is added to
the ocean, and because ocean water expands with heat, sea level rises, flooding coasts.
Also, marine life those are sensitive to changes in temperature struggle to survive.
• Thermal expansion and melting ice each contributed about half of the recent sea level
rise, though there is some uncertainty in the exact magnitude of the contribution from each
source. Thermal expansion of seawater is predicted to account for about 75% of future sea
level rise according to Earth system models.
• Ocean water is warming and growing acidic: Warmer waters in the shallow oceans have
contributed to the death of about a quarter of the world's coral reefs in the last few
decades. Many of the coral animals died after weakened by coral bleaching, a process tied
directly to warmer waters. Also, corals and other marine life find it more difficult to grow
their shells and bones as seawater takes in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and
becomes more acidic.
Sea ice is shrinking, causing more warming. Each year, the amount of sea ice that covers
the Arctic Ocean grows in the winter and then melts at its edges in the summer. But lately,

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warmer temperatures have caused more ice to melt in the summer and less ice to grow in
winter. The summer thickness of sea ice is about half of what it was in 1950. Melting sea ice
could cause changes in ocean circulation as the temperature and density of water changes.

• Reduction in Albedo, affects reflective properties of earth in turn cause warming of earth.

It is also speeding up warming in the Arctic – with less ice, less sunlight is reflected out to
space and more is absorbed by the water and land. Typically, almost all of the sunlight that
hits sea ice is reflected back out to space, but as the ice melts, the ocean underneath is
exposed, which absorbs more sunlight, causing more climate warming.

75. Despite a global framework to prevent weaponization of space, it has been increasing
in the recent times. Discuss. Also, give an account of the implications of space
weaponization.

Model answer:

The weaponization of space involves placing weapons in outer space or on heavenly bodies
as well as creating weapons that will transit outer space or simply travel from Earth to
attack targets in space. For example, placing of orbital or suborbital satellites with the
intention of attacking enemy satellites, using ground-based direct ascent missiles to attack
space assets, jamming signals sent from enemy satellites, satellite attacks on Earth targets
etc. The Outer Space Treaty, conceptualized by the United Nations in 1967, emphasizes
that the exploration of outer space should not only be beneficial to all mankind and nations,
but must also be for peaceful purposes; and that a nation cannot claim sovereignty in outer
space. However, despite the global framework to prevent weaponization of space, the
desire to establish military supremacy in outer space emerges out of some basic
apprehensions such as:
• Inadequate legal system: The existing global framework governing the outer space
activities is not sufficient to address all the aspects of use of outer space.
• Lack of reliance: The present missile defence system to stall an incoming ICBM (Inter-
Continental Ballistic Missile) armed with a nuclear warhead is not fail-proof. It compels
countries to move beyond the existing system for national security.
• Protect space assets: Amid mistrust and suspicion among nations, countries are placing
weapons in space to protect their own satellites against anti-satellite weapons (ASAT).
• Defence preparedness: The deployment of weapons in space would give supremacy to a
country in the conduct of war over the land, sea and air. Weaponisation of space will have
serious implications for the world especially including India:
• Fear of War: The ensuing arms race for weaponisation of outer space would create an
environment of uncertainty and suspicion between nations. For instance, China's
experiment of physically relocating one of its disabled satellites to graveyard orbit is driving
novel risks in the race to weaponize the outer space.

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• Against commercial and scientific interests: Major powers like the US (in commercial and
military realms) and Russia (in civilian realm) has already taken control of the outer space.
And, further Chinese entry in both the realms would increase the competition for emerging
countries like India.
• Space Debris: In the current age of nations' growing competition among themselves, the
countries are placing weapons in space, which accumulates as space debris, creating a lethal
danger for people and property.
• Monopoly of Orbit: Countries, particularly developed ones like the United States, may
reserve an orbital slot and may not use it for several years, thus, monopolizing the
diminishing number of orbital slots. These actions would restrict the orbital space for
countries like India.
Amidst this environment, it is more urgent than ever for democratic powers to come
together to secure their national interests as well as promote sustainable order in the skies.
The need is to re-conceptualize and revise existing space laws; increase situational
awareness of space objects, as well as their purposes, to ensure legitimate access for all
States to outer space and promote transparency and build confidence among nations. It can
help maintain space security by complementing a negotiated international legal instrument
on outer space arms control.

76. How does the proposed Development of Enterprise and Service Hubs (DESH) Bill,
2022 overhaul the ecosystem of special economic zones in India?
Model Answer:
DESH Bill is introduced to overhaul the existing Special Economic Zone law of 2005, aims to
revive interest in SEZs and develop more inclusive economic hubs. SEZs will be revamped
and renamed as Development hubs and will be free from a number of the laws that
currently restrict them. These hubs will facilitate both export-oriented and domestic
investment, playing the dual role of domestic tariff area and SEZ.
The government may impose an equalization levy on goods or services supplied to the
domestic market to bring taxes at par with those provided by units outside.
Why replace the existing SEZ Act?

 WTO’s dispute settlement panel has ruled that India’s export-related schemes,
including the SEZ Scheme, were inconsistent with WTO rules since they directly
linked tax benefits to exports.

 Countries are not allowed to directly subsidize exports as it can distort market prices.

 SEZ started declining after the introduction of minimum alternate tax and a sunset
clause to remove tax sops.

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 SEZ units used to enjoy 100% income tax exemption on export income for the first
five years, 50% for the next five years, and 50% of the ploughed back export profit
for another five years.

How DESH overhaul the ecosystem of special economic zones

Development Hubs: Beyond promoting exports it has a much wider objective of boosting
domestic manufacturing and job creation through ‘development hubs’. These hubs will no
longer be required to be net foreign exchange positive cumulatively in five years (i.e, export
more than they import) as mandated in the SEZ regime, and will be allowed to sell in the
domestic area more easily. The hubs will, therefore, be WTO-compliant.
Online Portal for Approvals: DESH legislation provides for an online single-window portal
for the grant of time-bound approvals for establishing and operating the hubs.
Boost Domestic Market: Companies can sell in the domestic market with duties only to be
paid on the imported inputs and raw materials instead of the final product.
In the current SEZ regime, duty is paid on the final product when a product is sold in the
domestic market. Besides, there is no mandatory payment requirement in forex, unlike in
the case of SEZs.
Larger role for States: State boards would be set up to oversee the functioning of the hubs.
They would have the powers to approve imports or procurement of goods and monitor the
utilization of goods or services, warehousing, and trading in the development hub.
In the SEZ regime, most decisions were made by the commerce department at the Centre.
Now, states will be able to participate and even directly send recommendations for
development hubs to a central board for approval.

77. India’s Sovereign Credit Rating does not reflect its fundamentals. Mention parameters
for Sovereign Credit Ratings and the effect of India’s Sovereign Credit Rating downgrades
on the economy.
Model Answer:
Sovereign credit ratings has put the fifth largest economy in the world I.e, India been rated
as the lowest rung of the investment grade. Reflecting the economic size and thereby the
ability to repay debt. China and India are the only exceptions to this rule. As they have
higher probability of repaying the debt, India did even default during its BOP Crisis.

Sovereign credit rating includes following parameters:

 GDP growth rate
 inflation
 general government debt (% of GDP)
 cyclically adjusted primary balance (% of potential GDP)
 current account balance (% of GDP), political stability
 rule of law

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 control of corruption
 investor protection, ease of doing business,
 short-term external debt (% of reserves)
 reserve adequacy ratio and
 sovereign default history

Credit ratings map the probability of default and therefore reflect the willingness and ability
of borrower to meet its obligations. Despite showing better indicators in most of the above
parameters India has been provided with “speculative grade”. This highlights the historical
anomalies in CRAs.

 India's ability to pay can be gauged not only by the extremely low foreign currency
denominated debt of the sovereign but also by the comfortable size of its foreign
exchange reserves that can pay for the short term debt of the private sector as well
as the entire stock of India's sovereign and non-sovereign external debt.
 India's sovereign external debt as % of GDP stood at a mere four per cent as of
September 2020 (Dept. of Economic Affairs). Moreover, 54 % of India's sovereign
external foreign currency denominated debt was owed to multilateral and IMF,
which is not expected to impact credit rating assessments.
 Since India does not have full capital account convertibility, the private sector has
to repay its foreign currency denominated debt by exchanging rupees through the
forex reserves. India's non- government short term-debt as per cent of forex
reserves stood at 19 per cent
 India's forex reserves stood at US$ 584.24 as of January 15, 2021 (RBI), greater than
India's total external debt (sovereign and non-sovereign) of USS 556.2 bn. In
corporate finance parlance, therefore, India resembles a firm that has negative debt,
whose probability of default is zero by definition.
 Despite this compelling statistic, India is an inexplicable negative outlier in its ratings
cohort.
The countries with partial capital account convertibility in India's sovereign credit
ratings cohort, India has consistently been rated much below expectation for its level
of short-term external debt.
Way Forward

• More neutral stance from CRAs and they follow the assigned parameters as foreign
investment depend on it majorly. The downgraded rating, though not reflecting
fundamentals, has a negative impact on FPI flows.
• The methodology of CRAs should be amended to reflect the economies’ ability and
willingness to pay their debt obligations and address the bias and subjectivity.
• India’s foreign policy should not be bogged down by the rating. In the past as well, India’s
sovereign credit rating changes have not had major adverse impact on select indicators such
as Sensex return, foreign exchange rate and yield on government securities.
• India has raised the issue of pro-cyclicality of credit rating downgrades in G20, and should
be addressed.

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78. Analyse the role that RBIs Payment Vision 2025 can play in meeting its objective of E-
Payments for Everyone, Everywhere, Everytime (4Es). Discuss in the light of achievement
of Payments Vision 2019-21.

Model Answer:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has come out with “Payments Vision 2025” with an
objective to provide every user with safe, secure, fast, convenient, accessible and affordable
e-payment options. Payments Vision 2025 has been prepared by considering the guidance
from the Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems of the
RBI. It builds on the initiatives of Payments Vision 2019-21.
The Payments Vision 2025 document is presented across the five anchor goalposts of
Integrity, Inclusion, Innovation, Institutionalisation and Internationalisation.
Theme: E-Payments for Everyone, Everywhere, Everytime (4Es).
Objectives:
 To elevate the payment systems towards a realm of empowering users with
affordable payment options accessible anytime and anywhere with convenience.
 To enable geotagging of digital payment infrastructure and transactions and
revisiting guidelines for Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs), including closed system
PPIs.
 Regulating all significant intermediaries in payments ecosystems and linking credit
cards and credit components of banking products to UPI.
 To bring in enhancements to Cheque Truncation System (CTS), including One Nation
One Grid clearing and settlement perspective, and creating a payment system for
processing online merchant payments using internet and mobile banking.
 Regulation of BigTechs and FinTechs in the payments space.
 Examining of BNPL (Book Now Pay Later) methods and exploration of appropriate
guidelines on payments involving BNPL.
Goals to Achieve:
 Volume of cheque-based payments to be less than 0.25% of the total retail
payments.
 Tripling the number of digital payment transactions.
 UPI to register average annualised growth of 50% and IMPS / NEFT at 20%.
 Increase of payment transaction turnover vis-à-vis GDP to 8.
 Increase in debit card transactions at PoS (Point of Sale) by 20%.
 Debit card usage to surpass credit cards in terms of value.
 Increase in PPI transactions by 150%.

