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2013 SOLVED PAPER I Time Allowed : Three Hours Maximum Marks : 250
Instructions: There are TWENTY FIVE questions printed both in English and Hindi. All questions are compulsory. The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it. Answers must be written in the medium authorised in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in medium other than the authorised one. Word limit in questions, if specified, should be adhered to. Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off. Answer questions in NOT MORE THAN the word limit specified for each in the parenthesis. Content of the answer is more important than length.
1. Though not very useful from the point of view of a connected political history of South India, the Sangam literature portrays the social and economic conditions of its time with remarkable vividness. Comment. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Sangam Literature Description of Social & Economic conditions
Answer: Sangam literature is a body of classical Tamil literature which was composed in the period between the years c. 600 BCE to 300 CE, which is also known as the Sangam Period. This collection of Sangam Literature contains 2381 poems which are composed by 473 poets. However, about 102 of these poems are anonymous. The poems belonging to the Sangam literature were composed by Tamil poets, both men and women, from various professions and classes of society. Sangam literature is primarily secular dealing with everyday themes in a Tamilakam context. The literature does not depict political scenario of the time to noticeable extent but mainly deals with emotional and material topics such as love, war, governance, trade and bereavement of the contemporary society of the time. Sangam Literature consists of ‘inner field’ and ‘outer field’. The ‘inner field’ topics refer to personal or human aspects, such as love and sexual relationships, and are dealt with in a metaphorical and abstract manner. It also serves as educational literature for human nature. The ‘outer field’ topics discuss all other aspects of human experience such as heroism, valour, ethics, benevolence, philanthropy, social life, and customs. It is in outer field that it covers social customs and traditions, giving remarkable vividness of social and economic condition of the time.(Total 215 words)
2. (a) Discuss the ‘Tandava’ dance as recorded in early Indian inscriptions. (100 words) 5
Answer: Tandava is a divine dance performed by the Hindu God Shiva, considered to be the source of the cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution. The Rudra Tandava depicts his violent nature, first as the creator and later as the destroyer of the universe, even of death itself. In Shaiva Siddhanta tradition, Shiva as Nataraja, „Lord of dance“, is considered the supreme lord of dance.The Ananda Tandava depicts Shiva as enjoying. The Tandava name is derived from Tandu, the attendant of Shiva, who instructed Bharata, author of the Natya Shastra, in the use of Angaharas and Karanas, modes of the Tandava at Shiva‘s order. (Total 104 words)
(b) Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss (100 words) 5
Answer: The period of Cholas (850 - 1250 CE) was an age of continuous improvement and refinement of the Dravidian art and architecture. They built stone temples and exquisite bronze sculptures. Airavatesvara Temple was built by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century CE which is a magnificent Hindu temple of Dravidian architecture in Tamil Nadu. The Great Living Chola Temples include the Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur, the Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. The Brihadisvara Temple was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1987. The other two were added as extensions to the site in 2004, now known as the „Great Living Chola Temples”. (Total 109 words)3. Defying the barriers of age, gender and religion, the Indian women became the torch- bearer during the struggle for freedom in India. Discuss. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Indian Women in Freedom Struggle Princely States Constitutional Movements Young Women Foreign Women
Answer: In the Indian Freedom Struggle, contribution of Indian women is remarkable. In the fights against British conquest of Indian princely states Indian women fought bravely against British army. Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi and Begum Hazrat Mahal were prominent among them. Later in the period of Satyagraha, Civil Disobedience and other types of constitutional movements Indian women joined enthusiastically and contributed immensely. Kasturba Gandhi, Swarup Rani Nehru, Kamala Nehru, Sarojini Naidu, Vijaya Laxmi Pandit and Sucheta Kripalani participated in Gandhi’s various programmes for freedom. Madam Bhikhaji Cama was an active member of Congress who led various movements against the British rule. Sister Nivedita, an Irish lady played very important role in religious and educational upliftment of Indian women who in turn became active in the freedom struggle. Padmaja Naidu, a young lady participated in freedom struggle while Indira Gandhi raised a children’s army called Vanar Sena to fight against British. These women had diverse social and educational background and hailed from different parts of India and world. The programme of self-imposed poverty and periodical jail going was possible only because of the willing co-operation of the worker’s family. Illiterate women from rural areas also played role by participating in boycott and picketing movement. Home Rule Movement by Annie Besant was very successful. (Total 213 words)4. Several foreigners made India their homeland and participated in various movements. Analyse their role in the Indian struggle for freedom. (200 words)10 Important Points for Answer: Foreigners in Indian Freedom Struggle Their contribution
Answer: During the National Movement, many foreigners also participated for the freedom of India. They included Annie Besant, Charles Freer Andrews, Sister Nivedita, Madeleine Slade, Samuel Evans Stokes Jr. etc. Annie Besant was a theosophist, socialist, orator, activist and writer who came to India as a part of the Theosophical Societyand afterwards became a patron of Indian self-rule. She demanded a self rule for India and set up the Home Rule League. Charles Freer «Dinabandhu» Andrews came to India as a Missionary Philanthropist but soon became a part of the social and political movements and worked for the causes of the labourers, railway workers, untouchables and other such downtrodden people. Madeleine Slade, influenced by Gandhi, began a simple life at the Sabarmati Ashram and even took part in all the Gandhi’s socio-political struggles in India and promoted Khadi and Satyagraha. Samuel Evans Stokes Jr., known as Satyananda Stokes, was a wealthy American who championed the cases of the labourers in areas adjoining Shimla and fought relentlessly for their welfare. He was the sole foreigner and the sole American to sign the Congress Manifesto in 1921 and was also jailed on the charge of sedition. There were many other foreigners who, directly or indirectly, contributed to the Indian freedom movement. (Total 211 words)
5. “In many ways, Lord Dalhousie was the founder of modern India”. Elaborate (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Dalhousie His main policies Contribution in modern India
Answer: Lord Dalhousie’s served as the Governor-General of India from 1848 to 1856. His work in the fields of communication, railways, roads, postal and telegraph services contributed to the modernization and unity of India. His notable achievement included creation of modern and centralized states. Bengal, long ruled by the Governor-General or his delegate, was placed under its own Lieutenant-Governor in May 1854. A department of public works was established in each presidency, and engineering colleges were established. An imperial system of telegraphs followed in the same period. The first link of railway communication was also completed in 1855. The construction of massive irrigation works such as the 350-mile Gangas Canalcontaining thousands of miles of distributaries was a project, beneficial for the largely agricultural India, carried out during his time. Lord Dalhousie also created an imperial system of post-offices, reducing the rates of carrying letters and introducing postage stamps. He created the department of public instruction; he improved the system of inspection of goals, and enlarged the Legislative Council of India. He gave improved leave and pension rules for the Civil Servants and purified its moral by forbidding all share in trading corporations. Another consequential set of reforms, were those aimed at modernizing the land tenure and revenue system. (Total 213 words)
6. Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success. (200 words)10 Important Points for Answer: Bhoodan Movement Gramdan Movement Assessment
Answer: The initial objective of the Gramdan movement, started by Acharya Vinoba Bhave, was to secure voluntary donations of land and distribute it to the landless, but the movement soon came out with a demand of 1/6 share of land from all land owners. In 1952, the movement had widened the concept of gramdan (village in gift) and had started advocating commercial ownership of land. The first village to come under gramdan was Mangroth in Hamirpur district of U.P. The mission of the movement was to persuade wealthy landowners to voluntarily give a percentage of their land to the landless people. This land could not be sold. The Government of various Provinces, passed Bhoodan Acts which generally stipulated that the beneficiary had no right to sell the land or use it for a nonagricultural purpose including forestry. Initially genuine donors were coming forward. However, because the Bhoodan movement did no follow-up, the land thus gifted often wasresumed by the heirs of the donor. Vinoba Bhave walked across India on foot, to persuade landowners to give up a piece of their land. He also wanted peasants to give up using bullocks or tractors or other machines for agricultural purposes, known as ‘rishikheti’. Bhave said that rural rich must participate in voluntary distribution of land.
(Total 217 words)
7. Write a critical note on evolution and significance of the slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Jai Jawan - Defence Jai Kisan - Agriculture Jai Vigyan - Science
Answer: Jai Jawan Jai Kisan was a slogan given to India by the Prime Minister of India LalBahadurShastri in 1965. It means‘Hail the Soldier, Hail the Farmer’. Soon after Lal Bahadur Shastri took over the prime ministership of India after Nehru’s death, India was attacked by Pakistan. At the same time there was scarcity of food grains in the country. Shastri gave the slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ to enthuse the soldiers to defend India and simultaneously cheering farmers to do their best to increase the production of food grains to reduce dependence on import. India began its own Green Revolution program of plant breeding, irrigation development, and financing of agrochemicals. Similarly, Indian defence forces have also achieved commendable success in war and peace time. It became a very popular slogan.After Pokaran tests in 1998 AtalBihari Vajpayee added ‘Jai Vigyan’ (Hail knowledge) to the slogan to underline the importance of knowledge in India’s progress. Scientifically India has achieved success in various fields including space, IT, medical, engineering and other fields of technology. Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan Jai Jawan Jai Kisan reverberates even today through the length and breadth of the country. Underlying this is the inner-most sentiments ‘Jai Hindustan’.
(Total 205 words)
8. Discuss the contributions of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad to pre and post independent India. (200 words)10 Important Points for Answer: Maulana Azad in Congress Freedom Fighter Independent India Education Minister Bharat Ratna
Answer: Maulana Azad joined the Indian National Congress in January 1920 and extended support to Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement. He presided over the Special Session of Congress in September 1923 and was the youngest man elected as the President of the Congress.He was again elected as Congress President in 1940. In 1928, Maulana Azad endorsed the Nehru Report, formulated by Motilal Nehru. Interestingly, the Motilal Nehru Report was severely criticised by number of Muslim personalities involved with the freedom movement. Azad also advocated for the ending of separate electorates based on religion and called for a single nation committed to secularism. In 1930, Maulana Azad was arrested for violation of the salt laws as part of Gandhiji’s Salt Satyagraha. He was put in Meerut jail for a year and a half. After partition, he helped in establishing the refugee camps and ensured uninterrupted supply of food and other basic materials. He was appointed as India’s first Minister for Education and inducted in the Constituent Assembly to draft India’s constitution. Under Maulana Azad’s tenure, a number of measures were undertaken to promote primary and secondary education, scientific education, establishment of universities and promotion of avenues of research and higher studies. In February1958, MaulanaAbul Kalam Azad passed away. He was posthumously awarded, Bharat Ratnain 1992. (Total 216 words)
9. Analyze the circumstances that led to the Tashkent Agreement in 1966. Discuss the highlights of the Agreement. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Circumstances for the Agreement Main provisions of the Agreement Reaction in India
Answer: The Tashkent Declaration of 10 January 1966 was a peace agreement between India and Pakistan after the Indo-Pakistani War of1965.Peace had been achieved on 23 September by the intervention of the other big powers that pushed the two nations to a ceasefire for the fear that the conflict could escalate. A meeting was held in Tashkent, Capital of the Uzbekistan, USSR beginning on 4 January 1966 to try to create a more permanent settlement.The Soviets moderated between Indian Prime Minister LalBahadurShastri and Pakistani President Muhammad Ayub Khan. The declaration provided that Indian and Pakistani forces would pull back to their pre-conflict positions; both the nations would not interfere in each other’s internal affairs; economic and diplomatic relations would be restored; there would be an orderly transfer of prisoners of war; the two leaders would work towards improving bilateral relations. The Tashkent conference, under United Nations, American and Soviet pressure, compelled India to give away the conquered region in Pakistan occupied national boundary ofIndia and the 1949 ceasefire line in Kashmir. The agreement was criticized in India because it did not contain a no-war pact or any renunciation of guerrilla warfare in Kashmir. After signing the agreement, LalBahadurShastri died mysteriously at Tashkent. (Total 212 words)
10. Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence of Bangladesh. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Atrocities on East Pakistan Refugees in India Mukti Bahini Support to Bangladesh
Answer: The Pakistan army conducted widespread genocide against the Bengali population of East Pakistan. The atrocities were aimed at the minority Hindu population, leading to approximately 10 million people fleeing East Pakistan and taking refuge in the neighbouring Indian states. The East Pakistan-India border was opened to allow refugees safe shelter in India. The governments of West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura established refugee camps along the border. The resulting flood of impoverished East Pakistani refugees placed an intolerable strain on India’s already overburdened economy. General Tikka Khan earned the nickname ‘Butcher of Bengal’ due to the widespread atrocities he committed. The Indian government repeatedly appealed to the international community, but failing to elicit any response, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on 27 March 1971 expressed full support of her government for the independence struggle of the people of East Pakistan. The Indian leadership under Prime Minister Gandhi quickly decided that it was more effective to end the genocide by taking armed action against Pakistan than to simply give refuge to those who made it across to refugee camps. Exiled East Pakistan army officers and members of the Indian Intelligence immediately started using these camps for recruitment and training of Mukti Bahini guerrillas. The Mukti Bahini Sena played important role in creation of Bangladesh. (Total 214 words)
11. “’Latecomer’ Industrial Revolution in Japan involved certain factors that were markedlydifferent from what West had experienced.” Analyze.
