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2014 SOLVED PAPER I TimeAllowed: 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.
Q. 1. To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present day urbanization? Discuss. 10 Important Points for Answer: - Towns of Indus Valley - Features of Towns
Answer: The people of Indus Valley were primarily urban people. The Indus cities like Harappa, Mahenjo-daro, Kalibangan, Lothal and Sarkotada show Town planning of the time. The cities were built on a uniform plan.They had the following features which can be useful for modern town planners: Fine drainage system, well arranged water supply system were carefully adopted. The street lights system, watch and ward arrangement at night, specific places to throw waste materials, public wells in every street, well in every house etc. revealengineering and town planning of the people. The streets intersected in right angles. Drains were made of gypsum, lime and cement, covered with portable stabs. House drains connected in the main drains running under the main streets and below many lanes. Double storied dwelling houses were widely prevalent. Almost every house had a bathroom at the ground floor and some even on the first floor. All these aspects of Indus Valley towns are useful and inspiring for present town planning system. (Total 166 words)
Q. 2. Gandhara Sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain. 10 Important Points for Answer: - Gandhara Sculpture - Roman Sculpture - Greek Sculpture - Relations
Answer: Gandhara style of Buddhist art has developed from merger of Greek, Syrian, Persian, and Indian artistic influence which began mainly during the Parthian Period but the Gandhara style flourished and achieved its pinnacle during the Kushan period, from the 1st to the 5th centuries. Gandhararegion was crossroads for cultural influence and therefore this school of art had maintained contacts with Rome and Greece. Motifs and techniques from classical Roman art were incorporated in Gandhara School which included vine scrolls, cherubs bearing garlands, tritons and centaurs. The materials used for Gandhara sculpture were green phyllite and gray-blue mica schist and stucco. The sculptures were originally painted and gilded. Gandhara School started representing Buddha with a youthful Apollo like face, dressed in garments resembling to Roman imperial statues. The Gandhara school incorporated many motifs and techniques from Classical Roman art, including vine scrolls, cherubs bearing garlands, tritons, and centaurs. The basic iconography, however, remained Indian. Both Roman and Greek traditions were used to enrich Gandhara art. (Total 166 words)
Q. 3. Taxila University was one of the oldest universities of the world with which were associated a number of renowned learned personalities of different disciplines. Its strategic location caused its fame to flourish, but unlike Nalanda, it is not considered as a university in modern sense. Discuss. 10 Important Points for Answer: - Taxila University - its importance - Nalanda University - its importance - Taxila not a University
Answer: Taxila, also known as Taxshila university is considered one of the oldest universities in the world. Located in modern day northwest Pakistan was situated at the pivotal junction of South Asia and Central Asia. It taught ancient scriptures, arts of eighteen types including skills like archery, elephant lore, hunting, law, medicine, military science etc. Chanakya, Chandragupta Maurya, Charaka, Panini, Jivaka, Prasenajit are some of the famous personalities associated with Taxila university. Nalanda, located in the ancient kingdom of Magadha was a centre for learning from 5th to 12th century which flourished under the patronage of Gupta empire and Hardhavardhana of Kanauj. It attracted students from various Janapadas of India, and also Tibet, China, Korea and Central Asia. Buddha, Mahavira, Aryabhatta, Aryadeva, Atisha, Dharmakirti, Dharmapala, Nagarjuna Yijing and Naropa studied in Nalanda. The university taught Buddhism, Vedas, logic, grammar, philosophy, medicine, magic, law, astronomy and city planning. Taxila had no lecture halls and residences, but Nalanda had all these facilities to consider it a modern university. (Total 165 words)
Q. 4. The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire–shaking battles fought at Panipat?10 Important Points for Answer: - Battles of Panipat - Location of Panipat - Reasons for Panipat wars
Answer: The third battle of Panipat fought in 1761 between Afghans and the Marathas resulted in defeat and subsequent decline of Marathas. The first battle of Panipat was between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi, resulting into Babur establishing Mughal dynasty in India. The second battle was between Akbar and Hemu for supremacy in India. Because of Panipat’s vicinity to Delhi which has remained the capital of India since medieval times. Therefore capturing Delhi used to give control over India. Additionally, Panipat was located in the middle of two of the most agriculturally productive regions i.e. the plains of the Indus and the plains of Ganges. All forces took route of Kandhar and Panipat fell on the G.T. Road as a battleground for such invaders and the Indian rulers because Indian rulers wanted to fight outside Delhi to no disturb the life of people. Panipat terrain consisted of large plains making it suitable for battles tactics. Therefore, so many empire-shaking wars were fought in Panipat. (Total 165 words)
Q. 5. Sufis and medieval mystic saints failed to modify either the religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of Hindu/Muslim societies to any appreciable extent. Comment. 10 Important Points for Answer: - Sufi & Mystic Saints - Impact on Hindu/Muslim Society - Assessment
Answer: During the Medieval period, two most influential movements, Sufism and Bhakti Movement started in India. Both were either to increase Islamic influence or to save Hindu traditions. Khwaja Muinuddin Chisti, Farid-ud-din Ganj-i-Shakar, Nizam-ud-din Auliya, etc were main sufi saints of the period. Medieval saints opposed the orthodoxy and superstition in the Hindu religion, and condemned the prevailing social order. The Sufi movement was the result of the Hindu influence on Islam. The chief exponents of Bhakti movement were Ramanuja, Nimbarka, Ramananda, Vallabhacharya, Kabir, Nanak and Sri Chaityana. They preached to local people at village gatherings. They moved from one place to another place to propagate and such nomadic nature of saints did not leave long lasting impact. No institutional structure was created and so the message was forgotten by audience. They could not modify either religious ideas and practices or the outward structure of Hindu/Muslim societies as their influence remained confined to small pockets and ideas remained mostly abstract. (Total 166 words)
Q. 6. Examine critically the various facets of economic policies of the British in India from mid-eighteenth century till independence. 10 Important Points for Answer: - Economic Policies of British - From 1750s to 1947 - Analysis
Answer: Mid eighteenth century is marked by an important even in British India. The Battle of Plassey (1757) and Battle of Buxar (1764) opened way for the East India Company to assume the Diwani rights of large part of East India. Britishers implemented various reforms in the Indian land revenue system like- Zamindari (Permanent Settlement), Ryotwari and Mahalwari systems during the second half of the 18th century. Discouraging industrialisation in India, British made it a supplier of raw material and market for their finished products. English transformed Indian exports to cheap Indio, Tobacco and opium. During the British period, irrigation systems were built to provide impetus for growing cash crops for export and raw materials for industry, especially jute, cotton, sugarcane, coffee and tea. The British also built a modern railway, postal services, telegraph system in late 19h century. British dictated the terms of international trade for India and often restricted the Indian traders to transact with nations, that were hostile to Britain. (Total 162 words)
Q. 7. In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India? 10 Important Points for Answer: - Naval Mutiny - Reasons - Result
Answer: Royal Indian Navy (RIN) revolt started as a strike by ratings in one of the battleships at Bombay in February, 1946. It was a protest against conditions of service, discrimination, etc. The revolt spread and found support throughout India. It found immense support among the Indian population which supported the soldiers by demonstration which included a one-day general strike in Bombay. The strike also spread to other cities and was joined by Royal Indian Air Force and local police forces. Widespread rioting took place across the nation. The point that Sardar Patel could pacify soldiers and not the Britishers made them understand that the control of the Indian politics had finally shifted from the English to the Indian hands. At the same time, Britishers were weakened in the World War-II which resulted in emergence of US and USSR as super-powers who were against imperialism and colonialism. This Naval mutiny and its repercussions shattered the argument of moral authority of British to rule India. (Total 166 words)
Q.8. What were the major political, economic and social developments in the world which motivated the anti-colonialstruggleinIndia? 10 Important Points for Answer: - Political Developments - Economic Developments - Social Developments - Impact on Indian freedom struggle
Answer: The Anti-Colonial struggle in India was inspired by various events and ideologies. Some major International events also played catalyst role in India’s freedom struggle. Politically the unification of Germany and successful Irish struggle against British inspired the minds of millions of Indian people to unite as a nation. World War I was the reason for first mass movement of Non-Cooperation Movement and Khilafat Movement. It also sowed seeds of Ghadar movements. World War-II resulted in the weakening of British as the colonial power and gave rise to US and USSR as new super-powers who were against Colonialism and Imperialism which inspired the process of Decolonisation. The establishment of United Nations was a moral pressure against colonial powers like Britain. Economically, Great Economic Recession exposed the vulnerable nature of the colonial powers. French revolution, Communist movements, Home-Rule Movement of Ireland, etc. were also responsible for creating national movement in India.
(Total 154 words)
Q. 9. What were the events that led to Suez Crisis in 1956? How did it deal a final blow to Britain’s self-image as a world power? 10 Important Points for Answer: - Suez Canal Crisis - Reasons - Reactions - Result
Answer: The Suez Canal opened in 1869, connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas, initially as a private corporation owned by French investors and the Egyptian government. But Egypt sold its shares to Britain in 1875. Suez Canal was primarily a commercial venture. Britain had secured permission from Egypt to maintain a military presence in the Canal Zone to reinforce its status as the world’s supreme naval power. In 1956, Egyptian President Gamal Nasser seized the Suez Canal from its French and British owners, leading to an invasion by those Western nations and their ally, Israel. Britain and France invaded Egypt to regain control of the Suez Canal and to remove Egyptian President Nasser from power. There was also an invasion of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula by Israel which was later joined by UK and France. This unilateral action of Britain and France was condemned internationally as a result of which they were forced to withdraw. It was considered undiplomatic and lowered Britain’s esteem as a super power in the world.
