ForumIAS April 2017 MM Compilation PDF

2017
Mains Marathon
April 2017
FORUMIAS
Mains Marathon April 2017
Questions:-
General studies -1:
1.What are Bharat stage emission standards? Why has SC
ordered a freeze on the registration and sale of BS-III fuel
compliant vehicles? (GS 1) 17
? .. -3

?
2. Critically examine the role of Indias freedom struggle in

determining Indias current foreign policy. (GS 1) 19
,

3.The effective management of land and water resources will
drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain. (GS 1) 22

| |
4.To what extent globalization has influenced the core of
cultural diversity in India? Explain. (GS 1) 23
()
? |
2|Page
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5.Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-
climatic changes. (GS 1) 26

|
6. Discuss the factors and phenomena that are speeding up
the Glacial Melt. (GS 1) 28

7. What are heat waves? Why do you think that about 90 per
cent of the people that died in India due to severe heat wave
over the last four years, were from Andhra Pradesh and
Telangana? (GS 1) 31
?
9 0
?
General studies -2:
1.Discuss the need for providing digital accessibility to
disabled people.Also, examine the important features of the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. (GS 2) 34

,
, 2016
TheHindu
3|Page
2. What is National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)?

Discuss the parameters and methodology used in the
ranking.(GS 2) 42
() ?

The Hindu | NIRF
3. Cooperation between executive and judiciary in dealing
with the high number of pending cases in India is essential.
Critically examine.(GS 2) 45

4. How does a Recall Election work? Discuss the reasons to
have a right to recall in India. (GS 2) 48

?

5. Mention a few characteristics of Universal Basic Income.

What are the issues in the implementation of Universal Basic
Income in India? (GS 2) 51

?
Indian Express | Economist | WSJ
4|Page
6. What is a quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of

concrete examples. (GS 2)
- () ?
| 53
7. Exercise of CAG's powers in relation to the accounts of the

Union and the States is derived from Article 149 of the Indian
Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the Governments
Policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own
(CAG) jurisdiction. (GS 2) 54
,

149
|
( )
|
8. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of Indias
Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War
international scenario. (GS 2) 56
- ,

|
5|Page
9. Why is maintaining a good relationship between India and

Bangladesh beneficial for both? Also, discuss the role of India
in the liberation war of Bangladesh. (GS 2) 61

? ,

10. Do you think that the recent liquor ban ruling by SC is a
judicial overreach? Also, discuss whether removal of liquor
vends from highways is an effective way of curbing accidents
due to drunken driving. (GS 2) 65
SC
? ,

,

11. Why is Teesta waters one of the most contentious issues
between India and Bangladesh? Suggest some ways to resolve
the issue. (GS 2) 68

?
12. Discuss the key provisions of the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune
6|Page
Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (Prevention and Control) Bill,

2017 recently passed by the parliament. (GS 2) 72

() ()
( ) , 2017

13. What do you understand by cooperative federalism? Cite
some differences between Cooperative federalism and
Collaborative Sub-regionalism. Do you agree that there is a
greater need for provincial autonomy in India? (GS 2) 76
?
-

?
14. Prohibition on all online content about pre-natal sex
determination will curtail the fundamental right to know of a
genuine information-seeker who is driven by curiosity.
Discuss. (GS 2) 79
,
-
,
7|Page
15. Do you think that EVMs are vulnerable? What are the
concerns relating to the use of EVMs? (GS 2) 81
?
?
16. An independent judiciary is of critical importance in a

political democracy, for it provides checks and balances vis--
vis the executive and the legislature. Critically examine. (GS 2)
,

87
17. Citizens have the right to access the Internet to gain
information, wisdom and knowledge and their right cannot be
curtailed unless it encroaches into the boundary of illegality.
Comment. (GS 2) 89

18. The HIV and AIDS Bill was passed in Lok Sabha recently.
Discuss its key provisions. How can it reduce stigma and
discrimination? (GS 2) 91
8|Page

?
19. List the consequences of not having the right to vote as
a constitutional right. (GS 2) 95

20. What is anti-defection law? Do you think that anti-
defection law in India is weak? (GS 2) 97
-
? -
?
21. Do you think that the Joint Study Group meeting of the
Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar (BCIM) has generated
interest? What is the purpose of the meet? (GS 2)
, , (

)
? ? 100
22. Discuss the reasons for having an anti-torture legislation in
India. Why has the Centre avoided such a legislation? (GS 2)
9|Page

? 102
23. How can Big Data be used in better policy-making? Discuss
some points for effective implementation of Big Data. (GS 2)
?

105
24. How can Aadhaar-PAN linkage stop tax leakage? Do you
think that the linkage can restrict evasion of tax? (GS 2)107
- ?
?
25. IMF will have to change its asymmetric power structure
and outdated quota system to become relevant. Critically
discuss. (GS 2) 109

General studies -3:

1.Do you think that reforms are needed in the banking sector?
Suggest steps that can be taken by the government in this
regard. (GS 3) 113
10 | P a g e
?

2.It is essential to increase private investment in India, that to
private corporate investment, to achieve high growth rates.
Do you agree with this opinion? Discuss critically. (GS 3)
, ,

? 116
3.What is Clean power plan?How can it reduce carbon

pollution while maintaining energyreliability and
affordability? (GS 3) 119
?

?
4.In simple terms, What do you understand by General Anti
Avoidance Rules or GAAR? Why is tax avoidance such an
important area of concern in India? (GS 3) 123
,
? ?
5. Do you think that MPC needs to reconsider its decision of
taking a neutral policy stand? Also, discuss key
11 | P a g e
recommendations of Urjit Patel committee report on

monetary policy reform.(GS 3) 126

? ,

6. Examine the problems in the implementation of GST
regime. Also, discuss the reasons why CAG cant audit
GSTN. (GS 3) 133
,
?
7. What is Graphene? Describe some uses and applications of
Graphene in our day-to-day lives. (GS 3) 138
? -

8. GST may widen the economic discrepancies within the
states leading to rise in political fragmentation. Critically
comment. (GS 3) 141

9. Discuss the systemic glitches that impede attempts to the
government to rid economy of black money. (GS 3) 144
12 | P a g e

10.What is the need of setting up a Computer Emergency
Response Team for the Financial Sector (CERT-Fin) in India?
Discuss. (GS 3) 146
(-)

?
11.What are Non-Performing Assets (NPAs)? Suggest some
ways to reduce Non-Performing Assets in banks. (GS 3) 149
- () ? -

12. What is the need of having Wholesale and long-term
finance (WLTF) banks? Also, discuss the problems associated
with WLTF banks. (GS 3) 151
()
?

13. Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for
subversive activities is a major concern. How have these have
misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to
curb the above threat. (GS 3)
-
13 | P a g e

| - ?

| 153
14. Give an account of the current status and the targets to be
achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the
country. Discuss in brief the importance of National
Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). (GS 3)

| ( )
| 155
15.Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting.
What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in
the Indian context?
|

? 158
16. Discuss some measures to bring about structural reforms
in the world economy. Also, briefly explain the difference
between financial cycle and business cycle. (GS 3) 162
14 | P a g e

,

17. The Paris accord requires caution by all global actors, after
United States changed stance on climate change. Critically
examine. Also, discuss the role of sub-national actors. 164

, -

18. Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural
development. Identify the factors that were responsible for
the success of land reforms in India. (GS 3) 168
|
|
19.Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the
last few decades. Analyse the above statement. (GS 3) 171

| |
20. Discuss Indias achievements in the field of Space Science
and Technology. How the application of this technology has
helped India in its socio-economic development? (GS 3) 173
15 | P a g e

| -
?
21. Indias first rail regulator Rail Development Authority
(RDA) is to be set up soon. Discuss its functions and
drawbacks. (GS 3) 178
()

General studies -4:

1. Tyranny naturally arises out of democracy. Do you agree?
(GS 4) 182
?
2. Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.
Analyze this statement. (GS 4) 184

3. Politics and ethics belong to different worlds. Critically
comment. (GS 4) 185

4. Democracy must be built through open societies that share
information. Comment. (GS 4) 187
16 | P a g e

5. Ethics are pre-determined and a matter of discovery, and
not a evolved concept. Discuss. (GS 4) 188
,

6. Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.
Discuss. (GS 4) 190

7. Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a
right to do and what is right to do. Comment. (GS 4) 192

|
Questions and Answers:
General studies -1:
1.What are Bharat stage emission standards? Why has SC
ordered a freeze on the registration and sale of BS-III fuel
compliant vehicles? (GS 1)
? .. -3

?
17 | P a g e
The Hindu | Business Standard | Link

Bharat stage emission standards:-
Bharat stage emission standards are emission standards
instituted by the Government of India to normalize the
productivity of air pollutants from internal combustion engine
equipment.
The standards and the timeline for implementation are set by
the Central Pollution Control Board under the Ministry of
Environment & Forests and Climate Change.
BharatStage norms are based on European regulations.
These emission standards were set by the central government
to keep a check on the pollutant levels emitted by vehicles that
use combustion engines.
Reasons why SC has ordered a freeze:-
Supreme Court recently banned the sale and registration of
vehicles which are not compliant with BS-IV emission norms
from April 1 across the country.
This judgement was given keeping in mind that the health is
more important than the commercial interest of automobile
manufactures.
To Check delay, complacency: SC wanted to ensure that
government rules are adhereed to strictly without delays.
Check the influence of pressure groups of automotive industry
on government to get more time to sell old tech vehicles.
Ensure Fundamental right to life Article 21 is ensured for the
people of India
Implications:
18 | P a g e
It takes years for automakers to develop a new kind of an

engine. Once the research and development is over, the task of
setting up full scale production comes up. All of this comes at a
cost which eventually makes the vehicle more expensive for
the end customer of the product and that can be a cause of
concern for automakers given how price sensitive the Indian
market is.
There is a huge stock of vehicles left to be sold into the market
that are BS-III compliant and as per the latest SC decision, they
wont be able to do so.
Banning sales of vehicles with BS-III emission norms will have a
negative impact of Rs 12,000 crore on the automobile industry,
as about 8.2 lakh new vehicles will be reduced to scrap in
value .
Since BS-IV commercial vehicles cannot run properly
on BS-III fuel and such fuel is not available
nationwide customers would continue to buy BS-III
vehicles.
SC has,thus, taken a stand to ensure that interest of people

overweigh commercial interest of vehicle manufacturers.This is
a very necessary step especially in the light of current pollution
trends in India.
2. Critically examine the role of Indias freedom struggle in

determining Indias current foreign policy. (GS 1)
19 | P a g e
,

Link-1 | Link-2
Background:-
The foreign policy of independent India was strongly
influenced by Pre-independence stance of Indian
leaders, which was based on four basic principles:
o Opposition to imperialism and colonial rule
o Active sympathy and support to the people
fighting for independence

o Opposition to militarism, war and devotion to
peace
o Avoiding foreign entanglements for India.
In those resolutions, the cause of democracy was

advocated and imperialism and colonialism were
denounced.
Guided by these ideals, India later became founder
member of the Non-aligned Movement and torchbearer

of Third World radicalism also.
o India played an active role in strengthening the
Movement and making it an effective voice in

representing the collective aspirations and
interests of the developing countries on such vital
issues as development, peace and stability.
20 | P a g e
Further, it was focussed against menaces fascism,

apartheid, imperialism, racism etc. The foreign policy of
the country strived for world peace, arms race reduction,
diplomatic resolution of conflicts, disarmament etc.
A belief in friendly relations with neighbours and all
countries of the world was imbibed in the foreign policy.

The resolution of conflicts by peaceful means
The sovereign equality of all states
Independence of thought and action as manifested in the
principles of Non-alignment
Equity in the conduct of international relations.
Improvement of bilateral relations and strengthening of
regional co-operation
Strong advocacy of general and complete disarmament:
o India's formidable stance towards unversal

disarmament and resistance to treaties like NPT
and CTBT was also guided by ideals of peace.
Firmly committed to the purposes and principles of the
United Nations.
Further, Gandhian ideals of truth, nonviolence,
tolerance and Idealism mixed with notion of Vasudhaiva
Kutumbkam; Nehruvian rhetoric of socialist development
at democratic front and policy of non-alignment became
the cornerstones of Indias foreign policy
However some aspects of the foreign policy are not

dependent on the freedom struggle like:-
21 | P a g e
India going for Pokharan-I and Pokharan-II towards

safeguarding its vital national security interests.
India's intervention in Bangledesh's Liberation War

Recent surgical strike done by Indian military shows that
India is ready to take hard stance at the event of threat

to its security
Also India has signed the LEMOA agreement under which
it will provide backend support and refuel to US military

equipment this shows that India is ready to abandon Non
Alignment
Development of Nuclear weapons to ensure india's
interest in opposition to disarmament values of freedom

fighters
Thus, 1991 market led reforms and India's quest to be a

serious and major player in world and ensuring its national
interest against nuclear armed neighbours has lead to little
deviation from ideas of freedom fighters. However, it was
essential to ensure safe and continued existence of the nation
in changed global geo-political scenario.
3.The effective management of land and water resources will
drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain. (GS 1)

| |
22 | P a g e
Mains Previous Year Question Paper

Why effective management of water and land is necessary?
Without having an efficient water resources management
system,it would be difficult to talk about food security,
environment and safe future of man kind on planet earth.
Watershed based management: It will improve quantity
and quality of water available to residents by rainwater
harvesting, afforestation, cleaning and desilting of tanks
Use of pesticides for better crops but in the end it is
degrading soil nutritious value .
Improving quality by strict CPCB/SPCB enforcement will
reduce water pollution in river that infect the local
dwellers.
Over crowding, excessive exploitation of ground water,
land degradation resulting in droughts.
Way forward:-
Reducing excessive usage, recycling and reusing of
resouces.
Groundwater recharge measures needs to be undertaken,
reckless pumping of ground water should be avoided,
sprinkler and drip irrigation methods should be employed
widely.
Preventing forest degradation, increasing the expanse of
forests and habitation of wild.
23 | P a g e
Consolidation of agriculture land: it will reduce input cost

of farming thereby reducing farmer misery.
Water harvesting method should be made mandatory for
all municipalities.
The management requires involvement of communities and
local bodies as Bottom up approach is more feasible in these
cases. SDG-12 calls for sustainable consumption and
production. The initiatives towards this goal can be way
forward for effective management.
4.To what extent globalization has influenced the core of

cultural diversity in India? Explain. (GS 1)
()
? |
Introduction:
Not only in India, but the interchange of world views and ideas
has resulted in a major transformation of the lifestyle and living
standard of people globally.
How globalisation has affected the core of cultural diversity in
India:-
Deep rooted traditions and customs have loosened up
their hold with the emergence of globalization.
24 | P a g e
Globalization has not only inculcated the westernization in