(200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Industrialisation of Japan Reforms Comparison with West Effects on Society
Answer: Japan avoided falling under Western economic control during the nineteenth century. Unlike western countries where industrialisation was led by capitalists, Japan heavily dependent on the government to assume much of the burden of the needed capital. Japan faced heavy pressure in the nineteenth century.Japan did industrialise without sacrificing the distinctive character of its society, unlike the social changes faced by Western countries. The Meiji emperor initiated a series of reforms that abolished feudalism. He established a centralised government. The reforms also promoted industrialisation. The government played a key role in industrial development, building the railroad network and operating mines, shipyards, and heavy industry, while private initiatives dominated in the textile industry. Industrialisation changed the social structure as the new business elite was drawn from all classes, ranging from former samurais to wealthy peasants, but did not divide the society into labourers and industrialists like Western countries.Despite industrialisation, Japan retained many of its traditional characteristics, including the Shinto religion and the inferior position of women. By 1900, Japan was an industrial power and the success of Japanese industrialisation surprised the world. But produced great stress in Japanese society, which threatened revolution. Japanese leaders turned to nationalism, devotion to the emperor, and police repression as an antidote to insecurity and dissent. (Total 211 words)12. “Africa was chopped into States artificially created by accidents of European competition”. Analyze. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Advent of Africa European colonisation Conference of competitors Division
Answer: From the 1800s, European countries began to take control of coastal areas in Africa, like French Algeria, the British Cape Colony in modern-day South Africa. Yet 1880, only small areas of the African continent were under European rule. In European power politics, Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, and Spain were competing among themselves. One way to demonstrate national preeminence was through the acquisition of territories around the world, including Africa. From 1880, in the space of just 30 years, the whole of Africa was carved up by the main European powers. By 1913, the Europeans had drawn boundaries for their 40 new states or ‘colonies’. These boundaries form the basis of the African nations. The European imperialist designs and pressures of the late nineteenth century provoked African political and diplomatic responses and eventually military resistance. This situation was compounded by commercial conflicts between Europeans and Africans. During and after the Berlin Conference various European countries sent out agents to sign so-called treaties of protection with the leaders of African societies, states, kingdoms, decentralised societies, and empires. But African leaders did not welcome the Berlin Conference. The chopping off of Africa was done among the Europeans, without consulting or having consensus of Africa. (Total 205 words)
13. “American Revolution was an economic revolt against mercantilism. Substantiate. (200words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Economic policy of Britain Economic burden on Americans Dissatisfaction Revolt
Answer: After the Seven Years’ War with heavy war debts, Britain’s new policies attempted to exert more control over the colonies and taxing the colonists so that they would help pay for the imperial defence by which they were protected. Old laws designed to benefit British mercantilists were enforced with more severity. A series of new laws, designed to shape American economic activities to benefit Britain, were passed. The Stamp Act was more powerful in arousing widespread anger among the colonists than any of the previous laws. Outraged colonists protested the tax.Two other new laws that caused dissent among the American colonists were the Proclamation of 1763 and the Quartering Act of 1765. American merchants were angry about the hampering of trade and industry by English mercantilist laws. Plantation owners and frontiersmen resented the limitations on Western expansion. Professionals disliked the Stamp Act because it made paper, and thus, newspapers, pamphlets, and legal documents expensive. Consumers hated the high cost of living, due to import duties. Few people cared for the British soldiers packed into the cities and accomplishing little beyond asserting Britain’s supremacy. American opposition to these acts was expressed initially in a variety of peaceful forms. Later it led to the war of independence. (Total 206 words)
14. What policy instruments were deployed to contain the Great Economic Depression? (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Hover’s response Agencies for assistance Assessment Roosevelt’s response 3Rs Assessment
Answer: Herbert Hoover was president when the Great Depression began with the stock market crash in 1929. The two presidents during the Great Depression, Herbert Hoover (1929-1933) and Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945) had varying attitudes about the economy and response. Hoover called for a series of conferences to talk about the problem. He increased public works programs, including government financed building projects. But the public works provided by Hoover were not on a large enough scale to really help. He created agencies to provide assistance, which included:
(a) National Credit Corporation–money for banks to continue to operate.
(b) Reconstruction Finance Corporation – loans to railroads, agriculture and banks,were given out.
(c) Relief– money that went directly to impoverished families. Hoover did not respond immediately so his actions can be summarized as “too little, too late.” Roosevelt’s response included the New Deal. Roosevelt’s plan (1933) for ending the Great Depression was to create many agencies and programs to address specific needs in the economy. In 1935, Roosevelt created the Second New Deal to make the economy grow faster which focused on the three R’s:1. Relief– ease the suffering of the needy2. Recovery – lay the foundation for economic growth3. Reform – prevent a future economic crisis They helped to some extent in providing relief during the great depression.
(Total 220 words)
15. Discuss the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India. (200 words)10 Important Points for Answer: Urbanisation Reasons Problems
Answer: Population residing in urban areas in India, according to 1901 census, was 11.4%. It increased to 28.53% according to 2001 census, and crossing 30% as per 2011 census. Better government services, developed infrastructure, more employment opportunities, educational and healthcare facilities attracted more and more people to migrate towards urban areas. Urbanisation is taking place at a faster rate in India.Rapid rise in urban population, in India, is leading to many problems like increasing slums, decrease in standard of living in urban areas, also causing environmental damage. India has around 300 million people living in metropolitan areas. This has greatly caused slum problems, with so many people over-crowding cities and forcing people to live in unsafe conditions which also includes illegal buildings. Water lines, roads and electricity are lacking which is causing fall of living standards. It is adding to the problem of all types of pollution. Urbanisation results in a disparity in the market, owing to the large demands of the growing population and the primary sector struggling to cope with them. The unemployment rate is increasing. Due to unemployment, crime rate is increasing which creates social and legal problems for administration of urban areas. Lack of fund also results into insufficiency of infrastructure.
(Total 206 words)
16. “Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organisation freefrom gender bias”. Comment. (200 words)10 Important Points for Answer: Gender bias Reasons Male perspective Complementary role
Answer: Sometimes in the zeal of protecting women, feminism grows to the extent of chauvinistic approach. This leads to complete bias picture of the society and organisation. The women’s organisation, focused on the rights and upliftment of women, should be made more inclusive to have better understanding of the society. Gender bias occurs due to personal values, educational and social upbringing of a person. Gender bias can easily crept in women’s organisation due to higher sensitivity towards the women specific issues. Intervention and opinion of men can bring a new perspective. Having men in women’s organisation will also make them sensitive towards crimes and mis-happening against women. Men member can suggest measures for upliftment of women and protection of their rights in the society. False allegations of crimes and harassment raised against men, taking advantages of existing women friendly law, should be examined not only by women but also by a men member. Male member can provide moral support to the organisation of women and thus encourage them by assuring that in fight against injustice women are not alone. Therefore, to bring counter and complementary view of the societal values, men members in women’s organisation can be useful to make it unbiased.
(Total 202 words)
17. Critically examine the effect of globalisation on the aged population in India. (200 words)10 Important Points for Answer: Globalisation Aged population in India Positive impacts Negative impacts Answer:Globalisation has made trade and commerce easy among nations. It also resulted into increased socio-cultural interactions among different communities of the world. It certainly has impacted all class and category of people, including ageing population. India is a country of youth but still being the second largest populated country in the world, it has sizeable aged people number of which is expected to reach 135 million by 2021. India has become medical hub, due to globalisation, of which first impact on aged population is availability of better medical facilities. However, prices of medical services have gone up but government hospitals are a boon. Age related health issues are no more incurable in India. Internet connected society has developed due to globalisation which has engaged all generations, including aged. Good impact on aged people is that they have connectivity but demerit is less attention by youth on elderly people. Many facilities are now available through internet which helps elderly people. Travelling has become faster, smoother and easier for elderly people due to benefits of globalisation. Pension schemes and insurance schemes are available to elders from many private sector companies which have improved financial status of aged population of India. However, globalisation has increased migration which has left more and more elderly people alone. Thus, globalisation has mixed impact on aged population of India. (Total 223 words)
18. Growing feeling of regionalism is an important factor in generation of demand for aseparate State. Discuss. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Regionalism Demands for separate States Reasons for such demands Assessment Answer:Regionalism is attachment and respectful feeling of people who are living in a geographical area towards the region. It also results into political chauvinistic attitude, sometimes. In India, diversity has melted into unity. But regional groups have grown stronger politically. Their region specific demands and interests have strengthened regionalism. Such regionalism has generated demands for separate states. Demand for Harit Pradesh in the Western Uttar Pradesh, Purvanchal in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bodoland in Northern Assam, Saurashtra in Southern Gujarat, Ladakh in Eastern Jammu and Kashmir, Gorkhaland in Northern West Bengal, Kongu Nadu in South Tamil Nadu, Vidarbha in Eastern Maharashtra, Telangana in Andhra Pradesh, Tulu Nadu in Karnataka, Kukiland in Manipur are the main demands being raised by various regions in India. Regionalism is main factors for such demands for a separate state which arises when the people of particular area feel their regional identity is distinct and separate from the rest of the people of the State. Sometimes this regional identity is also accompanied by feeling of being marginalised or alienated. In 2000, Chhattisgarh from Madhya Pradesh, Uttaranchal from Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand from Bihar were created due to such demands. As per one report, if all demands for creation of separate states are conceded to, there would be almost 50 states in India. (Total 215 words)
19. (a) What do you understand by the theory of ‘continental drift’? Discuss the prominentevidences in its support. (100 words) 5
Answer: (a) Continental drift is the movement of the Earth’s continents relative to each other by appearing to drift across the ocean bed. The speculation that continents might have ‘drifted’ was first given by Abraham Ortelius in 1596. Evidence: Similar plant and animal fossils are found around different continent shores, suggesting that they were once joined. The fossils of Mesosaurus, a freshwater reptile rather like a small crocodile, found both in Brazil and South Africa. Widespread distribution of Permo-Carboniferous glacial sediments in South America, Africa, Madagascar, Arabia, India, Antarctica and Australia was one of the major evidence for the theory of continental drift. (Total 102 words)
(b) The recent cyclone on east coast of India was called ‘Phailin’. How are the tropical cyclones named across the world ? Elaborate. (100 words) 5
Answer: (b) Tropical cyclones have officially been named since 1945. More than one can occur in the same region at the same time, therefore names are given for identification. Names are drawn in order from predetermined lists and are usually assigned to tropical cyclones with one-, three-, or ten-minute sustained wind speeds of more than 65 km/h (40 mph) depending on which area it originates. ‘Phailin’, a Thai word meaning sapphire, was a cyclone along the Bay of Bengal. It was named by Thailand in the list of assigned names. The next cyclone in the region will be Helen, a name by Bangladesh. (Total 103 words)
20. (a) Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of theworld. (100 words) 5
Answer: (a) An urban heat island (UHI) is a metropolitan area that is significantly warmer. The main cause of the urban heat island effect is from the modification of land surfaces, which use materials that effectively store short-wave radiation. Waste heat generated by energy usage is a secondary contributor. Population centre tends to expand its area and increase its average temperature. Nighttime warming is due to the short-wave radiation which is still within the concrete, asphalt, and buildings. Other reasons are decreased amount of vegetation, geometric effects, changes in the thermal properties of surface materials and lack of evapotranspiration in urban areas. (Total 102 words)
(b) What do you understand by the phenomenon of ‘temperature inversion’ in meteorology? How does it affect weather and the habitants of the place? (100 words) 5
Answer: (b) In meteorology,”temperature inversion”, is an increase in temperature with height, or to the layer within which an increase of temperature occurs. An inversion can lead to pollution such as smog being trapped close to the ground, with possible adverse effects on health. An inversion can also suppress convection by acting as a «cap». Temperature inversion can notoriously result in freezing rain in cold climates. Temperature inversion stops atmospheric convectionfrom happening in the affected area. It can lead to the air becoming stiller and murky from the collection of dust and pollutants. This can become a problem in cities where many pollutants exist. (Total 104 words)
21. Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 deg N latitudes and on the western side of the continents. Why? (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Hot Deserts Ocean currents Distance from ocean Rain shadow High pressure Answer:The hot deserts are located between 20-30° latitude and on the western side of the continents are because these climatic deserts are produced due to cold ocean currents, distance from oceanic moisture sources, mountain produced rain shadow which are the main factors for desert in these latitudes. Earth rotates from west to east, so first the sun rays will fall on the eastern side of earth. As a result of high temperature, low pressure is created which will result in rainfall. There will be many obstructs on the way of these moisture laden clouds. So the western part will remain dry, creating deserts. In the horse latitudes where constant high pressure and low temperature caused cold current, such deserts are created. Complex air circulation patterns caused by the rotation of earth, Coriolis effect, is also a reason. Areas within a continent may become desert because air currently reaching them already lost the moisture.20-30 degree latitude appears directly overhead at the noon. Major desert land appears in these two discontinuous belts because more land surface occur in these latitudes. The Great Basin of USA and deserts Australia are caused by “rain shadow effect” through which coastal mountains milk rain from the air before it passes inland. (Total 208 words)
22. (a) Bring out the causes for more frequent occurrence of landslides in the Himalayasthan in the Western Ghats. (100 words) 5
Answer: (a)Landslide includes a wide range of ground movements, such as rockfalls, deep failure of slopes and shallow debris flows. The Himalayas and the Western Ghats are the two regions most vulnerable to landslides. The Himalayas Mountain belt comprise of tectonically unstable younger geological formations. They are subjected to severe seismic activity. The slides in the Himalayas region are huge and massive. The Western Ghats and nilgiris are geologically stable. However, they have uplifted plateau margins influenced by neo-tectonic activity. Some natural activities such as heavy rainfall, large temperature variation, occurrence of large magnitude of earthquakes etc cause frequent landslides in Himalaya region. (Total 103 words)
(b) There is no formation of deltas by rivers of the Western Ghats. Why?