(Total 168 words)
Q. 10. The New Economic Policy-1921 of Lenin had influenced the policies adopted by India soon after Independence. Evaluate. 10 Important Points for Answer: - New Economic Policy 1921 - Indian Policy - Planning - PSUs
Answer: The New Economic Policy of 1922 was described by Lenin as an economic system that would include “a free market and capitalism, both subject to state control” while socialised state enterprises were to operate on “a profit basis”. A system of mixed economy was introduced which allowed private individuals to own small enterpriseswhile the state continued to control banks, foreign trade, and large industries. It was also called “State Capitalism”. Indian economic policy after independence was strongly influenced by success of planned Soviet economy. Nehru and Mahalanobis formulated the economic policy that focused on development of heavy industry by public sector which will percolate to small industries in private sector. Public Sector Undertakings led the economic growth for many years.India also adopted protectionist policy with characteristics like public sector enterprises run by government, central planning, restriction on foreign trade, import substitution and licensing regime for various industries. May industries like telecommunication, steel, mining, machinery, insurance, etc.were under state control. (Total 162 words)
Q.11. How does patriarchy impact the position of a middle class working woman in India?10
Answer: Patriarchy is male centred social system. Male members play dominating role in politics, society and other spheres. Fathers or fatherfigures hold authority over women. The patriarchal set up of the Indian society affect middle class working women in following ways:1. Contribution of women is under-valued and under-paid therefore they are given only low paying jobs.2. Women perform dual responsibility of work as well as home. The middle class women are allowed to work professionally, but they are expected to manage household tasks as well. It creates an additional burden on working women. They are not able to pursue professional career.3. The concept of women as the bread-winner is not accepted. Whatever she earns is counted as additional income.4. Woman is required to sacrifice her career for child birth and devote herself to the family.5. They are vulnerable to eve teasing and other crimes.6. There are also instances of sexual harassment by superiors. (Total 162 words)
Q. 12. Why do some of the most prosperous regions of India havean adverse sex ratio for women? Give your arguments.10 Important Points for Answer: - Sex Ratio in India - Situation in Prosperous regions - Reasons
Answer: In the Population Census of 2011 it was revealed that the population ratio of India 2011 is 943 females per 1000 of males. Pondicherry (1037) and Kerala (1084) houses the maximum number of female while the regions of Daman and Diu (618) and Haryana (879) have the lowest density of female population. Even Delhi (868), Chandigarh (818), Dadra and Nagar Haveli (774), Jammu and Kashmir (890), Sikkim (890) and Punjab (895), Gujarat (918), Rajasthan (928), Maharashtra (929) are rich and well doing regions of India but their sex ratio is lower than national average. Decline of the sex ration in India is due to the biased attitude which is meted out to the women. The main cause of this gender bias is inadequate education. The deep-rooted bias against women and economic growth not translating into gender parity are also reasons why female face social and cultural discrimination. Demographic reasons, like migration by working male in the economically prosperous regions is also responsible for adverse sex ratio. (Total 167 words)
Q. 13. The life cycle of a joint family depends on economic factors rather than social values. Discuss. 10 Important Points for Answer: - Joint family tradition - Economic Reasons - Nuclear family trend - Economic Reasons
Answer: India has social tradition of joint and large families. It was mainly due to economic factors. Majority of population in India were living in villages and were dependent on agriculture and related activities which required physical labour. More family members were involved in the activities of earning, so the family can sustain in poverty. Labourer and tenants were dependent on cumulative income and efforts to run family. However, in modern time, situation has changed. After industrialisation, companies and urban areas have become attractive source of employment. Individual has to migrate to cities to earn better income and provide better education to children. Attractiveness of service over agriculture has also led to migration. It has resulted into split, nuclear family. A male member of family, along with wife and children, would shift to urban areas for employment purpose. Such economic factors were reasons for the traditional joint family system and now new economic situations have created a social trend of nuclear families. (Total 161 words)
Q.14. Discuss the various economic and socio - cultural forces that are driving increasing feminization of agriculture in India. 10 Important Points for Answer: - Feminization of agriculture - Economic reasons - Socio-cultural reasons
Answer: Feminization of agriculture means increase of women’s participation in agricultural activities. Economic Reasons:1. Most of the agricultural fields have low productivity, serving only as subsistence agriculture. Women work on field while male look for other jobs.2. Male members of family committed suicide due to debts. Responsibilities of earning livelihood for the family remain on female.3. Less educated and untrained for skilled work women have less opportunities for work. It resulted into lack of option for women so they are forced to work in unskilled jobs, like agriculture and manual labour. Socio-cultural Reasons:1. Loosening of patriarchal attitude has led to greater participation of female on farm fields.2. State-sponsored welfare programmes have prompted male members to enroll for state-aided activities. So the task of farming fell upon the female members of the family.3. The high rate of migration of male from rural to urban areas for better jobs has resulted in women coming to the front and taking charge of family as well as farm. (Total 166 words)
Q.15. How do the Indian debates on Secularism differ from the debates in the west? 10 Important Points for Answer: - Secularism - Westen Secularism - Reasons - Indian Secularism
Answer: Secularism means non partiality based on religion. In political and social aspects, no one should be deprived of any opportunity due to his religious faith. It is a negative and prohibitive concept. In the West, secularism has been considered as a wall between politics and religion. There is complete absence of religious influence in western concept of secularism. No religious influence in governance is permitted. This has happened due to historical influence of Church affecting politics and lives of people in western countries in the middle ages. Later, it was decided to keep Church at a hand’s distance from politics. However, in India, secularism has a positive concept. Politics is not allowed to discriminate anyone on the basis of religious affiliation. India, rather believes in promoting all religions equally. Therefore, in India, we have personal laws based on religious beliefs. This is an example of positive and protective secularism. This has happened due to historical reasons where since ancient time, we have concept of Sarva Dharma Samabhava. (Total 167 words)
Q.16. Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree? 10 Important Points for Answer: - El Nino - Effects - Disagreement
Answer: El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation cycle. El Niño is a naturally occurring phenomenon that is linked to a periodic warming in sea surface temperatures across the central and eastcentral Equatorial Pacific. El Niño occurs every 2-7 years, and can last anywhere between nine months and two years. Main effects of El Niño include, a drastic increase in the risk of flooding on the western coast of South America. In eastern countries, like India and Indonesia, there is an increase in droughts.El Niño causes vast amounts of rainfall in the eastern parts of the Pacific and very dry weather on the western parts (India, Indonesia).With all the extra heat at the surface of the Pacific Ocean, energy is released into the atmosphere, causing an overall warming of the global climate temporarily. However, it has limited effects that arises out warm ocean currents therefore it cannot be attributed with other geographical or climatic effects. (Total 163 words)
Q.17. Why are the world’s fold mountain systems located along the margins of continents? Bring out the association between the global distribution of fold mountains and the earthquakes and volcanoes. 10 Important Points for Answer: - FoldMountains - Formation - Reasons for earthquake and volcanoes - Examples
Answer: Fold mountains form when two tectonic plates move towards each other at a convergent plate boundary. Fold mountains are associated with continental crust. Convergent plate boundaries are sites of collisions, where tectonic plates crash into each other. At a compression zone, tectonic activity forces crustal compression at the leading edge of the crust formation. For this reason, most fold mountains are found on the edge or former edge of continental plate boundaries. Rocks on the edge of continental crust are often weaker and less stable than rocks found in the continental interior. This makes them more susceptible to folding and warping. It results into volcanic activities and earthquakes. Therefore, in the regions of folded mountains like the Jura Mountains in the Alps, the ‘Simply Folded Belt’ of the Zagros Mountains, The Himalayas, The Akwapim-Togo ranges in Ghana as well as the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians in the eastern part of United States, such activities are frequent.
(Total 157 words)
Q.18. Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos. 10 Important Points for Answer: - Archipelago - Indonesia & Philippines Archipelagos - Formation of Islands
Answer: Archipelago, a cluster of islands, is the result of an underwater volcanic activity in the ocean. Countries such as Indonesia, New Zealand, Philippines, United Kingdom and Japan are archipelagos. Indonesian and Philippines Archipelagos fall between the Pacific and the Indian Ocean which were originally part of the Asian landmass. Indonesian Archipelago is made up of approximately 17,500 islands out of which more than 6,000 are populated. Out of 400, about 150 are active volcanoes. Not all Indonesian Islands are volcanic. When the glaciers melted, these islands emerged. The Philippine archipelago has 7100 islands. Beneath the earth’s surface is a ‘hot spot’ that releases magma or semi molten rock. This forms rock-like structures underwater. As magma continues to flow, over a period of time these structures rise up out of water. This forms an island. While the single hot spot remains, the persistent plate movements on the earth’s surface shift the magma, and a series of islands is formed in one area. (Total 162 words)
Q.19. Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? 10 Important Points for Answer: - Tropical Cyclones - Formation - Reasons for location
Answer: Tropical cyclone is an intense circular storm that originates over warm tropical oceans and is characterised by low atmospheric pressure, high winds, and heavy rain. They are also known as typhoon or hurricane. Every year during the late summer months (July–September in the Northern Hemisphere and January–March in the Southern Hemisphere), cyclones strike regions as far apart as the Gulf Coast of North America, northwestern Australia, and eastern India and Bangladesh. Almost 90 percent of these storms form within 20° north or south of the Equator. Poleward of those latitudes, sea surface temperatures are too cool to allow tropical cyclones to form. The Pacific Ocean generates the greatest number of tropical storms and cyclones. The most powerful storms, sometimes called super typhoons, occur in the western Pacific. The Indian Ocean is second in the total number of storms. The Atlantic Ocean ranks third. Therefore, tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. (Total 162 words)
Q.20. Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian subcontinent. 10 Important Points for Answer: - Shrinking Himalayan Glacier - Symptoms of Climate Change - Relations
Answer: Himalayan glaciers are shrinking at an alarming rate due to climate change. It is leading to significant impact on the water resources of population living in downstream basins. Climate change decreases snowfall which means less snow in glaciers. The shorter duration of snowfall prevents the snow from turning into hard ice-crystals which will melt when the summer comes. Climate change brings rain, rather than snow, thus melting glacier faster. Heavy rainfall in high altitudes cause flash floods and washes away homes and fields, trees and livestock. Widespread flooding of the melting glacier is initial phenomena but as the snow disappears, there will be drought in the summer season. The biodiversity in Himalayan drainage and Himalayan region has become vulnerable. Because of the melting ice, the sea level is rising at an average of 3.5 mm per year. Tropical cyclones are expected to increase in future as a result of icemelting.
(Total 152 words)
Q.21. Whereas the British planters had developed tea gardens all along the Shivaliks and Lesser Himalayas from Assam to Himachal Pradesh, in effect they did not succeed beyond the Darjeeling area. Explain. 10 Important Points for Answer: - British Planters - Tea Gardens in N-E India - Why not beyond Darjeeling?
Answer: India is one of the largest tea producers in the world. Britishers introduced Tea in India. They brought it from China and offered perks for developing Tea gardens in India. Due to climatic conditions, it was started in the North Eastern parts of India including Assam. Tea shrubs require fertile mountain soil mixed with lime and iron. Tea grows best in regions with a warm, humid climate and a rainfall measuring at least 100 centimetres a year. Ideally, it likes deep, light, acidic and well-drained soil. Given these conditions, tea grows in areas away from sea level up to altitudes as high as 2,100 metres above sea level. Therefore, Assam region was very favourable to tea plantation. Presence of cheap labour from the adjoining regions of Bihar and Bengal also made Darjeeling more suitable for tea cultivation. But due to cold climate and low gradient in Shivaliks and lesser Himalayas, absence of deep clay soil, steep slops in Shivaliks, year round rains, etc., doesn’t allow the tea plantation to succeed in these areas. These factors were not favourable to tea gardens to succeed. Thus, the location inhibited the growth of tea cultivation as dominant agricultural practices in these areas. (Total 200 words)
Q.22. Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually bypass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of water? 10 Important Points for Answer: - Green Revolution - Factors required - Eastern India bypassed
Answer: The Green Revolution was implemented only in areas which had assured supplies of water and the means to control it, large inputs of fertilisers, and adequate farm credit. Introduction of high-yielding varieties of seeds after1965 and the increased use of fertilisers and irrigation are known collectively as the Green Revolution. These inputs were easily available in at least parts of the states of Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. But in other states, such as Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, in areas where these inputs were not assured, the results were limited or negligible, leading to considerable variation in crop yields within these states. Large land holdings were required, which was available in Western India. East India has fragmented land holdings due to population pressure. Supporting infrastructure like cold storage, availability of electricity and transport was relatively poor in Eastern India. Irrigation facilities, mechanisation and investment facilities were also other hurdles. Due to this, the eastern India was not involved in the Green Revolution. (Total 166 words)
Q.23. Account for the change in the spatial pattern of the Iron and Steel industry in the world. 10 Important Points for Answer: - Steel Industry - Factors - Shift - Reasons
Answer: With Industrial Revolution, the growth and development of iron and steel industry started. The spatial pattern of the this industry depends upon various factors such as availability of raw materials like iron ore, coking coal, limestone and water as well as availability of power resources. Demand of steel, transportation cost, etc., also play a role. Traditionally this industry was located in Western Europe, North America, Japan and USSR.However there has been change in spatial pattern of the industry. Now they are shifting towards coastal areas so that the produced steel can be exported and the raw materials can be imported easily.The industry is shifting to countries like China, India and South Korea.The traditional industrial regions are either abandoned, like Michigan region in USA, or have been transformed into developing cutting edge technology.The industry is shifting towards industrial hub so that the finished products can be consumed by automobile, heavy engineering and other industries which will reduced the cost of transportation. (Total 164 words)
Q.24. Critically evaluate the various resources of the oceans which can be harnessed to meet the resource crisis in the world.10 Important Points for Answer: - Resources of Ocean - Usefulness
Answer: The ocean is one of Earth’s most valuable natural resources. It provides food in the form of fish and shellfish—about 200 billion pounds are caught each year. It’s used for transportation—both travel and shipping. It provides a treasured source of recreation for humans. It is mined for minerals
(salt, sand, gravel, and some manganese, copper, nickel, iron, and cobalt can be found in the deep sea) and drilled for crude oil. Production of energy through ocean waves is also a viable option. The ocean plays a critical role in removing carbon from the atmosphere and providing oxygen. The ocean is an increasingly important source of biomedical organisms with enormous potential for fighting disease. These are just a few examples of the importance of the ocean to life on land. Explore them in greater detail to understand why we must keep the ocean healthy for future generations. These all resources of ocean can be very useful to meet recourse crunch in the world. (Total 164 words)
Q.25. How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource rich Africa? 10 Important Points for Answer: - India-Africa Relations - Economic Cooperation
Answer: Africa–India relations are deep in the historical, political, economic, military and cultural spheres. Indian firms are conducting numerous takeovers abroad and are venturing into Africa. Indo-African trade volume reached US$ 53.3 billion in 2010-11 & US$ 62 billion in 2011-12. Indian companies have already invested more than US$ 34 billion in the resource-rich continent as of 2011 & further investments worth US$ 59.7 billion are in the pipeline. The Indian government has promised to extend loans worth US$ 5.4 billion
(during 2011-14) to several African nations in order to nurture growth in those nations. The India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) is the official platform for African- Indian relations. The IAFS is held once in every three years. It was first held from April 2008 in New Delhi. The Prime Minister also announced $5 billion in lines of credit for African nations. India made further commitments to Africa at the third India-Africa Forum Summit in 2014. (Total 160 words)
Instructions: There are TWENTY 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. Answer the questions in not more than 200 words each. Contents of the answer is more important than its length. All questions carry equal marks.