India, but conversely the Indian culture has also spread its
impact globally.
The traditional joint family setup is neglected and nuclear
families are rising more and more parents and
grandparents are kept in old age homes .
Marriages have also lost their values. It is very much
evident from the increasing number of divorce cases .
Even the Indians are not very much in favour of promoting
their mother tongue or our national language. Instead the
youth today consider it to be a shameful condition to
speak their native languages.
India was predominantly an agricultural based country.
With the advanced globalization and cropping up of MNCs,
the farming has lost its prime value in India.
Folk art, theatres and music are facing extinction due to
the onslaught of cosmopolitan culture.
Other changes are:

Lifestyle of people has changed in way of dressing, food.
Celebration of western festivals.
New cuisines from europe, east asia, south east asia have
grown in influence and traditional food like lintel soup etc
have seen reduced popularity.
25 | P a g e
Traditional dance like bharatnatyam etc has seen intense

competition from new dance styles like salsa, break dance
etc.fusion is getting popular.
Positives:-
Proliferation of modern ideas such as education,
sanitation, liberty, equality.
Globalisation has helped in breaking the barriers of
medievalism and feudalism in the Indian society through
industrialisation and rationalism.
But it has still not impacted these areas:-
Despite globalising India has not changed its core areas
like marriages are still mostly arranged in India.Inter caste
marriages and inter religious marriages are still considered
a taboo.
Honour killings,child marraiges still take place.
The families are still closely knit despite staying away from
one another.
India needs to move very cautiously with the globalization
process and preserve its nations pride and maintain cultural
prestige.
5.Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-
climatic changes. (GS 1)
26 | P a g e

|
Concept of air mass:-
An air mass is a large body of air in which vertical gradient of
physical properties such as temperature, moisture, lapse rate
are fairly uniform over a large.
Role in macro climatic changes:-
While the major, readily observable effects of air masses
are mostly in the realm of daily weather, the reliability of
air-mass incursions in many regions make them important
contributors to regional climate conditions.
Maritime air masses also contribute to a moderating
climatic influence on coastal temperatures, as oceans heat
up and cool down more slowly and less dramatically than
landmasses.
The mixing of air masses achieved along the alternating
warm and cold fronts of a mid-latitude cyclone is part of
the process by which the heat of the lower latitudes is
transferred poleward.
In maritime arctic and polar regions, the moist air is cool
and the maritime tropical air mass produces the warm,
humid conditions along the tropics, like Florida and the
Caribbean.
27 | P a g e
Continental tropical air masses produce hot, dry

conditions in the Southwest U.S. and Mexico.
Dry continental air mass from Mexico moves to Great
Plains causes aridity which may lead to drought in the
region.
Cold and heavy air mass in northern India during winter
makes weather foggy.
The eastern coast of India experiences cyclonic events
towards September-October is due to moist marine air
mass hitting the coast under the influence of Easterlies.
South-west monsoon of India: The maritime tropical air
mass in summer converges with continental polar air mass
from China produces summer monsoon in India.
The cold continental air mass of Central Asia, the cold
Siberian winds, is responsible for extremely cold weather
conditions in the region.
The erratic climatic conditions of British isles is a result of
interaction of different air masses.
Lake-snow effect: Continental polar cold mass of Canada
touches the shores of Great lakes thus becoming moist
and unstable and produces snowfall in the region.
When warm air masses move over cold air mass then
warm air rises and if there is enough moisture present it
may cause a thunderstorm.
28 | P a g e
Similarly when cold air mass moves over warm air mass
then bottom cold air mass gets warm and if enough
humidity is present there it can cause rain.
Thus air masses have a huge role in macro-climatic changes
which produces various phenomenons from Thunderstorms to
Droughts all over the world. Study of air masses can play a
crucial role in predicting the weather patterns and analysing
the impact of climate change n the long run.
6. Discuss the factors and phenomena that are speeding up
the Glacial Melt. (GS 1)

The Hindu
Background:-
In recent months, unprecedented rates of glacier melts
have been reported both in the Antarctic and the Arctic.
Glacial melt:-
Factors and phenomena:
Expanding rift or crack along the Larsen C shelf in the
Antarctic.
o Even though the Larsen C collapse by itself, since it is
in the water, will not raise sea levels, it will hasten the
melting of the glacier it is connected to.
29 | P a g e
Anthropogenic activities impact on earth . Man made

interferences in the natural ecology of the glacial regions
adversely affect the melting.
Last several years, glaciologists have noticed that ice melt
in the summer has increased and covers a larger area than
previous years. Scientists now realise that a lot of the
recent melt has been due to increasing surface melt, in
addition to calving or breaking off of chunks of ice.
Experts have known that there are feedback mechanisms
that speed up glacier melt:
o Soot and dust carried by air from various places,
bacteria and algal pigments in the meltwater, any
other pigments in the glacier can all reduce the
reflection of the sunlight, thus increasing the
absorption of heat energy by the ice. This
consequently increases ice melt, which then absorbs
more solar radiation, thus accelerating a feedback
process.
There are also other phenomena that seem to have an
influence on glacier melt. Temperatures in Northern
Greenland have been much warmer and in fact, surface
melt has doubled Greenlands contribution to sea level rise
over the period 1992-2011 to 0.74 mm per year.
30 | P a g e
Carbon dioxide concentrations have crossed 400 ppm in

the atmosphere and are the highest they have been in the
past 4,00,000 years.
Modelling glacier melt is very complex as it is affected by
the temperature of the water, ocean currents and other
factors still not entirely understood, along with various
positive feedback mechanisms that can speed up the
melting.
Axial precession of the Earth leads to cyclic ice ages.
Snowfall:
o Lack of snowfall in higher reaches impact building of
glacier leading to overall size reduction
Way forward:-
Enforcing the coastal regulation zone, protecting
vulnerable districts and the most vulnerable communities
which rely on ecosystems and the sea for their livelihoods
are areas that need strengthening.
Regional agreements related to refugees from climate
effects need to be initiated.
Check carbon emission to reduce global warming which is
the root cause
Government of India has already initiated various steps to
monitor the glaciers via SASE of DRDO, ratification of Paris
31 | P a g e
climate change. There is a need for global coordinated

steps to move toward carbon-free economy
7. What are heat waves? Why do you think that about 90 per
cent of the people that died in India due to severe heat wave
over the last four years, were from Andhra Pradesh and
Telangana? (GS 1)
?
9 0
?
The Hindu
Background:-
Over 4,620 people died in India due to severe heat wave
over the last four years, of which only Andhra Pradesh and
Telangana accounted for about 92 per cent, according to
the government data.
Heat wave:-
A heat wave is declared when the temperature crosses 45

degrees Celsius.
If the temperature rises 4 to 5 degrees above normal, then
the condition is termed as a heat wave.
32 | P a g e
With global temperatures on the rise, the instances of

heat wave are increasing.
A heat wave is a prolonged period of unusually and
excessively hot weather, which may also be accompanied
by high humidity.
Reasons :-
Direct reasons like heat stroke and dehydration are

seldom accounted for.
Both states mostly lie in the rain shadow region of the
western ghats resulting in lack of rainfall increasing
temperatures.
The forests in these areas are mostly dry deciduous which
does not help when it comes to heat waves.
Red and black soils which are predominant in these areas
are not permeable and heat retentive thus making heat
waves severe .
Lack of governments initiatives to make people aware
about the consequences of heat wave especially regarding
the renal and respiratory failure.
Increasing urbanization and 'heat islands'
Proximity to ocean and high humidity leads to soaring
temperatures.
33 | P a g e
Less water flow in rivers like Godavari and Krishna during

Summers which does not help in having a moderating
effect.
Presence of vulnerable sections like old aged people are
in higher proportions.
With increasing awareness regarding the precautions to be

taken about the heat waves especially by the labourers and
construction workers,by increasing the afforestation efforts and
trying to increase the forest area in these states the counter
influence of global warming in the form of heat waves can be
tackled to an extent..
General studies -2:

34 | P a g e
1.Discuss the need for providing digital accessibility to

disabled people.Also, examine the important features of the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. (GS 2)

,
, 2016
TheHindu
Background:-
Digital accessibility means that people with disabilities can
perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the Web,
and that they can contribute to the Web.
Digital accessibility also benefits others, including older
people with changing abilities due to aging.
Need for providing digital accessibility to disabled people:-
Accessibility is critical for enabling them to gain access for

equal opportunity and live independently and
participate fully in all aspects of life in an inclusive
society.
Technology has been a game changer for people with
disabilities.
Screen reading softwares have enabled blind people to use
computers, dictation softwares have helped not just the

blind but also people with upper limb impairments. .
35 | P a g e
Accessible technology is the linchpin around which other

rights of people with disabilities revolve. It is the first
step towards accessing education, employment and
other opportunities.
Accessibility to information through IT is only one of the
various facets of accessible information.

Poor accessibility due to lack of focussed information and
political will has led to social exclusion of people with

disabilities, exacerbating the negative impact of the
existing digital divide.
Accessibility therefore forms the common thread weaving
together the Accessible India Campaign, the Rights of

Persons with Disabilities Act, the Smart Cities Mission
and the Digital India campaign to achieve the combined
goal of creating an inclusive society that will allow for a
better quality of life for all citizens, including persons
with disabilities.
Exclusion of persons with disabilities from education,
employment and participation on account of a hostile

infrastructure and inaccessible technology has huge
economic implications. UN agencies put this cost at
around 7% of national GDP.
On the other hand, accessible services and business
premises can broaden the customer base, increasing

turnover and positively impacting the financial health
and social brand of the company.
36 | P a g e
Recent research pegged the market size of different

product categories needed by persons with disabilities in
India at a whopping Rs. 4,500 crore.
Positives of the bill:-

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPD) Act, which
was passed in 2016, seeks to give effect to the rights
and obligations enshrined in the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of Persons with
disabilities, which India signed and ratified nearly a
decade ago.
The Act has several important and noteworthy aspects
which will have a great impact on inclusion for Indians

with disabilities.
The new legislation recognises that accessibility is critical
for inclusion and that it is a cross-sectoral issue to be

implemented by different stakeholders across different
government departments and ministries and agencies.
The new Act has expanded the ambit of conditions it
recognizes to 19 conditions, as opposed to the 7

disabilities that were recognized under the 1995
legislation.
o Further the Bill contains a provision allowing the
Central Government to notify any other

additional condition as a disability.
37 | P a g e
A really important development under this Act is that

it requires mandatory conformance to accessibility
standards and recognises that reasonable
accommodation and universal design are critical for
facilitating access in an equitable manner and creating an
accessible framework for India going forward.
The new Act makes it amply clear that accessibility is a
must and includes the private sector, private service

providers and private establishments within its ambit for
compliance with the Act.
o The Act also understands public services and
public buildings as those which are used by the

public at large, including those services and
buildings which belong to private sector and not as
merely those which are government owned.
Another important development is the fact that the Act
clearly mandates that accessibility includes both

environmental and information technology
accessibility (ICT accessibility)
The Act makes provision for the earmarking of special
courts for speedy trial of offences under the Act at

district level. These are to be done with the permission
of the Chief Justice of the High Court.
The recently passed Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act,
2016 mandates adherence to standards of accessibility

for physical environment, transportation, information
and communications, including appropriate technologies
38 | P a g e
and systems, and other facilities and services provided to

the public in urban and rural areas.
o The Bill confers several rights and entitlements to
disabled persons. These include disabled friendly

access to all public buildings, hospitals, modes of
transport, polling stations, etc.
The Act also mandates incorporation of Universal Design
principles while designing new infrastructure, electronic

and digital media, consumer goods and services.
Most importantly, the Act sets timelines to ensure
implementation of the above and punitive action in the

event of non-compliance.
Persons with at least 40% of a disability are entitled to

certain benefits such as reservations in education and
employment, preference in government schemes, etc.
In case of mentally ill persons, district courts may award

two types of guardianship. A limited guardian takes
decisions jointly with the mentally ill person. A plenary
guardian takes decisions on behalf of the mentally ill
person, without consulting him.
Violation of any provision of the Act is punishable with

imprisonment up to six months, and/or fine of Rs
10,000. Subsequent violations carry a higher penalty.
The Bill will protect approximately 2.68 crore people with
disabilities in the country.

39 | P a g e
Issues:-
The Bill is being brought in to fulfill obligations under an
international treaty. The question is whether it is
appropriate for Parliament to impose legal and financial
obligations on states and municipalities with regard to
disability, which is a State List subject.
The Financial Memorandum does not provide any

estimate of the financial resources required to meet
obligations under the Bill.
The Bill states that violation of any provision in the Act will
attract imprisonment and/or fine. Given the widespread
obligations (such as making all polling booths accessible
to the disabled), many acts of omission or commission
could be interpreted as criminal offences.
In extraordinary situations district courts may appoint

plenary guardians for mentally ill persons. The Bill does
not lay down principles for such determination, in a
consistent manner, across various courts. The Bill
overrides the Mental Health Act, 1987 but the safeguards
against misuse of powers by guardians are lower.
The Bill is inconsistent with other laws in some cases.