(100 words) 5
Answer: (b)There are many rivers flowing from Western Ghats such as Narmada, Tapti, Godawari, Krishna, Kaveri, Tunga, Many of which originate from the western Ghat Mountains and fall in to the Arabian Sea. As they pass through the hard rocks, these rivers contain very little amount of slits. Due to the high gradient and steep slope of Western Ghat, these rivers flow at a high speed and so they are unable to deposits slits. There is lack of plain land to slow down the velocity of rivers and bifurcate in to tributaries. Rock terrain of western ghats does not allow the rivers to spread out much. Therefore, they do not make delta, but estuaries. (Total 113 words)
23. (a) Do you agree that there is a growing trend of opening new sugar mills in southernstates of India? Discuss with justification. (100 words) 5
Answer: (a) Main centre for sugar mills of India had been North India, especially UP. New sugar mills opening in South India is a new trend. Recently plantation of sugarcane has started in south India which has attracted more sugar mills. Uniform temperature, better irrigation facilities, moisture effects of ocean has better effect on sugar contents which yields high productivity of sugar. Transportation of sugarcane from south India to north India is expensive but establishment of a sugar mill is not heavy capital intensive industry. Sugar is also an export oriented commodity which are better facilitated by vicinity of South Indian ports. Due to all these reasons, south India has more sugar mills now. (Total 112 words)
(b) Analyze the factors for the highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India. (100 words) 5 Answer:(b) India is the second largest producer of cotton in the world. Its cotton textile industry was primarily located in Gujarat and Maharashtra. But with widespread cultivation of cotton seeds throughout India, cotton textile industry are also becoming decentralised. Local weavers, artisans, market, less transport cost, local fashion and traditions and entrepreneurship has been responsible for such widespread of industry. Irrigation facilities, better return in cotton, non-perishable commodity and less capital required in growing cotton seeds has encouraged farmers to grow cotton instead of other crops. This has resulted into establishment of less capital intensive mills at clusters. Availability of labour and technology has also played role. (Total 107 words)
24. With growing scarcity of fossil fuels, the atomic energy is gaining more and more significance in India. Discuss the availability of raw material required for the generation of atomic energy in India and in the world. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Scarcity of fossil fuel India’s atomic energy programme Availability of raw material
Answer: Fossil fuels are formed after a lengthy process of millions of years. Due to limited reserve, they are going to be exhausted in 50-80 years of period. They are environmental hazard. India is mostly dependent of imported fossil fuels which costs on FOREX reserve. In such situation, the atomic energy programme is very the best alternative. Atomic energy is the source of Nuclear power, which uses sustained nuclear fission to generate heat and electricity.Among all the radioactive elements - Uranium and Thorium are the most critical for generation of Nuclear Energy. Thorium is much more abundant in nature than uranium. India has around 1-2% of the global uranium reserves and about 21% of the world’s known thorium reserves. India has three-stage nuclear power programme which was initiated by Dr. Homi Bhabha. Uranium and thorium reserves are found in the monazite sands of coastal regions of South India. Kazakhstan, Canada, Australia, Niger, Namiba and Russia are largest Uranium reserves of the world. Largest deposits of thorium is found in Malabar coast of Kerala which is sufficient to generate 3.5 lakh MW energy for 300 years. India is the largest reserve of thorium, followed by Australia, USA and Turkey. (Total 200 words)25. It is said that India has substantial reserves of shale oil and gas, which can feed the needsof the country for quarter century. However, tapping of the resource does not appear to be high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and issues involved. (200 words)10 Important Points for Answer: Shale oil and gas India’s reserve Policy in India Difficulties Assessment
Answer: Shale gas & oil is defined as natural gas & oil from shale formations. Shale gas is natural gas which is found trapped within shale formations. The shale acts as both the source and the reservoir for these unconventional hydrocarbons. India has an estimated 96 trillion cubic feet of recoverable shale gas reserves. In India, shale oil and gas reserves are found mainly in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. Sedimentary basins like Cambay Basin, Gondwana Basin, KG Basin, Cauvery Basin, Indo-Gangetic Basin, Assam & Assam- Arakan Basin etc are considered prospective from Shale oil and gas point of view. Shale gas requires complex extraction process and its drilling requires more land than natural gas or coal bed methane. Minimum 80-160 acres necessary for each well. Technology and investment are also major issues. Only shale formations with certain characteristics will produce gas and oil. To exploit shale gas and oil in the country, the government on October 14, 2013 announced the policy guidelines for exploration and exploitation of shale gas and oil by ONGC and OIL in their on-land Petroleum Exploration Licence and petroleum mining lease areas awarded under the nomination regimes. However, the policy is yet to be tested on the anvil of time. (Total 205 words)
Instructions : There are TWENTY FIVE questions printed both in English and in Hindi. All questions are compulsory. The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it. Answers must be written in the medium authorised in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in medium other than the authorised one. Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to. Any page or portion of the page left blank in the answer book must be clearly struck off.
1. The role of individual MPs (Member of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law which was legislated but with a different intention?
(200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Individual MPs role Anti-Defection Law Whip Assessment
Answer: Parliament can be effective only if individual MPs have a significant role as law makers, and if they can be held accountable for their actions by their electorate. In the last few years, the role of individual Members of Parliament diminish on account of the Anti-Defection Law. The 10th Schedule to the Constitution, popularly referred to as the ‘Anti- Defection Law,’ was inserted by the 52nd Amendment in 1985. It specifies grounds of disqualification. A member would incur a disqualificationwhen he “voluntarily gives up his membership of a party” and when he/she votes or abstains from voting contrary to the directive issued by the party. The ruling party can ensure the support of each of its MP by issuing a whip. If it needs to build further support to get a majority, it only needs to convince the leaders of other parties, and not individual MPs. In a sense, the role of an MP is diminished to just a person who has to follow orders from the party bosses. It was believed that Anti-Defection Law would ensure stability of the government in an environment where money power can be used to persuade individual MPs to bring down elected governments. The other argument is that MPs are elected on the party ticket. (Total 215 words)
2. Discuss Section 66A of IT Act, with reference to the alleged violation of Article 19 of the Constitution. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: PILs against Section 66A Restriction on speech Violation of Article 19
Answer: Recently several PILs have been filed challenging the constitutionality of Section 66A of the IT Act. It is submitted to the Supreme Court that Section 66A curbs freedom of speech and expression and violates Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution. The petition further contends that the expressions used in the Section are “vague” and “ambiguous” and that 66A is subject to “wanton abuse” in view of the subjective powers conferred on the police to interpret the law. The Union government has defended the constitutionality of Section 66A relying first on the “Advisory on Implementation of Section 66A of the Information Technology Act 2000” issued by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology on January 9, 2013. The drafters of Section 66A(b) have equated known criminal offences in the real world with acts such as causing annoyance and inconvenience that can never constitute an offence in the real world and should not be offences in the virtual world. Therefore, the legislative restrictions on freedom of speech in Section 66A(b) cannot be considered as being necessary to achieve a legitimate objective. Section 66A should not be considered a ‘reasonable restriction’ within the meaning of Article 19 of the Constitution and must be struck down as an unconstitutional restriction on freedom of speech. (Total 214 words)
3. Recent directives from Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are perceived by the ‘Nagas’ as a threat to override the exceptional status enjoyed by the State. Discuss in light of Article 371A of the Indian Constitution. (200 words)10 Important Points for Answer: Nagaland and Article 371A Resources in Nagaland Order of MoPNG Legal status Solution
Answer: The 1960 Agreement was the basis for the creation of Nagaland in December 1963. Article 371A facilitated negotiated sovereignty of the Nagas on matters pertaining to their religious and social practices, customary laws and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice, ownership and transfer of land and resources. Legal luminaries have concurred that “land and its resources” as used in Article 371 A(1)(a)(iv) includes mines and minerals. The Nagaland Legislative Assembly passed a resolution on July 26, 2010 to the effect that laws made by Parliament on petroleum and natural gas would be inapplicable in Nagaland with retrospective effect. Then after Ministry suspended all oil operations in the State. Recently Nagas have objected to the June 2013 request of Union Minister Mr. Moily to withdraw the Nagaland Petroleum and Natural Gas Resolution,2012. The Nagaland government held a consultative meeting with various sections of civil society and rejected Mr. Moily’s request and also demanded that the GoI implement the unfulfilled clauses of the Sixteen Point Agreement, 1960, and place Nagaland under the Ministry of External Affairs. This may set up a new confrontation with the Central government. The issue needs to be resolved, given the constitutional status of Nagaland under Article 371A, Centre government has to take into confidence the Nagas on the issue at hand. (Total 219 words)
4. ‘The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution”. Discuss critically. (200 words)10 Important Points for Answer: Article 368 and amending power Judicial decisions Amendments Severability
Answer: The Constitution can be amended only by Parliament and only in the manner provided in Article 368. Although Parliament must preserve the basic framework of the Constitution, there is no other limitation placed upon the amending power, meaning that there is no provision of the Constitution that cannot be amended. The current limitation on amending power of Parliament comes from the decision of Keshavananda Bharati v. The State of Kerala, 1973 where the Supreme Court ruled that amendments of the constitution must not violate the “basic structure” of the constitution, and certain fundamental features of the constitution cannot be altered by amendment. Parliament attempted to remove this limitation of ‘basic structure’ by enacting the Forty-second Amendment, 1976 which declared, inter alia, that “there shall be no limitation whatever on the constituent power of Parliament to amend”. However, this change was itself later declared invalid by the Supreme Court in Minerva Mills v. Union of India, 1980. The entire constitutional amendment is not void for being violative of the limitations provided by the constitution and judicial decisions on the parliament. As declared by the Supreme Court in Kihota Hollohonv. Zachilhu 1993, that if part of amendment which is violating the basic structure of constitution is severable, only part will be void and rest of the amendment will be valid. (Total 220 words)
5. Many State Governments further bifurcate geographical administrative areas like Districts and Talukas for better governance. In light of the above, can it also be justified that more number of smaller States would bring in effective governance at State level ? Discuss. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Administrative divisions Small states benefits Small states disadvantages Assessment
Answer: Country is divided into states, states into districts, districts into talukas, talukas into villages, villages into wards for administrative purposes. Smaller divisions can be administered and managed efficiently. On the same argument, though for different reasons, there are demands for smaller states in India. The premise of creating smaller States in India shifted from the formation of linguistic states to one of, since the 1990s, rearranging them on the basis of backwardness and a lack of development. Smaller states mean key decisions will be taken closer to the ground. Administering large and diverse states is more complex and probably inefficient as well, though there can be economies of scale in some ways. The average Indian state is 4.2 crores people, where actual sizes vary from the 20 crores of Uttar Pradesh to states such as Arunachal, with just a few thousand people scattered all over.The 50-state USA has an average state population of just 62 lakh. A smaller state is vulnerable politically and on local, racial, cultural or religious issues. Ananalysis of Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand proves that mere formation of a smaller State is no guarantee for better lives. Therefore, all options need to be weighed but we do not need to be completely averse to the idea. (Total 212 words)
6. Constitutional mechanism to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Act of 1956 Creation of tribunals Awards of tribunals Inadequacy Assessment
Answer: The Interstate River Water Disputes Act, 1956 (IRWD Act) is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted under Article 262 of Constitution of India. It aims to resolve the water disputes that would arise in the use, control and distribution of an interstate river or river valley. All these tribunal awards were issued before the year 2002 which cannot be altered by the new tribunals. The tribunals formed on sharing water of Ravi & Beas rivers, Cauvery/Kaveri river, Vamsadhara River, Mahadayi/Mandovi River and Krishna River (tribunal 2) are either yet to pronounce the verdicts or the issued verdicts are to be accepted by the Government of India. Recently, Cauvery water disputes tribunal order was notified by the Gol in February 2013.In the case of Cauvery River basin, SC directed the Gol to set up a temporary Supervisory Committee to implement the tribunal order till the constitution of Cauvery Management Board by Gol. Gol established the said temporary Supervisory Committee in May 2013. The issue has yet not been resolved. In the case of Babli barrage dispute, SC itself constituted the Supervisory Committee to implement the water sharing agreement between Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh in middle Godavari sub basin. The issue remains unresolved. Thus, the mechanism has not proved to be adequate and no dispute has been solved satisfactorily. (Total 221 words)
7. Discuss the recommendations of the Thirteenth Finance Commission which have been a departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: 13th FC Two types of grants Nine conditions
Answer: The 13th FC has given some recommendations departing from the previous Finance Commissions. It has divided the grants to be distributed to the states for local bodies into two parts - general basic grant and general performance grant.The performance grant can be accessed only if the state complies with nine conditions, which in other words can be called reforms. States are given one year 2010-2011 to comply with these conditions before they can access the performance grant from 2011-2012. These nine conditions are: The State Government must put in place a supplement to the budget documents for local bodies. The State Government must put in place Audit System. The State Government must put in place a system of independent local body Ombudsmen. The State Government put in place a system to electronically transfer local body grants provided by the Commission. The State Government must prescribe through an Act the qualifications of persons eligible for appointment as a member of the SFC. All local bodies should be fully enabled to Levy Property Tax without hindrance. The State Government must put in place a State Property Tax Board. The State government must gradually put in place standards for delivery of essential services. All municipal corporations with a population of more than one million
(2001 census) must put in place a Fire -hazard Response and Mitigation plan for their respective jurisdictions. (Total 230 words)
8. The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Insurance Products Financial Products IRDA function SEBI function Proposed merger
Answer: Insurance companies are offering equity linked plans, mutual fund type of policies and various other products which are mainly dependent on market performance. This is no more a insurance product but more on share, debenture and equity based policies. Similarly financial institutions like banks have started offering insurance policies and mutual funds. Financial institutions have also embarked in the fields of equity, shares and insurance IRDA has the duty to regulate, promote and ensure orderly growth of the insurance business and re-insurance business. SEBI’s primary function is described to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities market and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. A multiplicity of regulatory agencies has created scope for regulatory arbitrage and are facing difficult to protect consumer interest. But as the products have divulged the boundaries and submerged into each other’s domain, these institutions cannot control them in isolation. Therefore, the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC) has recently recommended for a single or super regulator to replace those in equity, commodities, pensions and insurance sectors. The 2010 spat between SEBI and IRDA on the jurisdiction over ULIP is a case in point.The idea is to move from sectoral regulation to a broader framework of rules and principles. (Total 217 words)
9. The concept of Mid Day Meal (MDM) scheme is almost a century old in India with early beginning in Madras Presidency in pre-independent India. The scheme has again been given impetus in most states in the last two decades. Critically examine its twin objectives, latest mandates and success. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Mid Day Meal in Madras Aims/Objectives of MDM Right to Food a Fundamental Right
Answer: The Mid Day Meal scheme was first introduced in Madras Corporation by the British administration in 1925 which was followed in Puducherry by French administration in 1930. The Mid-day Meal Scheme involves provision of lunch free of cost to schoolchildren on all working days which aims at addressing malnutrition by ensuring that every child is provided at least one nutritious meal every day. It also aims at enhancing school enrollment and attendance, since kids are encouraged by the meal to attend school. Other benefits of the scheme, such as helping kids to concentrate on classroom activities, improving socialization among children belonging to different castes, and providing employment to women to cook the midday meal are also ancillary. Cooked midday meals are provided to all children attending Classes I-VIII in government, local body, government aided, and National Child Labour Project (NCLP) schools. The cooked meal provides an energy content of 450 calories and protein content of 12 grams at primary stage and an energy content of 700 calories and protein content of 20 grams at upper primary stage. The Supreme Court delivered a judgement that under the People’s Union for Civil Liberties(PUCL) v Union of India, providing that Article 21 read with Articles 39(a) and 47 makes the right to food a fundamental right. (Total 218 words)
10. Pressure group politics is sometimes seen as the informal face of politics. With regard to the above, assess the structure and functioning of pressure groups in India. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Pressure groups Their importance Types and examples Their importance in India
Answer: Pressure groups play a vital role in democracy by seeking to promote, discuss, debate and mobilize public opinion on major public issues. They educate people and widen their vision, enhance their democratic participation and raise and articulate various issues. In India, there are many pressure groups. There are pressure groups based on traditional social structure.There are groups like Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, Sanathan Dharma Sabha, Parsee Anjuman, and Anglo-Indian Christian Association. There are the caste groups such as the Brahmin Sabha, the Nair society, and the language groups such as the Tamil Sangh, the Anjuman-e-Terraqi-e- Urdu. Bodies such as the Federation of the Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) or those related to workers and peasants like All India Trade Union Congress, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, the Kisan Sabha, etc. also play important role in Indian politics. The Self-Employed Women‘s Association (SEWA) has influenced the government to improve its policies on the rights of women workers. Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan led the people‘s movement which got the government to bring about the law on ‚Right to Information‘. Pressure groups also use politicalmethods of holdingdemonstrations, sitting on dharnas, going on strikes, organising public meetings, presenting memorandums to legislative committees, promoting their causes through use of media and creation of public opinion. (Total 217 words)
11. The legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their patrons, the micro-finance outfits, need systematic assessment and scrutiny for the sustained success of the concept. Discuss. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: SHG Problems Recommendations
Answer: Self-Help Group (SHG), a smallassociation of people, more or less from the same socio-economic background, are formed to protect and promote interest of the group. The purpose of solving their common problems through self-help and mutual help is served through SHG. They promote small savings among its members which is kept in a bank. Usually, the number of members in one SHG does not exceed twenty. However, legitimacy and accountability of Self Help Groups are facing a lot of problems, including multiple lending, over borrowing, ghost borrowers and coercive method of recovery. For this purpose, a Sub-Committee of the Central Board of the RBI under the Chairmanship of Y. H. Malegam was constituted. It suggested, inter alia, to have a sufficient moratorium period between the start of repayment and the disbursement of loan, to restrict borrower membership of only one SHG to tackle multiple-lending, to allow MFI to give loans to people as members of SHGs, and not as mere individuals, to avoid multiple lending and over-borrowing, to ensure that one borrower is not taking a loan from two MFIs at a time and no further loan until prior loans are not paid fully. (Total 201 words)
12. The Central Government frequently complains on the poor performance of the State Governments in eradicating suffering of the vulnerable sections of the society. Restructuring of Centrally sponsored schemes across the sectors for ameliorating the cause of vulnerable sections of population aims at providing flexibility to the States in better implementation. Critically evaluate. (200 words)10 Important Points for Answer: Centrally Sponsored Schemes Implementation Problems Restructuring Solutions
Answer: Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs) are those for which finance is provided by Centre Government but their implementation rests on the states. Centre complains poor performance on the parts of States in implementation of these schemes. States lay emphasis on release of funds by the Centre rather than ensuring the quality of expenditure and attainment of the objectives. Misuse of the funds provided for vulnerable sectors and sections of the society is also a problem. It happens some time due to political reasons, corruption, infrastructural and other issues. Union government, due to lack of machinery, is not able to controltvhe execution of such schemes. It results into poor result, overrun of cost, maladministration etc. Therefore, to get better result, central schemes need restructuring so that the vulnerable sections of the society get intended advantage. Number of central government schemes are reduced and instead of fully funded schemes of centre, now partially funded schemes are implemented which encourages states to perform better in execution. Direct transfer of funds to the beneficiaries, involvement of Panchayats, Social audit and other checks are useful for better result. It is also considered that more financial autonomy to states may result into better implementation of central schemes. (Total 200 words)
13. Electronic cash transfer system for the welfare schemes is an ambitious project to minimize corruption, eliminate wastage and facilitate reforms. Comment. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Electronic Cash Transfer Project Benefits in Welfare Schemes Reforms
Answer: Government launched cash transfer by electronic mode in 51 districts in 2013 for 29 schemes. Subsidies in kerosene, fertilisers and LPG will be transferred as cash to the beneficiaries in their bank accounts. Benefits such as scholarships, pensions, and MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) wages will be directly credited to the bank or post office accounts of identified beneficiaries. This is linked to the Aadhaar number of Individuals to prevent cash leak, duplication, fake subsidy and other problems related to the benefit transfers of welfare schemes of the government. It will reduce paper work and ensure that only intended beneficiaries get the cash. Fast, efficient and automated system will be set up. It will minimise inclusion and exclusion errors as well as corruption that are associated with manual processes. However, there are challenges like non availability of bank accounts with all beneficiaries, bank or post offices do not have branches in small rural areas, illiteracy and lack of infrastructure and logistics. Time frame for bringing all schemes and beneficiaries under direct electronic transfer of cash is longer and will require a robust IT infrastructure. Given the size of population and geographical extent of country, it will be a robust task but will ensure efficient, non-corrupt and targeted cash benefits.