Q.1. Starting from inventing the ‘basic structure’ doctrine, the judiciary has played a highly proactive role in ensuring that India develops into a thriving democracy. In light of the statement, evaluate the role played by judicial activism in achieving the ideals of democracy. 12 Important Points for Answer: - Basic Structure doctrine - Judicial Activism - Contribution to democracy
Answer: To keep prevent the government from destroying the fundamental structure and philosophy of the Constitutuion, the Supreme Court adopted the doctrine of Basic Structure in Keshavanand Bharati Case 1973. Till now judiciary have been successful in fulfilling its role by inventing basic structure doctrine to bring constitutional amendment within purview of judicial review along with extending right to life and liberty by linking it to DPSPs to promote compulsory education as well as right to safe and fresh environment. Judicial activism is a mechanism through which judiciary puts check on legislative adventurism as well as executive tyranny by enforcing constitutional limits. Judicial activism is necessary to ensure that our constitutional offices and institutions does not become tools for extending any authoritarian agenda of government in power. However, it is important to note that in a democracy, where judiciary is one of the three pillars of the system. Therefore, in the zeal of judicial activism, judges of Supreme Court and High Courts should not assume the role of an independent policy makers but should act only as interpreter of the constitution to maintain spirit and sanctity of the constitution. Thus, judicial activism is imperative for Indian democracy but judiciary should maintain confidence and support of public by taking rational and cautious approach. (Total 211 words)
Q.2. Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that principle is one of its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. 12 Important Points for Answer: - Federalism in India - Strong Centre - Weak federalism Answer:Popularly Federalism is known as a set-up of government where the powers to govern is equally and clearly distributed between federal government and its state units. Indian constitution defines India as a Union. As the Seventh Schedule distributes powers between the centre and states with help of three lists, each State has own government and right to enact laws on the subjects assigned, Indian polity is a kind of federalism. But within constitution there are several features which provide prominence to the centre over states, some of these features are:
(a) Centre appoints Governor.
(b) In case of conflict between centre and state laws, the centre’s law will prevail.
(c) In case of constitutional machinery or law and order breakdown along with threat to national security, the centre can takeover states administration through emergency provisions.
(d) The control of Constitutional Bodies like Election commission, CAG, etc., lies in the hands of centre.
(e) Unified judiciary is also going against federal spirit. Judges of Supreme Court and High Courts are appointed by Union.
(f) States do not have own constitution. However, Indian federalism is often described as quasi-judicial federal system because it can be converted into unitary in case of emergency. (Total 202 words)
Q.3. The ‘Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and its Members’ as envisaged in Article 105 of the Constitution leave room for a large number of uncodified and un-enumerated privileges to continue. Assess the reasons for the absence of legal codification of the ‘parliamentary privileges’. How can this problem be addressed? 12 Important Points for Answer: - Article 105 - Parliamentary Privileges - Problems and Codification
Answer: Article 105 of constitution provides certain privileges to Members of Parliament by granting immunity from any action or speech by them while performing their duties within Parliament. Similar provisions are made for MLAs under Article 194. As the privileges are not codified, they continue to be same as what were enjoyed by British Parliamentarians at the time of Constitution. The parliament has not passed any law to regulate parliamentary privileges which is mandated by Article 105(3).Thus MPs and MLAs continue to enjoy unhindered immunity for serving political vendetta. But within article 105 there is huge space which is occupied by a large number of uncodified and unenumerated privileges, which fails the purpose of parliamentary privileges. Such as, legislative members indulge in hate speech, pass on derogatory remarks on each other while shielding under immunity granted by article 105. These privileges have created tussle with the fundamental right to freedom of speech and also with judiciary’s right to decide scope of privileges. In cases, Parliament has summoned journalists for reporting debate of Parliament/State legislature. Thus, it is high time now to pass such a law to regulate privileges and immunities of legislative members so that integrity of parliament can maintained. (Total 202 words)
Q. 4. What do you understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. 12 Important Points for Answer: - Freedom of speech and expression - Hate speech - Films in India Answer:Freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental concept of freedom and liberty which is also endorsed by Indian constitution. It provides Freedom of speech and expression as fundamental right to every citizen of India under Article 19. It covers right to express one’s opinion in any form such as by speech writing or even by staying silent. However, Freedom of speech and expression does not cover hate speech as it violates right of others and disturbs harmony in society, affects law and order which is counterproductive to both nation and its citizen. Thus, hate speech is crime under Indian Penal code and prohibited by constitution. On the same issue film industry has slightly different position: - As the industry claims film is virtual and fictional rather than real unlike hate speeches. - Films are means to entertain as well as to provide learning, thus they need freedom to show reality. - Apart from that, there is film certification board to rate the film for appropriate audience, thus full freedom is necessary in making of film. Hence, films are product of creativity and expression and need freedom of speech and expression. Even then if movie offends someone, filmmaker will be responsible. Until then film makers should be granted full freedom of speech and expression. (Total 211 words)
Q.5. Instances of President’s delay in commuting death sentences has come under public debate as denial of justice. Should there be a time limit specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyse. 12 Important Points for Answer: - Commutation of Death Sentence - Constitutional provisions - Delay - Judgements
Answer: Article 72 of constitution of grants power to the President to reprive, respite, pardon or commute punishment of a convicted person even in the case of capital punishment. The same is exercised by the President on the advice of Council of Ministers. There has been cases where the President has not disposed off the petition for pardon for more than a decade. It delays execution of punishment. The basic principle of administration of justice is that justice delayed is justice denied. This undue delay accounts for denial of justice. Resultantly, Supreme court held prolonged delay in commuting death sentence have “dehumanising effect” and it is tortuous for condemned convict. Such a delay violates this right of an individual and therefore the clemency petition must be disposed off in a reasonable time by the President or Governor. Though the Constitution does not provide for any time limit within which the President or the Governor should dispose off the matter. The Supreme Court has also said in various cases that any time limit cannot be prescribed for the President to deal with mercy petitions. However, such system should be put in place in informal manner as any regulation and law mandating such time limit will breach independence of office of president of India. (Total 211 words)
Q.6. The size of the cabinet should be as big as governmental work justifies and as big as the Prime Minister can manage as a team. How far is the efficacy of a government then inversely related to the size of the cabinet? Discuss. 12 Important Points for Answer: - Cabinet - 91st Amendment - Efficiency of Government Answer:Cabinet is a close group of Ministers, headed by Prime Minister, which is responsible for the government. This cabinet works as a team based on principle of collective responsibility to Parliament, to ensure that country remains up and running. In India, the size of cabinet is fixed as 15% of Parliament or State Legislature strength by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act. This provision was introduced to put check on large and cumbersome size of cabinets, which are made to fulfil political commitments to coalition parties. If the cabinet is very large, it is difficult to manage by Prime Minister as a team. There would be too much division of work among the Ministers which will make it difficult to coordinate. However, even small size of cabinet is not free from issues. Since it tends to centralise power in few hands and goes against the principle of collective responsibility. Moreover, it puts extra burden on few person which may delay decision making, such as single minister handling more than on portfolio. Therefore, size of cabinet should be optimum based on the requirement of workload and responsibility as well as which prime minister effectively control and lead the ship of nation.(Total 199 words)
Q.7. Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons. 12 Important Points for Answer: - FDI - FDI in News Media - Pros and Cons
Answer: Foreign Direct Investment brings with itself much needed capital, technology, management and knowledge. Non-News Media is one of the sector where 100% FDI is permitted. Government is considering proposal for 100% FDI in New Media also. However, News media is the fourth pillar or estate of democracy. It has to play an immense role in democracy in India.Therefore, news media is not comparable to ordinary entertainment channels.Given to this, currently only 26% FDI is allowed in news media. The proposal to raise it 100% have both pros and cons: PROS: - FDI will provide the much needed financial support to news channel. - Better technology will help them to raise their quality of broadcasting. - Competition induced byFDI will compel channels to raise their standard of reporting and mitigate yellow journalism. CONS: - There is a threat that Indian media can be painted in western colours. - If the control of a media house pass on to foreign hands, it directly risks security of India. - Any misreporting will impact wide range of public as well as bureaucrats, politician and officials. Therefore, government should take a cautious approach and extend the limit to 49% rather than 100%, so that control remains in Indian hands and media can have access to better financial resources, without compromising with freedom of Media. (Total 217 words)
Q.8. The setting up of a Rail Tariff Authority to regulate fares will subject the cash strapped Indian Railways to demand subsidy for obligation to operate non-profitable routes and services. Taking into account the experience in the power sector, discuss if the proposed reform is expected to benefit the consumers, the Indian Railways or the private container operators. 12 Important Points for Answer: - Rail Tariff Authority - Function - Implications - Power Sector
Answer: Indian railways is running in huge losses, thanks to its cross subsidisation model, in which freight trains cross subsidise losses for passengers. This model is adopted by railways fulfil a social obligation to provide cheap source of transportation. Similar situation was prevalent in electricity sector also which is now reformed by enactment of Electricity Act, 2003. The act brings in private players in electricity distribution companies, which made certain improvement in this sector. On the same line, government intends to set up an independent Rail Tariff Authority (RTA), which will rationalise the passenger fair to stop cross subsidisation. The idea to establish an Indian Railways Regulatory Authority
(IRRA) was first mooted in the Rakesh Mohan Committee Report (2001), which had other innovative recommendations. RTA will not only reduce the losses of Railways but also make railways competitive for freight and passenger transport. Moreover, by better pricing policy, railways will enable to provide better quality services. By introducing system like dynamic pricing, railways can provide high quality service to premium passengers, and with better finances required infrastructure can be created to serve its social obligation. Thus, setting up of RTA is a step in right direction but cautiousness is required so that railway can turn into a commercially viable unit without losing its social face. (Total 214 words)
Q.9. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in India can be most effective when its tasks are adequately supported by other mechanisms that ensure the accountability of a government. In light of above observation assess the role of NHRC as an effective complement to the judiciary and other institutions in promoting and protecting rights standards. 12 Important Points for Answer: - National Human Rights Commission - Support required - Assessment
Answer: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was constituted as a statutory body in 1993 by an act of Parliament to protect and promote human rights such as right to life, liberty, equality and dignity. NHRC is vested with powers equal to a civil court but due to some shortcomings it could not fully achieve its intended goal. These limitations are: Lack of financial autonomy keeps NHRC completely dependent on government even for day to day finances. Functional Autonomy is missing for NHRC as there several restrictions on it’s functioning. Further, they do not have power to enforce their decision, however it they can recommend corrective action. Members of NHRC tend to remain soft and biased towards government as there is no officer cadre for NHRC. Appointment based members do not have job security. Statutory restrictions such as bar on NHRC to investigate Human Rights violation by armed forces put further limitation. Undoubtedly, there is huge scope and need to reform and empower NHRC, which can be done by legislature by granting more autonomy and authority to NHRC. It can be turned into a specialised agency which can support court and civil society to stop human rights Violation. NHRC has played complementary role of judiciary by being a whistleblower and giving recommendations to Parliament. (Total 212 words)
Q.10. The penetration of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in rural areas in promoting participation in development programmes is facing sociocultural hurdles. Examine. 12 Important Points for Answer: - Self Help Groups - Importance - Hurdles
Answer: Self Help Groups (SHG) are voluntary groups consisting of 10-20 individual, mostly coming from similar background. People in these groups helps each other by financial as well as technical support to create livelihood. Worldwide SHGs are quite popular and successful among women. In india, after initial success, the SHGs are facing various socio-cultural hurdles. Some of them are:
(a) Lack of social support to women as their capabilities are always doubted.