These include conditions for termination of pregnancy
40 | P a g e
and the minimum penalty for outraging the modesty of a

woman.
According to studies carried out by the research institute
PRS Legislative, the Penalty for outraging the modesty of

a woman clause (Clause 105b) in the bill has ended up
reducing the minimum penalty for offenders against
women with disabilities. The minimum sentence is six
months, as opposed to existing laws in the Indian Penal
Code that give offenders a minimum sentence of one
year. Shockingly, this was not amended in the new
version of the Bill.
Although Clause 3 acknowledges that special measures
should be taken to protect the rights of women and

children with disabilities, last year womens rights
activists campaigned for the incorporation of a separate
sub section that would address the needs of women with
disabilities and follow the guidelines set out by the UN
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.This
is neglected.
The practices that keep impacting women like the
institutionalization of people with disabilities are not

adequately dealt with under the Bill.
The Bill is set to regulate establishments and set up
guardianship for people with disabilities, but really it

gives no credence to how women with disabilities can
further exercise their legal capacity and live
independently within the community.
41 | P a g e
What can be done?

As India catapults towards a cashless and digital economy
and as human interface between service providers and
end users gives way to digital, it becomes imperative to
ensure accessibility for inclusion.
The need is for representation of persons with disabilities
in all ministries and key missions, commissions and
committees to advise and ensure inclusion in all policies,
programmes and developments.
Also important is the synergy between various arms of the
government. The Smart Cities Mission focusses on
comprehensive development leading to the convergence
of other ongoing government programmes such as Make
In India, Digital India, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and
Urban Transformation (AMRUT), Pradhan Mantri Awas
Yojana, National Heritage City Development and
Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), etc.
Incorporation of accessibility principles across all new
developments will also complement the Accessible India
Campaign, the flagship campaign launched by the Prime
Minister on World Disability Day which aims at achieving
universal accessibility for all citizens and creating an
enabling and barrier-free environment
42 | P a g e
Hence, the Act recognises that accessibility, both digital and

environmental is an overarching requirement for persons with
disabilities to be able to enjoy their rights and freedoms on par
with others.
2. What is National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)?
Discuss the parameters and methodology used in the
ranking.(GS 2)
() ?

The Hindu | NIRF
Background:-
The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) was
approved by the MHRD and launched by Minister of
Human Resource Development in 2015.
Parameters and methodology:-

This framework outlines a methodology to rank
institutions across the country. The methodology draws
from the overall recommendations broad understanding
arrived at by a Core Committee set up by MHRD, to
identify the broad parameters for ranking various
universities and institutions.
The parameters broadly cover
o Teaching, Learning and Resources

43 | P a g e
o Research and Professional Practices

o Graduation Outcomes
o Outreach and Inclusivity
o Perception
o Each broad category has an overall weight
assigned to it. Within each category, the sub-
categories also have an appropriate weight
distribution
There are separate lists within disciplines for engineering,

management and pharmacy, and for universities and
colleges.
Methodology involves defining a set of metrics for ranking

of universities and colleges based on the parameters
agreed upon by the Core Committee (CC).
o Intellectual property rights is an interesting
measure one that perhaps truly highlights the
'innovative' aspect of research.
o Graduation outcome assesses the percentage of
students clearing degree requirements in

minimum time. An added component is the
performance of students at national level exams
such as GATE, UPSC etc.
o To understand inclusivity and
outreach,refresher and orientation courses were
taken into account along with "e-content
44 | P a g e
creation", industry interaction and measures taken

by the universities to improve their
quality.Regional diversity i.e. students from
different states also became a point of measure.
Positives:-
A national ranking system, and one that is as exhaustive as

this one, will propel institutions into higher world rankings.
According to a study on the importance of national
rankings, a combination study of the national and
international rankings of universities will help create
better research policies and help universities become
better.
Separate ranking formulae for universities and colleges is
suggested to ensure that institutions are compared within
an appropriate peer group of institutions, and provided a
level-playing field.
A system for data collection from public bodies and
random sample checks is suggested for each parameter.
As India lacked a national ranking for higher education
institutes thid will help students to finalise the college for
study
Improves competition between institutions
45 | P a g e
Comprehensive parameters with different weightage are

included.
Use of inclusive parameter needed to ensure social justice
principles of preamble.
Negatives:-
According to the World Economic Forum, while rankings

do have value, often they do not serve as the best proxy of
quality and relevance of tertiary education institutions.
Possibility of use of unethical means by using false data.
These rankings are not mandatory.
Private institution with less than 1000 students cannot
participate.
This is the first for India and could actually propel the world
to notice the Indian university system.Thus it can be a
changing step for the higher education in India.
3. Cooperation between executive and judiciary in dealing
with the high number of pending cases in India is essential.
Critically examine.(GS 2)

The Hindu
46 | P a g e
Introduction:-
For over a year, there were indications of an impasse over
judicial appointments between the two branches of the
state, mainly after the Supreme Court struck down
legislation to establish a National Judicial Appointments
Commission. That phase appears to be coming to an
end.
Prime Minister's assurance to the Chief Justice of India,
that his government would contribute its share in

reducing the judiciarys burden is a positive gesture that
will be welcomed by the legal fraternity.
Why is it important?
Official figures show there are as many as 437 vacancies in

the High Courts alone as of March 1, 2017. It is
incontestable that any effort to liquidate the arrears of
cases would involve a significant increase in the speed at
which judicial appointments are processed.
Due to non cooperation judicial system could not work
efficiently especially because appointments, law making

powers,infrastructure etc lies on executive and
legislature.
Appointments problem :-
o Vacancies,lack of competent judges in lower level,
lack of transparency in collegium, veracity of age in

SC and high court judges needs urgent.
47 | P a g e
Provision of e-governance:-
o In the courts, centre can provide the e tools to
better manage the cases.

Government litigation:-
o Executive needs to implement the Policy regarding
governnment litigation to reduce government

litigation as government is a major litigator.
For Improving court infrastrucutre
Promotion of lok adalats and alternate dispute redressal
If they don't work together there will be conflicts and both
branches would get insecure with each other like the

Shah Bano case, reservation issue, latest Gujarat DGP
case etc.
If both branches don't work in tandem there might be
disturbances that judiciary has overstepped it's mandate

and some friction between the two.
What can be done ?
Technology and digitalisation in the judicial system:-

o There is much that the use of technology can do in
both liquidating arrears and expediting processes
such as filing of documents and serving of notices.
o Also reports suggest that the government and the
Supreme Court Collegium may be close to agreeing
48 | P a g e
on a new Memorandum of Procedure for judicial

appointments.
The executive should also cooperate by improving the
investigation techniques by incorporating latest state of
art techniques like DNA profiling, dna fingerprint etc to
bring about more certainty in conviction and thereby
expediting the justice delivery.
The executive should also work towards improving the
existing Alternative Dispute resolution mechanisms under
National legal services act 1987, arbitration and
reconciliation act,1996, family courts.
This sustained cooperation between executive and
judiciary is important to prevent the long pendency as
"justice delayed is justice denied .
4. How does a Recall Election work? Discuss the reasons to
have a right to recall in India. (GS 2)

?

The Hindu | Link
Right to recall:-
49 | P a g e
A recall election is typically a process by which

voters seek to remove elected officials through a
direct vote before their term is completed.
In a first-past-the-post system in a democracy,
unfortunately, not every elected representative truly
enjoys the mandate of the people. Logic and justice
necessitate that if the people have the power to
elect their representatives, they should also have
the power to remove these representatives when
they engage in misdeeds or fail to fulfil their duties.
There exists no recourse for the electorate if they
are unhappy with their elected representative.
How does recall system work?

RTR law will be implemented if majority of Indian
citizens display their support via TCP (Transparent
Complaint Procedure) law.
This transparent complaint procedure provides
transparency in recalls and will ensure that the
citizens` complaint is visible and verifiable by
anyone, anywhere, and anytime so that the
complaint cannot be suppressed by the politicians,
officials, judges, or the media. This procedure will
ensure that the evidence is not suppressed.
Filing an application to circulate a recall petition,
circulating a recall petition, gathering a specified
50 | P a g e
number of signatures in a limited period, submitting

petitions to election officials for verification of
signatures and when if sufficient valid signatures are
presented, a recall election is held
Why India needs a right to recall :-

It must coexist with the right to vote in order to
deepen our democratic roots.
Having such a right offers a mechanism to ensure
vertical accountability. Such a right would be a
significant check on corruption along with ongoing
criminalisation of politics.
Having a process to recall could also limit campaign
spending, as morally skewed candidates weigh the
risk of being recalled. This right would help
engender direct democracy in our country,
broadening access and raising inclusiveness.
Recalls have become a popular tool of grassroots
activism in an age of extreme political divisiveness.
Some concerns:-
Due care must be taken in the introduction of

legislation associated with such laws.
Californias gubernatorial recall elections are
notorious for the influence of special interests,

51 | P a g e
with Governor Davis recall vote, in 2003, a

classic example.
Another problem with recalls is that a lot of
the recall efforts costs money .
Also, some politicians could use their positions to
abuse the system and by making their supporters
file Recall petitions on political opponents and on
even those who are sincere.
In some cases, this recall election might be used as a
tool to influence and blackmail politicians with the
fear of recall to influence decisions a certain way.
Thus, trust grows in people and people will actively get involved
in the voting process which is the fundamental right, compared
to what happens now which is a poor turnout for the elections.
5. Mention a few characteristics of Universal Basic Income.

What are the issues in the implementation of Universal Basic
Income in India? (GS 2)

?
Indian Express | Economist | WSJ
52 | P a g e
Basic income:-
Basic income is an income unconditionally granted
to all on an individual basis, without means test or
work requirement.
Characteristics of basic income:-

It is Universal and not targeted. This would not only be
more appropriate, it will also reduce the burden of the

bureaucracy in so far as it is engaged in identifying the
deserving beneficiaries of any targeted programme.
Another important feature is cash transfer in lieu of in-
kind transfer.
UBI is unconditional. Cash transfers are not tied to
exhibiting certain behaviour, and the people are free to

spend the cash as they want.
Issues:-
It would reduce the motivation for work and might
encourage people to live off assured cash transfers.

It is simply unaffordable.
As it is estimated paying a basic income equivalent
to the poverty line, to each and every adult in

India, would entail a cost of 11% of GDP, which is
way above the 4.2% of GDP that the government
currently spends on explicit subsidies.
53 | P a g e
It is also argued that unconditional cash transfers

might raise wages due to the decline in the supply of
casual labourers.
There is also question of whether a shift towards it
should be a substitute for all existing subsidies or
whether it should complement the existing ones.
The value of a UBI for India has to be evaluated in terms of
creating the conditions for its own redundancy by enabling the
poor in India to step out of the low-reform, low-income trap.
Besides, the real value of a UBI for the poor in India rests on its
ability to solve the economic problems and political incentive
challenges
6. What is a quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of

concrete examples. (GS 2)
- () ?
|
UPSC Previous Year Question Paper
Quasi judicial body:-
A quasi judicial body is an organisation or body which has
powers similar to that of the law imposing bodies but it is
not a court.
These mainly govern the administrative areas.
The courts (judiciary) has the power to preside over all
kinds of disputes but the quasi judicial bodies are the ones
54 | P a g e
with the powers of imposing laws on administrarive

agencies.
These bodies help in reducing the burden of the courts.
Explanation with examples:-

These are created for specific purpose. For example,
National Human Rights Commission is quasi judicial body
which looks into cases of specifically Human Rights
violation, if fundamental rights are violated, courts
intervene in that.
They can be statutory, regulatory or constitutional in
nature. For example,National Human Rights Commission is
a statutory body, while Finance Commission is a
constitutional body created under Article 280, whereas
SEBI is a regulatory body which performs Judicial functions
too.
They can be created for a specific period for special
purposes. Central Vigilance Commission is a permanent
body while Finance Commission is constituted every five
years.
These bodies need not be headed by a judge rather
experts too can be included having sectoral knowledge like
Finance, Economics, Law etc.
Verdict of these bodies can be challenged in a court of law
which is the final authority.
55 | P a g e
These bodies improve administrative efficiency and help in

Good Governance.
7. Exercise of CAG's powers in relation to the accounts of the
Union and the States is derived from Article 149 of the Indian
Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the Governments
Policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own
(CAG) jurisdiction. (GS 2)
,
149
|
( )
|
Introduction:-
Under article 149 The Comptroller and Auditor-General
shall perform such duties and exercise such powers in
relation to the accounts of the Union and of the States and
of any other authority or body as may be prescribed by or
under any law made by Parliament.However in the recent
years there have been questions about its jurisdiction.
Yes it overstepped:-
CAG in the past has limited to account audit and has not
taken to auditing outcomes. Thus, sidestepping establised
conventions
56 | P a g e
Sensationalisation:
o It has in 2G case quantified the amount of loss based
on its own subjective methodology that was seen by
critics as over-reach.
No it has not:-
CAG can audit the accounts if expenditure pertains to the
competent authority, has legislature's approval etc. Thus,
such audit not amount to overreach
As parliament cannot look into daily executive orders CAG
needs to take action .
Even SC judgement acknowledged that policy audit is
inbuilt in CAG functions
Audit of the efficiency of expenditure is its discretion and
what is deems fit, thus doesnot amount to overstepping.
o Such audit will inturn lead to improve resource use
efficiency, improved outcomes etc.
Under the constitution,CAG can audit the spending not
just quantitatively but also qualitatively.
Thus CAG role has to definitely see that the government

resources are not misused and necessary check is available but
it should not be so that the representatives are questioned for
work they did in genuine public interest.
57 | P a g e
8. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of Indias

Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War
international scenario. (GS 2)
- ,

|
Introduction:-
The leaders of independent India, particularly Nehru, took

the lead in launching the third wave by focussing on East
Asia as an important part of Indias policy of Asian
resurgence.
However, the imperatives of the Cold War, intra-Asian
conflict and rivalries, and Indias weaknesses on economic
and military fronts did not let its Asia policy blossom.
What is identified as Indias LEP since the early 1990s
constitutes the fourth wave of Indias eastward
(re)engagement.
Economic and strategic dimensions of India's Look east policy
:-
1.Strategic:-
Under the strategic thrust of this policy, India has also
firmed up strategic relations with them through extensive
consultations on regional and global security issues and
58 | P a g e
consistent cooperation in defence sectors involving

military supplies and naval exercises.
o India is having various maritime exercises and trade
with BIMSTEC countries( south and south east asian
countries) for safe passage in the waters and
protecting from pirates.
o India also has maritime exercises with Australian navy
on part of its act east policy to strengthen ties
between two countries.
Indias strategic vision for the East extends to the whole of
Asia-Pacific region as India has manifested both its
willingness and capability to play a critical role in the
emerging strategic dynamics and architecture for this
region.
As a Strategic Partner of ASEAN, India is actively
associated with various ASEAN-led fora dealing with
defence and strategic issues.
o These include the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN
Regional Forum, ADDM+ (ASEAN Defence Ministers
Meeting Plus) and the Expanded ASEAN Maritime
Forum.
o defence ties with the region has expanded
significantly like bilateral defence cooperation
activities with ASEAN and other regional countries.
59 | P a g e
Besides, organisations involving ASEAN as a whole, India

has taken a leading role in other regional fora.
o These include the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC,
in which Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand
and Vietnam are members), the Bay of Bengal
Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation (BIMSTEC involving Bangladesh, Bhutan,
India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand) and
other organisations.
China factor: India has been successful in countering china
and maintaining Balance of power in vietnam, myanmar
etc
Maritime security: India under BIMSTEC and IORA conduct
maritime security exercises
c)Defence relations: India has sold Radar, Offshore patrol
vehicles to the region ; held joint exercises eg Malabar
with japan
Economic :-
It has helped India garner support for a permanent seat at
UN Security Council from many countries.
It has helped India form South-South co-operation at many
International fora such as WTO and climate change talks.
Helped India increase trade with many of these
countries.India has also signed an FTA with ASEAN.
60 | P a g e
Helped India to have reliable partners on important Sea lanes

of communication such as Malacca Straits.
Has given boost to Indian trade and economy along with
creation of jobs and encouraging people to people contacts.
India is developing road corridor through BBIN( Bangladesh,
Bhutan, India, Nepal) for carrying out trade and easy
movement of vehicles and also Bangladesh, China, India,
Myanmar road corridor for carrying out trade among those
countries
ASEAN has become important trade partner in volume and
amount of trade.
Huge investment flows esp FDI and FPI originate from
Hongkong, Japan etc
Japan has started to invest in Indian infrastructure under
Overseas Development assistance ODA
Connectivity:india has committed to BCIM corridor, Kaladan
multimodal transport
Tourism has seen upgrowth esp in Buddhist circuit.
d)UNSC, MTCR: India has evinced support of these nations
for UNSC, MTCR
Weaknesses in given dimesions:

Problem with the earlier concept:Earlier Look east policy
had limited geographic focus as it didnot extend to pacific ,
japan but was later extended
61 | P a g e
China: It has made quite inroads in Myanmar, Laos and

cambodia, Malaysia
Trade: India has huge trade deficit with china, ASEAN
nations
FTA with South korea has impacted our local
manufacturing due to cheap duty free imports
Financial assistance under line of credit has not been
commesurate with our intentions and policy goals , thus
letting china to displace us in Myanmar in previous decade
The connectivity with ASEAN has not taken up in big way
Lack of success of RCEP
India doesnot have FTA with china esp in services
Bilateral Investment treaties with these nation have ended
due to model BIT
Way forward :-
With the focus now on Asia from developed countries as well
India's strong relation with ASEAN countries plays even more
important role.
APRIL 10TH:
9. Why is maintaining a good relationship between India and
Bangladesh beneficial for both? Also, discuss the role of India
in the liberation war of Bangladesh. (GS 2)
62 | P a g e

? ,

The Hindu | Link
Background :-
In todays globalised world, it is difficult to do something in
isolation. Rather, collaboration and cooperation can make
many things easier. That is why there is always need to put
emphasis on regional cooperation and improved
connectivity.
The India-Bangladesh relationship does carry strong
historical and cultural overtones,and both sides also
realize the immense benefits of a strong relationship.
Benefits to India :-
Apart from the SAARC region, Bangladesh is an important
conduit for Indias Act East Policy. Bangladesh plays a key
role in its sub-regional connectivity plans which include
Nepal and Bhutan.
Power:
o It is estimated that India's northeastern states
have the potential to generate 70,000 MW of

hydropower. But without Bangladesh, supplying
most of that power to other regions would be
impossible.
63 | P a g e
Since 2009, Dhaka has been helping India crack down on

northeastern militant groups. Bangladesh has also raised
its concerns about certain groups using Indian territory
against it.
Providing Raw materials for example Jute for Indian jute
industry.
Benefits to Bangladesh :-
Bangladesh is also home to an aspirational middle
class that would like to reap the dividends of a better
relationship with India.
Market Access to Bangladeshi markets for Indian goods
and services especially IT.

Access to line of credit extended by India
Common benefits to both :-

Connectivity:
o Both countries are keen to enhance
connectivity not just between them, but also with
other countries in South Asia. The BBIN
(Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Bhutan) corridor is
an example.
o There have even been some proposals of a strong
trilateral between India-Bangladesh and Myanmar,

such as a gas pipeline.
64 | P a g e
Both countries are also part of a number of

groupings that seek to expand South Asias connectivity
with Southeast Asia and China; these include the
Mekong Ganga Cooperation Initiative, BIMSTEC, and
the BCIM (Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar) economic
corridor project.
Cultural ties:-
o Northeast India and Bangladesh built not only
strong economic links, but also greater cultural

and educational ties.
o Apart from more border haats, something border
states have already called for, the two sides

should explore the possibility of sister city
arrangements to promote more people-to-people
interactions.
Building on the momentum in ties will help foster better
security ties between the two sides and control drug

trafficking and narcotics
With the two countries sharing the waters of 54 rivers,
reassurance on water-sharing is necessary.

Check China's rise in South Asia.
Internal security especially check insurgency in north east
for example ULFA

Cooperation in maritime security
Role of India in Bangladesh liberation war:-

65 | P a g e
Humanitarian:
oIndia stood beside the oppressed humanity.

o They gave food and shelter to nearly 10 million
refugees of Bangladesh.
Global support:
o They extended all-out cooperation in great

liberation war and played an important role in
creating global opinion in favour of Bangladesh.
This helped Bangladesh to earn victory and the
country was freed from enemy occupation.
Important role even in getting Bangabandhu released from
the Pakistani prison.

Military:
o Three Indian corps were involved in the liberation
of East Pakistan. They were supported by nearly

three brigades of Mukti Bahini fighting alongside
them, and many more fighting irregularly.
o Indian Air Force carried out several strikes against
Pakistan, and within a week, IAF aircraft controlled

the skies of East Pakistan.
o Indian Navy Almost destroyed most of the
Pakistan navy ships and tankers in the west.
Economical :
o India not only spent seven thousand crores of
rupees for the liberation war of Bangladesh but
66 | P a g e
also sacrificed the lives of 3630 officers and

Jawans of her Army.
India extended all possible help to Bangladesh refugees and

freedom fighters providing them food, humanitarian relief,
medical facilities, military training, access to global media,
generation of public opinion and mobilisation of financial
assistance which is still remembered by Bangladesh very well.
10. Do you think that the recent liquor ban ruling by SC is a

judicial overreach? Also, discuss whether removal of liquor
vends from highways is an effective way of curbing accidents
due to drunken driving. (GS 2)
SC
? ,

,

Indian Express
Introduction:-
The Supreme court modified its order on March 31 to give
some relief; and has now prohibited the sale of liquor
within 220 metres instead of 500 metres of national and
state highways in towns with a population less than
67 | P a g e
20,000. Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Meghalaya have

been exempted.
The essence of the judgment is based on statistics that
alcohol-related accidents and deaths on highways are 3.3
per cent and 4.6 per cent.
No,it's not a judicial overreach:-
The court was right in at least taking the first step in the
direction of implementing Article 47. This Court while
exercising its jurisdiction has neither formulated policy nor
has it assumed a legislative function,
It was the Centres idea
The court pointed to a model policy for alcoholic
beverages and alcohol prepared by the Centre more than
a decade, which includes in paragraph 92(2), a provision
suggesting no licence for sale of liquor should be granted
to shops within 100 metres from a state or national
highway.
The expert body agreed:
The National Road Safety Council is an advisory body set
up by the Centre to help guide policy on road safety. The
council features representatives from state governments,
various ministries and external experts.
According to the court, the NRSC unanimously agreed in
2004, that licences for liquor shops should not be given
along national highways.
Yes,it's a judicial overreach:-
68 | P a g e
All directive principles of state policy are policy issues

which should be left to the government. It is not the job of
the court to force the government to implement them.
This was certainly not a fit case to invoke the extraordinary
powers of the court to do complete justice under Article
142.
Governmental intent in this matter is clear from the 2004
directive of the National Road Safety Council established
under the Motor Vehicle Act,1988 in which states have
been repeatedly advised not only to remove liquor shops
from the national highways but also to immediately stop
issuance of fresh licences to liquor vendors along with
national highways.
The media has also criticised this order for the loss of jobs
and revenue; and also on the ground that red wine is good
for health.
It's an effective step:-
Booze ban is intended to steer the safety wheel for night
travellers
It's not an effective step:-
The two orders of the Supreme Court have had
catastrophic fiscal consequences for almost all states, with
revenue losses estimated to be in excess of Rs 75,000
crore and a potential loss of one million jobs.
69 | P a g e
No country in the world, much less its courts, reduced

deaths by drunken driving by closing liquor shops.
Stringent punishment for those driving after drinking,
being found with alcohol above a certain limit (through
breath and/or blood tests) has a salutary effect.
The ban puts thousands of valid businesses employing
lakhs of people at risk.
Such closures will lead to enormous losses to business and
tourism, which will translate into jobs lost as well as huge
revenue losses for state governments which could have
been spent on peoples welfare.
The uncertainty of Indias business climate will deter
investment from coming to India.
And given the number of livelihoods at stake its more
than likely that illegal liquor vends will proliferate along
highways, leading to bigger risks to public safety.
To avoid the ban, Punjab changed the National Highway
status of its roads to state highway
Policing should improve on highways to tackle drunken driving.
State governments should be directed to allocate more
resources for this purpose. Only constant checking of drivers
and punishment for offenders can deter those who drink and
drive. Blanket bans and prohibition-like decrees, whether from
judiciary or legislature, only make the problem worse.
70 | P a g e
11. Why is Teesta waters one of the most contentious issues

between India and Bangladesh? Suggest some ways to resolve
the issue. (GS 2)

?
The Hindu
Reasons :-
Significance of the river :-
o The Teesta River is a 309 km long river and forms the
border between India and Bangladesh. The river
covers nearly the entire floodplains of Sikkim, while
draining 2,800 sq km of Bangladesh, governing the
lives of hundreds of thousands of people.
Failure of agreements:-
o In 1983, an ad-hoc water sharing agreement was
reached between India and Bangladesh, whereby
both countries were allocated 39% and 36% of the
water flow respectively.
o However, the deal fell through when West Bengal
refused to approve the treaty, fearing that the loss of
higher volume of water to the lower riparian would
cause problems in the northern region of state,
especially during drier months.
Importance to Bangladesh:-
71 | P a g e
o Teesta water is crucial for Bangladesh, especially in

the leanest period from December to March when
the water flow often temporarily comes down to less
than 1,000 cusecs from 5,000 cusecs.
o The flood plain of Teesta River covers about 14% of
the total cropped area of Bangladesh and provides
livelihood opportunities to approximately 7.3% of the
population.
o India has built a barrage at Gazaldoba from which
85% of water flow is diverted from Teesta River
without Bangladeshs consent. When Bangladesh
needs water in dry season it does not get it, but when
it does not need water during summer and monsoon
it gets enough of it to the point of flooding,
destroying houses, roads and riverbanks and
embankments.
o Since Sikkim and West Bengal withdraw water from
the Teesta, the flow has been drastically reduced to
the detriment of the Bangladeshi farmers.
State subject:-
o Although Article 253 of the Indian constitution gives
power to the Union government to enter into any
transboundary river water-related treaty with a
riparian state, the Centre cannot do it arbitrarily
without taking into consideration the social, political
and economic impact of such a treaty in the
catchment area.
72 | P a g e
Confusion:-
o One of the reasons for not accepting the new deal on
the Teesta is confusion over the agreed percentage of
water to be shared between India and Bangladesh.
The deal says that Bangladesh will receive 48%of the
waters.
Indian concerns:-
o Westbengal isnt ready to budge on the demand for
sharing of water. On top of that, it would affect the
irrigation in Bengal adversely.
o According to the new proposed agreement,
Bangladesh would receive about 48% of the Teesta
water which is about around 33,000 cubic feet per
second (cusec) of water annually. Such a step would
bring down the irrigation levels in the areas of
Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, South and North
Dinajpur.
Coalition governments everywhere suffer conflicting

pressures from different party components, and the
Teesta water-sharing appears to have become a victim of
political manoeuvring between New Delhi and Kolkata.
Hydropower on the Teesta is another point of
conflict.There are at least 26 projects on the river mostly
in Sikkim, aimed at producing some 50,000MW.
Measures to resolve the issue are :-
73 | P a g e
India should embed in the construction of giant artificial

reservoirs, where the monsoon water can be stored for
the lean season.The reservoirs need to be built in India as
the country has some mountain-induced sites favourable
to hosting dams with reservoirs, unlike Bangladesh,
The deal, as anticipated, will help India get more political
leverage, which, it thinks, is necessary to check the rising
influence of an extra regional power China in the Bay of
Bengal region.
There is a need to set up a commission to ascertain the
level of water flowing through the Torsa and the quantum
of water that can be shared.
Bringing West Bengal government, so that it will also have
an equal say in matter.
Building Artificial dams to store water during the monsoon
and release it during lean season.
Water supply:
o Increase water supply via Inter-linking of rivers ,
rainwater harvesting, upstream reservoirs to store
water during rainy period
Water demand reduction:
o Use of less water intensive rice crop like
basmati,generation of non-farm jobs.
There is a need for integrated approach to the issue not
limited to water of Teesta but to focus on issue of water
74 | P a g e
availability, efficiency of use and demand check in addition

to political will to have a lasting solution
12. Discuss the key provisions of the Human

Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (Prevention and Control) Bill,
2017 recently passed by the parliament. (GS 2)

() ()
( ) , 2017

The Hindu | PRS
Background:-
Today, approximately 21 lakh people are living with HIV, as
per government estimates. The adult prevalence is in the range
of 0.3%, of which around 40% are women.
The HIV AIDS bill is an important step in ensuring that the
progress made against HIV is not halted and discrimination
against HIV affected individuals is reduced.
Key provisions:-
There is no denying that it is a good base for an active health
rights movement to build upon.
The legislation empowers those who have contracted the
infection in a variety of ways: such as protecting against
75 | P a g e
discrimination in employment, education, health-care services,

getting insurance and renting property.
Access to insurance for persons with HIV is an important part
of the Bill.
Numerous provisions of this bill ensure government
accountability and commitment into providing HIV
prevention, testing, treatment and care to those at risk.
For the first time, the bill brings together a human-rights
perspective to public health, and makes antiretroviral
treatment a right of HIV/AIDS patients.
The central and state governments are duty bound to
provide for treatment and also arrange for the management of
risk reduction of vulnerable populations. This will ensure that in
the future no Indian has to struggle for diagnosis or treatment.
The bill also mandates the appointment of an ombudsman in
every state to inquire into complaints related to the violation
of the Act and the provision of health care services.
The bill seeks to protect the high-risk groups from
discrimination, both through administration of treatment for
their infections as well as improving their access to welfare
schemes and services.
The bill also mandates that cases relating to HIV positive
persons shall be disposed off by the court on a priority basis.
Guardianship:
A person between the age of 12 to 18 years who has
sufficient maturity in understanding and managing the affairs of
76 | P a g e
his HIV or AIDS affected family shall be competent to act as a

guardian of another sibling below 18 years of age
It gives the right to minors to reside in a shared household
and prohibits people from spreading any hate against them.
The Bill also prohibits any individual from publishing
information or advocating feelings of hatred against HIV
positive persons and those living with them.
The need for privacy, the bill also mandates that no HIV test,
medical treatment, or research can be conducted on a person
without their informed consent. This ensures that those
affected by HIV have the right to privacy and confidentiality.
The bill also mandates that no person can be compelled to
disclose their HIV status except with informed consent, and if
required by a court order.
The bill also addresses discrimination in everyday life through
numerous provisions especially at the workplace and within
communities.
It prohibits discrimination against HIV positive persons and
those affected in numerous aspects. These include the denial,
termination, discontinuation or unfair treatment with regard to
employment and in educational establishments, health care
services, residing or renting property, standing for public or
private office, and provision of insurance (unless based on
actuarial studies).
The bill also prohibits the requirement for HIV testing as a
pre-requisite for obtaining employment or accessing health
77 | P a g e
care or education.
Concerns:-
Does not guarantee access to anti-retroviral drugs and
treatment for opportunistic infections.
Experts are disappointed that the Centres commitment to
take all measures necessary to prevent the spread of HIV or
AIDS is not reflected in the Bill, in the form of the right to
treatment.The law only enjoins the States to provide access as
far as possible.
Way forward:
Viewed against the national commitment to Goal 3 of the UN
Sustainable Development Goals to end the epidemic of AIDS
by 2030, a rapid scaling up of interventions to prevent new
cases and to offer free universal treatment is critical.
Publicly funded insurance can easily bring this subset of
care-seekers into the overall risk pool. Such a measure is also
necessary to make the forward-looking provisions in the new
law meaningful, and to provide opportunities for education,
skill-building and employment.
13. What do you understand by cooperative federalism? Cite

some differences between Cooperative federalism and
Collaborative Sub-regionalism. Do you agree that there is a
greater need for provincial autonomy in India? (GS 2)
78 | P a g e
?
-

?
Live Mint
Cooperative federalism:-
It is a concept of federalism in which national, state, and
local governments interactcooperatively and collectively
to solve common problems.
Instruments to ensure co-operation between centre and
states
Indian constitution has provided several instruments to
ensure co-operation between centre and states. These are
mentioned below:
o 7thschedule: It clearly demarcates central, state and
concurrent list based on the principle of subsidiarity.
Residuary power has been kept with centre.
o Integrated Judiciary, All India Services: An integrated
judicial system has been established to enforce both
state as well as central laws. All India services provide
another uniting factor in co-operative federalism.
o Under article 263 of the constitution Inter State
Council has been established to discuss and
79 | P a g e
investigate the subject of common interest between

the centre and the states.
o For interstate water disputes parliament can
adjudicate for the same.
o Zonal council:
These are statutory bodies established under the
State reorganisation act of 1956 to ensure co-
ordination. It provided for 5 zonal councils, one
for each north, south, east, west, central. North
eastern council has been created under separate
act.
Other mechanisms: National Development Council, NITI
(National Initiative for Transforming India) Ayog, Finance
commission under article 280 of the constitution.
Differences between cooperative federalism and collaborative
sub regionalism:-
Former exist within nation boundaries, later exist across
them
Sector of collaboration: Former includes almost all the
sectors whereas later include predominantly economic-
trade, commerce, transport etc
Basis: Former has its basis in constitution, later has it in
shared interest among the participant countries.
Yes there is a need for greater provincial autonomy in India:-
Examples from China :-
80 | P a g e
o Provincial governments play a big part in setting the

agenda of the sub-regional initiatives that China is a
part of.
o The role played by the border province of Yunnan, for
instance, has been highly instrumental in the success
of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).
The geographical expanse of India mandates a role for
border states greater than New Delhi in matters of sub-
regional cooperation. West Bengal and all the North-
Eastern states become crucial in this regard.
States can themselves choose to cooperate on the sector
needed rather than being dictated by the centre in top-
down approach
No it's not needed :-
Srilanka-india relation have been impacted by issue of
Tamilnadu in the past
Constitutionally, international relation is the prerogative
and responsibilty of union under union list
Thus centre and states need to put national interest as the
priority and need to work collaboratively with necessary
autonomy to the states.
14. Prohibition on all online content about pre-natal sex

determination will curtail the fundamental right to know of a
81 | P a g e
genuine information-seeker who is driven by curiosity.

Discuss. (GS 2)
,
-
,
The Hindu
Yes:-
The Supreme Court recently observed that a general
prohibition on all online content about pre-natal sex
determination will curtail the fundamental right to know
of a genuine information-seeker.
curtailing the right to know under Article 19 (1) (a) of the
Constitution.
It would hinder research in many fields like
sociology,science etc..It would deprive researchers,
academicians and students valuable information on the
issue
Online sellers will be at loss , who sell genuine information
to related subject.
Total blanket ban will reduce our efforts to filter on some
clinics or entities who indulge in PNDT
No:-
82 | P a g e
Ban is needed to keep the female foeticide in control and

curb illegal sex determination and growing unregistered
clinics.
Ban can ensure the wider interpretation of the PCPDNT
act.
Also provides a check on the monetary exploitation by
such practices.
What can be done?
Cooperate with google, facebook to remove ads ; strict
implementation of PNDT act by involving NGO and
common individual ; data availability about the problem
associated with foeticide.
There should be some restrictions and advertisements
should be banned as per law but not all information.
Microsoft and Yahoo also contended that the companies
had no supervisory or editorial control over the contents
uploaded by users on their websites and there was no
mechanism to auto block them.so blanket ban might not
be the solution but some alternative needs to be looked
into.
15. Do you think that EVMs are vulnerable? What are the
concerns relating to the use of EVMs? (GS 2)
?
?
83 | P a g e
The Hindu | Live Mint

No:-
The Madras High Court also categorically ruled out any
question of tampering of the EVMs.

o It said that EVMs cannot be compared to personal
computers.
o The programming in computers, as suggested, has no
bearing with the EVMs. The computer would have

inherent limitations having connections through
Internet and by their very design, they may allow the
alteration of the programme but the EVMs are
independent units and the programme in EVM is
entirely a different system.
The data or technique brought in use in EVM in India were
not subject to piracy as nobody knows anything about the

contents of any type or has any unauthorized or free
access to EVM.
The machine is electronically protected to prevent any
tampering/manipulation. The programme (software) used

in these machines is burnt into a One Time
Programmable (OTP)/Masked chip so that it cannot be
altered or tampered with.
Further these machines are not networked either by wire
or by wireless to any other machine or system. Therefore,

there is no possibility of its data corruption.
The software of EVMs is developed in-house by a selected
group of Engineers in BEL (Defense Ministry PSU) and ECIL

84 | P a g e
(Atomic Energy Ministrys PSU) independently from each

other.
o A select software development group of 2-3
engineers designs the source code and this work is
not sub-contracted.
After completion of software design, testing and
evaluation of the software is carried out by an
independent testing group as per the software
requirements specifications (SRS). This ensures that the
software has really been written as per the requirements
laid down for its intended use only.
Source code is never handed over to anyone outside the
software group of PSUs.
Bulk production clearance by PSU is given to micro
controller manufacturer only after successful completion
of this verification.
The source code for the EVM is stored under controlled
conditions at all times. Checks and balances are in place to
ensure that it is accessible to authorized personnel only.
During production in the factory, functional testing is done
by production group as per the laid down Quality plan and
performance test procedures.
The software is so designed that it allows a voter to cast
the vote only once. The vote can be recorded by an elector
from the ballot unit only after the Presiding Officer
enables the ballot on the Control Unit. The machine does
not receive any signal from outside at any time.
85 | P a g e
Samples of EVMs from production batches are regularly

checked for functionality by Quality Assurance Group,
which is an independent unit within the PSUs.
Certain additional features were introduced in 2006 in ECI-
EVMs such as dynamic coding between Ballot Unit (BU)
and Control Unit (CU), installation of real time clock,
installation of full display system and date and time
stamping of every key-pressing in EVM.
Technical Evaluation Committee in 2006 has concluded
that any tempering of CU by coded signals by wireless or
outside or Bluetooth or WiFi is ruled out as CU does not
have high frequency receiver and data decoder.
Most of the systems used in other countries are Computer
based with internet connectivity. Hence, these could be
vulnerable to hacking. The ECI-EVMs cannot be compared
with those EVMs.
As stated above, the software in the ECI-EVM chip is one
time programmable (OTP) and burnt into the chip at the
time of manufacture. Nothing can be written on the chip
after manufacture. Thus the ECI-EVMs are fundamentally
different from the voting machines and processes adopted
in various foreign countries.
On the poll day, a mock poll by casting at least 50 votes is
conducted at every polling station in the presence of the
representatives of the candidates/polling agents with their
signature and a mock-poll certificate to that effect is
obtained from every Presiding Officer.
86 | P a g e
It`s easy to see the utility of the machine it eliminates

invalid votes, ends booth capturing, and makes counting
easier and faster. It is tamper-proof, error-free and easy to
operate
Yes:-
EVM Software Isnt Safe
o The electronic voting machines are safe and secure
only if the source code used in the EVMs is genuine.
o The EVM manufacturers, the BEL and ECIL have
shared the top secret EVM software program with
two foreign companies, Microchip (USA) and Renesas
(Japan) to copy it onto microcontrollers used in EVMs.
Each EVM contains two EEPROMs inside the Control Unit
in which the voting data is stored. They are completely
unsecured and the data inside EEPROMs can be
manipulated from an external source. It is very easy to
read (data from) the EEPROMs and manipulate them.
The EVM has no means for the voter to verify that his/her
votes have been tallied properly.
The EVM has no means outside of the memories of the

voting machines themselves to audit or recount the votes.
87 | P a g e
Secure storage of cast votes: The votes that are cast using
the electronic voting machines, are stored in a safe storage
or space in the computer machine memory. The time gap
between election and the counting of votes is a risk to
possible hacking and manipulation.
Several countries in the world rejected Electronic Voting

Machines (EVMs) because they are difficult to secure,
easily subject to manipulation and open to large scale
fraud and pose a serious threat for free, fair and
transparent elections in democratic societies.
o EVMs are allowed in most states of the US only with

a paper back up. Indian EVMs do not produce a paper
trail, which is a major drawback .
o Potential dangers of vote fraud and more

importantly, lack of transparency and verifiability
associated with them prompted ban or restrictions of
their use.
o Developed nations like the United Kingdom, France,
Japan and Singapore have so far stuck to voting on
paper ballots, owing to their simplicity, verifiability
and voter confidence in the system.
What Can Be Done ?

88 | P a g e
A Voter Verified Paper Ballot (VVPB) Provides An Auditable

Way To Assure Voters That Their Ballots Will Be Available
To Be Ocounted. Without VVPB There Is No Way To
Independently Audit The Election Results.
Use two machines produced by different manufacturers to
records votes.
Expose the software behind EVMs to public scrutiny.
Having the software closely examined by independent
experts would make it easier to close technical loopholes
that hackers can exploit.
Booth monitoring: Strict monitoring of the activities inside
the polling booth is important to eliminate human
elements responsible for frauid and corruption
16. An independent judiciary is of critical importance in a

political democracy, for it provides checks and balances vis--
vis the executive and the legislature. Critically examine. (GS 2)
,

LiveMint
Background:-
Judicial Independence or Independence of Judiciary refers
to an environment where judges are free to make
89 | P a g e
decisions or pass judgment without any pressure from the

government or other powerful entities.
Independence of Judiciary means that the judiciary as an
organ of the government should be free from influence
and control of the other two organs i.e., the executive and
the legislature of government.
Why independent judiciary is important?