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 Card acceptance infrastructure to increase to 250 lakh.

 Increase of registered customer base for mobile based transactions by 50% CAGR.
 Reduction in Cash in Circulation (CIC) as a percentage of GDP.
 What is the Significance of the Move?
Shaping India’s Payment Ecosystem:
The RBI’s Payments Vision 2025 will be significant in shaping India's payment ecosystem,
propelling a safer, more secured, and seamless payment infrastructure. Through initiatives
such as UPI, the RBI has democratised payments within India. With the 2025 vision,
payments will be available for ‘Everyone, Everywhere, Every time’, giving global reach to
Indian payment systems, making them safe, secure, fast, convenient, and affordable.
Achievements of Payments Vision 2019-21: The Payments Vision 2021 had envisaged
empowering every Indian with access to a bouquet of e-payment options that is safe,
secure, convenient, quick and affordable, and had set four goalposts of Competition, Cost,
Convenience and Confidence. These goalposts have been accomplished through the
following initiatives:
Competition: Creation of regulatory sandbox, opening access of Centralised Payment
Systems (CPS) to non-bank PSOs, facilitation of small value digital payments in offline mode,
‘on tap’ authorisation for payment systems, internationalisation of domestic payment
systems, feature phone-based payment services, framework for self regulatory organisation
for payment systems, etc.
Cost: Waiver of charges levied by RBI for transactions processed in the Real Time Gross
Settlement (RTGS) and National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) systems etc.
Convenience: Availability of NEFT, RTGS and National Automated Clearing House (NACH) on
24x7x365 basis, harmonisation of Turn-Around-Time (TAT) for resolution and compensation
in respect of failed transactions etc.
Confidence: Framework for regulating Payment Aggregators (PAs), e-mandates for recurring
transactions, tokenisation of card transactions and Card-on-File Tokenisation (CoFT) etc.

79. What is the role of non-state actors in destabilizing the country? Examine the factors
and suggest ways to minimise their threat.
Model Answer:
India has been facing challenges on the front of internal security since independence from various
state and non-state actors. External State actors refer to those entities which have formal backing of
a sovereign state for carrying out any intended action.
• Non state actors on the other hand, have a considerable power of influencing international
events but they do not have formal state backing. Examples of state actors are the army,
bureaucracy, intelligence agencies etc. whereas non state actors would be NGOs, civil society
organizations, extremist outfits, multinational companies etc.
External State actors are responsible for posing a challenge to internal security in multiple ways:

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• Countries surrounding India have been active in exploiting the volatile situation presented
by the turmoil in the northeast. Not only countries such as China, Pakistan, Bangladesh and
Myanmar, but also smaller powers such as Bhutan and Nepal have been involved in the region.
• Through political backing, economic assistance, logistic support, military training or arms
supplies these countries have varyingly contributed to the ongoing violence in this region. The state
may carry out a limited war against Indian state and this might have ramifications for our internal
security too.
• They might support the various insurgent groups, Naxalites, or separatist groups through
funding, training or logistics.
• There have been instances where state actors have been responsible for carrying out cyber
warfare through hacking and other espionage.
Non state actors however have played their nefarious role too in creating problems for India:
• Insurgency: North-East suffers from violent movements based upon ethnic identities leading
to clashes. China is alleged to support such acts for instance. United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA)
members of Assam were given shelter by China.
• Terrorism: Pakistan has been a major exporter of terrorism to India. Non-state actors like
terrorist groups for instance Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad are a continuous threat.
o Non state actor -sponsored terrorism, often motivated by fundamentalist ideologies,
backed by secretive but efficient financial networks, use of IT, clandestine access to chemical-
biological and nuclear materials, and illicit drug trafficking, has emerged as a major threat to
international stability.
o These groups aim to not only create instability in states like J&K, they also have a larger aim
of destabilising the country. This is done through sporadic terrorist strikes, which spreads terror and
panic. This could also adversely affect the ability of the Indian state to pursue economic
modernisation.
• Naxalism: Left wing extremism affects states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
• Drug trafficking:
o Inter and Intra state trafficking takes place, through golden crescent and golden triangle
routes.
o Drugs from Golden Crescent (Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran) have affected Punjab and
Golden Triangle (Laos, Myanmar and Thailand) has affected North Eastern states.
• Human-trafficking: Children and women trafficking takes place via Bangladesh and Nepal.
• Counterfeit currency: It corrodes economy from inside, by facilitating black money and
money laundering activities as well as funding terrorism, which itself creates a demand for fake
currency, thereby creating a positive feedback loop. This is the issue arising especially from Pakistan.
• Communalism: Propagandas are run and funded by enemy country and other non-state
actors (NGOs and CSOs) to destabilize India by damaging the socio-religious fabric and ensure riots.
• Cyber Security:
o Recent cyber-attacks by Legion, ATM skimming are examples. Pakistani hackers often hack
government websites.

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o They can also incite people for regionalism thus demanding their separate state which
further increases secessionist tendency.
Conclusion:
Both state and non-state factors from outside have created problems in our internal security
framework. Hence while it is imperative to guard our borders and strengthen our diplomacy, on the
other hand, we need to check the various non state actors who come in hidden forms. There is a
need for a national internal security doctrine to deal with various challenges.

80. "The regulations relating to proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their
delivery systems by international organisations have expanded”. Discuss steps taken by
India in this regard.

Model Answer:

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Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities)
Amendment Bill, 2022 amends a 17-yr-old law, enacted in 2005 seeks to prevent the
financing of prohibited activities related to nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.

Introducing the Bill.

It’ll boost national security and strengthen India’s credentials and global image.

About the bill:

• The 2005 Act prohibits unlawful activities (such as manufacturing, transport,
or transfer) related to weapons of mass destruction, and their means of delivery.
• Weapons of mass destruction are biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons.
• Prohibition on financing certain activities:
o The Bill bars persons from financing any prohibited activity related to weapons
of mass destruction and their delivery systems.
o To prevent persons from financing such activities, the central government may
freeze, seize or attach their funds, financial assets, or economic resources (whether
owned, held, or controlled directly or indirectly).
o It may also prohibit persons from making finances or related services available
for the benefit of other persons in relation to any activity which is proh ibited.
Need for the Amendment:
• To focus on the financial bit of activities supporting WMDs. There was an
urgent need to have provision to ban financing for Weapons of Mass Destruction.
The existing legislation was silent on this aspect.
• To provide more teeth to government to act against terror funding. The
present bill empowers the Government to freeze, seize or attach funds or other
financial assets or economic resources for preventing such financing.

Weapons of mass destruction:

These are weapons with the capacity to inflict death and destruction on such a
massive scale and so indiscriminately that its very presence in the hands of a hostile
power can be considered a grievous threat.
Steps taken by India:
• India’s 2005 WMD Act defines Weapons of mass destruction as biological,
chemical, or nuclear weapons. In the USA, WMD includes a nuclear, radiological,
chemical, biological, or other device that is intended to harm a large number of
people.
• India’s position on international Regime concerning WMDs:
• India has signed and ratified both the:
o Biological Weapons Convention, 1972.
o Chemical Weapons Convention, 1992.
• However, it has not signed the treaties regulating the use and proliferation of
nuclear weapons (which includes NPT and CTBT).

The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC):

It is the first multilateral disarmament treaty banning the development, production
and stockpiling of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction, The BWC
entered into force in 1975.

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The BWC bans:

• The development, stockpiling, acquisition, retention, and production of:
• Biological agents and toxins “of types and in quantities that have no
justification for prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purposes; ”
• Weapons, equipment, and delivery vehicles “designed to use such agents or
toxins for hostile purposes or in armed conflict.”
• The transfer of or assistance with acquiring the agents, toxins, weapons,
equipment, and delivery vehicles described above.

81. Discuss the status of fisheries sector in India. Evaluate the potential of Pradhan Mantri
Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to meet the goals of the Blue Economy and Neel Kranti
mission.
Model Answer:

India is the 3rd largest fish producing and 2nd largest aquaculture nation in the world. India
has more than 10% of the global biodiversity in terms of fish and shellfish species. Fisheries
being a State subject, the States play a pivotal role in fisheries governance. The role of the
Central Government is to complement the former’s efforts in this regard under the guiding
principles of cooperative federalism. While Inland Fisheries are fully managed by State
Governments, Marine Fisheries are a shared responsibility between the Central and Coastal
State/UT Governments.
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana 2020-2025 (PMMSY) is the flagship scheme
of Government of India for promoting the growth of fisheries sector in India. Fisheries is an
important source of food, nutrition and livelihood in the country. Economically, it
contributes more than 7% of the agriculture GDP and employs 4-5 crore people directly or
indirectly. Apart from PMMSY, major government initiatives for promoting fisheries include
the Neel Kranti Mission 2016-2020 and the National Fisheries Policy 2020.

Goals of National Fisheries Policy 2020:

1. Develop and regulate fishing sector to promote sustainable practices.
2. Integration with other economic sectors, such as agriculture, coastal area development
and ecotourism, to promote ‘Blue Economy’.
3. Socio-economic upliftment of fishers and fish farmers’ especially those working with
traditional and small-scale fisheries.
4. Promote center-state and inter-state cooperation.

Goals of Neel Kranti Mission 2015-2020:

1. Economic prosperity of fishers and fish farmers.
2. To contribute towards food and nutritional security.
3. Utilization of water resources for fisheries development in a sustainable manner. PMMSY
2020-2025 takes over from the Neel Kranti Mission 2015-2020 to bring about Blue
Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in India.

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The potential of PMMSY 2020-2025 in meeting the goals of National Fisheries Policy 2020
and Neel Kranti Mission is discussed below:

1. Integrated development: Cluster-based approach aims to fill gaps in value chain, starting
from identifying potential clusters for fishery development, incorporating forward- and
backward linkages, creating marketing and processing infrastructure and focus on quality of
brood, seed and feed.

2. Sustainability: Utilization of aquaculture systems such as Bio-floc and Aquaponics Cage

Cultivation is envisaged so that fishing resources are utilized to the best extent possible
within sustainable limits. Focus on fishers’ welfare tries to address problem of excessive
capture.

3. Export-led growth: The scheme focuses on species diversification, value addition, end-to-
end traceability and branding to move towards a target of Rs 1 lakh crores worth of exports
by 2024-25. Inter-agency collaboration with Marine Products Exports Development
Authority is likely to help create synergy.

4. Employment through sectoral growth: Rs 20,000 Cr worth of investment is likely to

generate nearly 55 lakhs direct and indirect employment across the value chain in fisheries
sector.

5. Coastal development: Promotion of start-ups, incubators etc. in fisheries sectors will help
in developing economies of the coastal region. Private sector participation will help develop
coastal areas for ecotourism.