(b) Family support is also missing, as women is burdened with other family chorus and face restriction.
(c) Lack of knowledge because of high illiteracy level of women and low exposure to outside world keep their practical knowledge very limited.
(d) Resultantly, women remain disadvantaged in marketing and dealing with middleman.
(e) Prevalence of caste system in India put barrier in formation of SHGs in rural India. Although limited by various factors, SHGs model has immense potential in India. Realising the same, government has come up with various skill and financial support programmes to help NGOs, micro finance institute, NABARD and RRB. However, the pace of implementation of these structured skill training package remains low. SHGs can be useful tool for empowerment of women and betterment of society. (Total 201words)
Q.11. Do government’s schemes for uplifting vulnerable and backward communities by protecting required social resources for them, lead to their exclusion in establishing businesses in urban economies? 12 Important Points for Answer: - Schemes - Protection - Exclusion Answer:Communities which are not able to meet their basic needs by using the available resources are termed as vulnerable and backward communities. Government is consistently working for their welfare and upliftment by implementing various schemes in social and economic sectors. The welfare schemes like MNREGA,Atal Bima yojna,NRHM, Food security Act, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan etc. are some of them. Most of the schemes intend to provide reservation, opportunities or resources without upgrading their skills to compete in urban and business environment. It is difficult for these communities to come up with resources and expertise needed to start a business in urban communities. Further, they are not qualified enough to take up good jobs in urban centres. Moreover, even government is trying to keep them in villages to check migration to overcrowded urban centres. It has also been noticed that SC/STs are more comfortable in doing work in their or close to their native places. In this scenario, government should push for a revamped PURA i.e. Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas. This will create employment is RURBAN areas and help in eliminating need to migrate to urban centres. By following this approach, with Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Programme, government has taken a step in direction for holistic development of rural India.(Total 213 words).
Q.12. An athlete participates in Olympics for personal triumph and nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement. 12 Important Points for Answer: - Athlete and sportsmen - Cash rewards - Suggestions
Answer: In a developing country like India, due to socio-economic condition of a common household, adopting sports as a profession remains low in priority. However, there some exceptional athletes who raise the flag of India in important events namely commonwealth games and Olympic games. On their victory in national and international events, many states and agencies offer them cash rewards. This is certainly useful for the athletes coming from poor and middle-class background to keep their interest in sport. It also encourages other sports persons. However, these rewards benefits only particular athlete rather than helping entire generation of athlete. Moreover, it promotes winner takes it all approach, which is counterproductive for creating a good sports environment. Accordingly, state should engage in talent hunt programme and train capable athlete to participate in sports events. It would create necessary infrastructure helping both future as well present sportsperson and promote and encourage youth to take up sports as a carrier. It is required to create a transparent system where talented athlete will get fair chance to represent the country. Talent hunts will give a chance to athletes from rural and backward regions to come forward. More importantly, it will create a healthy sports environment, which will also help keeping youth away from drugs and other vices. (Total 214 words)
Q.13. Should the premier institutes like IlTs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allowed more academic independence in designing courses and also decide mode/criteria of selection of students. Discuss in light of the growing challenges.12 Important Points for Answer: - Importance of IIT/IIMs - Status and shortcoming - Need for independence - Balanced conclusion Answer:IIT/IIMs are regarded as symbol excellence when it comes to higher education in India. As only best young minds are able to get admission in these premiere institutions. However, even these premiere institutions stand average when compared to worlds best institutions of higher learning. One of the reasons for this average ranking in world is unnecessary political interference in their functioning. As these institutions do not enjoy the needed independence in setting up and changing their curriculum as per changing needs of industry and society. Moreover, India is a country having demographic dividend and needs better quality institutions. For this ample space should be provided to these premiere institutions for revising and updating their courses, recruitment, research, granting scholarship etc. Further, better resource allocation should be provided by government so that best facilities could be provided to students. However, some positive government control could be there as these institutions are financed by tax payer’s money, and government have to ensure these institutions are working in public welfare rather than pure commercial consideration. Overall, in this era of globalisation and competition government should extend every possible support to these premiere institution, so that they can contribute in harnessing India’s massive demographic dividend and maintain their premier status. (206 words)
Q. 14. Has the Cadre based Civil Services Organisation been the cause of slow change in India? Critically examine. 12 Important Points for Answer: - Rationale behind cadre based civil service - Debate over its existence - Need for change - Possible reforms
Answer: Civil servants in India are seen as symbol excellence in field of administration. These cadre based civil servants are working on the top positions, all over country and across departments. However, with changing times it has been noticed that generalist civil servants are not suitable for technical positions like accounting and economic planning etc. It has been noticed that they are making government functioning slow, and they are not adapting changes as per changing nature of society. Moreover, lack of competition and promotions based on seniority do not encourage them to work on their toes. Apart from that, discrimination between all India services and other services have been creating a demoralising effect on officers of other services. Further, in present times a large number of important expertise and knowledge generates in private sector which can be productive for bringing excellence in government administration. To make this outside knowledge available for public use, and increase competition in civil services the concept of lateral entry is gaining currency in government policymakers. More importantly, it can be a good idea bring best practice, professionalism and discipline of private sector in public servants. Ultimately, the goal of government must be to achieve excellence in delivering good governance and every necessary change for this purpose is welcome. (210 words)
Q.15. Two parallel run schemes of the Government, viz. the Aadhar Card and NPR, one of voluntary and the other as compulsory, have led to debates at national levels and also litigations. On merits, discuss whether or not both schemes need run concurrently. Analyse the potential of the schemes to achieve developmental benefits and equitable growth. 12 Important Points for Answer: - Schemes - Functioning - Overlap - Analysis Answer:Both NPR and UIDAI intends to create a register of residents by creating demographic data, biometric data and AADHAR number. Both the schemes collect similar kind of biometric data. However, while NPR is concerned to achieve better national security and UIDAI is concerned with assigning unique ID to every AADHAR holder to stop leakages financial transitions like wages and subsidies disbursing. But still there is a huge overlap between two systems resulting into duplication of efforts, and making the whole process slow cumbersome. That’s why, continuation of both schemes together is not advisable. While government should try to use available data in creating a mechanism by which digital infrastructure could be created and using which leakages in social security benefits and subsidies could be eliminated. Moreover, such system is in line with government’s effort in providing better governance. This new data system will also save lots of money and time, thus making India financially stronger. All this can be done by sending data collected by NPR after authentication of identity, place of residence, to UIDAI for creating AADHAR number. Following which both the schemes should be linked up to different departmental project for their better functioning and ensuring transparency in their functioning. (200 words)
Q.16. With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affirm the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and over flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China. 12 Important Points for Answer: - South China sea - Dispute - India’s concerns - Steps taken by India - China’s response Answer:South China sea has become a theatre of territorial dispute between several countries including China, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and Philippines. All these countries have put forward their claims over some or other portion of south china sea, which is currently occupied by China across Nine Dash line. Though India is not party to this dispute but it concerns India because: - Over 2 trillion-dollar trade passes through this route, China’s control over these lanes is direct threat to India’s interest. - Moreover, it is a part of Chinese strategy, namely “String of Pearls” to contain India in South Asia by building ports around her. - Apart from this, India is also exploring oil in Vietnam and recently offered two more oil fields by Vietnam in disputed Territory, this does not go down well with China. - The dispute of South China sea also affects India’s look east policy, as it involves India South East Asian neighbours. In response to this dispute, and china’s plan to encircle India, now we are combing with “Necklace of diamond strategy” which also prompted sharp reaction from China. However, in any case India must put her weight for freedom of navigation and trade in all international waters, but in doing so, India should try to not raise much eyebrows and should maintain her image as a peace-loving nation. (215 words)
Q.17. The aim of Information Technology Agreements (ITAs) is to lower all taxes and tariffs on information technology products by signatories to zero. What impact would such agreements have on India’s interests? 12 Important Points for Answer: - Information Technology Agreement - Impact on India
Answer: India joined Information Technology Agreement 1 in 1997. This WTO agreement intends to eliminate duties and tariffs on IT products. But these agreements could go both sides and for India it went south, making India stay away from ITA2 talks. The main Impacts of Information Technology Agreement are listed below: Positive effects:
(a) Such agreements can provide boost to IT manufacturing thus creating more jobs in this sector, which will help India in harnessing her Demographic Dividend.
(b) Cheap IT imports will help the digitisation initiative i.e. “Digital India” of government and give boost to E governance in country.
(c) Information Technology Agreement could give boost to country’s IT exports as lower tariffs can open up new markets for Indian IT products especially in the emerging economies of Asia and Africa. Negative impact of Information Technology Agreement:
(a) It will be counterproductive for India’s MAKE IN INDIA initiative as markets can be flooded by cheap imports.
(b) Such agreements benefit countries which have developed enough capacity to compete in international markets rather than countries like India which is a service giant and whose manufacturing sector is still in nascent stage.
(c) Information Technology Agreement makes India vulnerable to dumping by countries like China as similar situation witnessed in Steel sector. (209 words).
Q.18. Some of the International funding agencies have special terms for economic participation stipulating a substantial component of the aid to be used for sourcing equipment from the leading countries. Discuss on merits of such terms and if, there exists a strong case not to accept such conditions in the Indian context. 12 Important Points for Answer: - Foreign aid and its purpose - Conditions with such aid - Impact on India
Answer: Transfer of goods, services or capital from one country to another country or from an international organisation to a country can be termed as foreign aid. Though on its face these aids appear to be for the benefit of receiving country but often they also further interest of the donor country. Since at times, these aids come with strings attached to procure things from certain countries or companies only. Such conditions with aids, in long term can even threaten financial sovereignty of receiving country. For India, such aids have both positive and negative impacts: Positive: - Such aids provide much needed capital support to India’s capital starved infrastructure sector. - Moreover, it helps in creation of employment and helps society by creating public assets, for e.g. Japanese Aid in Bharatmala Project. - It also brings new technology and administrative experience to nation. Negatives: - Restriction put by aid, reduce options for India to find value for money in other countries. - There can be a situation when India have to buy products which are not suitable for Indian conditions. - In present polarised world, aid receiving country without any intention can be seen as enemy nation by the other block. - In longer term, such condition can create unhealthy dependencies on a single country, especially in case of critical technologies like nuclear reactors. Thus, India should go for trade diversification and avoid situations like putting all eggs in same bucket. (230 words)
Q.19. India has recently signed to become founding member of New Development Bank (NDB) and also the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). How will the role of the two Banks be different? Discuss the strategic significance of these two Banks for India. 12 Important Points for Answer: - NDB and AIIB - Differentiate - Strategic significance for India
Answer: In effort to increase her role in developing world, and shift economic power from west to east, India recently joined two new International Financial institution which are discussed below. New development bank: also known as BRICS bank by taking first letter of name of its five members. It will be headquartered in Shanghai. The unique nature of this bank is its provision of equal voting power, which is major shift from west dominated institutions like world bank and IMF. Moreover, the bank has global focus. Asian Infrastructure Investment bank: it is a project led by china. The Voting power in this bank is according to contribution of member countries, resultantly, China enjoys veto power here. As the name suggest its main purpose is to finance infrastructure projects in developing countries. These banks are strategically up against Bretton woods twins to break their dominance, however, for India these banks are even more significant because: a) These banks provide chance to India in taking up leadership role among developing countries. b) India needs massive investment in infrastructure which can be funded by these banks and more options will also increase India’s bargaining power to get favourable loans from ADB and world bank. Overall, these new entrants are expected to join hands and help poor and developing countries to achieve their full potential. (210 words)
Q.20. WTO is an important international institution where decisions taken affect countries in a profound manner. What is the mandate of WTO and how binding are their decisions? Critically analyse India’s stand on the latest round of talks on Food security. 12 Important Points for Answer: - WTO - Role and Function - Decisions - India’s stand
Answer: World Trade organisation (WTO) is an international organisation which aims to reduce tariff barriers in international trade. The WTO is run by its members and all decisions are taken by negotiation and consensus, which makes all decision acceptable to member countries. The decision is imposed by use of trade sanction against members who violates terms agreed in WTO. The trade facilitation agreement is one such agenda of WTO which it took up in 2001 ministerial conference. It intends to create comprehensive development agenda for trade with minimum barriers. However, decision to include agriculture support mechanism such as MSP with in TFA does not go well down with developing countries. As WTO rules cap MSP at 10% of total value which is not viable developing countries as they do not have deep pockets like advanced nations. Moreover, such cap also threatens food security of developing countries because they need to procure food grains to redistribute in their poor population. On this issue India by taking lead for developing countries and successfully negotiated a peace clause for continuation of food subsidy. But India also made a statement in general assembly that all such talks of TFA must be stopped until we do not reach to a permanent solution over public stockholding issue. (210 words)
Instructions : There are TWENTY questions printed both in English and in Hindi. All tire 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. Answer the questions in not more than 200 words each. Contents of the answer is more important than its length. All questions carry equal marks.