Judicial independence plays an important role
in maintaining the democratic set-up of any country.
An impartial and independent judicial system alone can
protect the rights of the citizens against the arbitrary
powers of the executive or legislature.
Freedom from the influence and control of the executive
is of crucial importance. It is important for individual
freedom that the judges give their verdict without fear or
favor.
It refers to an environment where the judge can
pass impartial judgment.
Protection of fundamental fights(FR):
o The FR are framed against state and judiciary is the
guardian of citizen's Fundamental Rights (article 32).
Protection of Minorities: The constitution prevents
tyranny of Majority and judiciary ensures it .For instance
the cases like Babri masjid Judgement, NEET judgement,
Shah Bhano judgement, Mandal case etc
90 | P a g e
There have been instances last year when the states were
reeling under drought but measures was not taken by the
governments and judiciary had to step in to acknowledge
the water crisis.
Independent judiciary also helps in settling federal
disputes.
Why is it not?
While many of the judgements ensured thriving
democracy in India, some cases like recent National
Highway Liquor outlet judgement, NJAC judgement etc
may be treated as Judicial overreach.
Judiciary has been criticised for overstepping into
executive orders like making it mandatory to stand for
national anthem in theatres.
Judiciary is involving itself in matters related to
administration and financial matters of the state
Suggestions:-
There is a need to bring reforms in judiciary by making the
system transparent,passing the judicial accountability bill
,appointments through NJAC etc.
Therefore, Maintaining checks and balances between the

different organs of constitution is necessary for political
democracy, if it's not abided it may lead to supremacy of one
authority in turn hurting the basic foundations of constitution,
91 | P a g e
hence maintaining an independent and integrated judiciary is

essential.
17. Citizens have the right to access the Internet to gain
information, wisdom and knowledge and their right cannot be
curtailed unless it encroaches into the boundary of illegality.
Comment. (GS 2)

The Hindu
In light of digital revolution curbing information online is a
violation of fundamental right but necessary checks need to
be ensured tas that doesn't encroach legality.
No:-
Internet has opened a new era of possibilities and
opportunities to people and has been a major source of
information to every age group.
Knowing about e-commerce offers can result in access to
low-cost goods and save time
Knowing about governments activities and link with
government through Twitter like platforms.
Curtailing right to access internet has wide reaching
consequences and now can even put the daily life
activities at halt for eg.banking, ticket booking
Yes:-
92 | P a g e
Child pornographic content cannot be allowed

Information related to terrorist activities shouldn't be
accessible
Anti-national campaigning or related activities cannot be
allowed
Cyber bullying of women
Violation of laws. Ex: Access to information related to
foeticide.
To avoid misuse a cyber law can be brought in by the
government and necessary precautions are needed but banning
altogether is not a very welcome stand.
18. The HIV and AIDS Bill was passed in Lok Sabha recently.
Discuss its key provisions. How can it reduce stigma and
discrimination? (GS 2)

?
The Hindu | IE | Link
Background:-
Today, approximately 21 lakh people are living with HIV, as
per government estimates. The adult prevalence is in the
range of 0.3%, of which around 40% are women.
93 | P a g e
The HIV AIDS bill is an important step in ensuring that the

progress made against HIV is not halted and discrimination
against HIV affected individuals is reduced.
Key provisions:-
There is no denying that it is a good base for an active
health rights movement to build upon.
The legislation empowers those who have contracted the
infection in a variety of ways: such as protecting against
discrimination in employment, education, health-care
services, getting insurance and renting property.
Access to insurance for persons with HIV is an important
part of the Bill.
Numerous provisions of this bill ensure government
accountability and commitment into providing HIV
prevention, testing, treatment and care to those at risk.
For the first time, the bill brings together a human-rights
perspective to public health, and makes antiretroviral
treatment a right of HIV/AIDS patients.
The central and state governments are duty bound to
provide for treatment and also arrange for the
management of risk reduction of vulnerable populations.
This will ensure that in the future no Indian has to
struggle for diagnosis or treatment.
94 | P a g e
The bill also mandates the appointment of an

ombudsman in every state to inquire into complaints
related to the violation of the Act and the provision of
health care services.
The bill seeks to protect the high-risk groups from
discrimination, both through administration of treatment
for their infections as well as improving their access to
welfare schemes and services.
The bill also mandates that cases relating to HIV positive
persons shall be disposed off by the court on a priority
basis.
Guardianship:
o A person between the age of 12 to 18 years who has
sufficient maturity in understanding and managing
the affairs of his HIV or AIDS affected family shall be
competent to act as a guardian of another sibling
below 18 years of age
Concerns:-
Does not guarantee access to anti-retroviral drugs and
treatment for opportunistic infections.
Experts are disappointed that the Centres commitment to
take all measures necessary to prevent the spread of HIV
95 | P a g e
or AIDS is not reflected in the Bill, in the form of the right

to treatment.The law only enjoins the States to provide
access as far as possible.
How can it reduce stigma and discrimination?
It gives the right to minors to reside in a shared
household and prohibits people from spreading any hate
against them.
The Bill also prohibits any individual from publishing
information or advocating feelings of hatred against HIV
positive persons and those living with them.
The need for privacy, the bill also mandates that no HIV
test, medical treatment, or research can be conducted on
a person without their informed consent. This ensures
that those affected by HIV have the right to privacy and
confidentiality.
The bill also mandates that no person can be compelled to
disclose their HIV status except with informed consent,
and if required by a court order.
The bill also addresses discrimination in everyday life
through numerous provisions especially at the workplace
and within communities.
It prohibits discrimination against HIV positive persons and
those affected in numerous aspects. These include the
denial, termination, discontinuation or unfair treatment
with regard to employment and in educational
96 | P a g e
establishments, health care services, residing or renting

property, standing for public or private office, and
provision of insurance (unless based on actuarial studies).
The bill also prohibits the requirement for HIV testing as
a pre-requisite for obtaining employment or accessing
health care or education.
While social change will take time and stigma will not end
immediately, this bill is a step in the right direction. It is a
much needed and long awaited measure that will work to
reduce stigma and discrimination towards people living
with HIV.
Way forward:
Viewed against the national commitment to Goal 3 of the

UN Sustainable Development Goals to end the epidemic
of AIDS by 2030, a rapid scaling up of interventions to
prevent new cases and to offer free universal treatment
is critical.
Publicly funded insurance can easily bring this subset of
care-seekers into the overall risk pool. Such a measure is
also necessary to make the forward-looking provisions in
the new law meaningful, and to provide opportunities for
education, skill-building and employment.
97 | P a g e
19. List the consequences of not having the right to vote as

a constitutional right. (GS 2)

The Hindu
Right to vote:-
Article 326 of the Constitution provides for universal adult
suffrage, but does not specifically mention the right to
vote.
The Supreme court has refused to categorically recognise
the right to vote as an inalienable constitutional right,
frequently holding that it is a privilege that can be taken
away as easily as it is granted.It is disconcerting that the
court still does not clearly acknowledge a constitutional
right to vote.
Consequences if not having it as a Constitutional right are:-
The absence of a constitutional right to vote has real
consequences, for it makes it easier to impose wide
restrictions on who can exercise that right, and the
circumstances in which they may do so.
98 | P a g e
Constitutional remedies need not be guaranteed if this

right is violated
It could be altered or diluted at the whims of the
executive or legislature.
Democratic credentials of any political system could be
questioned.
The non constitutional status could be exploited towards
exclusion of certain racial or ethnic communities.
It could affect the integrity and tranquility in a nation and
may give rise to political violence.
Dilution of right to vote may give rise to authoritarianism.
.Positives of this stance are:-
It is useful in keeping criminal away from voting.
Only Judiciary can play a vital role of any dispute, so
people are assured of fair trial
A constitutional status to right to vote ensures the stability of

the system as well as people's faith in democracy and hence the
need for it.
20. What is anti-defection law? Do you think that anti-

defection law in India is weak? (GS 2)
99 | P a g e
- ? -

?
The Hindu
Anti defection law:-
The Tenth Schedule popularly known as the Anti-
Defection Act was included in the Constitution in 1985
The 52nd amendment to the Constitution added the Tenth
Schedule which laid down the process by which legislators
may be disqualified on grounds of defection.
o A member of parliament or state legislature was
deemed to have defected if he either voluntarily
resigned from his party or disobeyed the directives of
the party leadership on a vote. That is, they may not
vote on any issue in contravention to the partys
whip.
o Independent members would be disqualified if they
joined a political party.
o Nominated members who were not members of a
party could choose to join a party within six months;
after that period, they were treated as a party
member or independent member.
Anti defection law in India is weak :-
Loss of membership is hardly a penalty in cases ahead of
the scheduled time of general elections as seen last year.
100 | P a g e
It also loses significance if the House is likely to be

dissolved.
On the other hand, the voting behaviour may be affected
even on issues not related to the stability of the
government. A member may be unable to express his
actual belief or the interests of his constituents.
Therefore, a case may be made for restricting the law to
confidence and no-confidence motions.
The Dinesh Goswami Committee on electoral reforms
(1990) recommended this change, while the Law
Commission (170th report, 1999) suggested that political
parties issue whips only when the government was in
danger. it was met with severe oppositions on logic that it
impinged on right to free speech of legislators.
The curtailing to a certain extent the role of the MP or
member of state legislature.
o It is culminated into absence of constructive debates
on critical policy issues. The whip has become all the
more powerful and has to be followed in all
circumstances.
The anti-defection law has enabled the political parties to
have stronger grip on their members which many times
has resulted into preventing them to vote for the lure of
money of ministerial birth.
It's not that weak :-
101 | P a g e
Supreme court stated that the anti-defection law seeks to

recognise the practical need to place the proprieties of
political and personal conduct above certain theoretical
assumptions. It held that the law does not violate any
rights or freedoms, or the basic structure of parliamentary
democracy.
Supreme Court also made some observations on Section
2(1) (b) of the Tenth schedule. Section 2(1) (b) reads that a
member shall be disqualified if he votes or abstains from
voting contrary to any direction issued by the political
party.
The judgement highlighted the need to limit
disqualifications to votes crucial to the existence of the
government and to matters integral to the electoral
programme of the party, so as not to unduly impinge on
the freedom of speech of members.
It also provides stability to the government by preventing
shifts of party allegiance and ensures that candidates
elected with party support and on the basis of party
manifestoes remain loyal to the party.
Way forward:-
The Venkatachaliah Commission recommended that
defectors should be barred from holding any ministerial or
remunerative political office for the remaining term of the
House. It also said that the vote of any defector should not
be counted in a confidence or no-confidence motion.
102 | P a g e
The decision making power of speaker / chairman needs

review
The phrase voluntarily giving up membership is too
vague and needs comprehensive revision.
Political parties should limit issuance of whips to instances
only when the government is in danger
The Election Commission had recommended that the
decisions under the Tenth Schedule should be made by the
President/ Governor on the binding advice of the Election
Commission
21. Do you think that the Joint Study Group meeting of the
Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar (BCIM) has generated
interest? What is the purpose of the meet? (GS 2)
, , (

)
? ?
The Hindu
Purpose of the meet:-
The Joint Study Group, a sub-regional group of the BCIM,
met to review economic integration of the region
focussing on trade and energy cooperation while
facilitating the construction of an economic corridor from
Kumning in south-west China to Kolkata.
103 | P a g e
.
Joint study group meeting on BCIM generated interest:-
Visit of 30-member Chinese delegation shows enthusiasm
from China amid Arunachal row
A step in right direction towards implementation of
economic corridor which was proposed in 2013
Active participation and lead by India and participation
from Bangladesh and Myanmar.
This initiative will boost the trade and investment in the
region.
It also connects the North-East region and makes the poor
developed region into well-developed region.
Emphasises on the act east policy encouraging the
integration of East Asian countries.
No it did not :-
Interest generated about the economic corridor in 2013 is
missing.
Change of guard at the centre: Changed government has
redefined its priorities in the region. It has not shown
much interest yet in this project.
China's much touted OBOR initiative has diverted much of
the attention of the region towards itself thereby
relegating BCIM corridor project to the background to an
extent.
104 | P a g e
Continuing and heightened tension between India and

China in Arunachal Pradesh recently.
Land and environmental clearances are a problem.
If the government shows keen interest in regularly having joint

studies about the corridor it would substantiatlly help the
Indian trade and investment in the region.
22. Discuss the reasons for having an anti-torture legislation in
India. Why has the Centre avoided such a legislation? (GS 2)

?
The Hindu
Background:-
According to Asian Centre for Human Rights,its report
shows deaths in police custody climbed 20 per cent from
2000 to 2008.
In prisons the increase was 55 per cent during the same
period,615 in 2009-10 and 855 in 2010-11.
Why India needs a anti torture legislation ?
According to SC,India may be finding it tough to secure
extraditions because there is a fear within the
international community that the accused persons would
be subject to torture
105 | P a g e
It was a matter of both Article 21 (fundamental right to

life and dignity) and of international reputation that the
government must consider promulgating a standalone,
comprehensive law to define and punish torture as an
instrument of human degradation by state authorities.
India, which had signed the UN Convention against torture
way back in 1997, had still not ratified it. The Convention
defines torture as a criminal offence.
A standalone legislation will certainly go a long way in
creating the necessary environment to prevent abuse of
custodial torture and human dignity of citizen.
Indian Penal Code did not specifically and
comprehensively address the various aspects of custodial
torture and was grossly inadequate in addressing the
spiralling situation of custodial violence across the
country.
Unlike custodial deaths, the police are not required to
report cases of torture which do not result in deaths to
the NHRC. So a majority of cases simply went unreported.
Non-signing of the convention has cost India dear as a
Danish court refused to facilitate the extradition of
Kim Davy, a prime accused in the Purulia arms drop
106 | P a g e
case on the ground that he might face torture in the

hands of Indian police.
Just as in any other crime, the complaint, investigation,
and prosecution require a functional criminal justice
system. And, this is precisely what India lacks .So a anti
torture legislation is necessary.
Indian authorities seldom deny that torture is a problem,
but their failure to ensure the safety of someone in a
high-profile international case shows how extensive it is.
Police actions:
o Police admitted that without proper training and
equipment to gather evidence, and under pressure to
solve crimes, an overworked force frequently uses
torture as the tool most readily available to them.
o Many admitted that coerced confessions and
information also misled inquiries, allowing criminals
to escape and innocent individuals to be arrested.
Why has centre avoided it so far?
Centre had avoided an independent legislation on torture,

saying that some States were not in favour of such a law
and the Indian Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure
Code were more than sufficient.
107 | P a g e
NHRC itself had strongly supported the need for such a

law.
Criminals who committed heinous crimes might escape
punishment.
Such legislation may bring uncomfortable questions raised
by the human rights Organisations especially about the
Maoist,Kashmir and north east insurgency .
The definition of torture is not scientifically defined..
Therefore,there is a need for the legislation and there should
be a scheme to rehabilitate, provide relief and compensation
for victims of custodial violence and torture.
23. How can Big Data be used in better policy-making? Discuss

some points for effective implementation of Big Data. (GS 2)
?