(Total 213 words)
14. The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Concept Main objectives Strategy Benefits
Answer: Provision of Urban Amenities to Rural Areas (PURA) was given by former president Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and discussed in his book Target 3 Billion which he co-authored with Srijan Pal Singh. This concept PURA proposes that urban infrastructure and services be provided in rural hubs to create economic opportunities outside of cities. Main aspect of PURA is dependent on physical connectivity by providing roads, electronic connectivity by providing communication network, and knowledge connectivity byestablishing professional and Technical institutions. It will have to be done in an integrated way so that economic connectivity will emanate. Such a model of establishing a circular connectivity among the rural village complexes will accelerate rural development process. The Indian central government has been running pilot PURA programs since2004.The Mission & Vision of PURA is to bring together the experience & expertise of both public & private players to achieve the objectives. To make the basic amenities like good roads and drinking water accessible to people even in remote villages, The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), re-launched the scheme PURA as a Central Sector scheme during the remaining period of the eleventh five-year plan. The vision of the scheme in particular is providing dual benefits like rural infrastructure development along with economic re-generation activities.
(Total 215 words)
15. Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health. Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: MDG Health related MDG Indian programmes
Answer: Eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for 2015 were set by UN in 2000. All 191 countries and 22 international organisations committed to them. The goal to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases included target to halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS, to halt and begin to reverse the incidence of malaria and other major diseases. Government of India launched a comprehensive National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
(2005) to improve and strengthen the existing rural health care.National AIDS Control Programme aims at prevention for those whole infected and care, support and treatment for those who have been infected. Launched in July 2007, National AIDS Control Programme Phase-III (2007 - 2012) has the goal to halt and reverse the epidemic. The goal to reduce child mortality included target to reduce under five mortality rate by two-thirds. Government of India has launched various programmes in this direction which include Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses (IMNCI), Home-Based Newborn Care
(HBNC), New Born Care Scheme (NBCS), and Immunization facilities. The goal to improve maternal health included target to reduce maternal mortality ratioby three quarters. The Janani Suraksha Yojana launched in 2005 by government aims to bring down the MMR by promoting institutional deliveries conducted by skilled birth attendants. (Total 214 words)
16. Though Citizens’ charters have been formulated by many public service delivery organisations, there is no corresponding improvement in the level of citizens’ satisfaction and quality of services being provided. Analyse. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Citizens’ Charter Purpose Non-binding Limitations
Answer: Citizen’s Charter is a document which represents a systematic effort to focus on the commitment of the Organisation towards its Citizens in respects of Standard of Services, Information, Choice and Consultation, Nondiscrimination and Accessibility, Grievance Redress, Courtesy and Value for Money.This also includes expectations of the Organisation from the Citizen for fulfilling the commitment of the Organisation. However, the Citizen’s Charter is not legally enforceable and, therefore, is non-justiciable. But it is a tool for facilitating the delivery of services to citizens with specified standards, quality and time frame etc. with commitments from the Organisation and its clients. Sometimes though Citizens’ Charter is prepared but Citizens’ are not satisfied due to various reasons like not being transparent, not being self-explanatory, being too complex, or for not being followed. Sometimes important functions are delegated to non-responsive and less efficient officers which results into failure to deliver service in time bound manner. The charter is prepared, sometimes, without consultation, without realising limits of resources in the organisation, which results into failure to implement it properly. Charter is not updated and revised properly, resulting into outdated information. Lack of awareness among general public may also result into dissatisfaction of the beneficiaries. (Total 203 words)
17. ‘A national Lokpal however strong it may be, cannot resolve the problems of immorality in public affairs.’ Discuss. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Lokpal bill Objectives Public morality Limitations Awareness
Answer: Lokpal bill, which aims to prevent corruption but to punish the corrupt, targets executive, bureaucratic and judicial authorities. By absorbing all existing anti-corruption agencies, the Lokpal will have complete powers of independent investigation and prosecution. There is lack of an approach which is qualitatively different from that of existing institutions of the state. But if public morality is touching lows, this will not help. A transparent system will prevent corruption. In order to ensure transparency, the process of decisionmaking has tobe fundamentally altered. There are cases where people encourage officers to take bribe and do illegal work, not the other way round. Lokpal can tackle corruption only if a complaint is brought forward by people. In case public is conniving to bypass the system and get advantage by avoiding procedures, Lokpal will not be able to detect such corruption with agreement. If people are not aware of Lokpal and its power, function of Lokpal will be limited and curtailed. Therefore, there is requirement of education and awareness of people to not encourage or promote corruption by getting involved in these practices. Apart from enacting Lokpal bill, there is need to start an active campaign to improve public morality. (Total 201 words)
18. The proposed withdrawal of International Security Assistance Force
(ISAF) from Afghanistan in 2014 is fraught with major security implications for the countries of the region. Examine in light of the fact that India is faced with a plethora of challenges and needs to safeguard its own strategic interests. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Withdrawal of ISAF Inability of ANSF Political instability Taliban Drug trade India’s interest India’s options
Answer: Withdrawal of ISAF from Afghanistan would be a proven security threat to the region. Militants might be restructured and could threaten the peace of south and central Asia. Afghan forces are not ready and able to discharge their responsibility effectively. NATO’s withdrawal from Afghanistan can provide a chance to Taliban to challenge the Afghan National Security Force(ANSF). As political process and nation building is not very effective, Jihadi groups can affect the process. Islamabad has assisted the Taliban and is accused of supporting the Taliban groups fighting ISAF forces in Afghanistan. Afghanistan remains a leading cultivator and producer of opium in the world, threatening the health and well-being of people and fuel crime and corruption, and can be used to finance terrorist activity. India has vital strategic interests in Afghanistan and has invested in various projects. It provides strategic depth to India and peace and stability of Afghanistan is of utmost importance to India. Options for India include active engagement with government and people of Afghanistan as also providing economic aid, technical assistance and training to armed forces and police. Afghanistan is vital for the revival of the silk route, a gateway for India to Central Asia for trade and energy resources. (Total 204 words)
19. What do you understand by “The String of Pearls”? How does it impact India ? Briefly outline the steps taken by India to counter this.
(200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: String of Pearls Ports with China Indian strategy
Answer: China has established a number of port relationships in the Indian Ocean that make it possible for them to support increased navy operations.All these ports are commercial operations, where Chinese firms have upgraded or built commercial ports and run them. This makes it easy for the Chinese Navy to visit (for repairs, supplies, or shore leave for the crews). Till now”string of pearls” includes Bangladesh
(Chittagong), Burma (Sittwe and Coco Island), Sri Lanka (Hambantota), Pakistan (Gwadar), and Tanzania (Bagamoyo). In 2007, the Indian Navy published the “Indian Maritime Doctrine”, a document outlining prospective Indian naval strategies. It describes ambitions for an active Indian naval presence from the Strait of Hormuz to the Strait of Malacca. The doctrine makes explicit mention of the need to police international shipping lanes and control choke points of Indian Ocean trade in particular. In 2011, the Indian government further announced that the governmentfinanced deepwater port in Sittwe, Burma is to be functional by June 2013, with an additional highway connecting the port to India to be completed by2014. In the last two decades, India has stealthily straddled its interests in the Indian Ocean Rim. This is the classical strategy of gaining influence by conjoining economic perks and power, with military diplomacy called ‘Showing the Flag’. (Total 214 words)
20. Economic ties between India and Japan while growing in the recent years are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Bilateral trade & investment Cooperation in projects Policy constraints
Answer: Japan is currently India’s third largest source of foreign direct investment with Japanese companies have made cumulative investments of around US$2.6 billion in India since 1991. Japan has assisted India in infrastructure development projects such as the Delhi Metro Rail Project. Both sides are discussing the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Project and Dedicated Freight Corridor Projects on the Mumbai- Delhi and the Delhi-Howrah routes. The Japanese government has expressed interest to help establish a Chennai- Bangalore Industrial corridor and a Dedicated Freight project in the South, connecting the cities of Bangalore and Chennai. During Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’svisit to Japan in 2010, both countries agreed expand cooperation. After signing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Japan, it is expected that trade might double in the coming years. Despite all this, economic ties between India and Japan are far below from their potential. Some of the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth are: Japan is reluctant to provide free movement of professionals between the two countries. The mutual complementarities among the two countries has been remained underexploited. The lack of a civil nuclear agreement is stopping Japanese big companies like Hitachi, Toshiba and Mitsubishi from exporting nuclear reactors and technology to India who wants to its nuclear capacity. (Total 213 words)
21. The protests in Shahbag Square in Dhaka in Bangladesh reveal a fundamental split in society between the nationalists and Islamic forces. What is its significance for India? (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: The protest Reasons Reactions India’s concerns
Answer: The 2013 Shahbag protests began on 5 February 2013 and later spread to other parts of Bangladesh. The International Crimes Tribunal had sentenced Abdul Quader Mollah to life in prison after he was convicted on five of six counts of war crimes. People demanded capital punishment for Abdul Quader Mollah who had been sentenced to life imprisonment, and for others convicted of war crimes by the International Crimes Tribunal. Later demands included banning the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party from politics and a boycott of institutions supportingthe party. Protesters considered sentence too lenient, given his crimes. Tens of thousands of people joined the demonstration, which gave rise to protests across the country. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) welcomed the Shahbag protest, while warning the government not to make political mileage from a movement demanding capital punishment for war criminals. India cannot intervene or step in but can demand the Bangladeshi State to look after its minorities and prevent further attacks on Hindus. The protests were a sign of the open-mindedness of the Bangladeshi youth, who were battling extremism and upholding fundamental values of democracy.They show their concern, their involvement, and their aspiration. India is affected by any turbulence in Bangladesh which may result into instability and influx of refugees in India. (Total 214 words)
22. Discuss the political developments in Maldives in the last two years. Should they be of any cause of concern to India? (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Protest in Maldives Resignation of Nasheed Demonstration New elections India’s concern
Answer: A series of peaceful protests broke out in the Maldives on 1 May2011. The protests occurred during the Arab Spring. They continued, eventually escalating into the resignation ofPresident Mohamed Nasheed in disputed circumstances inFebruary 2012. Demonstrators were protesting government’s mismanagement of the economy and were calling for the ouster of President Mohamed Nasheed. The main political opposition, Maldivian People’s Party, led by the former president of the country Maumoon Abdul Gayoom accused President Nasheed of talking about democracy but not putting it into practice. The primary cause for the protests was rising of commodity prices and a poor economic situation in the country. The protests led to a resignation of President Mohamed Nasheed on 7 February 2012, and the Vice President Mohammed Waheed Hassan Manik was sworn as the new president of Maldives. In April 2012, new elections were announced to be held in July 2013. Maldives police joined the protesters after refusing to use force on them. Stability in Maldives is of concern for India from strategic, political and economic perspective. India has provided extensive economic aid. Approximately 29,000 Indians live and work in the Maldives and almost 22,000 of them live in the capital city. The Indian government has expressed concern over continuing political instability in the Maldives. (Total 213 words)
23. In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Tamil community International issues Pressure from Tamil Nadu Effects on bilateral relations
Answer: India and Sri Lanka relations are greatly influenced by domestic politics because of fate of sizeable Tamil community living in Sri Lanka. In 2012 Washington sponsored a resolution intended to press for accountability for the events that took place at the end of Sri Lanka’s civil war. India’s “yes” vote reflected pressure from Tamil Nadu. This was a departure from normal practice of not voting for country-specific resolutions. The second act took place at the March 2013 UNHRC meeting. The release of film footage reportedly showing the killing of the Tamil rebel leader’s twelve-year-old son, created widespread revulsion in India. The Sri Lanka conflict is deeply embedded in Tamil parties and they use alliances and disputes with the party in power in Delhi to further their quest for state primacy. The DMKmounted a demand that India not just vote for the resolution but amend it to accuse the Sri Lankan government of “genocide and war crimes.” The DMK took its campaign on the road. The Government of India cancelled the upcoming India-Sri Lanka defence dialogue. The DMK pulled out of the government coalition, citing the U.N. resolution. India and Sri Lanka were left with some difficult fences to mend. (Total 205 words)24. What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Doesithave any relevance today? Discuss. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Doctrine Five principles Relevance
Answer: The Gujral Doctrine is a set of five principles to guide the conduct of foreign relations with India’s immediate neighbours as spelt out by IK Gujral, first as India’s foreign minister and later as the prime minister. These five principles arise from the belief that India’s stature and strength cannot be divorced from the quality of its relations with its neighbours. The doctrine recognises the supreme importance of friendly, cordial relations with neighbours.
