GS 3 1

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3
Insights Secure 2015

General Studies Paper 3
29 December 2014 to 3 January 2015
[THE UNDERCOVER GROUP]

Compiled By:
Urstruly KArtheek
Deepak Thurwal
Anand vardhan
Hatas Engineer
Devil Baba
LuV
Source:
http://www.insightsonindia.com
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Table of Contents
Q) What do you understand by water scarcity? Critically discuss the problem of water
scarcity in India and its causes. (200 Words) ............................................................................... 4
Q) Examine the recent amendments made to the Right to Fair Compensation and
Transparency in Land Acquisi-tion, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 through an
ordinance. Do you think these amendments are against social justice? Critically comment.
(200 Words) ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Q) What do you understand by Social Impact Assessment? Way was it included in
the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and
Resettlement Act 2013? Critically examine. (200 Words) ........................................................... 6
Q) Why did RBI mandate priority sector lending for banks in India? Do you think this
measure has met its objectives? Keeping in mind target population and sectors, critically
analyse. (200 Words)........................................................................................................................ 7
Q) Examine the role of public sector undertakings in helping government to mobilize
resources for reducing fiscal deficit and undertaking developmental works. (150 Words) . 7
Q) Institutions play critical role in growth and development process. In India, preliberalisation structures have not adequately adapted to new realities and requirements.
Important post-liberalisation structures, meanwhile, clearly struggle to develop the
capabilities needed to perform effectively in a rapidly evolving environment. Critically
discuss issues related to these two sets of institutions and suggest what needs to be done.
(200 Words) ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Q) Many experts have suggested to set-up a central anti-terror mechanism placing
intelligence and investigation wings under a single command. Examine which agencies
would come under such a set-up and why this idea is mooted. (200 Words) ...................... 10
Q) Compare and contrast the composition and objectives of newly set-up National
Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog with that of erstwhile Planning
Commission. Some suggest that it is better to reform existing institutions than creating
new ones to transform India. Comment on this suggestion. (200 Words) ............................ 11
Q) In order to give push to Make in India campaign, recently the government asked all
government departments to give preference to domestically manufactured electronics
products in their procurement. Is this a right step? Critically examine. (200 Words) ......... 12
Q) Do you think the demand for a separate state for Bodos is justified? In the light of
increasing violence against non-Bodo people, critically comment. (200 Words) ................. 13
Q) Indian nuclear reactors have been running below the capacity due to the mismatch of
power and supply demand of uranium. Analyse why and explain what India has done to
address this issue. (200 Words) .................................................................................................... 15
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Q) For efficient allocation of scarce resources, it is essential not to succumb to lobbies and
hand out incentives to particular sectors in the belief that they will help in overall
economic growth. In the light of recent cut in the concessions given to the automobile
and the consumer electronics sectors, critically examine the necessity and effects of doling
out sector-specific sops. (200 Words) .......................................................................................... 17
Q) It is suggested that to make Make in India program a success, India must focus on
building competitive advantage and global scale in sectors where it has a large domestic
market and certain inherent capabilities. Examine these capabilities and explain how India
can make use of them to have a competitive advantage. (150 Words)................................... 18
Q) Forced by declining returns from farming in ecologically fragile areas, small farmers
have been taking to goat rearing. Today, goats ensure income to five million households
in India. Critically examine the merits and demerits of this shift. .......................................... 20
Q) The dynamic pricing of fares and the premium-rate Tatkal tickets introduced by the
Indian railways has been unpopular for several reasons. Why this was introduced and
why is this move unpopular? Examine. (150 Words) ............................................................... 21
Q) Do you think governments recent decision to accept the P J Nayak committees
recommendation of splitting the post of chairman and managing director (CMD) in public
sector banks will help improve banking governance in India? Examine. (150 Words) ....... 22
Q) The terrorist violence in Pakistan can be traced to the tight U.S. security embrace of
the Cold War days, which gave birth to several mujahideen groups that have turned
into Frankensteins monsters post-9/11. Elaborate. (200 Words) ......................................... 23
Q) It is said that the rise of social media and greater Internet access are behind a massive
upsurge in illicit sales of drugs. Examine the possible health and security threats arising
out of this trend. Also examine how it is being done. (200 Words) ........................................ 24
Q) National Waterways in India are grossly underutilized for transport purposes.
Examine the problems faced by them taking the example of National Waterway 1. Also
explain different uses of National Waterways. (200 Words) ................................................... 25
Q) Advance warning is as important as disaster preparedness for calamities of
huge magnitude such as tsunami and cyclones. In this regard, critically examine Indias
preparedness and emerging challenges on this front. (150 Words)........................................ 26
Q) Examine how premier institutions such as IITs have helped invent and implement new
technologies in the country for the benefit of common man. (150 Words)............................ 27
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Topic: changes in critical geographical features (including waterbodies and ice-caps) and the effects
of such changes (GS3)
Q) What do you understand by water scarcity? Critically discuss the