Live Mint
Big data and policy making:-
Volume and veracity also necessitate sharing of data
across ministries and departments indeed, with the public
at large to allow private-sector solutions that can in turn
be utilized in government policymaking.
108 | P a g e
Using Big Data effectively for policy formulation will thus

mean changing policymaking structures and processes
continuously re-evaluating and rejigging policies based on
the feedback generated by new data, from on the ground
results to public opinion scraped from social media.
Big data offers a chance for policy-making and
implementation to be more citizen-focused, taking
account of citizens needs, preferences and experience of
public services.
Data mined from social media or administrative operations
in this way also provide a range of new data which can
enable government agencies to monitor and improve
their own performance.
They can find out what people are concerned about or
looking for, from the Google Search API or Google trends,
which record the search patterns of a huge proportion of
internet users.
It has multiple benefits in different policy areas be it
health,infrastructure,transport etc.
Prediction of future trends:
By observing how urbanisation is growing in the past, one
can estimate future urban population and growth rates.
So, better planning can be done.
Geotagging of assets created under MGNREGS is using
nothing but big data in smart way.
Concern:-
109 | P a g e
But it is also technologically challenging for government,

and presents new moral and ethical dilemmas to policy
makers.
Governments have long suffered from information
technology skill shortages and the complex skill sets
required for big data analytics pose a particularly acute
challenge.
And gathering data from social media presents legal
challenges, as companies like Facebook place barriers to
the crawling and scraping of their sites.
Effective implementation of big data:-

Utilising private sector solutions in public policy making .
Strengthen infrastructure for efficient data collection and
management.
Capacity building and training of personnel specifically for
working on BIG DATA.
Investment in R&D to make better use of Big Data
Usage of data must not be violative of right to privacy.
Evidence based policy making as suggested by the NITI Aayog

can be a revolutionary suggestion which could bring the
framework for operation of big data.
110 | P a g e
24. How can Aadhaar-PAN linkage stop tax leakage? Do you

think that the linkage can restrict evasion of tax? (GS 2)
The Hindu
Introduction:-
Recently the Supreme Court referred to the mandatory
linking of Aadhaar to the Permanent Account Number
(PAN) and Income Tax returns as an instance of the
governments efforts to bring new and new laws to stop
leakages.
How can Aadhar pan linkage stop tax leakage and tax
evasion:-
Biometric system was the only way to prevent duplication
as there was no way in which people could get a duplicate
or fake Aadhaar number and linking of PAN with Aadhaar
would be very effective in monitoring cases of tax evasion.
people are procuring multiple PAN cards which were being
used for illegal transactions and to "divert funds" to shell
firms.
How it cannot curb tax evasion:-
Aadhaar was not foolproof, experts responded that 132%
of the population of Delhi is shown to have taken Aadhaar
cards and 104% all over the country.
111 | P a g e
How will it help their avowed objective to stop black

money and make cash transactions transparent, if Section
139AA is limited to just individuals. Aadhaar is only meant
for individuals and not companies.
Making Aadhaar mandatory would push the country
towards a totalitarian state where citizens' rights would be
made subservient and the government would keep an eye
on each of their activities.
25. IMF will have to change its asymmetric power structure
and outdated quota system to become relevant. Critically
discuss. (GS 2)
The Hindu
Criticisms:-
The IMF's and World Bank's structural adjustment policies
(SAPs) ensure debt repayment by requiring countries to
cut spending on education and health; eliminate basic
food and transportation subsidies; devalue national
currencies to make exports cheaper; privatize national
assets; and freeze wages. Such belt-tightening measures
increase poverty, reduce countries' ability to develop
strong domestic economies and allow multinational
corporations to exploit workers and the environment.
112 | P a g e
The IMF has made elites from the Global South more
accountable to First World elites than their own people,
thus undermining the democratic process..
Unlike a democratic system in which each member
country would have an equal vote, rich countries
dominate decision-making in the IMF because voting
power is determined by the amount of money that each
country pays into the IMF's quota system.
Unlike the path historically followed by the industrialized
countries, the IMF forces countries from the Global South
to prioritize export production over the development of
diversified domestic economies.
Members of affected communities do not participate in
designing loan packages. The IMF works with a select
group of central bankers and finance ministers to make
polices without input from other government agencies
such as health, education and environment departments.
By far the most prominent criticism of the IMF has been
directed at the conditionality attached to the loans that it
provides.
One factor weakening the legitimacy of the IMF has been
that members quota and voting shares, which underpin
IMF decisions, have become unbalanced over time, less
adequately representing the current distribution of
economic and financial power and needs in todays world.
113 | P a g e
Proposed package of reforms falls far short of the goals

of the exercise.
o A major weakness is the proposed revised formula
for calculating the presumptive quota and voting
shares of members.
o Taken on its own, the formula generates changes in
shares that move away from rather than toward a
closer alignment of voting power with economic
realities.
o By way of example, the combined voting share of
China, India, Korea, Brazil, and Mexico will increase
from 8.2 percent to only 10.7 percent of total votes.
o The combined share of the five European countries
Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden and Switzerland
will decline only modestly, from 10.4 percent to 9.5
percent.
Some IMF policies may be anti-developmental; the report
said that deflationary effects of IMF programmes quickly
led to losses of output and employment in economies
where incomes were low and unemployment was high.
Another criticism is that IMF programs are only designed
to address poor governance, excessive government
spending, excessive government intervention in markets,
and too much state ownership.This assumes that this
narrow range of issues represents the only possible
114 | P a g e
problems; everything is standardised and differing

contexts are ignored.
With Gini coefficient, it became clear that countries with
IMF programs face increased income inequality
its core areas of concern in developing countries are very
narrow.
Three years ago, the IMF had loaned more than 100 billion
US dollars to various countries to help them tide over
problems including management of external balance of
payments. This amount has now shrunk to less than 20
billion dollars a year.
Disturbing picture that emerges is that some developing
countries will be given increases by reducing the shares of
some other equally deserving countries.
The irrelevance of the Fund was evident from the fact that
current fund inflows through bond markets were far
higher than funds disbursed by the IMF. Besides, a one-
time lender of funds had become a net recipient of money.
Positives:
IMF policies promote corporate welfare
The IMF routinely pushes countries to deregulate financial
systems. The removal of regulations that might limit
speculation has greatly increased capital investment in
developing country financial markets.
115 | P a g e
Some see it as being driven by a neo-liberal economic

agenda.
The organisation only enters a country and gives its assistance
when requested by a host country.
General studies -3:
1.Do you think that reforms are needed in the banking sector?
Suggest steps that can be taken by the government in this
regard. (GS 3)

?

Live Mint
Background:
Therefore, Reforms are needed to revive the
banking sector.
Yes reforms are very necessary because:-
Failure of schemes:
o Strategic debt restructuring scheme:-
116 | P a g e
The scheme has not worked for a

variety of reasons. These include

problems of coordination among the
different banks involved, regulatory
uncertainties (especially for
infrastructure projects) which deter
new investors, and the unwillingness of
bankers to accept a sufficient write-
down of the outstanding debt.
There is also the practical problem of
running the projects taken over until a

new management comes in. Banks are
ill-equipped to do this.
o Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of
Stressed Assets (S4A):-
o It has the advantage of not having to look for
a new management, but since the incumbent

management remains in place, and the debt
write-off is not competitively
determined, there is a danger that the
concessions given may attract the charge of
cronyism and corruption.
Since the oversight body will also consist of public
servants, the problem remains.
Limited participation of the private and foreign
banks.The banking sector of India are dominated by
117 | P a g e
the public sector bank with low participation of

private banks.
India has Gross Non-Performing Assets of around Rs.
6.7 trillion.Economic Survey also mentioned about
the Twin Balanced Sheet Problems which stands for
stressed balance sheets of both Banks and
Corporates.
Banks employees are poorly paid nowadays as
compared to government servants
Measures needed are :-
To issue more licensing to the private sector banks

and increase in the FDI limit.
More focussed lending to the primary sector for
example infrastructure, farming, allied activities etc.
Governance reforms:-
o PJ Nayak committee recommended setting
Non Financial holding company with all

government shares to ensure independence
in decision making, appointment of higher
officers.
Strengthen the ombudsman to increase
accountability.
Prevention of corruption act clearly needs to be
amended, and a proposal pending in Parliament
should be expedited.
118 | P a g e
Create a new government institution the so-called

bad bank to which the public sector banks transfer
their large problem assets at a realistic price, leaving
it to the new entity to handle recovery.
o The new entity would have to be funded by
the government, perhaps by government

guaranteed bonds which are exchanged for
NPAs offloaded from banks.
o It could work in partnership with private asset
management companies specializing in

particular areas to bring in new investors.
Recapitalization of PSB:
o The Government can't give much budgetary
support to the banks, therefore they need to

reduce their holding in various Public Sector
banks.
o It has been proposed by PJ Nayak Committee
earlier but the was government is reluctant to

do so.
Increase efficiency of Banks :-
o Government interference needs to be
reduced and a good step has been taken in
this regard by setting up of Bank Boards
Bureau but It needs to be given more powers
and made into holding company which will act
as mediator between banks and Government.
Identifying stressed assets in time
119 | P a g e
Protection to sincere employees who take tough

decisions .
Accelerate recoveries from non-performing assets.
2.It is essential to increase private investment in India, that to

private corporate investment, to achieve high growth rates.
Do you agree with this opinion? Discuss critically. (GS 3)
, ,

?
The Hindu | Live Mint
Yes,India needs more private investment especially private

corporate investment because of the following reasons:-
The growth rate of the advanced economies

remained low and the recovery from the crisis of
2008 was tepid which had an adverse impact on
exports.
Policy paralysis:
Pointing to the inability of the government to
take policy decisions because of coalition

compulsions.
Like many emerging markets, Indias financial and
corporate sector balance sheets have become
120 | P a g e
strained in recent years because of credit-led

corporate leverage now weighing on near-term
credit growth
If not for the private-sector banks (one-quarter of
Indian banking system assets), whose credit growth
has remained significantly positive, domestic
financial conditions for the corporate sector would
have been much more stringent.
India has committed to quickly implement Basel III
standards of capital and liquidity.
It will help government to focus more on sectors like
Health and Education which need large investments
to reap the benefits of demographic dividend in the
coming years.
No:-
Private investment is hindered by Twin Balance
sheet problem, poor investment climate, lack of
global demand etc. Thus, it is risky to depend solely
in it.
Public investment can play a significant role as they
have access to funds from multilateral institution,
tax sources etc. In these times, it is public
investment that can boost the growth and in turn
propel private investment.
What can be done to increase more private investment:-

121 | P a g e
Domestic financial conditions have to become much

more supportive of private investment.
If corporate balance sheets are weak, automatically
the banks balance sheets also become weak.This
trend in private investment will have to change if
Indias growth is to be sustained, given the
constraints on public investment from Indias still
elevated public debt, and the governments fiscal
consolidation path.
Public sector undertakings have to come out with an
explicit statement indicating the extent of
investment they intend to make during the current
fiscal.This will inspire confidence among prospective
private investors.
In fact, a recent study shows that the total cost of
projects initiated by the corporate sector has come
down from 5,560 billion in 2009-10 to 954 billion
in 2015-16. This continuing trend must be reversed.
Reforms to simplify procedures, speed up the
delivery system and enlarge competition must be
pursued vigorously. Some significant steps have
been taken in this regard in recent years such as
moving forward on the GST Bill, passing of the
Bankruptcy Act, and enlarging the scope of foreign
direct investment.
122 | P a g e
Despite importance of public spending for immediate revival

due to twin balance sheet problem, it is true that in the long
run private corporate investment especially foreign investment
would play an immense role to propel our growth to double
digits
3.What is Clean power plan?How can it reduce carbon
pollution while maintaining energyreliability and
affordability? (GS 3)
?

?
The Hindu | Link
Clean power plan:-
The Clean Power Plan is an Obama administration policy
aimed at combating anthropogenic climate change
(global warming) that was first proposed by the
Environmental Protection Agency in June 2014.
The final version of the plan aims to reduce carbon dioxide
emissions from electrical power generation by 32

percent within twenty-five years relative to 2005 levels.
The plan is focused on reducing emissions from coal-
burning power plants, as well as increasing the use of

renewable energy, and energy conservation.
123 | P a g e
How can it reduce carbon pollution wholemeal raining energy

reliability and affordability:-
The plan will require individual states to meet specific
standards with respect to reduction of carbon dioxide
emissions.
o States are free to reduce emissions by various
means, and must submit emissions reductions

plans by September 2016, or, with an extension
approval, by September 2018.If a state has not
submitted a plan by then, the EPA will impose its
own plan on that state.
States are to implement their plans by focusing on three
building blocks:
o Increasing the generation efficiency of existing
fossil fuel plants.

o Substituting lower carbon dioxide emitting natural
gas generation for coal powered generation.

o Substituting generation from new zero carbon
dioxide emitting renewable sources for fossil fuel

powered generation.
States may use regionally available low carbon
generation sources when substituting for in-state coal
generation and coordinate with other states to develop
multi-state plans.
124 | P a g e
Clean Power Plan will reduce the pollutants that

contribute to smog and soot by 25 percent, and the
reduction will lead to net climate and health benefits of
an estimated $25 billion to $45 billion per year in 2030.
o That includes the avoidance of 140,000 to 150,000
asthma attacks among children and 2,700 to 6,600

premature deaths.
By switching this coal generation to a cleaner source such
as wind power, emissions could be significantly reduced

and electric power costs could be reduced
o This plan will save enough energy to power 30
million homes and save consumers $155 billion

from 2020-2030.
o The plan would create 30 percent more renewable
energy generation in 2030 and help to lower the

costs of renewable energy.
Just one to five percent of the revenue generated from a
moderate carbon price would offset any detriment to

coal miner communities.
The Clean Power Plan provides tools to reduce the burden
placed on minority, low-income, and indigenous

communities from pollution and ensure that these
communities are not disproportionately affected by the
rule.
Since the plan was established in 2014, there have been
various global efforts made to decrease toxic particulate

matter emissions by other developed nations.
125 | P a g e
The Paris Agreement was agreed upon in entered into

force in November 2016.
o The Paris Agreement aims to combat global
climate change by keeping a global temperature

rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius and
to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase
even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Clean Power Plan is merely one of the ways that will help it
fulfill an existing pledge to reduce overall greenhouse gas
emissions by 26-28% by 2025 from 2005 levels.
The Plan will ensure that 870 million tonnes of carbon
emissions are avoided by 2030.