These five principles are:1. With neighbours like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, India does not ask for reciprocity, but gives and accommodates what it can in good faith and trust;2. No South Asian country should allow its territory to be used against the interest of another country of the region;3. No country should interfere in the internal affairs of another;4. All South Asian countries must respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty;5. They should settle all their disputes through peaceful bilateral negotiations. The Gujaral doctrine remains of relevance even today because if these five principles, adhered to, would achieve a fundamental recasting of South Asia’s regional relationships. The implementation of these principles would create mutual cooperation in the region. (Total 200 words)
25. The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandate are distinctly different. Elucidate. (200 words)10 Important Points for Answer: Bretton Woods Institution World Bank Functions IMF Functions
Answer: Known collectively as the Bretton Woods Institutions after a place where they were founded in July 1944, the Bank and the IMF are twin intergovernmental pillars. The World Bank is to deal with issues more related to structure within a country. There is a major difference that world bank provide a long term loan for distressed economy and member countries. Three priorities guide World Bank with countries to end poverty and boost prosperity for the poorest people. To create sustainable economic growth, as the surest path out of poverty. To invest in people, through access to health care, education, water and sanitation, and energy. To build resilience to shocks and threats that can roll back decades of progress. The IMF concerns itself with macroeconomics issues, such as balance of payment issues, international trade policy, and exchange rates. The IMF grants the short term loans to develop the cyclical disturbance in economy.The IMF’s fundamental mission is to ensure the stability of the international monetary system. It does so in three ways: keeping track of the global economy and the economies of member countries; lending to countries with balance of payments difficulties; and giving practical help to members. Thus, having many common characteristics, the Bretton Woods Institutions have distinct functions. (Total 209 words)
Instructions : There are TWENTY FIVE questions printed both in English and in Hindi. All the questions are compulsory. The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it. Answers must be written in the medium authorised in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in medium other than the authorised one. Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to. Any page or portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off.
1. With a consideration towards the strategy of inclusive growth, the new Companies Bill, 2013 has indirectly made CSR a mandatory obligation. Discuss the challenges expected in its implementation in right earnest. Also discuss other provisions in the Bill and their implications. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Companies Act 2013 Provisions of the bill CSR Mandatory Challenges in implementation
Answer: The Companies Act 2013 received assent of the President in August 2013 and replaced the earlier Act of 1956 in partial manner. The act requires companies to set up a CSR board committee consisting of at least three directors, one of whom must be independent. The company requires to spend at least 2 percent of the average net profits made during the three immediately preceding financial years on CSR activities. If the company fails to spend this amount on CSR, the board must disclose reasons in its annual report. The act defines CSR as activities that promote poverty reduction, education, health, environmental sustainability, gender equality, and vocational skills development. Companies can choose which area to invest in, or contribute the amount to central or state government funds earmarked for socioeconomic development. New provisions of the Act may be hailed as a positive step forward in ensuring that profit making corporates contribute to equitable and sustainable development of the society. However, it may not greatly improve CSR. Indian companies still equate CSR with corporate philanthropy. Among others, it makes provision requiring one-third of a company’s board comprise independent directors, and that at least one board member be a woman. (Total 201 words)
2. What were the reasons for the introduction of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness. (200 words)10 Important Points for Answer: FRBM 2003 Salient Features Effectiveness
Answer: The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBMA) Act, 2003 is an Act which was enacted with objective to institutionalise financial discipline, reduce India’s fiscal deficit, improve macroeconomic management and the overall management of the public funds by moving towards a balanced budget. The main purpose of FRBM was to eliminate revenue deficit of the country and bring down the fiscal deficit to a manageable 3% of the GDP by March2008. It was expected that the act would benefit the country by maintaining stable inflation rates which in turn would promote social progress. However, due to the 2007 international financial crisis, the deadlines for the implementation of the targets in the act was initially postponed and subsequently suspended in 2009. In 2011, given the process of ongoing recovery, Economic Advisory Council advised the Government to reconsider the FRBMA. The Act is criticised as it might require the government to cut back on social expenditure and general upliftment of rural poor of India. There were some critical failure points of the Act which were not taken into account while fixing targets that including the vagaries of monsoon in India, the social dependence on agriculture and over-optimistic projections of the task force in-charge of developing the targets. (Total 207 words)
3. What is the meaning of the term ‘Tax expenditure’? Taking housing sector as an example, discuss how it influences the budgetary policies of the government. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Tax Expenditure Housing Sector Budgetary Policy
Answer: A tax expenditure is government spending through the tax code. Tax expenditures alter equity of the basic tax system by allowing exemptions, deductions, or credits to select groups or specific activities. Tax expenditures have the same effect on the budget deficit as appropriations spending. Tax expenditure function like government’s social programmes which means that it may be considered harmful or gainful depending on perspective. As subsidy on fertiliser harms exchequer but at the same time is very useful for agriculture. Exemptions allowed for deduction of HRA from Income tax and various other income tax deductions and exemptions; Exemptions allowed for interest payment and principal repayment for housing loans, etc are some examples of tax expenditure of housing sector. Due to various policies of government, the number of persons who own houses have increased. People can afford to spend on infrastructure as they don’t have to give taxes. Impact of tax expenditure on budgetary policy can be seen from Union Budget of 2013 where first home loan from a bank of housing finance corporation upto INR 25 lakh is entitled to additional deduction of interest up to INR 1 lakh. As per an estimate, revenue forgone by tax expenditure is around 6.5% of GDP which amounts to 80% of the realised revenue.
(Total 211 words)
4. Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Food Security Bill Provisions Effectiveness
Answer: The National Food Security Act, 2013 aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two-thirds of India’s 1.2 billion people. Under the provisions of the bill, beneficiaries will be able to purchase 5 kilograms per eligible person per month of cereals at the following prices of Rs. 3 per kg for rice, Rs. 2 per kg for wheat and Re.1 prt kg for coarse grains (millet). Pregnant women, lactating mothers, and certain categories of children are eligible for daily free meals. The bill has been highly controversial and its effectiveness has been argued politically and economically. The enactment of the Bill could be expected to induce severe imbalance in the production of oilseeds and pulses. It may result into demand pressures which will spillover to market prices of food grains. The higher food subsidy burden on the budget will also raise the fiscal deficit, resulting into exacerbating macro level inflationary pressures. There are also concerns over the procurement and distribution of highly subsidised food grains. It will shift money from investments in agriculture to subsidies, and continue focus on cereals production when shifts in consumer demand patterns indicate a need to focus more on protein, fruits and vegetables. The Bill would restrict private initiative in agriculture, reduce competition in the market. (Total 213 words)
5. What are the different types of agriculture subsidies given to farmers at the national and at state levels? Critically analyse the agricultural subsidy regime with reference to the distortions created by it.
(200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Types of Subsidies at: National Level State Level Distortion
Answer: Subsidies have been central to the development of the agricultural sector, especially since the Green Revolution. The major subsidies are as follows- Central level Fertilizers: Urea is sold at statutory notified uniform sale price as it is the only controlled fertilizer. Other nutrients (P and K) are under nutrient based subsidy regime. Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime: This enables the state to cushion farmers in case crop prices fall below MSP. Fuel subsidy-agricultural sector is provided subsidized diesel Agricultural credit Loans are disbursed through Regional Rural Banks, Cooperatives etc Interest subvention scheme (2006-07) to enable banks to provide short term credit upto Rs.3 lakh at 7% interest to farmers. Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debit Reliever Scheme, 2008 Kisan Credit Card Scheme (1998-99) to enable farmers to purchase agricultural inputs State level Electricity is provided at low prices, or free of cost. Irrigation subsidy, such as in the form of subsidy for electrical pumps. The distortions arising from the subsidy regime are as follows- The urea subsidy has led to unbalanced use of (NPK) nutrients and soil degradation. MSP incentivized rice and wheat cultivation only. Debt waivers erode the credit culture. Electricity and irrigation subsidies have led to ground water depletion and poor financial condition of Discoms mainly benefiting rich farmers.
(Total 214 words)
6.India needs to strengthen measures to promote the pink revolution in food industry for ensuring better nutrition and health. Critically elucidate the statement. (200 words) Important Points for Answer: Pink Revolution Impact Measures
Answer: Pink Revolution refers to the meat and poultry sector. There is vast scope for development of the sector in light of India’s huge population of cattle and poultry and average annual sectoral growth rate of 10-15%. India is one of the largest exporter of meat and now in India 100% FDI is permitted in this sector. Comprehensive scheme for the modernization of slaughter houses to address quality standards and meat wastage have been launched. More than 50% of the Indian population is under-nourished. In fact, India ranks number one in terms of low birth weight infants at an estimated 7.4 million undernourished kids. Due to food habits of Indians, current per capita meat consumption is 6 grams/day which is expected to increase to 50 grams/day in a decade. India accounts for only 2% of the global market despite its large livestock population. This shows poor nutrition choices in our food habit which results into nutrition deficiency related health issues. The Pink Revolution has to result into better nutrition and health of Indians by increasing consumption of nutrition rich meat and poultry products. For this, food industry, including packaging and processing, needs to be developed by modernisation, investment and upgradation of technology.
7. Examine the impact of liberalization on companies owned by Indians. Are they competing with the MNCs satisfactorily? Discuss. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: LPG of 1991 Impact on Indian companies Disadvantages viz a viz MNCs Current situation
Answer: The 1991 LPG reforms were aimed at opening up the Indian economy and reducing bureaucratic controls so as to facilitate faster economic growth. They succeeded in making India globally competitive, especially in the services sector, software sector etc. The impact on Indian companies includes: Ease in setting up and expanding businesses. This had faced restrictions in the License Raj era, especially in light of the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act. Firms can now benefit from economies of scale. Greater operational autonomy, such as through abolition of the phased manufacturing programme Access to investors due to increased financial inflows in the form of FDI and FII. R&D growth and technological advancement, leading to rise in innovation Improvement in delivery of services Better corporate governance Fewer industries are reserved solely for the public sector. However, introduction of global MNCs has created an unequal situation and many Indian companies often find themselves unable to compete. This is because of their limited financial capacity and inability to incur losses. Higher cost of capital for Indian companies and rigid labour laws have given better status to MNCs who had access to better R&D facilities and technical personnel. This initially led to displacement of many Indian companies by their foreign counterparts. However, with time, Indian companies have growth strong by mergers, acquisitions and expansion to compete with MNCs. (Total 225 words)
8. Establish relationship between land reforms, agriculture productivity and elimination of poverty in the Indian economy. Discuss the difficulties in designing and implementation of agriculture-friendly land reforms in India. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Relationships Land reforms Implementation
Answer: In light of inequalities in Indian agriculture, land reforms have been a top priority for the India since1947. The First Five-Year Plan termed it as a fundamental issue of national importance. Land reforms refer to re-distribution of land from large holders to poor tenants and tillers. The objective relationship that was expected by land reforms programme was to eliminate poverty by giving land to landless farmer. However, it has resulted into smaller land holdings and productivity has been affected due to lack of modernisation and capital. In light of its anti-inequality goals, poverty alleviation has always been a central thread. There is a strong link between tenancy reform and poverty reduction. Further, they establish that land reforms primarily benefit the landless. Productivity enhancement, which leads to improvement in economic conditions of farmers and tenants and thus enables them to invest in agriculture, has also been a crucial goal of land reforms. However, there are some difficulties in design and implementation: Lack of political and administrative will, as a result of laws were kept pending for decades and were full of loopholes. High ceiling limits by states Lack of uniformity in laws due to land being a state subject Small size of landholdings creates structural problems Patriarchal mindset still prevalent in the society. Absence of land ownership records led to decades-long litigations. (Total 225 words)
9.(a) Discuss the impact of FDI entry into Multi-trade retail sector on supply chain management in commodity trade pattern of the economy.
(100 words)5
Answer: (a) Retailing in India accounts for 14 to 15 percent of its GDP and is estimated to be US$ 500 billion and one of the top five retail markets in the world by economic value. With 1.2 billion people, India is one of the fastest growing retail markets in the world. India’s government announced retail reforms, in November 2011, for both multi-brand stores and single-brand stores. These market reforms paved the way for multi-brand retailers such as Walmart, Carrefour and Tesco. It is envisaged that FDI investment into retailing may change trade pattern from small shops to big super markets. (Total 102 words)
(b) Though India allowed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in what is called multi-brand retail through the joint venture route in September 2012, the FDI, even after a year, has not picked up. Discuss the reasons.