Conclusion:
PMMSY has its aims and focus at the right place, but issues of collaboration and co-
operation between agencies and states will need to be taken care of. Along with this,
increased investment in technology, infrastructure and special care for the vulnerable
traditional fishers is the way forward.

82. When it comes to promoting competition and innovation, patent pools are a double-
edged sword. Discuss.
Model Answer:
Patent pool is defined as an agreement made between two or more patent holders for licensing
their patents to one another or any third party for the purpose of sharing their intellectual property
rights. Patents pools are usually made for complex technologies which necessitate complementary
patents for providing productive technical solutions such as vaccines in the present Covid-19 crisis.

Patent pools offer various advantages, such as:

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 In the context of India, many sectors like biotechnology, nanotechnology etc., there is the
prevalence of an increasingly fragmented patent landscape, with many pieces of patented
knowledge being required to produce a single product. This translates to the negotiation of
multiple licenses and payment of multiple licensing fees, thus, pushing up the prices of the
final product. This provides a scope for patent pools as it ensures that the sub-licensees of
patented medicines not only have access to these drugs but they also allow them to
develop, manufacture and sell the generic versions of these drugs.

 It has facilitated the development of generic drugs for HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis C,
allowing them to be sold at an affordable price, in the form of Medicines Patent Pool (MPP).

 It enables innovation between companies and institutionalized exchange of technical

information that is not covered by patents. Apart from minimizing potential legal issues, it
may also help in clearing blocking patents, when patents mutually block each other. Thus,
it's an efficient tool to bring together new technologies, which can be used at a fair price.

 It leads to lower transaction costs and better process efficiencies as businesses that hold
complementary patents can agree not to sue each other for infringement as they work to
get new products to the marketplace. Further, pooling would help companies earn a steady
income, recover their investments and reduce risk, which could spur them to further
research and innovation.

However, patent pools are double-edged swords, because they also pose various challenges, such
as:

 They have a potential to foster monopoly, limit competition and become a front for a cartel.
It encourages potential collusion, for example by creating a forum to share competitively
sensitive information, such as pricing, marketing strategies, or R&D information among its
members

 Patent pools from time to time have been found guilty of many anti-competitive practices
such as price fixing, tying arrangements and post-sales restrictions on patented goods.

 Patent pools that consist of substitute patents have a negative effect on competition
because it is likely that competition between two substitute patents will be eliminated if
these patents are pooled.

Significant economic and technological efficiencies can be achieved through the collaboration
among patent holders of complementary technologies via a patent tool. The regulatory agencies
need to devise mechanisms to tackle the antitrust concerns.

83. Gig Economy is the evolving economic model with a recent report stating Indian
freelancers hold 24% share of the global online gig economy. What do you understand by
the Gig economy? Critically analyse the role of the sector in its contribution towards the
economy with the recent NITI Aayog recommendations.

Model Answer:

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The rapidly burgeoning gig workforce is ushering in a new economic revolution globally.
India is at the frontier of this revolution with its demographic dividend of half-a-billion
labour force and the world’s youngest population, rapid urbanisation, widespread adoption
of smartphones and associated technology. The gig economy is poised to undergo rapid
expansion in the coming decade. While the gig economy sector has several upsides with
respect to growth and livelihood opportunities, there are some serious concerns that need
regulation. NITI Aayog has released a report with comprehensive perspective and
recommendations on the gig-platform economy in India. The recommendations can help
address the concerns of gig workers in India.
Gig Economy is the evolving economic model wherein the firms hire workers on a part-time
flexible basis rather than as full time employees. The Code on Social Security, 2020 defines
gig workers as those engaged in livelihoods outside traditional employer-employee
relationship.
The workers work as freelancers or independent contractors. They generally have flexible
and adaptable working hours based on individual preferences.
The jobs in gig economy typically require interacting with the users through online
platforms e.g., the drivers engaged with cab hailing platforms (Uber, Ola etc.), delivery
workers engaged with restaurant aggregators (Zomato, Swiggy etc.), or tutors delivering
lectures over online platforms. The workers engaged in such jobs are called Gig Workers.
Gig Workers can be broadly classified into two categories — platform and non-platform-
based workers. (a) Platform workers are those whose work is based on online software
apps or digital platforms. (b) Non-platform gig workers are generally casual wage
workers and own-account workers in the conventional sectors, working part-time or full
time.
The Gig workers can also be classified on the basis of skills. These are high-skilled, medium-
skilled and low-skilled workers. According to the NITI Aayog Report, at present, about 47%
of the gig work is in medium-skilled jobs, about 22% in high-skilled jobs, and about 31% in
low-skilled jobs. Trends show that the concentration of workers in medium skills is
gradually declining and that in low skills and high skills is increasing.
Size of Gig Economy in India: According to NITI Aayog Report, India’s gig workforce
currently stands at 77 lakh (2020-21). It is expected to rise to 2.35 crore by 2029-30. By
2029-30, gig workers will form 4.1% of India’s total workforce, rising from 1.5% in 2020-21.
Currently 27 lakh gig workers (35% of gig workers) are engaged in retail trade and sale,
while 13 lakh (17%) are engaged in transportation sector. There are 6 lakh workers (8%) in
manufacturing and another 6 lakh (8%) in finance and insurance.
However, a report by the Boston Consulting Group expects India’s gig economy to rise to 90
million jobs (9 crore) in the next 8-10 years. Another industry report indicates that by 2024,
more than 75% of the services industry will be staffed by gig workers. A report by Ernst and
Young observed that Indian Freelancers hold a 24% share of the global online gig economy.
What are the advantages of Gig Economy?
 Benefits to Gig Workers: Gig workers have the flexibility to work according to their
convenience and availability. There are fewer restrictions related to fixed work-

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hours, attendance etc. Workers have some flexibility in choosing their work hours.
Some workers take gig jobs on a part-time basis to supplement their income from
regular jobs.
 Cost Efficiencies for Companies: The companies are able to save costs on hiring full
time employees. They are able to provide services more economically to the users.
 Jobs for Low-skilled workers: Gig economy provides jobs to many low and semi-
skilled workforces with minimum conditions.
 Gain Experience: It enables the young undergraduates to gather valuable work-
experience before joining formal employment.
 Economical: Many gig workers work remotely and save costs (e.g., on office
commute).
What are the disadvantages of Gig Economy?
 Job Security: Most gig workers work on a day-to-day basis, and can be terminated
from their jobs without any notice. Many gig workers were laid off during the
pandemic.
 Lack of Benefits: Gig workers have no social security benefits like ESI, PF or
insurance. They have no paid leaves so failure to work means loss of
wage. Gig/Platform workers are not covered in all the labour codes, specifically the
‘Code on Wages, 2019’ which prescribes minimum wages for various jobs. There is
no wage regulation and the workers are at the mercy of aggregators.
 Work Conditions: Most workers have to put in long hours of work in order to make
the job viable. A large component of workers’ wages consists of incentive which
coerces workers to work for long hours. This reduces the advantage of ‘flexible
work’ in gig economy. There is lack of transparency on incentive structures.
 Hidden Charges: Many aggregators/platforms are burning cash by giving large
discounts to users in order to capture larger market share. Companies try to sustain
this by charging high commissions on gig workers.
 Low Bargaining Power: Platform workers have little or no voice. Technology has
tilted the power and bargaining scales strongly in favour of the platform
companies.
Recommendations of the NITI Aayog Report
The NITI Aayog Report, ‘India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy ‘has analysed the gig
economy from gig workers’ perspective and has made several recommendations.
Accelerating Access to Finance for Workers: Access to institutional credit may be enhanced
through financial products specifically designed for platform workers and those interested
to set-up their own platforms. FinTech and platform businesses may be leveraged to provide
cash flow-based loans to workers.
Skill Development for Workers: Platform-led models of skilling and job creation need to be
promoted for the gig and platform sector. Platforms can collaborate with the Ministry of

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Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and the National Skill Development Corporation
(NSDC) to nurture skilled workers and micro-entrepreneurship.
Platformization: A Platform India Initiative can be launched on the lines of Start-up India.
The purpose would be to increase access to the platforms. This can be achieved by
simplification and handholding, funding support and incentives, skill development, and
social financial inclusion. The horizon of platforms can be broadened e.g., Self-employed
individuals engaged in the business of selling regional and rural cuisine, street food, etc. may
be linked to platforms.
Enhancing Social Inclusion: Gender Sensitisation and Accessibility Awareness Programmes
for workers and their families should be undertaken. Platform businesses can undertake
partnerships with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to enable different sections of workers
such as women workers and PwDs to take up employment opportunities in the platform
sector through skill development, access to finance and assets.
Extending Social Security: Platforms can offer paid leaves, and access to insurance along
with pension and retirement benefits. Gig and platform firms may consider providing
income support to workers. This will help in providing assured minimum earnings and social
security from income loss in the wake of uncertainty or irregularity in work.
NITI Aayog has proposed RAISE Approach for operationalizing the Code on Social Security
(CoSS), 2020.
Way forward
 Platform companies should explore ways to ensure that every gig worker,
irrespective of the number of hours put in every month, will be paid an equivalent
living/minimum wages.
 Uber UK has committed to provide the national living wage, paid holiday time
equivalent to about 12% of driver’s earnings along with a pension plan to its driver.
Other companies can replicate this model.
 The provisions of Code on Social Security should be put into effect. However, the
implementation should be undertaken in a gradual manner. Platform companies
should be provided time to adjust their business to the new conditions that will
increase their costs. NITI Aayog’s RAISE Approach can be adopted.
Conclusion
Gig Economy has the potential to create jobs for India’s large workforce, especially the low-
skilled workers. The Government must take appropriate steps to support the expansion of
gig economy and platforms. At the same time, the interests of the gig workers must be
protected to provide them with just work conditions as well as social security benefits.
Achieving the balance will need some effort from all stakeholders.

84. There have been several high-profile cyber-attacks on India's power sector. Discuss the
vulnerabilities of the power sector to cyber-attacks and hybrid warfare. What are the
comprehensive cyber-security guidelines issued by the government and how significant
are they?

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Model Answer:
The power sector is one of the most frequently targeted and first to respond to cyber-
threats with mandatory controls. But threats continue to evolve, reaching into industrial
control systems and supply chains, and requiring even greater efforts to manage risk. The
power sector is one of the most frequently targeted and first to respond to cyber-threats
with mandatory controls. But threats continue to evolve, reaching into industrial control
systems and supply chains, and requiring even greater efforts to manage risk.

US Report on the incident: According to U.S. cyber security and intelligence firm:
1. Chinese state-sponsored actors may have deployed malware into Indian power grids and
seaports as border tensions between India and China began escalating last May, culminating
in a deadly clash along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in mid-June.
2. Recent grid failure in Mumbai may have been caused by the Chinese malware.
3. There is still some evidence of ongoing intrusion although a significant amount of it has
subsided recently.