problem of water scarcity in India and its causes. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Reference
Ans:
Water scarcity is the lack of available water supply to meet human consumption in a
particular region. Hydrologically, when the water supply falls below 1000 meter cube per
person, an area is said to be water scarce.
Water scarcity in India:
1. Most areas, especially cities, are water scarce, even though there are geographical
variations.
2. Southen states, central India are most water scarce.
3. But India has enough fresh water to meet its needs, esp. in Northern and eastern India.
But the problem is the unequal distribution and sporadic nature of monsoon
Causes:
1. Falling ground water tables due to aggressive use, as around 40% of India depends on
ground water.
2. Water leakages, esp in distribution.
3. Overpopulated cities.
4. Inefficient irrigation techniques and small land holdings for agriculture.
Measure have been taken by the central govt., like the National Water Policy, 2013, declaring
water as a economic good, the recently launched "Hamara Jal, Hamara jeevan" initiative.
Human and technological interventions can ensure adequate water for all.
General Studies 3
Topic: Land reforms in India; Infrastructure; Investment models
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Q) Examine the recent amendments made to the Right to Fair Compensation
and Transparency in Land Acquisi-tion, Rehabilitation and Resettlement
Act, 2013 through an ordinance. Do you think these amendments are against
social justice? Critically comment. (200 Words)
Business Standard
The Hindu
The Hindu
Ans:
The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and
Resettlement Bill (LARR Act) was enacted by UPA Government in 2013 which replaced
decade old Land Acquisition Act of 1894.
The enacted law brought many provisions which were favourable to land holders such as
increased compensation which would be four times and two times of the market value if the
land is acquired in rural and urban areas respectively. Indeed, the law was laudable but
there was having certain provisions which were contentious.
Current regime has has brought certain amendment in the said bill through ordinance route
to do away contentious part. Some of the amendments are-There should be no consent requirement and environmental impact assessment for the PPP
projects.
-Modification of the clause which stipulates the annulment of land acquisition if
compensation is not paid within a time frame of 5 years, this time frame has been increased
to 10 years
-Earlier compensation clause was not applicable to 13 Central Acts but now compensation
requirement will be applicable for 12 central acts.
Removal of Social Impact Assessment decrease the time for the acquisition of land but this
may compromise the environmental health and removal of consent clause may affect
families as they will have no say in the acquisition process.
The said amendment is necessary for the development as said by the current government
but there should be some safeguards which may protect the interest of affected families. It
would have been better if the amendments was to be brought after consulting with various
stake holders rather in haste.
General Studies 3
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Topic: Land reforms in India
Q) What do you understand by Social Impact Assessment? Way was it

included in the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land
Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013? Critically examine.
(200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans:
Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is a methodology to review social effects of infrastructure
projects and other developmental interventions. Its goal is to improve the value of the
program to the people it serves.
The recent amendment to the Land acquisition law removes the need for social impact
assessment for PPP projects.
Need for SIA:
1. The previous law needed SIA to determine if a project was indeed for public use.
2. It made sure the amount of land to be given to be kept at a bare minimum.
3. It helped in preventing farce or forceful acquisitions and maximizing benefit for the
affected parties.
Reasons for removal
1. It was believed to slow down the entire process of land acquisition.
2. SIA called for a number of public hearings. Here, vested interests could interfere to
slowdown the process itself.
3. Measuring social impact is itself a vague concept, due to the difficult nature of assessing
social change. It requires innovation and creativity.
While it is true that SIA will slow down the process, but the long term benefits it accrues can
offset the temporary costs.
To make it more inclusive, the social impact of the project must go beyond the landed
gentry, and include more marginalized and landless sections.
Timeframes should be included with strict procedures and modern modes of
communication and discussion like the internet, to ensure speedy conclusion.
There is a need for quicker land acquisition, and this can be done in concurrence with SIA if
the processes are more streamlines, and innovative.
General Studies 3
Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it
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Q) Why did RBI mandate priority sector lending for banks in India? Do you
think this measure has met its objectives? Keeping in mind target
population and sectors, critically analyse. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans:
Priority sector lending was started in a few specified sectors for all round development of
the country, as these sectors were crucial for development, but at the same time, had
witnessed poor credit availability. The sectors are.
1. Agriculture:
Recent NSSO survey revelas, that small and marginal farmers are still out of the financial
system. Lending is mostly done to rich farmers with better credit risk.
Frequent loan waivers also distort the financial system and lead to unhealthy lending
practices.
2. MSME sector and micro credit:
These sectors provide the most employment and directly affect upliftment of the weaker
sections. Thus credit is important.
But, it is seen that most MSME enterprises do not evolve into medium and big enterprises
and the incentives like PSL stop after further growth.
A better lending criteria along with support services for smooth transmission is required.
3. Education loan:
Recently, the RBI governor argued if farmers are more needy or students who study abroad.
4. Housing loans for weaker sections.
But banks have frequently failed to meet PSL target of 40%.
To make it easier and better disburse the loan, RBI recently announced that direct lending to
Rural Development and Infrastructure fund will count under PSL.
This will ensure that the lending risk is hedged by the govt. and agriculture is developed
esp. with regard to the poor and marginalized who do not have the credit risk for loans.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to mobilization of resources
Q) Examine the role of public sector undertakings in helping government to

mobilize resources for reducing fiscal deficit and undertaking
developmental works. (150 Words)
Business Standard
Ans:
PSUs have been awarded financial autonomy by the government to ensure greater
competitiveness from them on the global markets. However, the profits incurred by PSUs
are occasionally redirected by the government if such a need arises.
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The current governments target to rein in the fiscal deficit to 4.1% has prompted the finance
minister to look for higher dividends from PSUs. Also, the massive infrastructural
commitments such as building of Smart cities, nuclear reactors, digitizing of various sectors
such as healthcare, tapping of non-renewable resources etc., presently requires massive
amounts of capital. The shortfall in tax receipts is expected to further aggravate the problem.
Capital infusion into PSUs doesnt necessarily translate into higher earnings as PSUs do not
or are not able to invest in profit-making projects. This money often stays parked in bankdeposits, earning little interest.
Pressuring the PSUs to give higher dividends to the Centre will drive them to ensure greater
profits and proper utilization of the funds allocated to them. Their investing in domestic
projects will also ease the pressure on the government. The recent decision by BHEL to take
up submarine manufacturing is a case in point.
There are other ways of leveraging PSUs to obtain capital such as disinvestments, telecom
spectrum sales etc. Also, forcing PSUs to return higher dividends may stall long-term
projects of certain PSUs. The government should presently look to attract private investors
and FDI, even though they are not as reliable as public investments, while keeping the
correct amount of pressure on PSUs to ensure that they remain competitive
General Studies 3
Topic: Issues relating to growth and development; Also interconnected to first few topics in
GS 2
Q) Institutions play critical role in growth and development process. In