Answer: (b) In September 2012, the Government notified the FDI reforms for single and multi brand retail. In December 2012, the Government allowed 51% FDI in multi-brand retail in India. PWC estimates the multi-brand retail market to grow to $220 billion by 2020. A number of merger and acquisitions have begun in Indian retail market. Over 90% of trade in India is conducted through independent local stores. However, there are significant challenges against FDI attraction in India’s retail sector such as geographically dispersed population, small ticket sizes, complex distribution network, and little use of IT systems, limitations of mass media and existence of counterfeit goods. (Total 105)
10. Discuss the rationale for introducing Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. Bring out critically the reasons for the delay in roll out for its regime. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: GST Provisions Benefits Criticism Reasons for delay
Answer: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a Value Added Tax (VAT) to be implemented in India which will replace all indirect taxes levied on goods and services by the Indian Central and State governments. The GST is aimed at being comprehensive for most goods and services. Exports will be zero-rated and imports will be levied the same taxes as domestic goods and services adhering to the destination principle. It is claimed that CGST, SGST and IGST are nothing but new names for Central Excise/Service Tax, VAT and CST and hence GST brings nothing new to the table. Roll out of GST is being delayed as GST will be implemented concurrently by the central and state governments as the Central GST and the State GST respectively. As there is heterogeneous State laws on VAT, the debate on the necessity for a GST has taken place. The best GST systems across the world use a single GST while India has opted for a dual-GST model. This change in the tax structure is going to have a huge impact in the supply chain of India. It is currently in sub-optimal and has been structured in such a fashion to avoid taxes. (Total 203 words)
11. Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problem of conventional energy. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Green Energy Corridor Problems of conventional energy Solution
Answer: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has firmed up international cooperation agreements with Germany and United States to establish “Green Energy Corridors” in the country. The conventional energy has various problems like it is non-renewable, causes pollution, creates burden on India’s forex, makes India dependable on energy supply from oil and gas reach countries which creates perpetual risk on energy security. India’s wind and solar capacity has more than doubled in the last five years. As of 2013, India has 19,564 MW of wind energy while solar has 1,208 MW of installed capacity. India could break the 2 GW solar power barrier by 2020 due to plummeting costs, extensive roof space and the rising demand for electricity. Therefore, the green energy corridor aims to facilitate the flow of renewable energy into its grid electricity. The corridor will be built across seven states over the next five to six years. The project will be implemented with the assistance of Germany. The grid will also receive support from the World Bank and India’s National Electricity Fund. It aims to connect the southern grid to the national grid by 2014 to create the single largest transmission grid in the world. (Total 200 words)
12. Adoption of PPP model for infrastructure development of the country has not been free from criticism. Critically discuss pros and cons of the model. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: PPP Model Criticism Pros & Cons
Answer: PPP model involves government and private sector partnership in execution and operation of projects. The PPP model can be highly beneficial if projects are designed intelligently and innovative models such as the Swiss Challenge Method are incorporated. Pros of PPP model: Speedy, efficient and cost effective project delivery optimal risk management Efficiencies from integrating design and construction of public infrastructure with financing, operation and maintenance/upgrading value addition through synergies through the integration and cross transfer of public and private sector skills, knowledge and expertise Alleviation of capacity constraints and bottlenecks in the economy through higher labour productivity and capital resources availability Competition and greater construction capacity Accountability in public service delivery through performance incentive management/regulatory regime. Innovation and diversity in the provision of public services Effective utilisation of state assets to the benefit of all users of public services Cons of PPP model: PPP contracts are typically much more complicated than conventional procurement contracts. Development, bidding and ongoing costs are likely to be greater. Given the long-term nature and complexity of these projects, it is not possible to account for all contingencies. Profits of the projects can vary depending on the assumed risk, complexity etc Government representative must be highly specialized personnel and contracting experts so as to be able to protect public interest. (Total 217 words)
13. Bringing out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to the section 3(d) in Indian Patent Law, 1970, discuss how it has been utilized by the Supreme Court in its judgment in rejecting Novratis’ patent application for ‘Glivec’. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Amendment of Patent Act in 2005 Decision in Novartis case Section 3(d) Pros of decision Cons of decision
Answer: In March 2005, Indian Parliament approved patent regulations to stop local drug makers from copying new drugs developed by Western companies. The new law amends India’s 1970 Patent Act. Novartis v. Union of India & Others is a landmark decision by the Supreme Court on the issue of whether Novartis could patent Gleevec in India. The Supreme Court upheld the Indian patent office’s rejection of the patent application. In applying 3(d) of the Act, the Court decided to interpret “efficacy” as “therapeutic efficacy” because the subject matter of the patent is a compound of medicinal value. Pros of the decision: Exclusions under section 3(d) present the hard cases that lie at the margins of the patent system. There will be huge price difference between patented Glivec of Novartis and the generic versions of other companies. Strict patent requirement would actually enhance innovation as the pharmaceutical companies would have to invest more in R&D to come up with new cures rather than repackage known compounds. Cons of the decision: Companies like Novartis would invest less money in research in India as a result of the ruling. It is another example of a deteriorating innovation environment in India. This decision is a setback for patients that will hinder medical progress for diseases without effective treatment options. (Total 216 words)
14. What do you understand by Fixed Dose Drug Combination and demerits. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: FDCs Reasons for FDCs Demerits
Answer: Combination products, also known as fixed dose drug combinations
(FDCs), are combinations of two or more active drugs in a single dosage form. It is accepted that most drugs should be formulated as single compounds. Fixed ratio combination products are acceptable only when the combination has a proven advantage over single compounds administered separately. FDCs are highly popular in the Indian pharmaceutical market. The rationality of FDCs should be based on certain aspects such as: The drugs in the combination should act by different mechanisms. The combination should not have supra-additive toxicity of the ingredients. Most FDCs have the following demerits: Dosage alteration of one drug is not possible without alteration of the other drug. There are increased chances of adverse drug effects and drug interactions compared with both drugs given individually. FDCs expose patients to unnecessary risk of adverse drug reactions. In India, a variety of NSAID combinations are available, often as over the counter products. These combinations are an easy way to sell two drugs when one may be needed for the patient. There is no synergism when two drugs acting on the same enzyme are combined. Combinations of NSAIDS/analgesics with antispasmodic agents are also available in India. They are not only irrational but also could be dangerous. Irrational FDCs also impose unnecessary financial burden on consumers. (Total 221 words)
15. What do you understand by Umpire Decision Review System in Cricket? Discuss its various components. Explain how silicone tape on the edge of a bat may fool the system? (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Umpire Decision Review System Components Silicone tape
Answer: The Umpire Decision Review System is a technology-based system first introduced in Test cricket, for the sole purpose of reviewing controversial decisions made by the on-field umpires in the case of a batsman being dismissed or not. A fielding team may use the system to dispute a “not out” call and a batting team may do so to dispute an “out” call. The challenge can be invoked by signalling a “T” with the arms. Once the challenge is invoked, acknowledged, and agreed, the Third Umpire reviews the play. Field umpires may also request the Third Umpire for certain close calls such as line calls, boundary calls, or for close catch calls. Hot Spot technology is used as part of a decision review system in professional cricket. It uses thermal imaging (infra-red) technology to look for the heat left behind when the ball makes contact with a surface. As the cricket ball just skims the edge of the bat, friction between the two will generate a small amount of heat at the point of contact. The thermal imagers can detect this heat and therefore prove whether the ball hit the bat or not. If a batsman put silicon tape on the outside edge of the bat it will reduce or eliminate the ‘hot spot’ left by a ball grazing the edge. (Total 223 words)
16. (a) What is a digital signature? What does its authentication mean? Give various salient built-in features of a digital signature. (100 words)5
Answer: (a) A digital signature is a mathematical scheme for demonstrating the authenticity of a digital message or document. It is commonly used for software distribution, financial transactions, etc. Authentication: Digital signatures can be used to authenticate the source of messages. When ownership of a digital signature secret key is bound to a specific user, a valid signature shows that the message was sent by that user. Feature: All public key/private key cryptosystems depend entirely on keeping the private key secret. A private key can be stored on a user’s computer, and protected by a local password, but this has two disadvantages: The user can only sign documents on that particular computer. (Total 111 words)
(b) How does the 3D printing technology work? List out the advantages and disadvantages of the technology. (100 words) 5
Answer: (b) 3D printing is the fully automated manufacturing process of building three dimensional objects from a digital blueprint or model. Advantages: The manufacturing speed for a large number of final products is equally fast. Even though the initial setup costs are higher, 3D printing has become cheaper. Possibility of manufacturing of customizable human body parts or organs. Disadvantages: Manufacturing jobs will decrease. As of now it manufactures products out of plastic, resin, certain metals, and ceramics. The printing of copyrighted products to create counterfeit items will become common and nearly impossible to determine. It can create dangerous items, such as guns and knives, with very little or no oversight. It will be used to create more useless stuff. (Total 117 words)
17. (a) What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their applications in aviation and automobile industries. (100 words) 5
Answer: (a) Fibre-reinforced plastic/polymer (FRP) is a composite material made of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibres. The fibres are usually glass, carbon, basalt or aramid, although other fibres such as paper or wood or asbestos have been sometimes used. Manufacturing FRP involves two processes. The first is the process whereby the fibrous material is manufactured and formed, the second is the process whereby fibrous materials are bonded with the matrix during moulding. They are often manufactured in sheets, continuous mats, or as continuous filaments for spray applications. Applications in Aviation and Automobile industry: They provide structural strength comparable to metallic alloys, but at a lighter weight. This leads to improved fuel efficiency and performance. (Total 115 words)
(b) What do you understand by Run-of-river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project? (100 words) 5
(b) Run-of-river hydroelectricity (ROR) is a type of hydroelectric generation whereby little or no water storage is provided. ROR power plants may either have no storage at all, or a limited amount of storage, in which case the storage reservoir is referred to as pondage. ROR projects are dramatically different in design and appearance from conventional hydroelectric projects. Traditional hydro dams store enormous quantities of water in reservoirs, necessitating the flooding of large tracts of land. Most run-of-river projects do not require a large impoundment of water, which is a key reason why such projects are often referred to as environmentally friendly, or “green power”. (Total 108 words)
18. How important are vulnerability and risk assessment for pre-disaster management ? As an administrator, what are key areas that you would focus on in a Disaster Management System. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Risk Assessment Key Areas to focus
Answer: Understanding the interaction of hazards, exposure and vulnerability is crucial to effective disaster prevention. Risk assessment determines the nature and extent of such risk, by analysing hazards and evaluating existing conditions of vulnerability. Key areas that an administrator should focus on in a Disaster Management System, consists of the following steps: Step 1: Understanding of current situation, needs and gaps to assess what already exists, avoids duplication of efforts, and builds on existing information and capacities. Step 2: Hazard assessment to identify the nature, location, intensity and likelihood of major hazards prevailing in a community or society. Step 3: Exposure assessment to identify population and assets at risk and delineate disaster prone areas. Step 4: Vulnerability analysis to determine the capacity (or lack of it) of elements at risk to withstand the given hazard scenarios. Step 5: Loss/impact analysis to estimate potential losses of exposed population, property, services, livelihoods and environment, and assess their potential impacts on society. Step 6: Risk profiling and evaluation to identify cost-effective risk reduction options in terms of the socio-economic concerns of a society and its capacity for risk reduction Step 7: Formulation or revision of DRR (Disaster Risk Reduction) strategies and action plans that include setting priorities, allocating resources (financial or human) and initiating DRR programmes. (Total 215 words)
19. What are the consequences of illegal mining ? Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forests’ concept of GO AND NO GO zones for coal mining sector. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Illegal Mining Coal Mining GO and NO GO zones
Answer: Illegal mining in India has raised many concerns among government as well as public level as it does not raise any revenue for government. Natural resources obtained through such practice deprives public of facilities that can be created by government revenue. Illegal mining is not controlled or regulated by authorities and therefore it encroaches upon forest areas and damages environment irreparably. The environment ministry had carried out a joint exercise with the coal ministry studying nine major coal mining areas fields (Singrauli, IB valley, Mand Raigarh, Sohagpur, Talcher, Vardha valley, Hasdeo-Arand, North karanpura and West bokaro). The ministry classified blocks into categories of ‘A’ or ‘NO GO areas’ and ‘B’ or ‘GO areas’. The concept of ‘go and no go’ areas is a new strategy formulated by the Environment Ministry to categorise coal-bearing areas in the country for miners. Under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, all diversion of forest cover for non-forest uses requires the approval of FAC. There is an overlap of the regulations by the Coal Ministry and Environment Ministry over the coal mine rights. The Ministry of Coals had earlier (2010) considered keeping 10% of thickly forested areas in the “no go” zone and open others for mining after following the due clearance process. (Total 210 words)
20. Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking River Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions of management and handling of hazardous wastes in India. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: National Water Policy Pollution Control Hazardous wastes Strategies - Ganges
Answer: National Water Policy governs the planning and development of water resources and their optimum utilisation. It envisages that each State shall formulate its own State Water Policy and an operational Action Plan in a time-bound manner so as to promote sustainability and availability of water resources. It seeks to establish a Water Regulatory Authority and support a National Water Framework Law. River pollution is a major problem in India, as demonstrated by the Ganga’s status as the sixth most polluted river in the world. While a number of riverclean up initiatives have been undertaken, they have failed to deliver desired results. Ganga Action Plan (1986) was launched to reduce the pollution load. Supreme Court has ordered relocation of various industrial plants along the Ganges and declared the Gaumukh-Uttarkashi stretch as an “eco-sensitive zone”. In order to control pollution, strategies to be adopted are : Inclusion of civil society in pollution management and spread of best practices. Stringent penalties for polluting industries. The fine amount should be used for pollution management. Utilize traditional and social media for awareness generation. Legal provision for hazardous waste: Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 Hazardous Wastes (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2008 under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 India is a signatory to the Rotterdam Convention (Total 216 words)
21. Money Laundering poses a serious security threat to a country’s economic sovereignty. What is its significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace? (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Money laundering Significance Steps required
Answer: Money laundering seriously damages economy by creating a parallel economy. Illegally accumulated wealth impedes with decision making by using financial means. Money laundering has been used to finance terrorist and criminal activities. In India, to control money laundering, it should be ensured that businesses are required to establish appropriate risk-sensitive policies and procedures in order to prevent activities related to money laundering and terrorist financing. The procedure should provide for identification and scrutiny of complex or unusually large transactions. Any unusual patterns of transactions with no apparent economic or lawful purpose and other activities should be immediately reported. Internal control, risk assessment and management, compliance monitoring, management and communication should be part of the policy. It should also prevent of use of products favouring anonymity. Procedure should involve customer due diligence involving procedures designed to acquire knowledge about the firm’s clients and prospective clients and to verify their identity as well as monitor business relationships and transactions. Businesses should ensure sufficient senior management oversight, appropriate analysis and assessment of the risks of clients. Record keeping, including details of customer due diligence and supporting evidence for business relationships, records of transactions, should be made compulsory. Businesses are required to take measures to make relevant employees aware of the law relating to money laundering and terrorist finance and also to train those employees. (Total 227 words)
22. What are social networking sites and what security implications do these sites present ?(200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Social Networking Security implication