PRAKASH Portal: Guidelines are a precursor to cybersecurity regulations that the Central
Electricity Authority CEA, Ministry of Power) is working on.
o CEA has framed the guidelines under the Central Electricity Authority
(Technical Standards for Connectivity to the Grid) (Amendment) Regulations,
2019.
o It lays down a cyber assurance framework, strengthens the regulatory
framework, puts in place mechanisms for security threat early warning,
vulnerability management and response to security threats, and secures
remote operations and services, among others.
o The norms are applicable to all responsible entities as well as system
integrators, equipment manufacturers, suppliers/ vendors, service providers,
and Information Technology (IT) hardware and software OEMs (Original
Equipment Manufacturers) engaged in the Indian power supply system.
• Responsible Entities include power generation utilities, distribution utilities, transmission
companies and load dispatch centres among others.

Steps taken by the Government to spread awareness about cyber crimes:

1. Online cybercrime reporting portal has been launched to enable complainants to report
complaints pertaining to Child Pornography/Child Sexual Abuse Material, rape/gang rape
imageries or sexually explicit content.
2. A scheme for establishment of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has been
established to handle issues related to cybercrime in the country in a comprehensive and
coordinated manner.
3. Establishment of National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC)
for protection of critical information infrastructure in the country.
4. All organizations providing digital services have been mandated to report cyber security
incidents to CERT-In expeditiously.

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5. Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre) has been
launched for providing detection of malicious programmes and free tools to remove such
programmes.
6. Formulation of Crisis Management Plan for countering cyber-attacks and cyber terrorism.

What needs to be done ahead?

• Regularly issue alerts/advisories.
• Capacity building/training of law enforcement personnel/ prosecutors/ judicial officers.
• Improving cyber forensics facilities etc.
• Speed up investigation.
Finally, ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects as per the Constitution of India.
States/UTs are primarily responsible for prevention, detection, investigation and
prosecution of crimes through their law enforcement machinery.

85. While the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was touted as the largest Indirect Tax Reform
in the country with its move towards ‘One nation, One tax’, various concerns have arisen
since its implementation five years ago. Discuss its achievements and associated
challenges. Also discuss federal issues associated with GST.

Model Answer:
GST is a single domestic indirect tax law for the entire country levied on the supply of goods
and services. It is a comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based tax that is levied on every
value addition. Under GST, several indirect taxes like excise duty, VAT, service tax, luxury
tax, etc. have been subsumed. Presently, it has multiple slabs- 5 percent, 12 percent, 18
percent, 28 percent with different products classified in them.

Since its inception GST has been able to achieve the following:
 Widening of India’s tax base: Tax base has almost doubled from 66.25 lakhs to 1.39
crores in the last five years (2017- 2022).
 Increase in revenue collection: The revenue collection in FY 2019-20 soared by 42%
as compared to the collections made in FY 2016-17.
 Ease of compliance: It has also brought in efficiencies in indirect tax compliances and
reduced the number of indirect tax authorities that business needed to interact with.
 Increased logistics efficiency: GST has reduced the transit time of movement of
goods within the country by eliminating the inter-state barriers by removing check-
posts, introducing a nationwide e-way bill, eliminating the entry tax. As per an
estimate, more than 50% of logistics effort and time is saved in the GST regime.
 Impact on transaction costs: In the previous regime, all the interstate transactions
had an additional cost of 2% (Central Sales Tax), which post GST has now been
reduced to 0%. This has reduced the transaction cost significantly.
 Reinforced cooperative federalism: GST Council has emerged as a successful
example of cooperative federalism and its functioning has been free from political
biases.

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 Increase in transparency: Taxpayers can track their compliances online on the GST
Portal. Also, they can easily get the basic information about any business by entering
the respective PAN or GSTIN, which has increased transparency in the system.

However, despite its success, there have been certain challenges that still exist:
Overestimation of GST collection: In the initial years the government overestimated the
GST collection, which was not fulfilled, and hence created a sense of failing taxation regime.
Complex tax slabs: The complex slab structure and continually switching between them has
created an undesired confusion in the compliance system.
Cumbersome filing structure: The current GST return filing structure is complex and
cumbersome and puts too much onus on the taxpayer.
Ambiguous and conflicting AAR judgments: Conflicting rulings from various benches of the
Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling across different States has led to confusion among
taxpayers.
Cracking down on tax evasion and tax fraud: GST tax evasion and tax fraud, including use of
fraudulent invoices, fake e-way bills, etc has led to massive losses in revenue collection.

Therefore, a simpler tax slab structure to rationalize this indirect tax system is the need of
the hour. Also optimization of digital resources, robust compliance regime and focusing on
cooperative federalism would help in making GST more rational and successful.

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86. “Financial inclusion is an essential tool in pursuit of social justice”. In light of the given
statement, how far do Digital Banking units take forward the government’s agenda of
digital financial inclusion? Discuss in the light of recent developments in digital banking.

Model Answer:
Financial inclusion may be defined as the process of ensuring access to financial services and
timely and adequate credit where needed by vulnerable groups such as weaker sections and
low income groups at an affordable cost. Social justice cantered on equality among people
along various social dimensions. In economic terms, social justice efforts usually seek to
elevate the economic status of poor and marginal groups.
In India, financial inclusion is a critical part of the development process to achieve social
justice. The state of financial inclusion has improved considerably over time. However, the
financial inclusion hasn’t reached the poorest of the poor.

Digital Banking and Promotion of Financial Inclusion

Digital banking and financial inclusion involve the deployment of cost-saving digital means
to reach currently financially excluded and underserved populations. It provides a range of
formal financial services suited to their needs that are responsibly delivered at a cost
affordable to customers and sustainable for providers.
 The essential components of digital banking that foster financial inclusion for the
unbanked are digital banking platforms, smartphone banking apps, and POS
payments services.
 They enable customers to make and receive payments, view and manage their
finances and make seamless payments to merchants.
 The benefits of digital financial inclusion include access to financial services, cheaper
transactions, personalized financial services, and greater security.
 Digital banking services promote planning for their long-term financial well-being,
increasing their economic participation and economically empowering them.
 Access to digital banking services fuel economic growth and improve unemployment
rates by creating the means to pay people for work and services.

The benefits of DBUs

 Digital banking units will help banks themselves which are now looking to reduce
physical footprint with fewer brick and mortar branches, with a ‘light’ banking
approach.
 The move will open up the rural market for service providers besides providing a
boost to credit flow.
 Such units will also be cheaper to establish than a new branch, and can provide
better customer experience aided by technology.
 The units can also be branded as new-age banks that can help provide personalised
finance management tools to new consumers, branded better.
 Digi banking units also require lesser staff, with cheaper maintenance due to
technological tools and hence can be high-yield units for the parent bank.

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If not anything, more such units can encourage more financial literacy and a favourable
outlook towards digital banking – which is the need of the hour. The move will open up the
rural market for service providers besides providing a boost to credit flow. Given the rapid
rise of digital banking, digital payments, and FinTech innovation, it was critical to develop
digital infrastructure to support digital banking, which has enormous potential.

87. Highlight the importance of Agricultural Market Intelligence for farmers in India.
Identifying the issues. In the present system, suggest some measures for improving
Agricultural Market Intelligence in India.

Model Answer:
Agricultural Market Intelligence is the process of collecting relevant information related to the
existing market prices, domestic and global agricultural supply and demand conditions, policy
environment and other relevant factor. This market data is converted into usable form through
scientific modelling and disseminated through effective means so that informed and effective
decisions can be taken by the farmers and other stakeholders.

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Agricultural market intelligence is important because:

 It helps farmers make informed decisions about what to grow, when to harvest, to which
markets produce should be sent, and whether to store it or not.

 It provides competitive edge in terms of technology usage, and helps in tapping market
opportunities, which in turn could lead to higher profitability.

 It could help in predicting early market slumps, disaster based shortages, any risks involved
with certain crops etc. so agricultural losses could be averted or mitigated.

 It is important in the formulation, implementation and review of the agricultural price policy
relating to procurement, marketing, storage, transportation etc.

 At present AGMARKNET is the largest network in India to provide real time information by
connecting major regulated markets across the country. Apart from this, APMCs, commodity
exchange like NCDEX and MCX (covering both spot and futures) also provide market
information which is important for Agricultural market intelligence.

However, Market Intelligence system in India is facing various challenges, such as:

In many cases, the information provided is not relevant to the farmers and traders, because it is
targeted primarily at policymakers.

Most effort is spent on the collection of the information, rather than timely analysis and
dissemination of intelligible information.

Many of the information services programmes of state and central governments do not even have a
component of Market Intelligence which finally leads to realization of lower net prices by farmers.

Over the years, the dwindling staff strength of the intelligence units has considerably reduced
resulting in poor performance.

Many market intelligence units have ceased to be effective in discharging their functions mainly due
to a lack of proper direction and control of their activities.

Following steps should be taken to strengthening of Agricultural Market Intelligence system:

 Recent advances in IT field, and common dissemination platforms should be used to

disseminate the intelligence in a form, which is farmer friendly and easily accessible.

 Reducing the risk faced by farming community by taking into account even more extensive
temporal volatility and spatial variability in the prices of agricultural commodities for making
future predictions regarding the price behaviour.

 Linkages should be created between agricultural line departments and departments of

market for generation of data.

 The functions, activities and the staff requirements of the Market Intelligence Units should
be re- evaluated to streamline the units.

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 Learning and building upon initiatives such as Network Project on Market Intelligence
sponsored by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. More such initiatives can be
started.

88. Analyse the role that National Hydrogen Mission can play in fulfilling India’s increasing
energy demands. Discuss in the light of India’s aim to achieve Net Zero targets.

Model Answer: National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHM) that draws up a road map for
using hydrogen as an energy source. The initiative has the potential of transforming
transportation. NHM initiative capitalises on one of the most abundant elements on earth
(Hydrogen) for a cleaner alternative fuel option.

National Hydrogen Energy Mission:

 Focus on generation of hydrogen from green power resources.

 To link India’s growing renewable capacity with the hydrogen economy.

India's ambitious goal of 175 GW by 2022 got an impetus in the 2021-22 budget
which allocated Rs. 1500 crore for renewable energy development and NHM.

 The usage of hydrogen will not only help India in achieving its emission goals
under the Paris Agreement, but will also reduce import dependency on fossil
fuels.
 In 2017, Japan formulated the Basic Hydrogen Strategy which sets out the
country’s action plan till 2030, including the establishment of an international
supply chain.
India has a huge edge in green hydrogen production owing to its favourable geographic
conditions and presence of abundant natural elements.
The government has given impetus in scaling up the gas pipeline infrastructure across the
length and breadth of the country, and has introduced reforms for the power grid,
including the introduction of smart grids. Such steps are being taken to effectively
integrate renewable energy in the present energy mix.
Capacity addition to renewable power generation, storage and transmission, producing
green hydrogen in India can become cost effective which will not only guarantee energy
security, but also ensure self-sufficiency gradually.
Policy_Challenges:

 One of the biggest challenges faced by the industry for using hydrogen
commercially is the economic sustainability of extracting green or blue hydrogen.
 The technology used in production and use of hydrogen like Carbon Capture and
Storage (CCS) and hydrogen fuel cell technology are at nascent stage and are
expensive which in turn increases the cost of production of hydrogen.