India, pre-liberalisation structures have not adequately adapted to new
realities and requirements. Important post-liberalisation structures,
meanwhile, clearly struggle to develop the capabilities needed to perform
effectively in a rapidly evolving environment. Critically discuss issues
related to these two sets of institutions and suggest what needs to be done.
(200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans:
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Issues:
Our pre independent institutions like the Executive, Judiciary and the Legislature
have failed to adapt. Collusion between the private sector and all three of these
institutions is well known. Swindling of resources runs parallel and almost equal
black economy.
The Judiciary: The pending cases are creating great hardship and the economic
burden is crippling to most.
The legislature is but a cacophony. It is used either too stall bills or to guillotine
them, but never to discuss.
Post independent institutions, like regulatory agencies, are themselves co-opeted to
serve the individual purpose instead common good.
Panchayat raj institutions are struggling for funds, functions and functionaries.
State owned banks are require frequent bail outs and ever falling standards.
State owned schools are the highest paid per student, with one of the lowest
educational outcomes.
Reforms:
Transparency and accountability in all aspects is a must. The fact that the Right to
Information Act has brought to light several discrepancies shows that is the way to
go.
The legislature must be used for discussion crucial matters. To hammer out
contentious points, other fora like the Inter State Council, can be used. Guillotining
bills should be avoided.
Judiciary needs a massive overhaul in quality, quantity and technology.
Appointment and removal procedures must be streamlined in lines with the reports
of various committees and international best practices. Innovative methods like fast
track courts, lok adalats should be expanded.
The executive too needs a overhaul in terms of quantity. There is a serious need to
fix accountability for their actions, and for this, they should be protected from undue
influence.
Once these bedrock institutions begin to work as envisaged, the change will emanate
in other institutions.
Appointment procedures in regulatory agencies must be transparent and based on a
clear criteria. And in case of regulatory absence, immediate step should be taken to
rectify the situation.
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Post liberalization has brought in the private sector, but instead of using them to
increase competition and quality, their collusion with public agencies for nefarious
purposes has created vested interests who will stubbornly resist change.
There is a need to overhaul the entire structure.
GS-3
Topic: Challenges to internal security
Q) Many experts have suggested to set-up a central anti-terror mechanism

placing intelligence and investigation wings under a single command.
Examine which agencies would come under such a set-up and why this idea
is mooted. (200 Words)
Main Article:
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/probe-agencies-want-single-antiterrormechanism/article6743607.ece
Ans:
Which agencies can come under such a set-up?
Agencies which can come under central command:
Intelligence Bureau(IB)
National Investigation Agency (NIA)
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
Economic Intelligence Agency
Enforcement Directorate.
A similar body in USA deals only with strategic planning and integration of
intelligence without any operational involvement.In case of UK s Joint Terrorism
Analysis Centre, which too plays a purely coordinating role.However the proposed
structure in Indias case will have not only intelligence functions but also powers to
conduct operations, raids and arrests in any part of India.
Need for A Unified Structure dealing with Terrorism(Why this Idea is mooted)
The paradigm shift in the nature of the security challenges facing the country lends
urgency to the need for reforms in countrys intelligence apparatus.There is need to
remove the deficiencies within the system.
Reasons:
Improve coordination between Intelligence Agencies.
To fix accountability for the lapse.
Ensure better oversight.
To Remove overlaps and duplications.
End turf-wars.It is important to prevent confusion regarding intelligence
inputs and also ensure that none of the police forces from the states enter into
a blame game regarding intelligence sharing as one got to see during the
26/11 attacks in Mumbai.
To ensure better utilisation of National Resources.
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Taking into account the above reasons many experts have suggested to set-up a
central anti-terror mechanism placing intelligence and investigation wings under a
single command.
Concerns regarding proposed unified Structure
Need for a dedicated agency to deal with specific cases as threat posed by organised
terrorist organisation is very different from threat posed by naxalites.
IB fears that under such system safety of its field officers and secrecy of covert
operations would be jeopardized.
Conclusion
The Indian intelligence system did not evolve out of any detailed and well thought
out administrative policy, but emerged as an extension of the Indian police system
due to a Need Driven colonial and postcolonial decision making process, designed
to meet the requirements of maintaining law and order and internal security.
Hence,there is need of comprehensive reforms which takes into account the varying
nature of internal security challenges and does not affect the federal structure of the
country as mandated by the constitution.
General Studies 3
Topic: Indian economy Planning
Q) Compare and contrast the composition and objectives of newly setup National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog with that of
erstwhile Planning Commission. Some suggest that it is better to reform
existing institutions than creating new ones to transform India. Comment
on this suggestion. (200 Words)
Business Standard
The Hindu
Ans:
The cabinet resolution similar to one that laid the foundation of PC in 1950 has led to the
formation of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog with the objective to
evolve a shared vision of national developmental priorities, sectors and strategies. It aims at
developing the overall planning strategy with the bottom up approach compared with the
top down approach followed by the PC.
The new think tank has a different structure than the PC in respect of the following:
1. The Aayog will have a Vice-Chairperson to be appointed by PM instead of the Deputy
Chairperson.
2. The Aayog would have two levels of councils, governing councils of CMs of the states
and LGs of UTs. It would also have a regional council for issue specific objectives.
3. The Aayog would also have experts from relevant institutions on a part time basis as
compared to the eight full time members.
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4. The Union ministers have been retained as the ex-officio members as were in the PC.
5. The Aayog would also have a CEO to be appointed for a fixed tenure in the rank of
secretary.
6. The Aayog might have a separate secretariat as the need arises.
7. Subject experts, practitioners and others would also be nominated from time to time by
the PM.
The need of the hour is to bring about a systemic change and not just a structural change.
What is now required is a change in the culture of planning.
The PC was conceived as a knowledge bank and think tank, which was supposed to act a
repository of the domain knowledge and specialised skills in different subject domains. But
the focus shifted from functions like perspective planning, project policy analysis, program
implementation to power centric functions like approval of schemes, resource outlay and the
like.
This reflects the chronic malaise afflicting the planning commission. Hence it would
sometimes become imperative to rebuild the institutions with fresh set of objectives and
related support structure in place of re-structuring. But it is equally important that the
Aayog learns from the practical experiences of the PC which has to a great extent been
successful in carrying out its objectives in the past.
GS-3
Topic: indigenization of technology
Q) In order to give push to Make in India campaign, recently the