Q.1. Normally countries shift from agriculture to industry and then later to services, but India shifted directly from agriculture to services. What are the reasons for the huge growth of services vis-A-vis industry in the country? Can India become a developed country without a strong industrial base? Important Points for Answer: - Agriculture to industry - Agriculture to services - Lack of growth of industry - Growth of services - Assessment
Answer: In all societies, initial economic activities are related to agriculture which slowly shifts towards mechanization, modernization and industrialisation as the economy develops. The next stage is service sector. However, India has more than 50% of workforce engaged in agriculture sector which produces only 14 percent of the GDP. Currently, service sector contributes about 60% of GDP while manufacturing sector accounts for 26%. In India, industry sector did not grow due to various factors like lack of infrastructure, transportation, energy and capital investment. Government policies, like stringent labour laws, were also hindrance for industrial growth till 1991. Foreign Investment has also not been attracted to industry sector. However, due to huge demographic dividend, educated young population shifted towards less capital intensive sectors like IT and related industry, tourism, banking, insurance, medical and other sectors. As Indian economy is already growth riding at the back of service sector, Governement has taken measures like Make in India, Skill India, Start Up India, to promote manufacturing and industry sector. (Total 165 words)
Q.2. “While we flaunt India’s demographic dividend, we ignore the dropping rates of Employability.” What are we missing while doing so? Where will the job that India desperately needs come from? Explain. Important Points for Answer: - Demographic dividend - Unemployability - Reasons & Loss - Sources of employment
Answer: India is a young country with 50 percent of population below age of 25 but productiveness of this available workforce is questionable. As per a study, only 10% of MBA graduates in India and 17% of engineering graduates are employable. Thus, by 2020, we could have a skill gap of 75- 80% across industrial sectors. The main reason for this low employability is India’s education system which does not focus on training students in employable skills. Moreover, link between industries requirement and education curriculum is largely missing. Resultantly, most industries are currently struggling with scarcity of skilled workforce. National Policy on Skill Development and has set a target for providing skills to 500 million people by 2022. The policy emphasises on providing vocational education and training to the workforce. Another issue for decreasing employability is direct shift of Indian economy from agriculture to service sector. But, the services sector employs only highly educated people, whereas most of the Indian labour force is comparatively illiterate. Apart from this, agriculture sector is also lagging behind because of limited land and poor technological base. To revive the manufacturing, government needs to push labour and tax reforms. The recent roll out of GST and labour reforms along with the Make in India initiative are steps in the right direction to reap India’s demographic dividend. (220 words)
Q.3. There is also a point of view that Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) set up under the State Acts have not only impeded the development of agriculture but also have been the cause of food inflation in India. Critically examine. Important Points for Answer: - Problems with APMC - Mention Link between mandis and inflation - Needed Reforms Answer:The APMC (Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee) is a mandi set up by the state acts to provide an organised market for farmers to sell their produce in fair and transparent manner. However, over the years APMC mandis have become counterproductive to their cause and created problems for farmers due to restrictions imposed by APMC Acts. The farmer fail to realize fair price for their produce because of collusion of middleman and traders in the mandi. Moreover, due to lack of cold storage and transportation facility farmers is in no position to take back their produce or to store it. Farmers have to bear the cost of transportation and multiple mandi taxes which jack up cost.Apart from that hoarding by traders of commodities like onion creates artificial inflation of food prices.The barriers created by APMC act of states prove hinder in free flow of farm produce compelling farmers to sell their produce on low prices. Thus, APMC reforms are required including de-listing vegetables and fruits from APMC Act and creating network of E-Mandis as it will give the farmers freedom to sell their products directly to retailers/consumers without the agricultural produce being routed through mandi or middlemen.It will help in bring down food inflation and increase farm income.(213 words)
Q.4. “In the villages itself no form of credit organisation will be suitable except the cooperative society.” — All India Rural Credit Survey Discuss this statement in the background of agricultural finance in India. What constraints and challenges do financial institutions supplying agricultural finance face? How can technology be used to better reach and serve rural clients? Important Points for Answer: - Agricultural Finance - Challenges to Agricultural financing - Use of Technology
Answer: Cooperatives are best financing institutions for small farmers in rural areas. They provide access to competitive credit and inputs sources, manage risks and assess technical assistance and other services. It is the best model for rural finance in India because it saves the farmer from the cost of high interest rates and risk of losing mortgage. Borrowing from noninstitutional sources like money lenders and middleman increases risk. Agricultural financing faces various challenges as even after government efforts like priority sector lending, farm subsidies and expansion of rural bank branches, only five percent of the credit offtake reserved for primary sector is taken by small and marginal farmers. It is due to strict guidelines and norms, such as KYC issued by the banks. And, due to lack of awareness, small farmers are not able to get the loans from the financial institutions such as banks, RRBs or NABARD. Use of technology in agricultural financing may open up the ways to reach to the poor and rural farmers. Simple mobile enabled technology which can be linked with rural banks can be useful. Multi-lingual apps can facilitate the process. All these efforts will result in making agriculture sector productive to harness India’s demographic dividend. (204 words)
Q.5. The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 has come into effect from 1st January, 2014. What are the key issues which would get addressed with the Act in place? What implications would it have on industrialisation and agriculture in India? Important Points for Answer: - Main Features of the Act - Main issues address - Implications on agriculture and industrialisation
Answer: The acquisition of land in India is governed by LARR Act, 2013. Lack of transparency and allegation of corruption reduces confidence of people to give their land. The new act has the following features: - Higher compensation of four times the market value in rural areas and two times of the market value in urban areas. - Consent of 70 percent affected people in for PPP projects and 80 percent in private project. - Mandatory Social Impact Assessment for affected population with remedial measures for rehabilitation and resettlement. Implications of the act on agriculture and industrialisation in India:
(a) It will provide an efficient mechanism in resolving the conflicts between the community and industries on lower compensation.
(b) The large scale agricultural land acquisitions will have a negative effect on the agricultural development because of the absence of the clause, that only non-agricultural land can be acquired for projects.
(c) Absence of clear cut policy for returning the unused land would seriously harm the land resources and also affects the food security negatively.
(d) Private industries fear delay in projects because of mandatory Social Impact Assessment and 80% consent requirements.
(e) The act might affect the manufacturing industries in a significant manner as these units require large land and acquiring such large amount of might be a problem. (216 words)
Q.6. Capitalism has guided the world economy to unprecedented prosperity. However, it often encourages short-sightedness and contributes to wide disparities between the rich and the poor? In this light, would it be correct to believe and adopt capitalism for bringing inclusive growth in India? Discuss. Important Points for Answer: - Capitalism - Benefits of capitalism - Limitations of capitalism - Relevance in bringing inclusive growth in India
Answer: Capitalism is an economic system in which means of production are largely or entirely in private hands. Historically, capitalism has been one of the most successful economic system, but at times it also breeds inequality, repression of workers and concentration of wealth in few hands. Labour revolutions are result of such capitalism which has neglected social and moral aspects of society and concentrated only on profit making. As India strives to become an economic giant in the world where capitalism and globalisation remain the two important drivers.India need to create a free market to shoot up its growth but it must be the inclusive growth.The business environment in India is changing, allowing entrepreneurial spirit to flourish. This trend is reflected in corporate profit and wages relative to GDP. With effective and rational regulations and fair competition, capitalism can bring fast and inclusive growth in India. Measures like corporate social responsibility give a welfare face to capitalism in India. Overall, in India the meaning of capitalism should not be absence of regulations over industries but to provide mechanism to facilitate industries to function for benefits of workers as well as to ensure environmental sustainability.(195 word)
Q.7. Explain how Private Public Partnership arrangements, in long gestation infrastructure projects, can transfer unsustainable liabilities to the future. What arrangements need to be put in place to ensure that successive generations’ capacities are not compromised? Important Points for Answer: - What is PPP? - Burden on future - Needed reforms
Answer: Private Public Partnership arrangements (PPP) as defined by government of India is an agreement where public sector entity (sponsored authority) and a private sector entity collaborate to manage or create a public infrastructure project. These projects often have long gestation with limited scope of renegotiation along with other issues like project becoming unviable for private firm, issues in land acquisition, delay in environmental clearance, etc. Moreover, in majority of cases the project is financed by a public sector bank and failure of project creates problem of non performing assets. Accordingly, urgent PPP reforms are suggested: - Timing and cost of the project should be assessed and fixed in more transparent manner with well defined penalties in case of delay of project. - The model should be prepared with assessment of future conditions in mind. - Risk-sharing model should be more comprehensive and critical issues should be addressed with future reference in mind. - PPP policy should focus on creating investor friendly atmosphere so that finance is available to finish project on time. - New investment options like sovereign bonds must be introduced. India needs infrastructure to boost her economic growth and rolling out PPP project is the best option to reduce infrastructure crunch, thus prompt reforms must be taken. (205 words)
Q.8. National Urban Transport Policy emphasises on ‘moving people’ instead of ‘moving vehicles’. Discuss critically the success of the various strategies of the Government in this regard. Important Points for Answer: - National Urban Transport Policy - Measures - Strategies - Success
Answer: With a vision to create sustainable cities, government has come up with the National Urban Transport Policy(NUTP) in 2014.The policy aims to move people rather than vehicles by taking the following steps: - To allocate more road space for public vehicles - Introduction of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system - Integration of land use and transportation planning Moreover, the government has, under the NUTP, required that cities must comply with the new NUTP to have access to JNNURM funds for city development. Now, each city must come up with a City Mobility Plan to guide future growth of transportation in cities.In addition to that, the Government has also initiated the Sustainable Urban Transport Project in partnership with Global Environment Facility, World Bank and UNDP. Government has initiated Sustainable Urban Transport Project (SUTP) with the support of Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the World Bank. However, even while government is trying to encourage people to use public transport but, with exception of a few cities, people still prefer private vehicles. As people find issues with availability, condition of public vehicles and dissatisfactory safety arrangements in public transport. Thus public transportation needs more improvement but cooperation and support of city dwellers is also required to turn cities into engine of growth.
(Total 209 words)
Q.9. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the defence sector is now set to be liberalized. What influence this is expected to have on Indian defence and economy in the short and long run? Important Points for Answer: - FDI in defence manufacturing - Influence of liberalised FDI in defence
Answer: India, the largest importer of defence equipment, has recently liberalised FDI norms in defence sector with 49% investment allowed under direct route and 100% investment allowed in special cases where sensitive technology would be brought in. This is a very critical step to boost up India’s defence manufacturing sector, which till now remains untapped due to the strict regulations. Easing up FDI would positively affect the defence sector and Indian economy in various ways. In the short term, the defence sector will attract much needed capital from both foreign as well as Indian investors. Now with liberalised FDI India, defence sector will have access to state of the art technology through transfer of technology arrangement. It will keep Indian defence forces up to date and reduce cost of import of military equipment. In long term, the liberalised FDI policy will save precious FOREX of India and will help in strengthening Indian rupee. Over the time India could turn from defence equipment importer to exporter. Additional employment opportunities will be created at defence manufacturing units. With arrival of private defence manufacturers, DRDO will be able to increase its capability and performance to remain in competition. If explored carefully and utilised properly, the FDI measures can bring India enormous benefits for her economy as well as defence.(Total 215 words)
Q.10. Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as are business professions, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer-oriented. Critically comment. Important Points for Answer: - Situation of research in India - Reasons for the dismal picture - Importance of research and way forward
Answer: One of the important task of universities is to perform research over the important needs of society with changing times. However, India spends less than 1% of its GDP in R&D, while China as well as some other nations spend around 5% of their GDP on research. The primary issue for this peculiar position is the flawed policy framework which do not provide enough opportunities for students to pursue research. Research in science requires huge supporting facilities such as laboratories, equipment and finances. But due to lack of government encouragement and funding, universities are not able to provide the same. Therefore, students do not get opportunities to conduct and carry on science research. Therefore, universities provide demand based education. Similarly, as mostly Indian students come from middle class, without adequate government support, they tend to go in field which provides adequate and immediate financial benefits. Further, Government and big universities has failed to make young populace aware about the importance of research which makes them to go for engineering, management, banking, etc. rather than towards research. Other avenues are giving profitable careers than science research. Poor IPR regime also leads to patent violation of scientific research. It discourages students to invest valuable time in invention and R&D in science.