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 Maintenance costs for fuel cells post-completion of a plant can be costly.

 The commercial usage of hydrogen as a fuel and in industries requires mammoth
investment in R&D of such technology and infrastructure for production, storage,
transportation and demand creation for hydrogen.
Way Forward
At this juncture, with a calibrated approach, India can uniquely position itself to take
advantage with increasing investment in R&D, capacity building, compatible legislation,
and the opportunity for creation of demand among its vast population. Such initiatives can
propel India to become the most favoured nation by exporting hydrogen to its neighbours
and beyond.

89. Indian government had issued an order authorising central agencies to intercept,
monitor and decrypt “any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any
computer “. In this context, analyse the character of surveillance framework in India.

Model Answer:
Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order authorizing 10 Central agencies to
intercept, monitor, and decrypt “any information generated, transmitted, received or stored
in any computer”. The notification was described as a progressive step towards a
surveillance state even though the government stated that the notification created no new
powers of surveillance. While the order allows agencies to decrypt data of any computer
only after seeking approval of a competent authority, it is true that the move triggers
surveillance concerns. The Opposition even called it Unconstitutional.
But, it is being argued that the MHA notification lays bare the lopsided character of the
surveillance framework in India, and highlights an urgent need for comprehensive reform of
the same.
Necessity of surveillance
1. The right to privacy is not absolute. Surveillance is essential to ensure national security
and pre-empt terrorist threats, and it is in the very nature of surveillance that it must take
place outside the public eye. Consequently, the regime is justified as it strikes a pragmatic
balance between the competing values of privacy and security.
2. There is a need to strike a fine balance between privacy and ensuring that policing or
national security is taken to a level where technology is a facilitator and not a hindrance.
Challenges
1. It is crucial to acknowledge that every act of surveillance, whether justified or not,
involves a serious violation of individual privacy; and further, a system of government
surveillance can have a chilling effect upon the exercise of rights, across the board, in any
society.

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2. Consequently, given the seriousness of the issue, a surveillance regime cannot have the
executive sitting in judgment over the executive: there must be parliamentary oversight
over the agencies that conduct surveillance. Surveillance by the State cannot simply be
authorized through executive notifications.
3. And equally important, all surveillance requests must necessarily go before a judicial
authority, which can apply an independent legal mind to the merits of the request, in light
of the proportionality standards discussed above.
4. Judicial review will not achieve much if the grounds of surveillance remain as broad and
vaguely worded as they presently are. Therefore, every surveillance request must
mandatorily specify a probable cause for suspicion, and also set out, in reasonably concrete
terms, what it is that the proposed target of surveillance is suspected of doing.
5. As a corollary, evidence obtained through unconstitutional surveillance must be
statutorily stipulated to be inadmissible in court.
6. There must exist, a lawyer to present the case on behalf of the target of surveillance —
even though, of course, the target herself cannot know of the proceedings because if
surveillance requests are unopposed — it will be very difficult for a judge to deny a request
that is made behind closed doors, and with only one side presenting a case.
Criticism
1. Even though the staunchest civil rights advocates will not deny that an individual
reasonably suspected of planning a terrorist attack should be placed under surveillance, in
this context, the evidence demonstrates clearly that a heavily bureaucratized and minimally
accountable regime of surveillance does nothing to enhance security, but does have
significant privacy costs.
For example, while examining the U.S. National Security Agency’s programme of mass
surveillance, an American court found that out of more than 50 instances where terrorist
attacks had been prevented, not even a single successful pre-emption was based on
material collected from the NSA’s surveillance regime.
2. In India, the existing surveillance framework is complex and confusing. Simply put, two
statutes control the field: telephone surveillance is sanctioned under the 1885 Telegraph Act
(and its rules), while electronic surveillance is authorized under the 2000 Information
Technology Act (and its rules).
3. This framework is heavily bureaucratized. Decisions about surveillance are taken by the
executive branch (including the review process), with no parliamentary or judicial
supervision; indeed, the fact that an individual will almost never know that she is being
surveilled means that finding out about surveillance, and then challenging it before a court,
is a near-impossibility.
4. The surveillance regime is also vague and ambiguous. Under Section 69 of the IT Act, the
grounds of surveillance have been simply lifted from Article 19(2) of the Constitution, and

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pasted into the law. They include very wide phrases such as “friendly relations with foreign
States” or “sovereignty and integrity of India”.
Way Forward
1. There needs to be greater transparency in the system as in the current system,
Government agencies are not accountable to anyone other than the government itself.
2. A comprehensive reform of the surveillance framework in India is long overdue.
3. The current debate, therefore, is not about ‘whether surveillance at all’, but about ‘how,
when, and what kind of surveillance’.
4. This is also the right time: across the world, there is an increasingly urgent debate about
how to protect basic rights against encroachment by an aggressive and intrusive state,
which wields the rhetoric of national security like a sword.
5. In India, the Supreme Court’s privacy judgment has taken a firm stand on the side of
rights. Citizens’ initiatives, such as the Indian Privacy Code have also proposed legislative
models for surveillance reform.
6. After the Supreme Court’s 2017 judgment in K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (‘the Right
to Privacy case’), the Constitutional contours within which the questions of ‘how, when, and
what kind’ have to be answered have been made clear.
7. Any impingement upon the right to privacy must also be proportionate.
8. One of the factors of the proportionality standard is that the government’s action must
be the least restrictive method by which a state goal is to be realized. In other words, if the
same goal — i.e., protecting national security — can be achieved by a smaller infringement
upon fundamental rights, then the government is Constitutionally bound to adopt the
method that does, indeed, involve minimal infringement.
9. Reforms in the Indian surveillance regime, should, therefore, incorporate ethics of
surveillance which considers the moral aspects of how surveillance is employed.

90. Though there are some notable individual achievements, the overall participation of
women in scientific research has been abysmally low. Examine. What steps have been
taken by the government in this regard?
Model Answer:
Several woman scientists, mathematicians, astronauts, and experts such as late Shakuntala
Devi, Kalpana Chawla,Mangala Narlikar, Aditi Pant are a few illustrious names in the field
of science and technology in India. More recently, Ritu Karidhal and Nandini Harinath of
Mars Orbiter Mission have been in news. Similarly, Chandrima Shaha is set to be the first
woman president of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) beginning 2020.
However, the gender disparity in scientific research in India remains worrisome.

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As per the National Task Force on women in science report, only 15% of the Indian research
and development workforce are women, while the global average is 30%.
Only about 12.6% of women opt for studying science and 16.34% opt for engineering &
technology at undergraduate level.
The percentage of women faculty at high profile institutes like TIFR, IITs, IISc is only 10-12%
Women comprise less than 10% of the fellowships of India’s science academies and
outreach programmes.
Several reasons for the low participation and contributions of women in scientific
research:

 Patriarchal attitude: Only a small percentage of women pursue science and convert
it into a career owing to several social, cultural factors because:

1. There is less focus on girl’s child education in Indian society and especially
enrolments in STEM courses are very low.

2. Women are encouraged to pursue pink collared jobs so that they can fulfil
dual responsibility of job and household work.

3. Women have donned the role of caregivers and hence highly qualified
women, such as those with doctorates, drop out of competitive professional
race due to various external factors like maternity leave and childcare.

 Lack of Institutional support

1. Majority of women’s colleges offer arts and commerce rather than science.

2. There is a systemic gender discrimination and biased career review

processes. Women are marginalized even at faculty positions and in field of
science and technology.

3. There is a lack of support for gender diversity in work environment. For the
same position and recognition, women have to work harder.

In this regard, various ministries such as Ministry of Human Resource Development and
Ministry of Science and Technology (DBT and DST) has taken various steps such as:

 Vigyan Jyoti scheme (DST): It aims to attract rural girls towards science with IIT and
IISER as nodal agency in initial phase the scheme.

 Indo-US fellowship for women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics

and medicine to participate in international collaborative research in premier
institutions in America.

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 Women Scientist Scheme (DST) aims to provide opportunities to women scientist

and technologists who desire to return to mainstream science after a break in
career.

 KIRAN (DST): It aims to develop state-of-the-art infrastructure in women universities

in order to attract, train and retain promising girls students in S&T domain.

 UDAAN (MHRD): It aims to address the lower enrolment ratio of girl students in
science and engineering colleges.

 BioCARe (DBT): It mainly focuses on career development of employed/ unemployed

women scientists’ up to 55 years of age.

In order to truly achieve the targets as envisaged under the aegis of gender equality of
SDG#5, more opportunities should be created for women to eliminate gender biases in
STEM courses.

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91. India has got a plethora of regulating bodies/ authorities which often have conflicting
or overlapping jurisdiction. This requires a major overhaul of the regulatory regime to
ensure that ‘minimum government and maximum governance’ is followed in true spirit.
Substantiate by taking suitable examples.

Model Answer:

The issue of multiple regulatory bodies with overlapping jurisdiction is major cause of
governance deficit in India. Such phenomenon results in duplication of funds, functions and
functionaries. This goes against the maxim of “minimum government and maximum
governance”.

Overlapping jurisdiction:

Examples and issues-

a. Multiple agencies steer the function of local area governance. District development
authorities and local governance institutions.
b. Education sector- AICTE and UGC.
c. Environment- CPCB and NGT.
d. Controversy between SEBI and IRDAI over Unit Linked Insurance Policy.
e. Faceoff between RBI vs CCI in 2012 over the issue of merging of the banks.
f. Disagreement between CERC and CCI over the issue of “abuse of dominance” by Electricity
companies.

Overhaul of regulatory regime required:

a. Lack of clarity leads to politicization of institutions.
b. Inefficiency in functioning. Wastage of funds, functions and functionaries.
c. Lack of accountability.
d. Regulatory hurdle choking growth of economy.
e. Recommendations made by RAs are rarely implemented.

What needs to be done?

1. Parliament by law should clearly define the functions, responsibilities, powers, privileges
of RAs.
2. RAs should be given powers to get their judgments implemented so as to increase their
efficiency.
3. Balancing required b/w ensuring accountability vs autonomy.
4. The regulators need to become more dynamic in their functioning. This is possible only if
they are provided enough autonomy.
5. The regulatory bodies should be kept out of ambit of any political influence
6. As recommended by Sri Krishna panel an oversight body to regulate financial sector apart
from the RBI.
7. Recommendations of Punchi commission for an independent regulator overseeing all
regulators.
To ensure the “minimum government and maximum governance” notion of the
government a regulatory convergence is required to avoid biases due to jurisdictional
overlap. Above recommended steps can go a long way in solving the issue?

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92. Should the CAG question policy decisions? Give your views. If the CAG were ‘merely’
an auditor, why should Dr. B.R.Ambedkar, during the debates in the Constituent
Assembly, describe the CAG as the most important functionary in the Constitution, more
important than even the judiciary? Comment.

Model Answer:
CAG is mentioned in the constitution under article 148-151.CAG is a constitutional body
which has the one of the most important functions to audit and keep a check on the public
expenditure and keep the Parliament abreast of the same.