Answer: Social networking sites are websites which enable users to share content, original or otherwise, and network with other users. In recent times, they have become one of the primary sources of news dissemination. They are also a key avenue for targeted advertisements and this has solidified their economic importance. These sites present some major security implications- They provide an easy avenue for criminal activities due to negligent regulation of activities on the sites. The anonymity available on these sites enables hate speech and radicalisation of youth. Some terrorist organisations misuse social media for brainwashing young adults. Such sites have access to our personal data. Since they are private bodies, they are not accountable in the same manner that governments with access to such data are. The proliferation of fake accounts and troll bots has led to harassment of individuals and groups. Such accounts are sometimes weaponised by sovereign nations as a tool for cyber attack. Porn activities attacks mainly children and vulnerable ladies. They have been medium to commit white collar crimes including banking scams. The state must facilitate effective regulation of such sites, while taking care that such regulation does not stifle positive aspects of social media such as free speech. (Total 202 words)
23. Cyber warfare is considered by some defence analysts to be a larger threat than even A1 Qaeda or terrorism. What do you understand by Cyber warfare ? Outline the cyber threats which India is vulnerable to and bring out the state of the country’s preparedness to deal with the same. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Cyber warfare Threat India’s vulnerability Preparedness
Answer: Cyber warfare is motivated hacking to conduct sabotage and espionage. It is a form of information warfare. There were 23 reported cyber security breaches in 2004. The Department of Information Technology created the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) in 2004 to thwart cyber-attacks in India. Yet the breaches increased to 13000 in 2011. So, the government created a new subdivision, the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) to thwart attacks against energy, transport, banking, telecom, defence, space and other sensitive areas. Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) reported to block up to ten targeted attacks a day. CERT-In was left to protect less critical sectors. A high profile cyber attack in July 2012 breached the email accounts of about 12,000 people, including those of officials from critical organisations of government. A government-private sector plan began in October 2012 and is overseen by National Security Advisor (NSA). It intends to strengthen India’s cyber security capabilities. The NCIIPC finalized policies related to national cyber security that would focus on domestic security solutions, reducing exposure through foreign technology. Other steps include the isolation of various security agencies to ensure that a synchronised attack could not succeed on all fronts and the planned appointment of a National Cyber Security Coordinator. (Total 212 words)
24. Article 244 of the Indian Constitution relates to administration of scheduled areas and tribal areas. Analyse the impact of nonimplementation of the provisions of the Fifth schedule on the growth of Left Wing extremism. (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Article 244 Fifth Schedule Left Wing Extremism
Answer: Article 244 requires that the provisions of the Fifth Schedule shall apply to the administration and control of the Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in States. The Fifth Schedule of the Constitution [Art 244(1)] appoints Governors as the custodians of tribal rights. It appoints tribal advisory councils to assist Governors in their mandate to development and maintenance of peace. Customary law has been given primacy in such areas so as to facilitate protection of indigenous cultures. Governors must make annual reports to the President, and the President is further empowered to issue such directives to the State as might be necessary. Tribal people are given rights over minor forest produce and minor minerals, and their lands cannot be alienated to non-tribals or otherwise acquired without the Governor’s approval. This is in recognition of the historical harm rendered by outsiders such as ‘Dikus’. No legislation is applicable to Fifth Schedule Areas unless approved by the Governor with or without modifications. Despite these extensive provisions, the Schedule is largely ignored in routine governance. This approach towards tribal rights has led tribal peoples to the bosom of Maoists-Naxalists as they have promised preservation of their ‘Jal- Jangal-Jameen’ rights, an approach that tribals find lacking in the governmental machinery. (Total 209 words)
25. How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar? (200 words) 10 Important Points for Answer: Internal Security Border issues Impact
Answer: India’s internal security, act of keeping peace within the borders of a sovereign state, problems are influenced by a host of factors including its colonial legacy and socio-economic disparities. India’s internal security is also inextricably linked with the border management too, as India shares international borders with 7 countries. The Indo-Pak border has given rise to internal security challenges stemming from cross-border terrorism, such as in Kashmir. Illegal immigration, trafficking, smuggling etc along the Indo-Bangladesh border makes it an area of concern, with illegal immigrants in particular presenting a security threat. India’s open border with Nepal is used for easy entry and exit by terrorists. Further, since Nepal is a surrender route for transformed militants, terrorists can enter in the guise of such militants. Ethnic clashes in Myanmar impact India’s internal security, as seen in the Bodh Gaya blasts. The Free Movement Regime also aids illegal activities. China’s assertive posturing towards the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh and its potential plans to enter India through Myanmar establish it as a threat to Indian borders. India’s 7500 km maritime border is also vulnerable to infiltration as demonstrated by the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. These are some of the challenges faced by India at its borders, which need to be effectively tackled to secure peace within the country. (Total 220 words)
Instructions : There are FOURTEEN questions divided in two Sections and printed both in Hindi and in English. All questions are compulsory. The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it. Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to. Any page of portion of the page left blank in the Question-cum-Answer Booklet must be clearly struck off. Answer questions in NOT MORE than the word limit specified for each in the parenthesis. Content of the answer is more important than its length. Section-A
1. What do you understand by 'values' and 'ethics'? In what way is it important to be ethical along with being professionally competent? (150 words) 10
Answer: Values principles or standards of behaviour and it is one's judgement of what is important in life. Ethics are moral principles that govern a person's behaviour or the conducting of an activity. Being professionally competent is required for progress in career. Without competency, there will be no growth. Being ethical is equally important in profession. Otherwise a person may use his professional competency to the disadvantage of the organisation and other colleagues. A person who professionally competent in an accounting firm but holds very low ethical standards can embezzle money. A bank employee who is aware of banking and book keeping principles can cheat the bank and customers if he is unethical. If a civil servant is corrupt, he may create havoc in the system, even though he is very competent. He may not be caught due to competency but impact of corruption will destroy value of the organisation. Therefore, being professionally competent as well as high in ethical standards is important for an individual. (Total 165 words)
2. (a) What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? (250 words) 3 x 5 = 15
(i) Integrity
(ii) Perseverance
(iii) Spirit of Service
(iv) Commitment
(v) Courage of Conviction
Answer:
(i) Integrity: It is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. It implies maintaining absolute standard of behaviour and certain moral code. It means the state of being whole and undivided. It is non-corrupt and ethical practice.
(ii) Perseverance: It is persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. In spite of problems being faced in any act, one must continue to do work in the direction. A public servant working constantly despite non-cooperative attitude of politician, local public and subordinates towards implementation of government policy is perseverance.
(iii) Spirit of Service: Devotion for public duty is the spirit of service. This is relevant for civil servant as they have to keep public interest above private interest. Many people devote their lives to the service of people, in the spirit of service.
(iv) Commitment: Commitment is an engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action. It is firm decision to perform one’s duty with full dedication without being diverted. It is the attitude of someone who works very hard to do or support something.
(v) Courage of Conviction: Courage means taking decision fearlessly, strength in the face of pain or grief. While conviction is a firmly held belief or opinion. A civil servant should be able to courageously uphold his conviction which is based on rules and integrity.
(b) Indicate two more attributes which you consider important for public service. Justify your answer. (100 words) 5
(b) Two more attributes important for public services are:
(i) Accountability: It means answerability of civil servant for his decision to public for his acts or omission. Accountability helps in curtailing corruption and increases public confidence. It will increase trust and faith of people on the system and provide a strong interface between public servant and public.
(ii) Fairness and justice: Fairness means impartial and just treatment or behaviour without favouritism or discrimination. Justice is the legal or philosophical theory by which fairness is administered. It means a civil servant should be fair and just in performing own duties. It is absolute necessity for maintaining unbiased system and people’s confidence in governance. (Total 105 words)
3. Some people feel that values keep changing with time and situation, while others strongly believe that there are certain universal and eternal human values. Give your perception in this regard with due justification.
(150 words) 10
Answer: Values, certain standards of moral and ethical behaviour, are important to direct one’s behaviour. A person is guided by his value system that he imbibes from family, society and personal experiences. Some people believe that values are absolute and therefore no compromise can be accepted at anytime or any place. Speaking truth is absolute value and it cannot be compromised. Not stealing is absolute value and cannot be compromised. But on the contrary, others believe that such values are dependent on time and situation. Speaking lie if it helps someone is allowed or stealing for larger gain is justified. People sometimes believe that the value keep changing with time and place. For instance, as per modern standards, living in nuclear family does not harm family respect and value. But in old times, living separate from brothers and parents were absolute wrong. Therefore, it can be said that some values are absolute and do not change with time but many other values are adjustable. (Total 163 words)
4. What is 'emotional intelligence' and how can it be developed in people? How does it help an individual in taking ethical decisions? (150 words) 10
Answer: Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to identify and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others. EI is generally said to include three skills: 1 - emotional awareness; 2 - the ability to harness emotions and apply them to tasks like thinking and problem solving; and 3 - the ability to manage emotions, which includes regulating your own emotions and cheering up or calming down other people. EI is a skill which can be learnt through training, contrary to the general belief that EI is an inborn characteristic. Ethical decisions are taken based on the moral values of an individual. He would always balance emotions on ethical and unethical side and take decision based on good values and ethics. EI creates self awareness in a person which is ability to control one’s emotions while taking decision. Similarly, self management developed by EI is also helps in making ethical decisions. Ability to apply emotions to thinking process leads to ethical consideration. Therefore, EI helps an individual in taking ethical decisions. (Total 168 words)
5. (a) What do you understand by the term 'voice of conscience'? How do you prepare yourself to heed to the voice of conscience? (150 words) 10
(b) What is meant by ’crisis of conscience’? Narrate one incident in your life when you were faced with such a crisis and how you resolved the same.
Answer: (a) Conscience is a person's moral sense of right and wrong, viewed as acting as a guide to one's behaviour. Voice of conscience refers to a process of alertness and alarm reminding an individual to stick. To the moral sense, conscience. It happens in the time of crisis when a person faces dilemma. In such situations, his conscience does not allow him to go on wrong path. He maintains his values and directs ones behaviour based on own conscience. It is a complex process that takes place at time of emotional conflicts. It requires to hear once inner-self, by meditation, self-actualisation and adherence to honesty of belief to heed to one’s voice of conscience. Reflective system of mind prevents from taking negative action or entering into immoral activity by heeding to voice of conscience. Constant reading, training and affirmation can help to prepare oneself to heed to one’s voice of conscience. (Total 152 words)
Answer: (b) 'Crisis of conscience' is conflict of emotions of what we consider good and bad. Choice is difficult. Though we know what is right according to our conscience but the other option seems to be more endearing. In a situation, I had Rs. 5000 saved for buying nice clothes on my birthday. When I went to a shopping mall to buy clothes, my friend called me to inform that his mother was sick and they were rushing to hospital. I knew he was poor and would need some spare money. I had crisis of conscience whether to spend the money on my clothes or keep them spare lest my friend would need it. The choice was difficult. If I spend the money and he faces problem, I would feel guilty. Strong crisis of conscience happened between my personal choice and my duty towards a friend. Finally, with a lot of conviction, I decided to keep the money in spare and not buy clothes on that birthday. (Total 165 words)
6. Given below are three quotations of great moral thinkers/philosophers. For each of these quotations, bring out what it means to you in the present context:
(a) "There is enough on this earth for every one’s need but for no one’s greed." - Mahatma Gandhi (150 words) 10
Answer: (a) Mahatma Gandhi was a man who lived on minimalist need. He believed in non collection of material aspects and believed that the earth has enough resources to satisfy need of humankind but it is because of greed of man that the earth has become place for bloodshed and exploitation. He referred to colonial powers and greedy capitalists who exploited poor people for amassing wealth. Today the situation has not changed. Bureaucrats, politicians and industrialists employ corrupt practices for personal gain at the cost of others. This results into disadvantage to the society. Greed of such people results into poverty and pain of masses. Policies of government are not executed and the benefits do not reach to targeted beneficiaries due to such greed. If those who are instrumental in policy making, implementation and administration understand the deep meaning of this statement and do not demand more than their need, the earth would be a better place. (Total 155 words)
(b) "Nearly all men can withstand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power." - Abraham Lincoln (150 words) 10
Answer: In adversity people become humble, seek help and surrender to god. But when men of weak character get power, opportunity and position of control, they forget all duties, morality, ethics and politeness. As is famously said, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, men cannot control power. It is therefore seen in bureaucrats and politician do not fulfil their duty as public servant when they become powerful due to their position. Judges, Generals or Journalists are also susceptible to power and posts. Their absolute dedication to the duty and ethics is required for the society to function well. Reminding this statement of Abraham Lincoln, we should look for men of great character who are true to their values and moral standards. The power is nothing but ability to perform, which should be used for the welfare of people, and not for personal gain, by avoiding adverse influence of the available power. (Total 151 words)
(c) "I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who overcomes his enemies." - Aristotle (150 words) 10
Answer: A person can overcome enemies by gaining more strength but not himself. Conquering oneself is the biggest challenge. As the person has unlimited desires, he falls pray to them. Every time he acts on own desire, without thinking of consequences, he loses control over himself. Therefore, the more desires he fulfils, weaker he becomes. Wining over enemies requires strength while falling for desires require weakness. Anyone who cannot overcome this weakness does not reach to greatness. The people who have become great in own fields have controlled and conquered their own desires. They did not have enemies in external world but inside their own selves. Temptation to go for satisfying desire is a common human folly. It is very difficult to resist them. Always there is a chance to fall victim of such desires which may lead towards dishonesty, unethical behaviour, immorality or illegal acts. Therefore, overcoming desires should be the final aim of an individual. (Total 156 words)
7. " The good of an individual is contained in the good of all". What do you understand by this statement? How can this principle be implemented in public life? (150 words) 10
Answer: The good of an individual results from the good of his family, friends and society of which he is a part. As man is merely a social animal, he does not grow alone. There has to be a collective progress. Therefore, all economic, social, scientific or political progress has to be done in a manner which benefits all. Promoting selfish interest at the cost of others does not result into progress. Inclusive growth, welfare schemes, social progress and upliftment of weaker sections of society are required for individuals growth, progress and happiness. Increase in income of one person does not make the society rich. Skewed distribution of benefits of economic progress has resulted into gap in Indian society which is a cause of concern. A person may be rich and build a beautiful house but if there is slum around his house, he cannot enjoy it. Collective progress is very much necessary for Individuals’s good. (Total 155 words)
8. It is often said that 'politics' and 'ethics' do not go together. What is your opinion in this regard? Justify your answer with illustrations. (150 words) 10
Answer: Ethics are certain code of conduct applicable to standard of behaviour. Politics works for social progress and welfare. Therefore, using ethics in politics can actually result into better society. In the current situation, where there are many political parties representing different sections of society and fighting for promotion of narrow purposes, it seems difficult if any political party can be able to succeed in politics with ethical ideology. However, there is no need for complete absence of ethics from politics. For example, Gandhi managed to drive the britishers out of India through political means but he maintained ethics in his political strategy. There was no need to completely divorce ethics and politics. He did not hate Britishers, he just wanted to bring freedom. He behaved with British in friendly yet firm manner without being submissive to their tyranny. Therefore, it can be concluded that ethics and politics are not opponents but complementaries. Politics without ethics results into chaos, corruption, nepotism and lack of governance. (Total 164 words) Section B In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow.