(Total 211 words)
Q.11. Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved. Important Points for Answer: - Antibiotics-overuse - Problems - Drug Resistance - Monitoring and Control
Answer: An antibiotic is a bio-chemical agent that kills or inhibits the growth of microbes. However, its frequent and inappropriate use can develop resistance in microbes such as NDM1, XDR-TB, MDR-TB and I TDR-TB. In India, the problem is very serious because of popular use of self medication, over the counter sale of antibiotics and presence of quacks.In addition that antibiotics fed to poultry and mulched animals also contribute in creating drug resistant bacteria strain. Available mechanism to control this menace are: Over the counter sale of antibiotics should be restricted and sale of drugs without doctors prescription must be banned by enforcing available regulations. Awareness campaign for reduced use of antibiotics must be started in an aggressive mode. People must be made aware of importance of keeping hygiene around themselves. It would reduce bacterial spread.Swacth Baharat mission is a good step in this direction. Various livestock farms and hospital units should be monitored carefully so that overuse of antibiotics can be controlled. Advance antibiotics must be used on line with the directions of WHO. India has already started her fight against anti-microbial infection with Chennai Declaration and „RED LINE CAMPAIGN“. (Total 197 words)
Q.12. In a globalized world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms—Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets. Important Points for Answer: - Intellectual Property Right - Significance and Litigations - Distinguish—Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets.
Answer: Intellectual Property Right is a legal right granted to protect a form of intellectual property for example, a patent right, design right, trademark right or a copyright. The right is accorded to a creative work, invention or design, if it is an original work of a person. The same being intangible property is susceptible to theft and commercial misuse to the disadvantage of the owner. Therefore, it has become a source of litigation in the globalised work. These terms - Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets can be differentiated on the basis of type, requirement, period and need of registration. Patent: Patent grants exclusive rights for the production, sale and profit from the invention. It is usually granted for 15-20 years. And needs compulsory registration in original country. Copyright: Legal right granted to an author, composer, playwright, publisher or distributor to exclusive publication, production, sale or distribution of literary, musical, dramatic or artistic work. It is based on originality and wide utility and granted for different period in different type of works. Its infringement is very common. Trade Secret: It is a form of industrial property which refers to a nonpatented process, mechanism or formula, known only to its owner that is used in producing something of commercial value. It involves something confidential. It also does not grant any legal rights.(Total 221 words)
Q.13. Should the pursuit of carbon credits and clean development mechanisms set up under UNFCCC be maintained even though there has been a massive slide in the value of a carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth. Important Points for Answer: - Carbon credit - Reason for decline in prices - India’s Position - Way Forward
Answer: A carbon credit is a generic term for any tradable certificate or permit representing the right to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide or the mass of another greenhouse gas equivalentto one tonne of carbon dioxide. In recent times, because of the following reasons, carbon credit prices took a slump: - Over supply of carbon credits. - Speculation about ban of carbon credits in European Union system. - Recession resulted reduced production, hence, reduced demand of carbon credits. - Non-materialisation of KYOTO protocol also discouraged businesses to adopt clean energy. India along with other developing countries is a major seller of carbon credits and reduced prices are hurting India. Moreover, energy needs of India is increasing given to her expanding urbanisation and rising living standards. In this scenario continued pursuit of carbon credit may have long term investments in power plants, which would be very negative in the context of Indian energy needs. However, the concept of carbon credit is for reducing green house gases, pollutants and having replaceable clean environment to compensate the industrial growth. Any shift from cleaner practice, only because of reduced prices and non following of carbon credit, would harm environment. India being a developing and energy hungry economy, addition in pollutant would harm in long term as expenditure in health sector would be costlier.
(Total 217 words).
Q.14.Drought has been recognised as a disaster in view of its spatial expanse, temporal duration, slow onset and lasting effects on vulnerable sections. With a focus on the September 2010 guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), discuss the mechanisms for preparedness to deal with likely El Nino and La Nina fallouts in India. Important Points for Answer: - Droughts - El Nino, La Nina, Indian monsoon - Guidelines and their implemention Answer:Droughts is a condition of water stress. It can be caused due nonavailability of water or mismanagement of water. India with over 40 percent rain fed agriculture area is very much prone to droughts almost every year. Since El Nino and Indian Monsoon are inversely related, so during the El Nino years, monsoon have generally been poor in India. While La Nina usually results in better than normal monsoon in India. In response to this condition, National Disaster Management Authority(NDMA) issued guidelines in 2010 on the management of drought, so that the consequences of drought can be minimized.The guidelines include establishment of India Drought Management Centre as well as Separate Drought Monitoring Cells at the State level, who will work under the control of the respective State Governments. The other important guidelines suggest that when the monsoon is good, i.e. during the La Nina period, promoting conservation of water with rainwater harvesting, promoting watershed approach, and use of remote sensing to determine crop water needs can be practiced. Establishment and maintenance of transportation links to ensure regular supply of food and other essentials. Increased insurance coverage for crops as well as livestock. Implementation of works under MNREGA should also be priortised. Delineation of drought prone areas is also necessary for effective mitigation and targeted response.(219 words)
Q.15. Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads. Important Points for Answer: - Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) - EIA of coal fired thermal plants Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and human-health impacts. However, in case of coal mining and coal based power plants, EIA is recently started and still a rare phenomenon. Resultantly, coal based thermal power plants continues to create problems. Moreover, it becomes local problem for coal bearing areas as maximum coal based power plants are located at coal pitheads to avoid transportation costs. Coal based thermal power plants create heavy air pollution in surrounding areas. It contributes to 20 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. - Most of the coal bearing areas in India are situated in the place with thick forests, hence its exploitation would have adverse impact of deforestation combined with pollution. - The dumping of coal slurry pollutes local land and water resources by heavy metals like boron. - Further, the natural soil near coal pitheads becomes more alkaline due to fly-ash, thereby damaging the agriculture in the surrounding region. - Thus, EIA should be made compulsory for both existing and newly planned thermal power plants.Effective ash usage policy and strengthened monitoring by regulators will go in a long way to reduce this localised pollution with global effect. (Total 211 words)
Q.16. “The diverse nature of India as a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the impact of radicalism which is seen in her neighbourhood.” Discuss along with strategies to be adopted to counter this environment. Important Points for Answer: - Radicalism - Radicalisation in neighbouring countries - India’s vulnerability - Measures needs
Answer: Radicalisation is the process by which individuals, usually young people, are introduced to an overtly ideological message and belief system that encourages movement from moderate, mainstream beliefs towards extreme views. Radicalism has become a primary threat in neighbouring areas of Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, etc.,due to rise of Islamic groups like ISIS and Al Qaeda. India is also not completely immune from radicalisation due to various reasons including diverse population and different religions. There are poverty and illiteracy to add to the vulnerabilities. Possible religious extremism and dissatisfaction towards the governance system may also result into radicalism in India. Multi religious society has many fractured lines on religious grounds which can be exploited by domestic and external factors. Similarly, ethnicity has, on occasions, created tension among various parts of India, thus, creating a risk of radicalism. Therefore, India needs to adopt effective strategy to counter radicalization. It includes various steps like: Firstly, terrorism must be controlled and uprooted from India. Secondly, intelligence network need to be strengthened and law and order situation must be closely monitored in critical areas. Thirdly, India needs to remain vigilant against cyber indoctrination which is a preferred method for spreading terrors by the extremists.(Total 199 words)
Q.17. International civil aviation laws provide all countries complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above their territory. What do you understand by ‘airspace’? What are the implications of these laws on the space above this airspace? Discuss the challenges which this poses and suggest ways to contain the threat. Important Points for Answer: - Airspace - Laws which guides air space - Challenges and ways Answers: Airspace, in international law, is the space above a particular national territory, treated as belonging to the government controlling the territory. Sovereignty of a nation includes territorial waters but excludes outer space. It may be categorised as :
(a) Controlled airspace: it exists where it is deemed necessary, that air traffic control has some form of positive executive control over aircraft flying in that airspace.
(b) Uncontrolled airspace: is airspace in which air traffic control does not exert any executive authority, although it may act in an advisory manner This exclusion of outer space remains a very serious issue. As there is no single definition of vertical extent of air space. And in every country, there is a different limitation,eg USA considers 100 km limitation of outer space. In present technological advanced era, this loophole provides space for militarisation of outer space. Technically advanced countries can place weapons vertically over another country by claiming it as free zone outside airspace of target country. This uncontrolled outer space may create existential threat to a nation. Thus now its high time for countries and international organisations to take up this issue and declare outer space as no weapon zone on the line of Antarctica for sake of whole humanity.(Total 207 words)
Q.18. How does illegal transborder migration pose a threat to India’s security? Discuss the strategies to curb this, bringing out the factors which give impetus to such migration. Important Points for Answer: - Transborder migration - Impact on India’s security - Strategy
Answer: Open, porous and non demarcation of eastern borders of India creates a conducive environment for illegal immigrants to sneak in towards India. This has become a major issue in states of North-East especially Assam. Lack of job opportunities in home countries and better opportunities in India, threat of persecution, etc., drive people out of their country. Recent Rohingya crisis is result of such exodus. This illegal immigration poses numerous threats to country’s security: It creates pressure over scarce resources which leads to conflict and violence. Illegal border crossing is disturbing regional demographics,resulting into mass clashes with the local residents. Migrants have also promoted anti-national extremism in border states. Terrorist also use Trans-border illegal migration to get into Indian borders. Fake currency and drugs smuggled into the Indian territory with help of illegal migrants. Even flesh trading is being reported. Some of the suggested strategies to curb illegal migration are: Use of unique identification methods like UIDAI to weed out illegal migrants. Better border management practices like fencing, introduction of floating barriers etc will help in reducing flow of illegal migrants. Use of diplomacy to pursue neighbouring countries to stop illegal migration and take back those which are illegally living in India. Moreover, it should be communicated that any threat to Indian security will be dealt stringently. (220 words)
Q.19. In 2012, the longitudinal marking for high-risk areas for piracy was 65 degrees east to 78 degrees east in the Arabian Sea by the Int Maritime Organisation. What impact does this have on India’s security concerns? Important Points for Answer: - Explain reasons of change - Highlight impacts it has on India’s maritime security
Answer: Indian ocean remained vulnerable to piracy especially on Somalia coast but sometimes piracy incidents extend upto Lakshdweep. International Maritime Organisation and the Contact Group on Piracy Off the Coast o
(CGPCS) decided to move the longitudinal marking of the high risk area in Arabian Sea from 65° to 78° east. This decision of IMO is having following implication on India: Now merchant vessels can have armed guards while sailing close to Indian shores. Thus it can create situation like enrica lexica where two Italian marines shot Indian fisherman. Moreover, insurance has become 300 times more expensive for Indian ships because they have to sail into high risk zones.This makes shipping costly which makes imports expensive and exports uncompetitive for Indian traders. Along with that, navigation of international ships creates hindrance in Indian coastal traffic. This action creates a serious issue for India’s maritime trade as well as its national security. It will also deviate ships to other routes, which may create loss to Indian industry as availability of ships will be reduced. Due these issues along with the fact that piracy is coming down,India has been demanding rollback of this international regulation.(194 words)
Q.20. China and Pakistan have entered into an agreement for development of an economic corridor. What threat does this pose for India’s security? Critically examine. Important Points for Answer: - China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) - Strategic importance - Threats to India
Answer: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a network of railways, roads and pipeline which connects Xinjiang province of China to Gwadar port of Pakistan located in Persian gulf of Indian ocean. Though China sells the project as an economic project but its strategic importance is much more than its economic importance. The project has direct security and strategic implications for India. Firstly, the projects runs through POK and Aksai Chin areas which are de jure Indian territories, thus, infringes India’s territorial integrity. Secondly, the presence of Chinese troops near construction site have military implications for India. Thirdly, this multi model project provides improved connectivity to Indian borders which could be used by Pakistan based terrorist groups to harm India. Strategically, presence of Chinese in Persian Gulf undermines India’s security in that area. Resultantly, India’s energy security becomes vulnerable, since India’s oil imports pass through Persian Gulf. However, on a positive note, the corridor can bring stability and jobs for Pakistani youth which is good news for India as it will make harder for terrorist group to hire youth. Overall India must take a cautious approach while dealing with issue of this China Pakistan Economic Corridor on the ground of violation of its sovereignty as it passes through Indian territory. (Total 209 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