The idea of the CAG questioning the policy decision is a welcome step as:
1. It will bring in the stricter financial controls on the executive.
2. Rather than post mortem approach, a more proactive approach will result in reduction of
the wasteful expenditure.
3. The policy decisions when questioned will bring in more transparency.
4. It will also entail the deliberate policy making and may reduce the delegated legislation.

Dr. Ambedkar, during debates in the constituent assembly, described the CAG as the most
important functionary in the constitution. The importance of CAG cannot be undermined:

1. The CAG ensures financial propriety of the public exchequer, thus making sure the hard
earned money of taxpayer is not embezzled and spent properly.
2. The CAG is an important pillar in the system of legislative check on the executive in the
financial domain.
3. CAG reports have unearthed huge scandals and have been a basis for ordering of
investigations and courts taking suo-moto notices.

However there has been friction between the CAG and the executive over its jurisdiction
and mandate. Various people in the executive have questioned the CAG reports on the basis
that they have commented on policy decisions and not performed an audit which is its core
job. Questions have also been raised about the figures of so called presumptive losses.

The mandate of the CAG must certainly be widened:

1. Since CAG is one of the most important helping hands of the Parliament, its report must
be more comprehensive than just merely an audit. They must also go into alternate routes
of spending if any which could have saved money.

2. Policy decisions and financial propriety cannot be separated, hence the CAG has to
inevitably also venture into the policy space.

3. CAG audit of private bodies like BCCI, telecom companies can improve their financial
transparency and accountability. This can arrest underreporting, misuse of public assets, etc
which can benefit the government exchequer and the public in general.

4. Audit of diverse areas like that of UN headquarters can provide learning and exchange
of best practices in auditing which can be utilised locally to improve accuracy and efficiency.

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Way Forward

Former CAG, Vinod Rai, has suggested several reforms in the institutional framework:
 Bring all private-public partnerships (PPPs), Panchayati Raj Institutions and
government-funded societies, within the ambit of the CAG.
 CAG Act of 1971 should be amended to keep pace with the changes in governance.
 A collegium type mechanism to choose a new CAG on the lines of selecting a Chief
Vigilance Commissioner (CVC).

93. What do you understand by the term ‘vulnerability’? Why does vulnerability arise? Is
it intrinsic of gender, religion, caste or region? Or is it structural? Examine with the help of
suitable examples.
Model Answer:
TheVulnerability is the state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked, either
physically, mentally or emotionally. It is a state of being in distress. Constant state of
vulnerability hampers natural growth, physical and mental of an individual and society. It
arises because of natural biological, economic and also structural man-made reasons. It is
both intrinsic and structural.
Vulnerability is intrinsic to:
Gender-
Patriarchy, the feature of Indian society makes women vulnerable. Women are the worst
suffers of evils like rapes, child marriages, dowry and domestic violence. Also, because of
biological reasons, women are more vulnerable than men in certain aspects. This
vulnerability is intrinsic in sex. For example, air pollution affects more women negatively
than men.
Religion-Caste-
1. The notion of the superiority of one religion over other leads to minority religion opens
for domination by majority.
2. The caste system which is unique to Indian society has developed a hierarchy where the
people in the lowest level are the worst suffers. Example- The literacy is lowest among SCs
(Scheduled castes), maximum percentage in BPL population is that of SCs.
3. Caste atrocities honor killings etc., shows the vulnerability of low castes.
4. Due to lower levels of socio-economic development, lower castes and few sections of
minority religions are vulnerable to economic crises like unemployment etc.
Regionalism-
Regionalism post LPG has played an important role in widening the vulnerability gaps. The
lopsided development of human resources has heavily contributed to exploitation and fruits
of development are shared by few rather than inclusive development. Geographical

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location inherently makes some regions prone to risks of disasters; economically prosperous
regions are less vulnerable and peaceful.
Example-
a. Youth of Jammu Kashmir due to lack of education and regional turbulence are more
prone to terrorist instigations.
b. People of coasts are vulnerable to cyclones while people of arid areas are vulnerable to
droughts.
Vulnerability is also structural:
a. The unequal access to resources has resulted into vulnerability for the have-nots of the
society.
Example- In case of any natural disasters the poor people are worst hit, Demonetization
affected the people in unorganized sector more as compared to those in the organized
sector.
b. The cyclone Ockhi has devastated the livelihood of fishermen in coastal area. But, the rich
in the same area were not much affected by the cyclone.
Thus, vulnerability is closely associated to the socio political, regional and economic status
of the person/community. It is one of the biggest concerns in modern world and can be
addressed by reducing the inequality in the society at various levels. Both intrinsic and
structural vulnerabilities should be addressed. While economic resources are needed to
address structural vulnerabilities, it is the ethos of a society that will address the intrinsic
vulnerabilities. Sustainable development with equitable distribution can only be a viable
option to reduce vulnerability gap.

94. Examine the challenges of local self-governance in India. What role can financial
devolution play in strengthening institutions of local self-governance? Analyse.
Model Answer:
Decentralized democratic governance was introduced in India by the 73rd and 74th
Constitution Amendments 25 years ago. Local government posed to be a vehicle of
inclusive growth and development and tool of empowering democracy. Unfortunately after
25 years local government is inefficient and corrupt. Indeed, the village panchayats have not
succeeded in enhancing the well-being, capabilities and freedom of citizens.
Challenges Faced by local self-governance in India:
1. Inadequate devolution: Devolution, envisioned by the Constitution, is not mere
delegation. It implies that precisely defined governance functions are formally assigned by
law to local governments, backed by adequate transfer of financial grants. All states have
not been forthcoming in giving Panchayats and Municipalities enough funds, functions and
functionaries.

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2. Low technical knowledge: Low technical knowledge has restricted the aggregation of
planning from village to block to district to state to centre. Hence bottom up approach of
planning is very limited.

3. Adhoc meetings: There is lack of clear setting of agenda in Gram Sabha meetings leading
to adhocism with no proper structure.
4. States’ attitude: From postponing the elections to the failure to constitute State Finance
Commissions and District Planning Committees (DPCs), States have been seen to violate the
various provisions of Parts IX and IXA.
5. Inadequate Infrastructure: Insufficient staffing, office space, and infrastructure
bottlenecks hamper the functioning of local bodies.
6. Less taxes: Panchayats and Municipalities have not used their financial powers efficiently.
Very few Gram Panchayats levy and collect taxes (on markets, fairs, property, business and
so on).
7. Parallel Institutions: Most States continue to create parallel bodies that make inroads
into the functional domain of local governments.
8. Criminal politics: Criminal elements and contractors are attracted to local government
elections, tempted by the large sums of money now flowing to them. They win elections
through bribing voters and striking deals with different groups. Furthermore, higher officers
posted at the behest of Members of Legislative Assemblies, often on payment of bribes,

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extract bribes from local governments for plan clearances, approving estimates and
payments. Thus, a market chain of corruption operates, involving a partnership between
elected representatives and officials at all levels.

Measures to strengthen the local-self-governance in India

1. To curb these tendencies, first, gram sabhas and wards committees in urban areas have
to be revitalized.
2. Consultations with the gram sabha could be organised through smaller discussions
where everybody can really participate. Even new systems of Short Message Services, or
social media groups could be used for facilitating discussions between members of a gram
sabha.
3. Adequate training to develop expertise in the members so that they contribute more in
planning process and in implementation of policies and programmes.
4. Decentralisation of governance can be achieved with devolution of power to lower
levels. More financial resource generation powers should be give to these institutions.
5. Local government organisational structures have to be strengthened. Local governments
must be enabled to hold State departments accountable and to provide quality, corruption
free service to them, through service-level agreements.
6. Gram Sabha functioning should be improved. It should fully participate in planning,
implementation and performance review (social audit) of various schemes with the
participation of all stakeholders including women and other vulnerable groups.

Role of financial devolution in strengthening institutions of local self-governance:

The 15th Finance Commission recommended giving greater financial freedom and powers to
panchayats and urban local bodies for year 2020-21. Fiscal decentralization is nothing but
the devolution of taxing and spending powers to lower levels of government.

1. Panchayats have very few revenue resources with them to provide services. Center and
state can nudge local bodies for desired development agenda through financial devolution
with conditions.
2. It helps to avoid duplication of efforts by government machinery. There can be creation
of knowledge innovation activity center to render advice and expertise to local authorities
for planning and prioritizing development goals.
3. Financial devolution increases accountability to people so performance can be realized as
direct contact with people.
4. Devolution based on capital asset creation, Human resource development, social indices
and gender equality will bring desired results.
5. To use local resources in cost effective service delivery. Example of Patoda village of
Maharashtra: It started its own local voluntary taxation of very minimal amount in return of
free services like clean RO drinking water, hot water, sanitary pads, CCTV cameras in public
spaces, flour mill, spice grinder machine and tractor for agricultural needs on minimal rent
indicates realization of development model at village level with understanding of local
needs.

A vibrant India of the 21st Century, acting as an engine of inclusive growth, needs drastic
reforms in the panchayat and municipal finance system of the country so as to broaden and
deepen the resource base required to match the growing needs of infrastructure, socio-

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economic development, civic services including safe drinking water, clean air, sanitation,
solid waste management for everyone.

95. Critically examine the significance of ASEAN for India’s economic, geo-strategic and
security imperatives.
Model Answer
ASEAN is a regional grouping that promotes economic, political, and security
cooperation. It was established in August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand with the signing of
the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the founding fathers of ASEAN, namely
Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Its chairmanship rotates
annually, based on the alphabetical order of the English names of Member States.
ASEAN countries have a total population of 650 million people and a combined Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) of USD 2.8 trillion. It is India’s 4th largest trading partner with
about USD 86.9 billion in trade.
Recently, India participated in the 18th India-ASEAN Summit at the invitation of Brunei, the
current Chair of ASEAN.

 The Year 2022 has been highlighted as India-ASEAN Friendship by the leaders.
 India-ASEAN Summit is held every year and provides an opportunity for India and
ASEAN to engage at the highest level.
Significance of ASEAN for India’s economic, geo-strategic and security imperatives:

Economic importance:
 Economic transformation of the highly underdeveloped NE States of India will be
possible once connectivity with ASEAN nations improves.
 Trade between India and ASEAN comprises 10.12%of India’s total trade with the
world. Conclusion of a balanced Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
(RCEP) Agreement will further boost our trade and investment ties with the region.

Geo-strategic importance:
 Maintaining stability in the region – Amidst the aggressive behaviour of China,
ASEAN nations want India to take and play leadership role in improving commerce,
connectivity and security in the region.
 Importance of Malacca Strait- More than two-third of world trade passes through
this strait.

Security:
 ASEAN countries, particularly Myanmar, Vietnam & Malaysia can potentially
contribute to India’s energy security.
 Cooperation in areas such as maritime security including freedom of navigation,
drug trafficking and cybercrime.
 Together they can work to tackle terrorism, religious extremism and the ISIS.

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Challenge:
There has been a sense of disillusionment on both sides about the present state of play in
the relationship. While the ASEAN member states have been disappointed that India
performs less than its potential in the region, New Delhi’s expectations regarding a more
robust support for its regional outreach too have not been met.