government asked all government departments to give preference to
domestically manufactured electronics products in their procurement. Is
this a right step? Critically examine. (200 Words)
Main Article:
http://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/going-back-in-time114122901173_1.html
Ans:
In a major push by government to it's "Make In India " National Program
government has recently asked the all departments to give their preference to the
indigenously manufactured electronic items in their procurement's.
An online system has to be created for official agencies to report their
procurement, so that a picture can emerge of domestically manufactured
electronics products.
This Policy/Step has its Merits and Limitations.
Merits
Demand-There is Significant local demand.This sector has attained 9.88%
growth rate between 2011-15.Domestically manufacturing the equipments
will lower the manufacturing cost.Hence will help the industry to grow
further.
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High Imports-65% of the current demand for electronic products is met by

imports.It is not sustainable.It is important to promote domestic
manufacturers of electronic items.
Favourable FDI Policy-100% FDI is allowed under the automatic route in the
Electronics Systems Design & Manufacturing sector.In case of electronics
items for defence, FDI up to 49% is allowed under the government approval
route, whereas anything above 49% is allowed through the approval of the
cabinet committee on security.There is enough reasons for foreign investors
to make in india taking in account of the fact that manufacturing cost is
increasing in alternate markets.
Example of Space Sector-Indigenous purchases of the space programme have
helped develop private-sector capabilities.
Employment-Skilled manpower is available in abundance in Semiconductor
Design and Embedded Software.
Limitations
Quality-Unequal competition is a breeding ground for inefficiency, high costs
and lower quality. It may also lead to corruption as quality is not the criteria.
And worst of all, instead of increasing competitiveness, it decreases them as
the pre liberalization era has shown.
Division of Labour concept-In a globalized world, everyone produces what they
are best at. China is good at producing lower down the supply chain in
electronics products so much so that it is a world leader. Similarly, India must
find its place. And for this, open competition is required.
Time Frame-As India has limited physical and social infrastructure, it will take
a long duration for industry to grow.It is difficult to achieve in short time
frame.Till then government has to do with limited choices thus depriving
itselgfof the best price available in the market.
The decision must be seen as an opportunity for the development of Indian
electronics industry. It must be complemented by improving social and physical
infrastructure, and cutting red tape.
Global demand for this sector is estimated to reach USD 94.2 Billion by 2015.It
is the right moment to give a strong push to electronics industry.
GS-3
Topic: Linkages between development and spread of extremism
Q) Do you think the demand for a separate state for Bodos is justified? In
the light of increasing violence against non-Bodo people, critically
comment. (200 Words)
Main Article:
http://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/subir-roy-why-bodo-violence-is-sointractable-114123001109_1.html
Ans:
Who are Bodos?
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The Bodos are an ethnic and linguistic aboriginal group of the Brahmaputra valley in
the northeast part of India.
The Bodos are recognized as a plains tribe in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian
Constitution.
Udalguri and Kokrajhar of Assam are considered the centre of the Bodo area.
What are their Demand?
A separate state(Bodoland)(within the Indian Union) be created by carving out some
area of eight districts of the current State of Assam, namely Kokrajhar, Dhubri,
Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Nalbari, Kamrup, Darang and Sonitpur districts.
Why?
To protect and preserve the interest of the indigenous people of the region as
well as to counter the effects of influx.
How is it currently administered?
It is an Autonomous Administrative unit constituted under the Sixth Schedule of the
Constitution of India.
BTC(Bodoland Territorial Council) governs BTAD(Bodoland Territorial Area District)
since 2003 according to BTC Accord.
Critical Comments on the Issue
Indigenous Population
The demand for a separate state is being justified on the basis of protecting
the indigenous population of the BTAD which itself is contested.
The Bodos have portrayed themselves as the most rightful representatives of
the BTAD. The BTC (Bodoland Territorial Council) is predominantly Bodo, as
per the provisions of the Bodo Accord of 2003, but the BTAD areas do not
have a homogenous demographic profile.
In fact, some villages of the BTAD are inhabited by a significantly larger
number of non-Bodos than Bodos. Thus, the non-Bodo and Muslim
communities feel under-represented at the BTC, and have recorded their
displeasure at the inequity in distribution of resources and lack of
administrative powers.
In addition is the territorial nature of the problem, which creates artificial
boundaries in a naturally heterogeneous state and links ethnicity to land,
leading to competing claims.
Lessons from BTC Accord(2003)
11 years have passed since the creation of Bodoland Territorial Council, the
region( BTAD-Bodoland Territorial Area District) still remains backward in
terms of development.
Funds meant for development are being pocketed by representatives in BTC
for personal use.
Violence still continues.
Innocent women and children are still being killed brutally.
Aggrieved Non -Bodos
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Conclusion
Even more power to Bodos will only serve to inflame the already aggrieved
and under-represented non-Bodos, who will most likely take to more intense,
perhaps violent, means of agitation.
In such an event, tensions will never cease and the region will continue to be
volatile, possibly even more so than it is now.
The message by government to these groups should be that negotiations over
reasonable demands can be the only option.
States cannot be created for politicians convenience.
Any nexus between politicians and militants to gain political mileage
should be rooted out, so militancy gets no leeway in the sensitive
region.
Sardar Patel worked very hard to integrate India, we cannot go back to splitting it
into 500 provinces.
Link to a similar issue in Meghalaya