Q.1. (a) All human beings aspire for happiness. Do you agree? What does happiness mean to you? Explain with examples. (150 words) 10
Answer: Pursuit of Happiness has been enlisted as the most important goal of human life. It has been established for millennia that happiness brings all good to a person. Therefore, without doubt, all human being aspire for happiness. However, happiness means different to different people. For a person who loves to paint, he may derive happiness by painting. A sport lover may be happy when he watches or plays sport. Person becomes happy at success and sad at failure. To me, happiness is a feeling of success and satisfaction in a field. It may be due to my volition or on its own. For example, if I am preparing for an exam, success and satisfactory grade in that exam is a matter of happiness. When I would be reading a book that I like, I would derive happiness from reading. Similarly, when my family and friends are happy, healthy, successful and satisfied, it becomes a cause of happiness for me. (Total 159 words)
(b) What does ethics seek to promote in human life? Why is it all the more important in public administration? (150 words) 10
Answer: Ethics is a system of moral principles. They affect how people make decisions and lead their lives and help them to do what is good for society and other individuals. Honesty, uprightness, empathy, impartiality, accountability, etc., are some qualities of an ethical person. Ethics is more important in public administration because a public servant has to deal with power, and as rightly said by Gandhiji that power can corrupt a human being and only an honest and upright person can use his power for public welfare. Moreover, at times a public servant finds himself in dilemmas between his personal and public duties, e.g. accepting a transfer which can negatively affect his family. Apart from that, a public servant has to remain unbiased and courageous at times when he is being pressured from outside forces. Therefore, a public servant cannot serve his purpose without being ethical and this makes ethics indispensable in public administration. Thus, a public servant must always strive to remain ethical. (Total 164 words)
Q.2. (a) In the context of defence services, ‘patriotism’ demands readiness to even lay down one’s life in protecting the nation. According to you, what does patriotism imply in everyday civil life? Explain with illustrations and justify your answer. (150 words) 10
Answer: (a) Patriotism is natural love and attachment a person has for one’s country, it reflects a cultural connect and sense of duty for working towards betterment of one’s country. The patriotism of a soldier reflects from the fact that he/she always ready for supreme sacrifice and spend their youthful years in hostile terrain so that country remains safe. But in civil life also a person can be patriotic by doing right things and by avoidingindulgence in selfish and evil things. A person should do all his civil duties by being aware ofthe constitutional spirit, casting vote in elections, taking pledge to not to litter in public places, paying taxes on time and by protecting our natural as well as cultural heritage. Moreover, a person should never indulge in black marketing, hoarding, tax evasion,etc. But on the contrary, a patriotic person should always be ready to take up fight against people indulging in such activities. (Total 157 words)
(b) What do you understand by ‘probity’ in public life? What are the difficulties in practicing it in the present times? How can these difficulties be overcome? (150 words) 10
Answer: (b) Probity is the quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency. It involves practising values like integrity, uprightness, honesty and remain transparent and accountable. Public servants are expected to maintain probity while performing their duties. Where probity is missing, corruption breeds.Public servants are beholders of public trust and public funds, they shall remain incorruptible. However, practicing probity is becoming harder every day because of the following reasons:
(a) High headedness of public servants as noticed by second ARC.
(b) Decreasing moral values among politicians.
(c) Low awareness among public about their rights giving chance to public servants and representatives to remain apathetic about public needs.
(d) General decline in morality in public life makes it harder even for honest people to practice probity. To overcome this difficulty, a person should always strive for probity on own end. Moral education and awareness can also increase probity in public life. When whole world is silent even one voice can make difference. (Total 157 words)
Q.3.(a) “Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, but knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.” What do you understand by this statement? Explain your stand with illustrations from the modern context (150 words) 10
Answer: (a) The above quote is stated by Samuel Johnson. It presents a very true relation between integrity and knowledge and how they are almost worthless without one another. As a person with integrity and without knowledge cannot produce and contribute to society even if he intends. Similarly, a person who has knowledge without integrity will end up producing undesirable results for himself and society. Moreover, integrity requires accuracy in one’s action and behaviour, but without knowledge desired accuracy is impossible to achieve. Similarly, a person with knowledge and no integrity becomes dangerous for society as they can hit bulls eye while making harm to society. For example, a terrorist uses his knowledge of chemicals to produce a bomb, in this case the more he is accurate the more dangerous he becomes. Thus, knowledge and integrity are balancing wheels of the same cart. One shows the right path and other provides willingness to take that path. (Total 154 words)
(b) “Human beings should always be treated as ‘ends’ in themselves and never as merely ‘means’.” Explain the meaning and significance of this statement, giving its implications in the modern techno-economic society.
(150 words)
Answer: (b) The above statement highlights the philosophy given by Kant, where he highlights the fact that every person is independent being with own goals, respect, integrity and he must be treated in this way by others also. That is, no person shall be used by another person like a tool to serve a purpose. But every person must be respected for one’s intrinsic value as a human. However, in present society where materialism is at its peak, people now value a person based on what he has and how other person can serve my purpose. This kind of behaviour is breeding greed and selfishness in society, which in turn is weakening our social fabric. In this situation, the mentioned statement can serve as torchlight to guide our path towards harmonious society, where we value and respect every living being including nature. Moreover, by adhering to this principle, every person will get chance to show their talent and grow as a person, which will make world altogether a better place. (Total 168 words)4. (a) Which eminent personality has inspired you the most in the context of ethical conduct in life? Give the gist of his/her teachings. Giving specific examples, describe how you have been able to apply these teachings for your own ethical development. (150 words) 10
Answer: (a) Swami Vivekananda, is a great personality who has inspired and guided me to behave in ethical manner. His teachings about service, love, humanity and religion have deeply inspired me. As through his teaching that “service to man is service to god” I came to know about true meaning of service. Moreover, Swamiji has inspired me, by making me aware of my weaknesses and guided me to get rid of them because swamiji believed one should not be weak as weakness is a sin. Swamiji was a rationalist, thus rather than presenting supernatural image of god, he introduced world to true meaning of Vedanta and its philosophy which guides the humanity towards love and unity. Most importantly, as a civil service aspirant, Vivekananda helped me in understanding my duty towards downtrodden, making me realise that we all are one i.e Parmatan and until we all are not happy everyone remains miserable. Lastly, Swamiji was true patriot which reflects in Rabindranath Tagore’s comment “If you want to know India, Study Vivekananda”. (Total 170 words)
(b) There is a heavy ethical responsibility on the public servants because they occupy positions of power, handle huge amounts of public funds, and their decisions have wide-ranging impact on society and environment. What steps have you taken to improve your ethical competence to handle such responsibility? (150 words) 10
Answer: (b) Public servants in India enjoy wide discretionary power, they have been granted to use it for public welfare. In this process, they not only have to take care of public funds but also have responsibility to preserve the faith public bestowed on them to take decisions which affect their lives. Thus, a public servant has to remain ethical in his/her conduct, for this, I have taken following steps to improve my ethical competence:
(a) I maintain integrity in my conduct.
(b) I am always ready to be held accountable for my actions.
(c) I try to remain honest in my public as well as private life.
(d) I try to remain conscious and empathetic about problems of others.
(e) I try to avoid conflict of interest.
(f) I do not use public resources for personal gains.
(g) I respect my colleagues and try to be aware about public needs.
(Total 150 words)
Q.5. (a) The current society is plagued with widespread trust-deficit. What are the consequences of this situation for personal well-being and for societal well - being? What can you do at the personal level to make yourself trustworthy? (150 words) 10
Answer: (a) Trustworthiness, is one of the most essential and novel quality of human being. As trust makes a society work by making people believe on each other. However, sadly in present materialistic world, people lack belief on one another. This is the result of decreasing moral values like brotherhood, selflessness, love and replacement of these values vices like enmity, jealousy, selfishness and lust. Resultantly, the social fabric is being torn apart, which does not only affect our personal sphere but also our professional sphere. As trust is the most basic need of doing business, trust deficit is also harming our economy. Reducing trust propel fear in minds of people which is not good for an individual, as a fearful person can never achieve full potential. Trust deficit between government and citizens results into corruption. This is weakening our democracy. To make myself trustworthy, I will always remain truthful and honest so that we can create a harmonious society based on trust. (Total 160 words)
(b) It is often said that poverty leads to corruption. However, there is no dearth of instances where affluent and powerful people indulge in corruption in a big way. What are the basic causes of corruption among people? Support your answer with examples. (150 words) 10
Answer: (b) The notion that poverty breeds corruption is entirely wrong because it is the greed and absence of morality which propels corruption. Corruption in public sphere means using public resources and position for private gains. Moreover, the scope of corruption increases with increase of power and position. Thus, poverty has no connection with corruption. Further, some specific breeders for corruption are:
(a) Lack of transparency in system which acts as shield for corrupt people. i.e. if there is no information about government scheme, babus can demand bribe.
(b) Lack of punitive measures provide confidence to people indulging in corruption.
(c) Instability in government also provides chance for corruption by floor changing.
(d) Personal desire for unfair advantage push individuals in indulging in embezzlement, bribery and nepotism.
(e) Unfair incentive structure and lack of job security encourage people to make money by corrupt means. But such acts are inexcusable, because corruption makes country hollow,they should be condemned at every level and in every situation. (Total 164 words)
Q.6. What factors affect the formation of a person’s attitude towards social problems? In our society, contrasting attitudes are prevalent about many social problems. What contrasting attitudes do you notice about the caste system in our society? How do you explain the existence of these contrasting attitudes? (150 words) 10
Answer: The pre-determined behaviour or reaction of a person toward another person, thing or situation is known as attitude. The attitude of a person is shaped by various factors like upbringing, prevailing condition in society and personal experience throughout the life. Caste system divides our society in different strata (jatis). However, we can notice contrasting attitude in our society for caste system because of the following factors:
(a) People who belongs to forward castes in urban areas are educated because of the opportunities they got by virtue of their caste. People from these castes now support merit based system and caste boundaries in these people are now starting to blur.
(b) Whereas forward castes of villages want the strict stratification as this will allow them to maintain their hegemony.
(c) On the contrary, now people from backward class want to maintain caste system as it provides benefits through affirmative actions. With increasing education level the caste system is waning but still there is long way to go to make India a casteless society. (Total 170 words)
Q.7. What does ‘accountability’ mean in the context of public service? What measures can be adopted to ensure individual and collective accountability of public servants? (150 words)
Answer: Accountability in public service means taking responsibility of one’s action and decision and being responsive to the needs of entity from which public servant derives authority. A public official has to remain transparent and answerable to maintain accountability. One of the most important aspect of accountability is to make information assessable to public so that public can remain aware and public trust could be created. Moreover, following mechanisms can be followed to ensure accountability of public servants:
(a) In every department, internal accountability mechanism should be placed.
(b) RTI act must be strengthened, public disclosure should be encouraged.
(c) Good work culture should be created by making every member of organisation aware about goals of organisation.
(d) Role of every person in hierarchy must be clearly defined.
(e) Lokpal should be made functional.
(f) Fast track courts must be set up for speedy disposal of the cases related to corruption.
(g) System of check and balance must be established in every department, so that corruption can be stopped. (Total 168 words)
Q.8. We are witnessing increasing instances of sexual violence against women in the country. Despite existing legal provisions against it, the number of incidences is on the rise. Suggest some innovative measures to tackle menace. (150 words)
Answer: It is disheartening that even after 70 years of independence females remain unsafe in our society. The main problem is deep rooted patriarchal mind set which is impending our country in achieving her full potential. Some suggestions for creating a safer environment for woman are mentioned below:
(a) India must ratify all global and regional treaties which concerns safety women. It will increase pressure on government to take this matter at utmost priority.