Way forward:
 Focusing on the 3 Cs- Commerce, Culture and Connectivity.
 Full utilisation of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area and conclusion of RCEP.
 New Delhi needs to focus on effective delivery of projects it is already committed to.
Prompt completion of projects like India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway will
bring in the confidence
 Cultural connect between the two needs strengthening.
 While India offers scholarships to students from ASEAN states to study at Nalanda
University, this initiative should be extended to the IITs and the IIMs.
 Tourism too can be further encouraged between India and the ASEAN with some
creative branding by the two sides.

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96. .With the Gati Shakti National Master Plan, India’s economic growth can find renewed
momentum through major infrastructure upgrades. Explain.
Structure: Introduce the scheme. Explain how integrated approach is designed for faster
delivery. Address associated concerns. Give a forward-looking conclusion.
Model Answer:
Recently, the government of India has launched the ambitious Gati Shakti
scheme or National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity plan, with the aim of
coordinated planning and execution of infrastructure projects to bring down logistics
costs.
About the Scheme
To ensure integrated planning and implementation of infrastructure projects in the next
four years, with focus on expediting works on the ground, saving costs and creating jobs.
 The Gati Shakti scheme will subsume the Rs 110 lakh crore National Infrastructure
Pipeline that was launched in 2019.
 Besides cutting logistics costs, the scheme is also aimed at increasing cargo handling
capacity and reducing the turnaround time at ports to boost trade.
 It also aims to have 11 industrial corridors and two new defence corridors - one in
Tamil Nadu and other in Uttar Pradesh. Extending 4G connectivity to all villages is
another aim. Adding 17,000 kms to the gas pipeline network is being planned.
 It will help in fulfilling the ambitious targets set by the government for 2024-25,
including expanding the length of the national highway network to 2 lakh kms, creation
of more than 200 new airports, heliports and water aerodromes.
Integrated Approach: It intends to bring together 16 infrastructure related Ministries.
 This will help in removing long-standing issues such as disjointed planning, lack of
standardisation, problems with clearances, and timely creation and utilisation of
infrastructure capacities.
 Gati Shakti Digital Platform: It involves the creation of a common umbrella
platform through which infrastructure projects can be planned and implemented in an
efficacious manner by way of coordination between various ministries/departments on
a real-time basis.
Expected Outcomes
 The scheme will help mapping the existing and proposed connectivity projects.
 Also, there will be immense clarity on how different regions and industrial hubs in the
country are linked, particularly for last mile connectivity.
 A holistic and integrated transport connectivity strategy will greatly support Make in
India and integrate different modes of transport.

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 It will help India become the business capital of the world.

Need for Integrated Infrastructure Development:
 There exists a wide gap between macro planning and micro implementation due to the
lack of coordination and advanced information sharing as departments think and work in
silos.
 According to a study, the logistical cost in India is about 13% of GDP, which is higher
than developed countries.
o Due to this high logistical cost, the competitiveness of India’s exports is greatly
reduced.
 It is globally accepted that the creation of quality infrastructure for Sustainable
Development is a proven way, which gives rise to many economic activities and creates
employment on a large scale.
 The scheme is in synergy with the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP).
 The NMP has been announced to provide a clear framework for monetisation and give
potential investors a ready list of assets to generate investment interest.
With the Gati Shakti National Master Plan India ‘s economic growth engine can find
renewed momentum through major infrastructure upgrades that will cut logistics costs for
industry and raise all round efficiency. A techno-centric administrative initiative that
promises integration of 16 Ministries including railways, roads and ports through
information technology, satellite mapping and data tools. The importance given in the plan
to rail-road multimodal connectivity and higher share of freight for the railways articulated
also by NITI Aayog has multiple benefits. There is also the challenge of reducing vehicular
emissions from road freight growth in order to meet climate change commitments. The
observations in the Economic Survey for 2020-21 underscore the role of active Centre-State
partnerships for infrastructure building. Significant delays to projects can often be traced to
incompatible and hostile land acquisition decisions that alienate communities or threaten to
violate environmental integrity. Given the Centre‘s preference for Geographic Information
Systems and remote sensing to identify potential industrial areas, policymakers would do
well to reclaim lands already subjected to degradation and pollution. Convincing citizens
that they stand to benefit from such grand plans through better social welfare, lower service
costs and higher efficiencies.
Associated Concerns
 Low Credit Off-take: Although the government had taken up ‘strong’ banking sector
reforms and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code had yielded about Rs. 2.4 lakh crore of
recoveries on bad loans, there are concerns about declining credit off take trends.
o Banks give credit off-takes to help businesses acquire financing for future
projects through the promise of future income and proof of an existing market.

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 Lack of Demand: In the post-Covid-19 scenario, there is a lack of private demand and
investment demand.
 Structural Problems: Due to land acquisition delays and litigation issues, the rate of
implementation of projects is very slow on global standards.
o Getting approvals is very difficult in terms of land access, environmental
clearances; also, impending litigation in court delays the infrastructure projects.
Way Forward
 PM Gati Shakti is a step in the right direction. However, it needs to address structural
and macroeconomic stability concerns, emanating from high public expenditure.
 Thus, it is imperative that this initiative is underpinned by a stable and predictable
regulatory and institutional framework.

97. How illegal migration in India is one of the major internal security challenges. Also
discuss the existing legal framework to deal with the issue.
Structure
 Start with explaining about the menace of illegal migrants in India.
 Discuss how illegal migration is an internal security challenge.
 Discuss the existing legal framework to deal with the issues of illegal migration.
 Suggest a way forward.

Model Answer:
Introduction
An illegal immigrant in India is a foreigner who has entered India either without valid
documents or who initially had a valid document, but has overstayed beyond the permitted
time, as per the general provisions of the Citizenship Act as amended in 2003.
Such persons are not eligible for citizenship by registration or naturalisation. They are also
liable to be imprisoned for 2–8 years and fined.
Illegal migration as an internal security challenge
 Threat to National Security: The continuance of the illegal immigration of Rohingyas
into India and their continued stay in India is found to be having serious national security
ramifications and poses serious security threats.
 Clash of Interests: It impacts the interests of local populations in the areas seeing large-
scale influxes of illegal immigrants.
 Political Instability: It also increases the political instability when leaders start mobilising
the perception of the citizens of the country against the migrants by the elites to grab
political power.

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 Rise of Militancy: The persistent attacks against the Muslims perceived as illegal
migrants have given way to radicalisation.
 Human trafficking: In the recent decades, trafficking of women and human smuggling
has become quite rampant across the borders.
 Disturbance in Law and Order: The rule of law and integrity of the country are
undermined by the illegal migrants who are engaged in illegal and anti-national
activities.
Existing Legal Framework
 Foreigners Act, 1946: The act empowered the government to take such steps as are
necessary to prevent illegal migrants including the use of force.
o The concept of ‘burden of proof’ lies with the person, and not with the
authorities given by this act is still applicable in all States and Union Territories.
o The act empowered the government to establish tribunals which would have
powers similar to those of a civil court.
o Recent amendments (2019) to the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964
empowered even district magistrates in all States and Union Territories to set up
tribunals to decide whether a person staying illegally in India is a foreigner or
not.
 The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939:
o Registration under Foreigners Regional Registration Officer is a mandatory
requirement under which all foreign nationals (excluding overseas citizens of
India) visiting India on a long term visa (more than 180 days) are required to
register themselves with a Registration Officer within 14 days of arriving in India..
 The Citizenship Act, 1955: It provides for the acquisition and determination of Indian
citizenship.
o Citizenship amendment act 2019 amends the 1955 Act to provide that the
Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians from Afghanistan,
Bangladesh and Pakistan, who entered India on or before December 31, 2014,
will not be treated as illegal migrants.
Conclusion
In spite of not being a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, India has
been one of the largest recipients of refugees in the world.
However, if India had domestic legislation regarding refugees, it could have deterred any
oppressive government in the neighbourhood to persecute their population and make them
flee to India.

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98. Balanced use of fertilizers based on soil testing on a mission mode is creating a quiet
revolution. Analyse in the context of Soil health card programme.
Structure:
 Briefly explain the essence of Fertilizers to agriculture systems
 Discuss the significance of Integrated Nutrient Management
 Conclude by reasserting the significance of such innovative solutions.

Model Answer:
Introduction:
Soil Health Card (SHC) is a Government of India’s scheme promoted by the Department of
Agriculture & Co-operation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. It is
being implemented through the Department of Agriculture of all the State and Union
Territory Governments. A SHC is meant to give each farmer soil nutrient status of his/her
holding and advise him/her on the dosage of fertilizers and also the needed soil
amendments, that s/he should apply to maintain soil health in the long run.
Body:
SHC is a printed report that a farmer will be handed over for each of his holdings. It will
contain the status of his soil with respect to 12 parameters, namely N,P,K (Macro-nutrients)
; S (Secondary- nutrient) ; Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Bo (Micro – nutrients) ; and pH, EC, OC (Physical
parameters). Based on this, the SHC will also indicate fertilizer recommendations and soil
amendment required for the farm.
SHC and the revolution:
 In Phase I of the programme (2015-17), 10.74 crore cards were distributed, with
another 11.45 crore being issued in Phase II (2017-19).
 The programme basically advocates judicious use of chemical fertilisers, together
with organic manure and bio-fertilisers, in order to improve the health of the soil
and its productivity.
 The crucial infrastructure requirement for the programme has been provided
through the setting up of 429 new static soil testing labs (STL) and strengthening of
800 existing ones, apart from 102 mobile STLs, 8,752 mini-STLs and 1,562 village-
level STLs.
 As a result, the total soil testing capacity has increased from 1.73 crore to 3.01 crore
samples per year.
 As a follow-up to the two phases, model villages are now being developed, one in
each of the country’s 6,954 blocks.
 Further, testing at individual holding level is being done, as against grid-based
analyses so far, along with SHC-based demonstration of application of fertilisers and
farmers’ fairs for raising awareness.

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 The receptivity of farmers to the programme has led to the emergence of ‘Mittike
Doctor’ (soil health specialists) and even women’s self-help groups that undertake
soil testing at village level.
 Andhra Pradesh currently has ‘Raithu Bharosa Kendras (farmers’ trust centres)’ that
offer integrated testing facilities, including of soil.
 The SHC programme has also attracted global attention. India is assisting Nepal in
setting up soil-testing facilities and capacity building for integrated nutrient
management and certified organic farming.
 These also figure in India’s initiatives in South-South Cooperation focusing on African
countries.
 The Fertiliser (Control) Order 1985 has been amended from time to time to register
new nutrient products and formulations.
 With growing demand for organic produce, the FCO is now also incorporating bio-
fertilisers, organic fertilisers and non-edible de-oiled cakes, in addition to chemical
fertilisers.
 The main sources of bio-fertilisers are microorganisms such nitrogen-fixing
azotobacter, phosphate-solubilising bacteria and mycorrhizae fungi that promote
uptake of nutrients by plants.
Conclusion:
In a nutshell, the judicious application of fertilisers based on SHC prescription has multi-fold
benefits in terms of improved soil health, safe food and mitigating climate change. Balanced
use will also reflect in reduced water consumption, while at the same time protecting water
bodies from run-off pollution. Farmer awareness about balanced fertilisation is being
stepped up through the coordinated efforts of the departments of agriculture, cooperation
& farmers’ welfare and fertilisers, besides the network of the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research’s Krishi Vigyan Kendras. Farmer can, thus, be enabled to fulfil the mantra of
‘Swasth Dhara, Khet Hara’.