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ZOm59Lwk9Ydrz8XlpjFt7elmuW2nu7e4mZQVjSUVy
XE&authuser=0
Cursory Read
http://www.ipcs.org/article/india/statehood-demands-in-indias-northeast-is-bodolandjustifiable-4455.html
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1131003/jsp/northeast/story_17417395.jsp#.VKeXkSuUf
KE
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy; Also Effect of policies and politics of developed and
developing countries on Indias interests (GS3)
Q) Indian nuclear reactors have been running below the capacity due to the
mismatch of power and supply demand of uranium. Analyse why and
explain what India has done to address this issue. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans:
Intro
India has a flourishing and largely indigenous nuclear power
program and expects to have 14,600 MWe nuclear capacity on line
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by 2020. It aims to supply 25% of electricity from nuclear power by

2050.
Since India is outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty due to
its weapons program, it was for 34 years largely excluded from
trade in nuclear plant or materials, which has hampered its
development of civil nuclear energy until 2009.
Issue of Lack of Nuclear Fuel(Uranium+Thorium)
Due to earlier trade bans and lack of indigenous Uranium has
resulted in shortage of fuel.
Lack of technology to exploit Thorium .
The uranium-mining arm(UCIL) of the Department of Atomic
Energy didn't adjust for the recent improvements in technology.So
the growing demand for uranium fuel has resulted in the nuclear
fuel shortage.
Non compliance to IAEA safeguards prevented Nuclear Supply
Group (NSG) from supplying Fuel to India.
Delayed Environmental Clearances to Mines has also contributed
to fuel shortage.
Since 2010, a fundamental incompatibility between Indias Civil
Liability Law and International conventions limits foreign
technology provision.
Steps Taken to address the Issue
Under the Indo-U.S. nuclear cooperation agreement, India was to
sign and ratify the Additional Protocol of the IAEA which has
been done.With this, India has become more open to international
checks. By complying with all the norms under the India-US
nuclear deal, Indias chance for becoming a member of the coveted
45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group will increase.
Nuclear deal with Australia( has 40 percent of the world's known
uranium reserves),Canada and Russia.
India has uniquely been developing a Nuclear Fuel Cycle to exploit
its reserves of Thorium. (Explained Below-Not to be included in
Answer). India has reasonably assured resources of thorium
about 13% of the world total, and these are intended to fuel its
nuclear power program for longer term.
Conclusion
India can become world leader in nuclear technology due to its
expertise in fast reactors and thorium fuel cycle.
3 Stage Nuclear Fuel Cycle
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Because of Indias lack of uranium resources, every effort has been
made to draw as much power as possible out of the uranium they
do have.
Using a combination of their Advanced Heavy Water Reactor
(AHWR) and Fast Breeder Reactors (FBR), the Indian program is able
to reprocess this fuel.
After the uranium is run through the AHWR once, it is sent to a
FBR and used to produce energy once again. The plutonium which
is extracted from the fast breeders is then used in the AHWR with
Thorium as the main fuel. At the end of the third reaction, the
nuclear waste is much less in volume and in a far less hazardous
form.
TOPIC: Resource mobilization (GS3)
Q) For efficient allocation of scarce resources, it is essential not to succumb

to lobbies and hand out incentives to particular sectors in the belief that
they will help in overall economic growth. In the light of recent cut in the
concessions given to the automobile and the consumer electronics sectors,
critically examine the necessity and effects of doling out sector-specific
sops. (200 Words)
Main Article: http://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/a-pragmatic-step115010100917_1.html
Ans:
The government offered concessions to the automobile and the consumer electronics sectors
in form of excise duty cut of up to six percent to revive the industries have been stopped.
Such concessions hit the revenue target and now the rolling back will be passed on to
buyers.
The industrial lobbies have been prevalent in government subsidizing initiatives and few of
the sectors that are already prospering have continued getting the sops.
Few of the positives that have been brought by the subsidizing of various sectors were in IT
Industry where Interventions like duty free import of computer systems in exchange for
software and concessions for software parks have been crucial for propelling this sector. In
Pharmaceuticals sector discouraging companies with more than forty percent foreign equity
and Drugs policy of 1978 have been crucial to transform Indian into a pharmaceutical hub of
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the world and The New Telecom Policy of 1999 is hailed as a watershed event in India's
telecom revolution.
While it has been advantageous for promoting growth in few sectors it has not yielded
results in few. It has not contributed much in automobile and electronic sector through
interventions:
a) Incentivizing the industries in backward areas pre and post the liberalized period without
the state developing the required infrastructure has been counterproductive.
b) Subsidizing the automobile sector has hardly helped in the progression and the growth
has been sloppy and huge job creation has not been achieved.
c) The higher discount offered by the automobile companies validate the lack of buoyant
market and thus subsidies are far dragged. The subsidizing across all categories of vehicles
is contestable too.
d) While government incentivized on the basis of lobbies for growth, few sector that deserve
attention have been neglected. The Priority sector lending has not helped poor farmers or
MSMEs transformations.
e) The electronics industry on the other end has shown competition and the offset have been
achieved through the years and the subsidy cut was on these lines.
The real reason has been intervention without associate infrastructural and support system
by the state which needs to be the backbone for growth of the private sector. Infrastructure
in place and proper study before the subsidizing would help in the growth.
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subsidies_in_India
Stats: http://www.indiastat.com/economy/8/subsidy/7457/stats.aspx
TOPIC: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their
effects on industrial growth.
Q) It is suggested that to make Make in India program a success, India