(b) Women helplines should be made operational round the clock. New mechanisms like Himmat app of Delhi police is a welcome step.
(c) Women must be financially empowered by providing necessary education, skills as well as financial support for starting business.
(d) Specialized fast track courts should be set up to punish perpetuators and provide sense of closure to violence survivor women.
(e) Police stations must be made gender sensitive. Finally, awareness about equal rights of women in society is must. It is not only responsibility of government and police but is everyone’s responsibility to create a safe environment for women. (Total 174 words) Section–B In the following questions, carefully study the cases presented and then answer the questions that follow.
Q.9. Now-a-days, there is an increasing thrust on economic development all around the globe. At the same time, there is also an increasing concern about environmental degradation caused by development. Many a time, we face a direct conflict between developmental activity and environmental quality. It is neither feasible to stop or curtail the developmental process, nor it is advisable to keep degrading the environment, as it threatens our very survival. Discuss some feasible strategies which could be adopted to eliminate this conflict and which could lead to sustainable development. (250 words) 20
Answer: Development and environmental protection should go hand in hand. There are countries which have maintained this balance. Scandinavian countries have promoted technology and industry but at the sometime not damaged their environment. We need to take a proper estimation of the proposed project for development. Environmental Impact Assessment should be taken very seriously and pros and cons of a project should be weighed in appropriate balance. Only if the resulting benefits are much greater than environmental degradation, the project should be implemented. Every project should remedied the nature more than it harms. Therefore an environmental fund should be created by each company and that should be used to create green cover, promote efficient and green technology as well as protect other aspects of environment. Government can make provisions for tax benefits for taking care of environment and penalty for violating rules related to protection of it. As far as possible, we should use alternative sources of energy for new industries. Alternatives to a proposed project should always be explored and only that option which is most suitable to conservation of environment should be permitted for implementation. Green Fund should be created, promoted and used for giving funding and subsidies to environment friendly technology, innovations and projects. Environmental should not be taken for granted by any government or corporate bodies if we want to maintain proper balance in our economic growth and sustainable development. We have already damaged environment beyond repair. Any further damage will make us vulnerable. Therefore, we need to implement our environmental laws very strictly. (Total 257 words)
Q.10. Suppose one of your close friends, who is also aspiring for civil services, comes to you for discussing some of the issues related to ethical conduct in public service. He raises the following points:
(i) In the present times, when unethical environment is quite prevalent, individual attempts to stick to ethical principles may cause a lot of problems in one’s career. It may also cause hardship to the family members as well as risk to one’s life. Why should we not be pragmatic and follow the path of least resistance, and be happy with doing whatever good we can?
(ii) When so many people are adopting wrong means and are grossly harming the system, what difference would it make if only a small minority tries to be ethical? They are going to be rather ineffective and are bound to get frustrated.
(iii) If we become fussy about ethical considerations, will it not hamper the economic progress of our country? After all, in the present age of high competition, we cannot afford to be left behind in the race of development.
(iv) It is understandable that we should not get involved in grossly unethical practices, but giving and accepting small gratifications and doing small favours increases everybody’s motivation. It also makes the system more efficient. What is wrong in adopting such practices? Critically analyse the above viewpoints. On the basis of this analysis, what will be your advice to your friend?20
Answer: (i) The person who follows the path of least resistance will remain ethical but whenever situation comes, he would also take advantage or bend for the progress of career and personal interest. Such person has no personal moral, ethical code or virtue. He is no different from others. I would not follow this advise and would not advise my friend to follow this option.
(ii) People who are adopting unethical path cannot be compared with minority who follows ethics. Numbers do not matter but conduct matters. This minority is an example for new entrant in civil services. They should continue to follow their standards. There is no frustration as they know their path is correct. Their career and personal satisfaction are completely independent of each other.
(iii) There is no reason that a country cannot achieve economic progress by following ethical means. For example, if a tender is floated, it can be passed with full ethical way, without compromising with requirements. It will just not benefit some corrupt officers and contractors. But the system will certainly be benefited by it. Therefore, adopting to ethical ways does not mean remaining behind in economic growth.
(iv) Any officer who compromises his integrity once, is susceptible to frequent compromising. It would lead to unethical behaviour and there will be no reason for him to differentiate between small gratification and large scale corruption. Secondly, there is no reason to believe that such practice will improve the system. Therefore, my advice to the friend would be to remain upright ethical and never compromise with Code of conduct and integrity for whatever reason.
(Total 266 words)
Q.11. You are a no-nonsense, honest officer. You have been transferred to a remote district to head a department that is notorious for its inefficiency and callousness. You find that the main cause of the poor state of affairs is the indiscipline of a section of employees. They do not work themselves and also disrupt the work of others. You first warned the troublemakers to mend their ways or else face disciplinary action. When the warning had little effect, you issued a show cause notice to the ringleaders. As a retaliatory measure, these troublemakers instigate a woman employee amongst them to file a complaint of sexual harassment against you with the Women’s Commission. The Commission promptly seeks your explanation. The matter is also publicised in the media to embarrass you further. Some of the options to handle this situation could be as follows:
(i) Give your explanation to the Commission and go soft on the disciplinary action.
(ii) Ignore the Commission and proceed firmly with the disciplinary action.
(iii) Brief your higher-ups, seek directions from them and act accordingly. Suggest any other possible option(s). Evaluate all of them and suggest the best course of action, giving your reasons for it. (250 words) 20
Answer: Evaluation of the options given in the question:
(i) Give your explanation to the Commission and go soft on the disciplinary action. I have to give explanation to the Commission but going soft is an option which can be taken for the time being. But it will certainly encourage the trouble maker gang. If I surrender in this manner, they will continue with their nasty behaviour and stall the office work. Therefore, I would not go with this option.
(ii) Ignore the Commission and proceed firmly with the disciplinary action. As the commission has statutory status, I cannot ignore the commission and have to file a reply. However, proceeding firmly against the trouble maker gang is at my option. The Commission can be explained in detail and be informed about the reasons for such false complaint. It will make them understand the real issue.
(iii) Brief your higher-ups, seek directions from them and act accordingly. This option seems to be the most appropriate. If I take my seniors into confidence, they will cooperate with me to tackle with the problem. They can guide me as how to deal with the current situation. I can prepare a draft according to their suggestions to send my reply to the Women’s Commission. This can be endorsed by my senior officers. They can vouch about my behaviour with opposite sex. Seniors can also help me to transfer the trouble makers. Other Options: First I can brief seniors and take them into confidence to deal with the problem. Then I can draft a reply and send it to the Commission. Then I can call media and give my explanation and make them aware of the reality. I am sure when they will know the actual problem, they will cooperate with me in the interest of good governance and administration.
(Total 267 words)
Q.12. Suppose you are the CEO of a company that manufactures specialised electronic equipment used by a government department. You have submitted your bid for the supply of this equipment to the department. Both the quality and cost of your offer are better than those of the competitors. Yet the concerned officer is demanding a hefty bribe for approving the tender. Getting the order is important both for you and for your company. Not getting the order would mean closing a production line. It may also affect your own career. However, as a valueconscious person, you do not want to give bribe. Valid arguments can be advanced both for giving the bribe and getting the order, and for refusing to pay the bribe and risking the loss of the order. What those arguments could be? Could there be any better way to get out of this dilemma? If so, outline the main elements of this third way, pointing out its merits. (250 words) 20
Answer: (1) Arguments in favour of giving the bribe for getting the order: As the order is important for my company, I should pay the demanded bribe and get the order. If I do not pay, someone else may pay and get the order. To keep my conscience, I can supply better quality goods. Other bribe giver may even not supply good quality of goods. Ethics can be managed practically in terms of performing my duties well, but I cannot teach the bribe demanding officer to be ethical.
(2) Arguments in favour of not giving the bribe for getting the order: If I give bribe, I will compromise with my conscience and business ethics. I can get some other good order than giving bribe. Temporary loss in business should not discourage me from maintaining my ethos.
(3) Arguments in favour of third option: I can inform the vigilance department about demand of bribe and ask them to advise me for cooperating to catch the officer red handed. If they give me numbered currency note to give to the officer as bribe, I would do so. Otherwise I can complain against the bribe demanding officer to his senior. I can produce all relevant document and under right to information get relevant document of others as well. This can be used to show that my tender was the most eligible. I can appeal to higher authorities for giving me order. If it works out, I will get the order and will also do the duty of a whistleblower. (Total 255 words)
Q.13. Rameshwar successfully cleared the prestigious civil services examination and was excited about the opportunity that he would get through the civil services to serve the country. However, soon after joining the services, he realized that things are not as rosy as he had imagined. He found a number of malpractices prevailing in the department assigned to him. For example, funds under various schemes and grants were being misappropriated. The official facilities were frequently being used for personal needs by the officers and staff. After some time, he noticed that the process of recruiting the staff was also not up to the mark. Prospective candidates were required to write an examination in which a lot of cheating was going on. Some candidates were provided external help in the examination. Rameshwar brought these incidents to the notice of his seniors. However, he was advised to keephis eyes, ears and mouth shut and ignore all these things which were taking place with the connivance of the higher-ups. Rameshwar felt highly disillusioned and uncomfortable. He comes to you seeking your advice. Indicate various options that you think are available in this situation. How would you help him to evaluate these options and choose the most appropriate path to be adopted? (250 words)20
Answer: Rameshwar has seen the actual vices and malpractices in services and system. He is facing the situation that he never expected in civil services. I think the following rational and reasonable options are available to Rameshwar. Option 1: Prepare a report of the situation and send it to senior hierarchy up to the Chief Secretary and mark copies to concerned Minister’s office. Options 2: He may not write it directly, but can encourage the affected parties to write a complaint to higher authorities. Options 3: He can look for any other officer who is ethical and wants to raise voice against current practice. Both or all such officers can write a joint application to the higher authorities. Options 4: Listen to his senior’s advise and ignore all the malpractices and happenings. All other options would finally lead to either raising voice against the current system or keeping quiet. If Rameshwar decides to oppose the practice, he has first three options in which he can either directly or through others affected parties or with other officers can bring the matter to the notice of higher authorities and if required, can bring the matter to political or judicial authorities. However, this may endanger his career and in some situation even his physical safety and life may be in danger. Therefore, Rameshwar must be careful while raising voice against the system. But if he decides to keep shut, he will have guilt throughout his life and he cannot forgive himself for it. So I would suggest that best option for Rameshwar is mixture of Option 2 and 3. (Total 265 words)
Q.14. In our country, the migration of rural people to towns and cities is increasing drastically. This is causing serious problems both in the rural as well as in the urban areas. In fact, things are becoming really unmanageable. Can you analyse this problem in detail and indicate not only the socio-economic but also the emotional and attitudinal factors responsible for this problem? Also, distinctly bring out why?
(a) educated rural youths are trying to shift to urban areas;
(b) landless poor people are migrating to urban slums;
(c) even some farmers are selling off their land and trying to settle in urban areas taking up petty jobs. What feasible steps can you suggest which will be effective in controlling this serious problem of our country? (250 words) 20 Answer:Urbanisation in India has increased at faster pace in this century. Rural youth are attracted to urban areas for white collar and blue collar jobs. Non remunerative jobs in rural areas, including that of agriculture is a reason for migration from rural to urban areas. As the attitude of a person who has come from rural area is much different from that of the person who was born and brought up in urban areas. Similar is the matter of emotional mismatch between them.
(1) Reasons for educated rural youth trying to shift to urban areas are better job opportunities, better educational facilities for their children, better avenues and scope for progress. They find all lifestyle enhancing amenities in urban areas.
(2)Landless poor people are shifting to urban slums because in rural areas there are less opportunities of employment while in urban areas even unskilled people can get manual jobs. They hope that at least their children will make better future in urban world. Industrialisation has increased in urban places which opens up more avenues for job.
(3)Even some farmers are selling their land and trying to settle in urban areas because due to lack of irrigation, credit, and better pricing mechanism, agriculture has become non-remunerative job and has indebted many farmers. Rather than continuing in loss making agricultural practice, they find it better option to engage in non-risky employments in urban areas where they can get enough to sustain their families. To counter these problems, we need to provide better job opportunities, facilities in the field of education, health care, services and entertainment, in rural areas. (Total 270 words)
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