9. A Public Information Officer has received an application under RTI Act. Having gathered the information, the PIO discovers that the information pertains to some of the decisions taken by him, which were found to be not altogether right. There were other employees also who were party to these decisions. Disclosure of the information is likely to lead to disciplinary action with possibility of punishment against him as well as some of his colleagues. Non-disclosure or part disclosure or camouflaged disclosure of information will result into lesser punishment or no punishment. The PIO is otherwise an honest and conscientious person but this particular decision, on which the RTI application has been filed, turned out to be wrong. He comes to you for advice. The following are some suggested options. Please evaluate the merits and demerits of each of the options :
(i) The PIO could refer the matter to his superior officer and seek his advice and act strictly in accordance with the advice, even though he is not completely in agreement with the advice of the superior.
(ii) The PIO could proceed on leave and leave the matter to be dealt by his successor in office or request for transfer of the application to another PIO.
(iii) The PIO could weigh the consequences of disclosing the information truthfully, including the effect on his career, and reply in a manner that would not place him or his career in jeopardy, but at the same time a little compromise can be made on the contents of the information.
(iv) The PIO could consult his other colleagues who are party to the decision and take action as per their advice.
Also please indicate (without necessarily restricting to the above options) what you would like to advise, giving proper reasons. (250 words) 20
Answer: (i) Merits: The senior will taken into account his honesty and diligence so will advise appropriately. The advice will have merit and following him may save the PIO him from any wrongdoing. Demerit: The concerned authorities might suspend PIO for his wrong decisions and inquiry might be initiated.
(ii) Merit: It may relieve him from mental stress that he is facing and someone may dealt with it according to own judgement. Impartiality will also be maintained in disclosure of information. Demerit: PIO is running away from his responsibility and thereby showing his inability to take ethical decisions.
(iii) Merit: He will protect himself and his colleagues. May be the matter will be buried under ground with time. Demerit: Since tampering of official documents is a crime, PIO's honesty, integrity and accountability to his work shall be questioned. Applicant may understand that half information is given.
(iv) Merit: Other colleagues were also privy to the decision. Their consultation may bring out some ways. Demerit: The colleagues might also influence him to take decision in their favour. My advice to PIO : First he should try to find out if the information pertains to some of the nondisclosable areas as provided by RTI Act. If yes, he can deny the information. Otherwise, according to RTI Act, PIO is responsible to disclose the information, so he should perform his duty with integrity. If required, PIO should take the moral responsibility of the wrong decision.
10. You are working as an Executive Engineer in the construction cell of a Municipal Corporation and are presently in-charge of the construction of a flyover. There are two Junior Engineers under you who have the responsibility of day-to-day inspection of the site and are reporting to you, while you are finally reporting to the Chief Engineer who heads the cell. While the construction is heading towards completion, the Junior Engineers have been regularly reporting that all construction is taking place as per design specifications. However, in one of your surprise inspections, you have noticed some serious deviations and lacunae which, in your opinion, are likely to affect the safety of the flyover. Rectification of these lacunae at this stage would require a substantial amount of demolition and rework which will cause a tangible loss to the contractor and will also delay completion. There is a lot of public pressure on the Corporation to get this construction completed because of heavy traffic congestion in the area. When you brought this matter to the notice of the Chief Engineer, he advised you that in his opinion it is not a very serious lapse and may be ignored. He advised for further expediting the project for completion in time. However, you are convinced that this was a serious matter which might affect public safety and should not be left unaddressed. What will you do in such a situation? Some of the options are given below. Evaluate the merits and demerits of each of these options and finally suggest what course of action you would like to take, giving reasons. (250 words) 20
(i) Follow the advice of the Chief Engineer and go ahead.
(ii) Make an exhaustive report of the situation bringing out all facts and analysis along with your own viewpoints stated clearly and seek for written orders from the Chief Engineer.
(iii) Call for explanation from the Junior Engineers and issue orders to the contractor for necessary correction within targeted time.
(iv) Highlight the issue so that it reaches superiors above the Chief Engineer.
(v) Considering the rigid attitude of the Chief Engineer, seek transfer from the project or report sick.
Answer: (i) Merits: The project would be completed on time. Contractor will be saved from probable loss. Demerits: As there is safety lapse, the flyover might collapse in the future. It would endanger public safety and reputation of organisation.
(ii) Merit: A written report and analysis would enable the Chief Engineer to understand seriousness of lapse. It will also save me if any inquiry is conducted in future. Demerit: It would be considered as insubordination. Chief Engineer and contractor would not like it. It will also take more time and may delay the project.
(iii) Merit: Since it was the duty of junior engineers, they should be asked explanation for their lapse or oversight. They may be held responsible in the future. Contractor will have to deal with the problem so he should also be held accountable. Demerit: This course of action would delay the completion of the project, endanger jobs of junior engineer and cause loss to contractor.
(iv) Merit: Highlighting the matter to higher authorities will ensure disciplinary action against the wrongdoers. Demerit: Project might be delayed. It will show my inability to do job efficiently. I might not be heard and insubordination may be punished.
(v) Merit: It may save me from accountability if anything takes place in the future. Demerit: It will indicate that I am escaping my responsibility. It would project me as irresponsible officer of the organisation and in case of inquiry, my absence might be proved as my connivance. My Decision: I would firmly report the incident to higher authorities and seek their guidance. If the matter is not solved satisfactorily, I might take it to Municipal Commissioner. There should be no compromise with public safety as the collapse of bridge may result into loss of many lives. The contractor must be held responsible for correcting the lapse.
11. Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu is known for its manufacturing clusters on firecrackers and matches. The local economy of the area is largely dependent on firecrackers industry. It has led to tangible economic development and improved standard of living in the area. So far as child labour norms for hazardous industries like firecrackers industry are concerned, International Labour Organisation (ILO) has set the minimum age as 18 years. In India, however, this age is 14 years. The units in industrial clusters of firecrackers can be classified into registered and non-registered entities. One typical unit is householdbased work. Though the law is clear on the use of child labour employment norms in registered/non-registered units, it does not include household-based works. Household-based work means children working under the supervision of their parents/relatives. To evade child labour norms, several units project themselves as household-based works but employ children from outside. Needless to say that employing children saves the costs for these units leading to higher profits to the owners. On your visit to one of the units at Sivakasi, the owner takes you around the unit which has about 10-15 children below 14 years of age. The owner tells you that in his household- based unit, the children are all his relatives. You notice that several children smirk, when the owner tells you this. On deeper enquiry, you figure out that neither the owner nor the children are able to satisfactorily establish their relationship with each other.
(a) Bring out and discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.
(b) What would be your reaction after your above visit? (300 words) 25
Answer: (a) Child labour deprives children of their right to education and enjoyment of childhood. Their growth is hampered due to such work. Child employment in India has still been rampant under one pretext or other. Employing children in small household based units manufacturing firecrackers is a legal escape. But it is unethical as subverting law is not permitted, though it would be difficult to hold them legally liable. Other ethical issue involved in exposing and punishing these industry is that some children might be actual relative to the manufacturer. Therefore, taking action against such units involve a delicate balance. Poverty of children and their family is heart shaking issue. There should be more employment opportunities for parents which generates enough income to send the children to school.
(b) Reaction after the visit: Suspicion of violation of the labour laws in the unit should be brought to the notice of the concerned authorities immediately. NGOs working for prevention of child labour should be involved. They can take up the issue in media and court. If the employer is found guilty of violating the law, he should be punished and licences should be cancelled. Alternative employment should be provided to the adult members of the family under state and centre sponsored schemes like MNREGA. Guidelines of the supreme court in M C Mehta Case should be strictly adhered to. Implementation of Sarva Siksha Abhiyan should be strengthened in the villages so that enrolment to schools can be increased. A detailed report should be prepared and sent to the Chief Secretary of the State, Ministry of Women and Child Development as well as relevant commissions to consider banning employment of children below 14 years even in the household units.
12. You are heading a leading technical institute of the country. The institute is planning to convene an interview panel shortly under your chairmanship for selection of the post of professors. A few days before the interview, you get a call from the Personal Secretary (PS) of a senior government functionary seeking your intervention in favour of the selection of a close relative of the functionary for this post. The PS also informs you that he is aware of the long pending and urgent proposals of your institute for grant of funds for modernization, which are awaiting the functionary's approval. He assures you that he would get these proposals cleared.
(a) What are the options available to you ?
(b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons. (250 words) 20
(a) Possible available: I can accept the proposal of Personal Secretary of the senior government functionary and hire the proposed candidate. I do reject the proposal of Personal Secretary of the senior government functionary and hire a candidate who is suitable to the job. I do not reject the proposal of Personal Secretary of the senior government functionary and interview the candidate proposed by him. If he is found suitable, I hire him otherwise I hire a candidate who is suitable to the job.
(b) Evaluation of the options: In the first option, I may end up with hiring a candidate proposed by the personal secretary of government officer who may not be suitable for the job. But my institute receives fund for modernisation. This will help in modernising the institute. But it will keep other suitable candidate devoid of job. Second option will lose me the approval of fund for modernisation of institute. But I will follow my conscience and hire only a candidate who is most suitable for the job on the basis of his qualification and other qualities. In the third option, as I have not rejected the proposal, I will have a chance to evaluate the candidate proposed by the personal secretary. If the candidate turns out to be the suitable one, I would be able to claim that the candidate proposed by his stands hired. It will help me in getting approval for the fund. However, if the candidate is not suitable, I may not hire him. This will be the most pragmatic option and not be an unethical practice. Option I would choose: I would choose the third option for the reasons mentioned above.
13. As a senior officer in the Finance Ministry, you have access to some confidential and crucial information about policy decisions that the Government is about to announce. These decisions are likely to have farreaching impact on the housing and construction industry. If the builders have access to this information beforehand, they can make huge profits. One of the builders has done a lot of quality work for the Government and is known to be close to your immediate superior who asks you to disclose this information to the same builder.
(b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option which you would adopt, giving reasons (250 words) 20
(a) Options available to me are:
(i) Listen to senior’s instruction and disclose the information to the builder.
(ii) Not listen to the senior’s instruction and refuse to disclose the information to the builder. Any other option would just emanate out of these two.
(iii) In case of insistence by my senior, I could ask him to give me instruction in writing which he would not dare to do so. If my senior gives me order in writing, I can take it to senior most in organisation for instruction.
(b) If I to listen to and follow the instruction of the senior and disclose information to the builder, it will certainly be against the rules. If I decide to remain ethical, I have to refuse to follow the instructions of senior who happens to be close to the builder. The builder having done some good work is not a valid justification to allow him get confidential information. It would result into unjust enrichment of him at the cost of other builders. There should be a level playing field for all. However, if my senior insists, I would ask him to give me a written order. He would not do so. And if he does it, I can take that order to the senior most in the organisation and ask for his advise. This would certainly create a hurdle in such malpractice. Rather than submitting to the oral instruction of senior officer, a junior should explore further options to remain ethical and follow the rules to its letter and spirit.
14. You are the Executive Director of an upcoming Infotech Company which is making a name for itself in the market. Mr. A, who is a star performer, is heading the marketing team. In a short period of one year, he has helped in doubling the revenues as well as creating a high brand equity for the Company so much so that you are thinking of promoting him. However, you have been receiving information from many corners about his attitude towards the female colleagues, particularly his habit of making loose comments on women. In addition, he regularly sends indecent SMS’s to all the team members including his female colleagues. One day, late in the evening, Mrs. X, who is one of Mr. A’s team members, comes to you visibly disturbed. She complains against the continued misconduct of Mr. A, who has been making undesirable advances towards her and has even tried to touch her inappropriately in his cabin. She tenders her resignation and leaves your office.
(b) Evaluate each of these options and choose the option you would adopt, giving reasons. (250 words) 20
(a) I have the following options in this situation:
(i) I can accept her resignation and not lose Mr. A’s performance which is beneficial to the company.
(ii) Not accept her resignation and take strict action against Mr. A. So no other employee harasses women in the company.
(iii) Find out a compromising solution.
(b)
(i) If I accept resignation of Mrs. X, it would send a wrong signal to other employees about our policy on protection of female employees. It would also allow persons like Mr. A to behave in such wrong manner unhindered.
(ii) if I do not accept her resignation and take strict action against Mr. A, I may lose a good employee who could have been given a chance to improve.
(iii) Therefore, I would prefer a series of actions, as a third option to find out compromising solution. I would allow Mrs. X to calm down in that situation and talk to her to take a view of the situation. I will not accept her resignation but will assure her of taking necessary action against Mr.
A. Once I have understood the incident, I will call Mr. A to my office and reprimand him for his indecent behaviour. I would inform him about strict policy of the company with regard to female harassment. I will organise a meeting with both Mr. A and Mrs. X in my office to resolve the issue. Mr. A has to apologise to Mrs. X in front of me and give us an assurance that he would not repeat the behaviour with anyone else.
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