must focus on building competitive advantage and global scale in sectors
where it has a large domestic market and certain inherent capabilities.
Examine these capabilities and explain how India can make use of them to
have a competitive advantage. (150 Words)
Main Article:http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/making-make-inindia-happen/article6736837.ece
Ans:
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The main objectives are reviving the manufacturing sector and increase its share 16-22%
by 2022. It will strengthen and improve skill development and growth trajectories of
Indian industries.
To become a manufacturing hub, we must ensure and streamline the ease to do
business. India has always been a large market for product and to ensure the advantage
remains with India in the Make in India program the policy should be to prioritize the
product that India consumes the most. It will aid in job creation and the cyclic advantage
with a chance to gain competitive advantage. The inherent capabilities that India has
are:
a) Low labor cost puts India in the drivers seat. Also with increasing automationskilled
labor and frugal engineering are necessary and the associated skill development
programs would help the workforce attain their potential and help reap the benefits.Top
notch technical and scientific research based institutions will help Indias cause with a
ready to reinvent youth force.
b) 3D: Demographic dividend, Democracy and Demand makes India a smooth
workplace. Strong Consumerism, Strict and responsible Financial Market, Large
domestic marketwill put India in the front foot.
c) India has proven record in pharmaceutical sector and improvements in healthcare can
make it a Health Tourism hub.The sectorial consumption like Defense, Electronics
hardware is ever growing and India is amongst Largest Agricultural Countrieswhich
will help it make it a potential food hub.
To make use of the advantages few uncertainties and hurdles need to be cleared.
a) Policy: Prioritizing strategies and better manufacturing policies to ease tax
restrictions, improve infrastructure and the implementation GST will make far reaching
impact and help us attain growth likethe IT services.
b) Investment in the energy sector, Single Window fast track clearance, Paralleling PSUs
with Private sector with a crystal clear Industrial policy will help clear the path. The
making of ecosystems- like Delhi-Mumbai Industrial corridor will pave way forward.
Although Make in India project is only for developing the product, but it should relate
with consuming it in the domestic market and creating an enhanced ecosystem of
tomorrow.
Topic: Economics of animal-rearing
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Q) Forced by declining returns from farming in ecologically fragile areas,
small farmers have been taking to goat rearing. Today, goats ensure income
to five million households in India. Critically examine the merits and
demerits of this shift.
Main Article:http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/goat-gamble
http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/huge-disparity-found-livestock-census-andnsso-data
Ans:
Goat is also known as poor mans cow has rightly gained its name. With the declining
productivity in many areas of India due to lack of irrigations mechanism farmers are
shifting their focus completely partly to goat rearing. This has led to faster growth of
goat population in India.
Goats have been domesticated since Harappan civilization and are known for its climate
tolerance, free food habits, little maintenance, disease resistive, fast meat gaining and
lesser administration required on them.
Merits of Goat rearing:
a) Demand:Goat meats are high in demand international as well as in domestic market.
Hence increase in economic value to farmer for goats. Got milk is a nutritional
supplement.
b) Low cost of Maintenance: Goat thrives on thorny shrubs and lesser on fodder, hence
states like Rajasthan, and Deccan plateau are doing well where it has increased income
of farmers.
c) Government Initiatives:Recent steps like PashuMela for vaccination, generic
medicines for cattle diseases have led to increased Research and development in
veterinary area. Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal cattle populations are also benefitting from
Indian low cost vaccinations.
d) Manure:Goat droppings are high in nutrients and used for mixture composition for
manure. It can help poor farmer lacking in access to fertilizers.
e) Scope:It is not capital intensive and goats population going to be double in 5 year
and climate resistance make it advantageous.
Demerits are less but there are few:
a) Less Yield:Goat rearing yields lesser money per cattle, which means large scale
rearing only will lead to prosperity. Few diseases also affect entire oat population.
INSIGHTS
Page 20

b) Sustainability:As goat eats shrubs and live plants and not fodder for long time, with
shrinking forest cover, grazing area there sustenance led eating away green area of
forest and wild herbivorous animals share.
c) Changing Cropping: High profit earning tends other farmers to shift their agriculture
and tends to decrease in productions like Bajra, Jowar.
All in all, Goat rearing is a win-win situation for both state and farmer as it decreases
farmers dependencies on state for subsidies and make their income more diverse.
Topic: Infrastructure: Railways
Q) The dynamic pricing of fares and the premium-rate Tatkal tickets

introduced by the Indian railways has been unpopular for several reasons.
Why this was introduced and why is this move unpopular? Examine. (150
Words)
The Hindu
Ans:
Railways are the Backbone of Indian Economy and despite that fact there have not been
much investment in recent times. The Railways badly need investments in the system.
The kind of resources needed to take up ongoing projects and also launch ambitious
ones such as the dedicated rail corridor and bullet train services and plan to set up four
Railway universities.
So Railways is trying to generate money in house by increasing freight fares and
passenger fares. Additionally in line with this motive, railways recently introduced
Dynamic pricing of Tatkal tickets and Premium-rate Tatkal tickets.
In dynamic pricing 50 percent of the tickets on Tatkal window was brought into a
dynamic pricing package. For the holiday season now, the Railways have introduced
special premium trains based on the dynamic pricing policy. While 10 per cent of tickets
in the ordinary second class come under Tatkal, up to 30 per cent in the sleeper and
higher classes are brought under it.
But there are some issues with dynamic pricing and it has been unpopular:
a) Limited Access: It keeps the ordinary passenger who books tickets at PRS counter,
out of the system and in a nation with poor internet penetration many cannot utilize this
option.
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Page 21