99. With increasing number of cyber frauds happening across the country, a fool-proof
cyber security system needs to become a primary focus for a rapidly digitizing Banking,
Financial services, and insurance (BFSI) system. Examine.
Structure: List the threats to digital banking. Challenges to ensuring cyber-security and
discuss the solutions to address the issue.
Model Answer:
As the world goes on to connect more and more digitally, infiltration of cybercriminals has
been increasing pushing the need for stringent cyber-security measures for digital banking.

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India was the second most cyber-attacked country in Asia-Pacific in 2020, a new study by
technology major IBM has revealed. India is now ranked at No. 10 on the Global Cyber
Security Index, up from No. 47 in 2019.
What are the threats of digital banking?
 Malware – Devices infected with malicious software pose a serious security risk to the
bank’s cyber security network, whenever they connect with it.
 Third-party services- Numerous financial institutions employ the services of third-party
vendors to serve their customers in a better manner which is an easy target for
cybercriminals.
 Spoofing - Cybercriminals try impersonating a bank’s URL with a website that is quite
similar to the original one (fake website) to steal the credentials.
 Phishing - Attempt to obtain sensitive information such as credit card details for
fraudulent activities, by disguising oneself as an authentic, trustworthy entity via
electronic communication are known as phishing.
 Unencrypted data - whatever data that is stored on the computers, servers or the cloud
if unencrypted becomes a gateway for cybercriminals.
 Denial of Service (DoS) – blocking access to websites

What are the challenges in ensuring cyber-security?

 Lack of awareness - Digital illiteracy and lack of awareness about cyber-security is a
challenge.
 Increased use of social media - With the advent of social media and its increased
adoption, hackers have learned to exploit the medium.
 Inadequate budget and lack of management - Budgetary allocations to cyber-security is
often neglected.

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 Weak identity and access management - Issues such as one hacked credential can give a
hacker access to the entire enterprise network.
 Increase in Malware - Recent incidents of Pegasus spyware, malware attacks on
Kudankulam power plant, Colonial Pipeline Cyber Attack, etc. are notable examples for
their rise.
What are the solutions to address the issue?
 Integrated security with multiple layers become crucial for regulated sectors like
Banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) as various elements can work and
communicate together.

 Data analytics and machine learning are essential for leveraging smart security solutions
which aids BFSIs to store and assess high volumes of security-related data in real-time.
 Updated antivirus and anti-malware applications offer best protection from potentially
disastrous attacks.
 Financial institutions need to invest in technologies that can enhance the endpoint
protection.
 A fool-proof cyber-security system, that doesn’t compromise with data pertaining to
customers and financial institutions, has to be the primary focus for a rapidly digitising
BFSI system.

100. The impetus on infrastructure expansion in India’s North-East will reap huge
economic and strategic benefits for India. Do you agree? Substantiate your views.

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Structure:
The question is straight forward in its approach, students are expected to write about
strategic and economic benefits of infrastructure development in the North East region, also
mention about the socio-economic conditions of the region and substantiate your viewpoints
properly.

Model Answer:
Introduction:
Regional disparities especially in socio economic development are a ubiquitous
phenomenon across India. India’s North Eastern region (NER) comprising the states of
Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura is a poorly
developed and tribal population dominated region in India. In spite of having some

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similarities in life style of majority of the population and a common Mongoloid origin, sharp
differences exist in the status of socioeconomic development. Infrastructural push will play
an important role in bringing North East at par with the rest of the country in terms of
connectivity, growth and opportunities. Inadequate infrastructure and poor connectivity are
the major constraints to development in the region. Not only is the region poorly connected
to the rest of India, it is also poorly connected to neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia.
Body:
 Infrastructure is the backbone of economy it has a higher multiplier effect playing
key role in bringing investment, increased production capacity and opportunities for
growth and employment. In North-East-Region, infrastructure is the most critical
aspect to improve connectivity, strengthen strategic ties, enhance border security,
and improve trade and people to people ties with the South-East Asian Countries.
 Budgetary allocations towards infrastructural development have been increased
significantly over the years towards central sector schemes such as North east
special infrastructure development scheme, Ministry of DONER, North east road
infrastructure development scheme etc.
Economic benefits of infrastructure development-
 Along with connectivity, the level of economic activity is bound to increase.
Previously, even fiscal concession given to the states failed to attract significant
industrial investments. The reason was high logistical costs of moving merchandise
to high consumption regions. In this context, better connectivity provides a booster
shot to economic activity.
 Surrounded by international borders, infrastructure development — both internal
and international — could be the best choice for inclusive development in India’s
North-East. International infrastructure, which is also termed as connectivity, may
help the NER to become more economically engaged with neighbouring countries.
 Building resilient infrastructure also requires development of the border in
Northeast India and facilitation of border trade. The border is seen as a connector
and as an economy-building asset rather than a deterrent. In recent years, India’s
trade with Bangladesh and Myanmar witnessed a steep rise in growth, which
indirectly suggests the existence of a large trade potential. However, supply-side
constraints, among others, inhibit the two-way trade across the borders with India’s
two neighbours. Enhancing Northeast India’s existing level of trade and economic
linkages between Bangladesh and Myanmar would need infrastructure and
institutional support, which would facilitate growth and remove the region’s
economic isolation.
 The North-eastern states of India are likely to gain more from the Trilateral Highway,
compared to many other Indian states. Removing the status quo, therefore, means
the NER has to invest in building physical and institutional infrastructure, which in
return would lead to higher production — both within and across borders — and

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industrialisation, which will foster innovation and enhance the economic linkages
with the neighbouring countries.
 Infrastructure development could boost the tourism industry in the north east to its
highest potential which will have multiplier effect on the overall economy of the
region.
 Lack of infrastructure in north east region has left horticulture industry which
includes bamboo, forest produce and other products in disarray without access to
markets horticulture could not bring benefits to the people of the region.
Infrastructure development will play a key role in the development of horticulture by
providing access to markets and new technologies.
Strategic benefits of infrastructure development-
 The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway will play a key role in this and help
improve connectivity between India and Thailand and others in the neighbourhood.
India also has plans for a global electricity grid that may initially aim to link countries
such as Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam with the Indian sub-
continent, as part of evolving energy security architecture.
 In order to counter Chinese influence India is working on a slew of road and bridge
projects to improve connectivity with Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar. These
include road networks connecting Aizawl in Mizoram with Kaladan in Myanmar and
Imphal in Manipur with Tamu, also in Myanmar. India is also expediting the South
Asian Sub-Regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) road connectivity programme.
 India’s Act East Policy is a significant cornerstone of the Indo-Pacific strategy, adding
that ASEAN is at the core of Act East Policy, Development of north east region plays a
key role in realizing the benefits of act east policy.
 Development of infrastructure plays a key role in bringing ease of living for the
people in the region, thus acts as an antidote to the separatist feelings and against
the terrorism present there.
 Incidents like Doklam call for greater infrastructural push in terms of connectivity to
allow fast movement of security forces in times of standoff like incidents.
Development of Dolhasadia and Bogibeelbridge are a step towards bringing North
east in the development map and allow greater flexibility in the security matrix of
India.
Conclusion:
In order to fulfil SDG 9, infrastructure development has a strong catalytic role to play in
Northeast India. Policy responses need to focus on Strengthening infrastructure linkages,
facilitating trade, investment and tourism, developing human resources and promoting
sustainable development in the region is conducive for overall growth and prosperity of the
region.

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IMPORTANT ESSAY TOPICS

General Topics:
1. Coordination and Collaboration are two most important pillars of disaster
management.
2. Future belongs to the nation with grains and not guns.
3. Humanity faces many threats, but none is greater than climate change.
4. Environmental pollution – anthropogenic crisis needs urgent attention.
5. There is no limit to what women can accomplish.
6. It is extremely expensive to be poor.
7. Unemployment – an emerging issue in the age of Industrial Revolution 4.0.

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8. Development is transforming the life of the people, not just transforming economies.
9. The cure for evils of democracy is more democracy.
10. Urban governance in India: Status, Challenges and opportunities.
11. India has to pass out from, “a sacred society” to a “secular society”.
12. Technologies that will change the world.
13. If you want to plan for a year sow a seed, if you want to plan for five-year plant a
tree but if you want to plan for a generation educate a women.
14. Today India needs ‘Harmony in Diversity’, not ‘Unity in Diversity’.
15. The future of governance lies in data.
16. Media is no more a fourth pillar of democracy.
17. Preparedness of our society for India’s global leadership role.
18. Managing work and home – is the Indian working woman getting a fair deal?
19. Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever
devil.
20. Economic growth without distributive justice is bound to breed violence.
21. Sometimes it takes a natural disaster to reveal a social disaster.
22. Can Development and Environment Protection Go Together?
23. Interrelationship between Gender Equality and Sustainable Development
24. Soaring pollution & crippling floods: What measures can save India?
25. Election will be fought on mobiles: Fate of democracy is in hands of citizens.
26. Whoever rules artificial intelligence will rule the world
27. Social media trolls: A political weapon in 21st century.
28. Cyberspace and internet: Blessing or curse to the human civilization in the long run.
29. Is India a space superpower?
30. Foreign policy of India moving from Real Idealism to Idealistic Realism!
31. Refugee crisis is the next biggest threat than climate change?
32. Not Corruption, Communalism is the Greatest Threat India is facing today.
33. To be united is a great thing but to respect the diversity is even greater!
34. National security is irreversibly linked to good economic growth.
35. Agrarian Crisis in India: A result of economies of greed or faulty governance?
36. An Education Policy for the 21st Century.
37. Federalism is no longer the fault line of Centre-State relations but the definition of a
new partnership of Team India.
38. Gandhian thinking is more relevant today than his own times.
39. Skilling the Youth: A necessity for AatmNirbhar Bharat.
40. Spirituality begins where science ends.

Philosophical Topics:
1. The whole life is a succession of dreams.
2. Science is organised knowledge, wisdom is organised life.
3. Ancient wisdom is the solution of 21st century miseries.
4. The greatest sin in this life is to treat ourselves weak.
5. Diligence brings excellence.

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6. Empathy is a quality of character that can change the world.

7. As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.
8. The highest result of education is tolerance.
9. I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.
10. Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation
11. The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no
good.
12. A good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge.
13. If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from
seeing the stars.
14. They alone live, who live for others.
15. It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.
16. Expansion is Life, Contraction is Death.
17. Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds.
18. We suffer more in imagination than in reality.
19. A close neighbour is better than distant relative.
20. That is Knowledge that liberates.

All the Best Wishes for the CSE Mains Examination 2022
from
INDIA BHAI
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