b) Cost Factor: It becomes costly for common people. Dynamic pricing burns holes in
the pockets of passengers who are forced to travel on emergency especially poor ones. It
hikes the travel price unreliably in Holiday and Special trains.
c) No agent booking: As agents are not allowed to book, so lot of people are denied the
chance to book through agency,
This dynamic pricing was introduced based on lot of other sectors like airline but even
parliamentary committee is against it and they have raised their concerns against this
policy.
Railways need to bring everyone under this umbrella of dynamic tickets and premium
trains so they need to make it available offline as well. While the current technology has
made dynamic pricing not only widely possible, but also commercially feasibleIt will
take some time for the Railways to popularize it by creating awareness and
optimizingeconomic burden on common through reforms.
Topic: Indian Economy; Also can be included under Paper 2: Important aspects of governance,
transparency and accountability (GS3)+(GS2)
Q) Do you think governments recent decision to accept the P J Nayak

committees recommendation of splitting the post of chairman and
managing director (CMD) in public sector banks will help improve banking
governance in India? Examine. (150 Words)
Business Standard
Ans:
Bifurcation of Post of CEO and MD in the PSBs is the welcome step , and move towards
transparency accountability and Good governance. While Former will be focussing on Long
term plans and "Vision" of the institutions and latter will more closely linked with Day to
day practices of the bank.
Similar practices are Is US and even in Many Indian banks and all such are healthy practices.
However this suggestion Of Nayak Committee [good governance] is just one step of 4 step
remedial process to remove the bottlenecks and loopholes of previous practices. This
aforesaid process was
1 Creating bank board bureau Until incorporation of BIC which will look after the
Appointments and government shareholding in the PSBs Hence repealing Banking act and
SBI Act
2 Diluting Government holding and control , So that PSBs be outside purview of CAG RTI
which also prevent Bankers to take bold steps Vis a Vis Private banks. Also Profits of
INSIGHTS
Page 22

Institutions are not linked to pay cheques of Bankers unlike Private sector.
3 Government also Pressurise to PSBs to participate in Fiscal repression, which is parking
money on safe assets, and making money available to Schemes which sometimes are
financially unsound. This Committee observed "to be abolished"
4 Bailouts and soft loans for political reason to FCI shall be restrained.
Given that just part of recommendation has been implemented, in which 2 power centres are
created without any restructuring, It may cause conflict of interest between bank operations
and Government expectations.
Instead of the above step, it would be more logical to have "executive chairman" in place and
follow the SBI model of governance. Financial Inclusion and Economical rights as focussed
by the present regime can only be met through proper restructuring which is benefiting al
Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security
(GS3)
Q) The terrorist violence in Pakistan can be traced to the tight U.S. security
embrace of the Cold War days, which gave birth to several mujahideen
groups that have turned into Frankensteins monsters post-9/11. Elaborate.
(200 Words)
Frontline
Ans:
During Cold war era, US started funding and supporting various local terrorist
organisation to contain Russian borders. US kept on funding and getting intelligence
about Russian progress around the borders. During the Cold war era, US
continuously kept on denying that anything called Terrorism exist in the world
under the President Harry Truman.
This led the rise of various Mujahideen means Guerrilla fighters against non-believer
and non-Islamic forces. Slowly, with weakening power of Soviet and later on its
disintegration in 1991, they left US without motivation to continue funding to
militant groups covertly. Hence it stopped and alienated itself, this harmed US in
two ways.
1. With funding almost stopped, these militant groups relied on extortion, drugs
trafficking, human trafficking, poaching, black money transactions, killing UN
peacekeeping forces and NATO to acquire arms and instruments. Hence US and
militant groups came on opposite side to each other as US with NATO was pseudointernational police against all these illegal activities.
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2. As sole basis of Mujahideen forces are Sacred war against non-islamic forces
again this led to confrontation with US as US was exploring for oil and gas in Arab
region and their growing presence led to rising confrontation.
But least was US aware that, such encouragement to Militant outfits in past and now
labelling and attacking as terrorist organisation will cost her hugely on September
2001. US failed to contain terrorism for over 2 decades, its misadventures in Iraq;
Iran has gained more unpopularity among Islamic countries.
With rising economic and military power of China, and weakening European Union,
US is fearing that War on Terrorism will be only her fight which once she used to
finance covertly.
Topic: role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges,GS3
Q) It is said that the rise of social media and greater Internet access are
behind a massive upsurge in illicit sales of drugs. Examine the possible
health and security threats arising out of this trend. Also examine how it is
being done. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans:
The penetration of Internet and Social media in our lives is progessively growing and hence
also becoming difficult to monitor and regulate. While it yields far reaching benefits to the
users, it also poses threats and concerns in a few areas, like the sale of illicit drugs. It is done
in the following manner:
1. With the use of mobile applications and Internet, sellers are able to pose as online
pharmacies and sell low-risk drugs like anti-depressants, pregnancy control pills, sleeping
pills etc. These medicines would have otherwise required a prescription or atleast a
consultation with the doctor.
2. Social media platforms are used by individuals to review and recommend medicines,
which would have otherwise needed standardised certification or doctor's recommendation.
3. Online discounts and deals are used as strategies by sellers to sell off expired and fake
medicines.
Such kind of trade in medicines over Internet and social media platforms poses the
following threats:
1. Health threat
a. Overuse or abuse of drugs by individuals
b. Intake of the wrong medicine, based on the online reviews available which may be
created by the seller itself
c. Intake of fake or expired medicines
d. Ignorant to medical threats like unsuitability of the medicines to a particular individual or
the reaction of a medicine with another
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Page 24

e. Threat of addiction to the drugs
f. Low quality/Fake medicines can be bought by small clinics in bulk and sold offline, which
carried the entir health risk offline too
2. Security threats
a. Online publication of the health information of an individual, otherwise kept confidential,
which may be misused by others
b. Easy flow of information between online platforms can cause social threats to an
individual. Example- Pregnancy pills taken by a girl, known by her family online
c. Incase of a medical mishap, it is difficult for the consumer to hold the seller legally liable
In view if the above concerns, the following steps can be taken to minimise the threats:
1. Close monitoring of the online space for its misuse and abuse
2. Generate awareness amongst the consumers about their rights, responsibilities and the
threats that they face
3. Make availability of medicines easy offline, through increased medical services and
pharmacies
If not checked in time, this trend could assume greater risks and even move into the
category of high risk drugs, which will be a health emergency for the country.
Topic: Infrastructure; Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation (GS3)
Q) National Waterways in India are grossly underutilized for transport

purposes. Examine the problems faced by them taking the example of
National Waterway 1. Also explain different uses of National Waterways.
(200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans:
Rivers are lifeline for any economy, from centuries they provided easy transport, food,
water, and irrigation. In India National Waterways are underdeveloped such as NW-1
which is about 6,000 which runs from Haladia to Patna.
Some of the problems faced are:
a.)NW-1 is highly congested because of religious importance and historically heavily
infrastructure is constructed on banks, and large population resides.
b.)Topographically it is harder to build road from origin.
c.)Flora and Fauna such as dolphins will be effected after development.
Interdepartmental hurdles, environmental clearances and EIA is taking long and escalating
project cost.
The major improvements after development are:
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Page 25

a.)Transportation cost will drastically decrease, from Haladia goods can be directly shipped
to central and other parts of India till Patna and then from road.
b.)No major construction is required like roads and maintenance cost is lower.
c.)Water are less fictitious then road hence the petroleum bill decrease.
Boost to infrastructure, ship-building, manufacturing sector will provide employment and
thus decrease unemployment.
National Waterways are always important for the development for example Rhine which
provides connectivity from Germany to Switzerland and further. It always boost easier
connectivity, heavy transpiration and employment which leads to the development.
Topic: Disaster and disaster management GS3
Q) Advance warning is as important as disaster preparedness for calamities

of huge magnitude such as tsunami and cyclones. In this regard, critically
examine Indias preparedness and emerging challenges on this front. (150
Words)
The Hindu
Ans:
Disaster preparedness needs a holistic approach which would require cooperation
from all segments of our society.A country like India where almost 85% of area is
vulnerable to some kind of disasters and where almost 3-4% of GDP is lost every
year due to disasters,ADVANCE WARNING system must be an inherent part of our
disaster preparedness programme.
India's preparedness:1.after 2004 Tsunami,there was a gradual shift in our approach towards disaster
from "post-disaster rehabiliatation" approach to "pre-disaster preaparedness"
approach.
2.Through NDMA 2005,disaster preparedness committees were set up at
district,state and central levels.
3.India has developed early warning system after Tsunami of 2004.
4.india is also getting cooperation from foreign countries in getting information
about possible disasters
5.disaster management has been a part of school syllabus after 2004.General public
awareness is being increased through programmes on TV,radio,newspapers etc
6.we have successfully prevented many lives during Phailin and Hudhud cyclones
due to early warning system.
Challenges ahead:http://www.insightsonindia.com
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Page 26

1. to develop warning system like western countries.
2. lethargic attitude of government and NDMC officials.
3. need to carry out more mock drills,to educate fisherman and common people
4.scarcity of funds for disaster preparedness
5.lack of cooperation between officials and people
Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and
developing new technology (GS3)
Q) Examine how premier institutions such as IITs have helped invent and
implement new technologies in the country for the benefit of common man.
(150 Words)
Business Standard
Ans:
Best of Indias academic and research institutions have turned into hubs of
inventions and innovations. IITians have proved their mettle not only in the fields of
science, information and technology but also in entrepreneurship and new business
projects.
It is interesting to note that IITs account for more than 55 per cent of the total patents
registered by the universities in India. IITs unlike other educational institutions have
stepped up research activity since 1999 resulting in the registration of as many as 40
patents during the period. Others registered only about 29 innovations during the
corresponding period.
Focus on more collaborative research can help our premier institutes share resources
and ideas for better results.
Examples of inventions that have helped the common man directly are as follows:
Smart cane for the visually impaired that provides safe and independent mobility
which eases their integration into the society, Portable but durable houses for
construction workers which can also be used as disaster relief camps and at army
cantonment areas, Manual sweeping machine for low cost effective cleaning of large
public areas such as railway and metro stations.
The university industry interaction is limited but it has helped IITs to conduct
research in almost all the sectors, a distinction unique to the country's top technical
education institutions. They have inventions in their name in basic chemicals,
machine tools, electronic items and even medical equipment. Our young experts
need to put their heads together to work on technology and innovations that can
help solve the problems faced by our nation today including poverty, corruption,
and access to safe drinking water, lack of housing, discrimination and communalism
INSIGHTS
Page 27
INSIGHTS
Page 28

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Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Insights Secure 2015

29 December 2014 to 3 January 2015

[THE UNDERCOVER GROUP]

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Q) What do you understand by water scarcity? Critically discuss the

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Q) What do you understand by Social Impact Assessment? Way was it

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Q) Examine the role of public sector undertakings in helping government to

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Q) Institutions play critical role in growth and development process. In

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Q) Many experts have suggested to set-up a central anti-terror mechanism

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Q) In order to give push to Make in India campaign, recently the

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

High Imports-65% of the current demand for electronic products is met by

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Link to a similar issue in Meghalaya

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

by 2020. It aims to supply 25% of electricity from nuclear power by

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

TOPIC: Resource mobilization (GS3)

Q) For efficient allocation of scarce resources, it is essential not to succumb

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Q) It is suggested that to make Make in India program a success, India

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Topic: Infrastructure: Railways

Q) The dynamic pricing of fares and the premium-rate Tatkal tickets

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Q) Do you think governments recent decision to accept the P J Nayak

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Q) National Waterways in India are grossly underutilized for transport

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Topic: Disaster and disaster management GS3

Q) Advance warning is as important as disaster preparedness for calamities

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

Insights Secure 2015 Compilations: General Studies - 3

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