It holds an important lesson for countries like India, which
are much more dependent on coal than the US for

producing electricity.
The Plan is trying to ensure that coal becomes and
remains clean for the time that it is around. It is a
message that needs to reverberate across other coal-
dependent countries, mainly India and China, who have
some of the dirtiest coal power plants.
Therefore the need for cleaning coal is therefore obvious and

of utmost importance in meeting Indias climate
objectives.India also needs to develop cost-effective
technologies for carbon capture and storage solutions, which
attempt to tap emissions and store them away, in rocks under
126 | P a g e
the earths surface for example, so they are prevented from

being released in the atmosphere. This is a temporary solution,
but something the world is looking at with great interest.Indias
noises on climate strategy are heavily dominated by plans to
upscale renewable energy, and massive afforestation.
4.In simple terms, What do you understand by General Anti

Avoidance Rules or GAAR? Why is tax avoidance such an
important area of concern in India? (GS 3)
,
? ?
The Hindu | IE
GAAR:-
GAAR was first proposed in 2010, targeting transactions
made specifically to avoid taxes by companies such as
Vodafone and Hutchison Essar.
It applies to a company in case of abuse of treaty for
gaining undue tax benefit.

The rules are aimed at improving transparency in tax
matters and help curb tax evasion yet

recognising genuine players, will be applicable from
2017-18.
127 | P a g e
Why is tax avoidance concern in India?

Economic:-
o Tax revenue usually grows faster than GDP. But the
growth that India witnessed in the recent years is far
from satisfactory, given the growth in tax revenue has
been just 1.55 percentage points higher than the GDP
growth indicating rampant evasion.
o India has a low tax-to-GDP ratio Which is low as
compared to UK(35%), France(45%) etc

o Less than 3% of Indians pay income taxes.
o Amount of money foregone through Tax

Incentives is 17.15 lakh crore in last 3 years.
The revenue foregone is very high in India
eg: the effective tax rate for the corporates

after the exemption is just nearly 24%
o Tax avoidance increases the fiscal deficit further
o Misutilisation of Double taxation avoidance

treaty :
Various companies misutilise DTAA of india
with other countries for instance with

Cyprus, Mauritius where tax rate is very low.
The Vodafone case is the
example.Government has modified the
DTAA treaty with many countries which is
good move.
128 | P a g e
o Issue of the Base erosion and profit sharing by the

countries in which the countries transact with the
parent company and show them as the cost to
company to avoid the taxes.
o Issue of the shell companies in the stock markets
under the portfolio investment- under this P-notes
issuance creates a complicated situation which
allows citizens to roundtrip the black money.
o Companies abuse the international tax treaties
specifically to gain undue tax benefits thus eroding
the tax base.
o Misuse of loopholes in tax structure to avoid taxes
helps some businesses gain unfair advantage
which is a poor reflection of trade practices and
negatively affecting ease of doing business.
Social :
o Disturbs social equity and creates increasing gap
between rich and poor.
o Government can focus more on welfare schemes if
tax avoidance does not happen.
o Often the better off sections are more equipped to
resort to tax avoidance, this leads to cross-
subsidization of the rich.
What can be done?
129 | P a g e
The government needs to widen the tax net by pruning the

negative list that keeps certain services out of the purview
of service tax and more importantly check evasion.
5. Do you think that MPC needs to reconsider its decision of

taking a neutral policy stand? Also, discuss key
recommendations of Urjit Patel committee report on
monetary policy reform.(GS 3)

? ,

Live Mint | Business Standard
Background:-
Neutral policy stand means that Inflation is fine but there
is a need to be cautious since macroeconomic conditions
show that inflation may rise. Thus don't expect rate cuts.
Yes this stand needs reconsideration because:-

The change in the stance led the bonds to crash.
This is because, post the last policy, yields on bonds and
debentures the major source of finance have

significantly hardened.
130 | P a g e
o Many factors like uncertainty on the liquidity

outlook, reduced probability of policy rate cuts,
large supply of state development loans and front-
loading of central government market borrowings
have created a sharp upside bias in long-term
interest rates, especially in bond markets.
o This clearly signals pain rather than growth
ahead for Indian economy.
There is no need to reconsider because:
Experts feel that the current (policy rate) is optimal for
liquidity in the economy . Therefore, a change of stance
from accommodative to neutral at this stage was
desirable.
It can impart the necessary flexibility for the monetary
policy in future to respond to any development on either

side.
The committee decided to change the stance from
accommodative to neutral while keeping the policy

rate on hold to assess how the effects
of demonetization on inflation and output played out.
While policy rate cuts may not help much, moving the
policy stance back to accommodative from neutral

will certainly reduce the risk of further eroding investor
confidence.
131 | P a g e
It is important to understand that monetary policy-making

is undergoing some change now in the developed market
(DM) economies and as a consequence the emerging
market (EM) economies should follow.
o This is because the EM economies are still largely
dependent on global flows from the DM

economies and hence cannot afford to drop their
interest rates when the global interest rates are
heading higher.
Thus, despite weak credit growth banks might not be
willing to further reduce lending rates. On both ends the

asset and the liability sides the interest rate game
appears to be largely over.
India is thus in a phase where the downward cycle of
interest rates alone would not be able to lift economic

activity as on the other side is the banking sector that is
saddled with bad loans and hence has little risk appetite
to lend.
One of the reasons why the RBI has maintained status quo
is banks are brimming with funds

post demonetisation and the ball is now in banks court.
Revival:-
o Because of this policy stand the growth is
expected to recover sharply in 2017-18 on account

of several factors.
o The discretionary consumer demand held back by
demonetisation is expected to bounce back

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osecondly,economic activity in cash-intensive

sectors such as retail trade, hotels and restaurants,
and transportation, as well as in the unorganised
sector, is expected to be rapidly restored.
The MPC has changed its stance to neutral as the
committee is committed to bringing headline inflation

closer to 4%.
Seventh Pay Commission :-
o The effects of the house rent allowances under the
7th Central Pay Commission award which have not

been factored in the baseline inflation path.
Through this change, the RBI has sent out a message that
it will now keep its eyes on the inflation target of 4

percent and the banks will have to take on the onus of
quickly clearing off NPAs, hastening recapitalisation and
syncing of rates on small savings through requisite
transmission.
Recommendations of Urjit Patel committee:-

The headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) should be the
nominal anchor for monetary policy and the Reserve Bank
of India (RBI) should make this the predominant objective.
The nominal anchor for inflation should be set for a two-
year horizon at 4 per cent with a band of plus or minus 2
per cent.
133 | P a g e
The Central Government needs to reduce the fiscal deficit

to 3.0 per cent of GDP by 2016-17.
Administered prices, wages and interest rates are
impediments to transmission of monetary policy and
should be eliminated.
Monetary policy decisions should be vested in a Monetary
Policy Committee (MPC) comprising the Governor, the
Deputy Governor and Executive Director in charge of
monetary policy and two external full-time members.
The decisions of the MPC will be by voting.
Members will be accountable for failure to attain the
target .
The real policy rate should be positive. In the first phase
the weighted average call rate would be the operative
target and the repo rate would be the single policy rate.
The funds available at the repo rate would be restricted
and increasingly liquidity would be provided at the 14 day
term repo; longer-term repo auctions should be
introduced.
In the second phase, the 14-day repo rate would be the
operative target and recourse to outright two-way open
market operations (OMO) would determine liquidity. OMO
134 | P a g e
should not used to manage yields on government

securities.
There should be a remunerated standing deposit facility at
the RBI to sterilise excess liquidity.
With an independent debt management office, the market
stabilisation scheme and cash management bills should be
phased out.
All sector specific refinance should be phased out as
committed to the Asian Development Bank in 1992.
Concerns:-
The Patel Committee recommends a remunerated
standing deposit facility which, unlike the reverse repo,
would not require government securities as collateral.
While this would allow sterilisation of capital inflows,
without any limit it would be detrimental to the RBI
balance sheet as there is no provision in the law to ensure
that all losses of the RBI will be met by the government. In
the absence of such a legislative clause it would be
hazardous to introduce a remunerated standing deposit
facility.
The structure and composition of the MPC are pre-
eminently suitable. The MPC will have two external full-
time members with a fixed three year non-renewable
135 | P a g e
term. There could be some hierarchical problems about

these members questioning executive decisions. The RBI
should study the experience of Korea and other countries
which have full-time members in the MPC.
Experts believe, inflation targeting per se in a country like
India will face some key operational challenges as it will
require close co-ordination with the Government.
The choice of CPI as a nominal anchor in Western and even
emerging economies is also guided by different rational -
high household indebtedness - a phenomenon absent in
India.
It will mean a fundamental change in the way monetary
policy is framed in India, could become controversial for
the reason that it seems to suggest that the central bank
should set the inflation target (and not the government)
and that a committee of the central bank, and not just the
governor, take the call on monetary policy.
The key implication of this new CPI-based inflation
targeting framework is that interest rates in India will
remain higher for longer.
136 | P a g e
6. Examine the problems in the implementation of GST

regime. Also, discuss the reasons why CAG cant audit
GSTN. (GS 3)
,
?
The Hindu | TOI
Problems in the implementation of GST:-
GST is quite different from the existing indirect
taxation system in the country. For effective
implementation of GST, tax administration staff
both at central and state levels would require to
be trained properly in terms of concept, legislation
and procedure.
The tax administration staff would also need to
change their mindset, approach and attitude
towards the tax payers. And for this, they would
have to learn, unlearn, and relearn the GST not
only in letter but in spirit too.
Integrating all taxes levied on goods and services in a
federal country with clear cut distribution of
legislative powers, like India, is undoubtedly,
a mammoth task.
Design issues:-
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o Though the broad design of the GST is firmed

up, specific issues like threshold limits for
goods and services, exemptions, definition of
supply, determining the place of supply of
goods and services, transition provisions for
existing exemptions etc. need to be carefully
identified, analysed and appropriately
addressed
IT Infrastructure:-
o The factor will impact the success of GST is
the robust IT backbone connecting all state

governments, trade and industry, banks and
other stakeholders on a real-time basis.
o The process of tracking interState transactions
will be extremely complex and will require an

infallible IT system.
o The clearing house mechanism envisaged in
the dual model GST will handle humungous

data.
Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR):-
o At present States are charging VAT @ 0%, 1%,
5%, 12.5%/13.5% and 20% besides other

levies. Similarly, Centre is charging central
excise duty @ 12.5%, CST @ 2%, service tax @
14%. RNR rates are a point of debate and will
be one of the final issues for consensus
138 | P a g e
between the Empowered Committee and the

Centre.
Statutory Requirements:-
o As the imposition of GST will be delegated to both
state and central government, the constitution has

to grant powers to both through an amendment. It
is seen as a difficult task as the law expects at least
two-thirds majority from the members of the
parliament and that isnt easy given the current
political scenario of the country.
Make-shift Arrangements:
o State governments are demanding compensation
from the central government as they foresee a

major dent in the revenue due to CST losses. This is
asked for the first 5 years after the implementation
of GST, for which the central government has
agreed to 3 years. A final conclusion is yet to be
drawn.
Framework For Tax Disputes:
o There has to be a uniform legal procedure for tax
disputes and litigations to avoid any confusion.

Defining Inter-State Transactions:
o With the transportation services available

everywhere, the place of sale and consumption
may not be the same. This makes it difficult to go
forward with revenue allocation. Hence, it
139 | P a g e
becomes important to define procedures to tackle

such problems.
Infrastructure for The Collection Process: Proper
infrastructure has to be designed to track the movement
of goods and services between states, collection and
monitoring revenue, identify defaulters etc.
Determiningg GST Rates: This is a major step in ensuring
the success of GST. Arriving at rates which are conducive

to both the government and public is will be a daunting
task.
Currently, goods and services may be taxed at different
rates across states owing to geographic, economic and

cultural reasons.
o For example, coconut oil is taxed in Kerala at 5%,
while in Uttar Pradesh, it is taxed at

12.5%., Therefore, taxing each good and service at
a particular rate will be a complex exercise as they
cannot simply be moved to the nearest slab rate.
o Disadvantage of a multiple rate structure is that it
could lead to disputes on classification of goods
and services.
However the government has already incorporated an SPV viz.

Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN), which has to
develop a GST portal front-end system for trade and industry
and back-end system for all government agencies.
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GSTN will ensure technology support for

registration, return filing, tax payment, IGST
settlement, MIS and other dashboards on GST portal
to all the stakeholders.
Can CAG audit GST?

Yes it can:-
In the draft Bill the role was restricted, which has
been dropped in the final Bill after the auditor raised
objections with the finance ministry.
The audit of the GST regime will be like any other
audit of government department, state or central,
and no party can claim exemption.
The CAG has pointed out in official communications
in recent times that under the new Companies Act,
GSTN can be counted as government-controlled
company since its strategic control will be with the
government. Like any PSU, the CAG could depute
chartered accountants to audit GSTN
Accessing the data at various points point of
manufacture, point of sale etc. would make the GST
audit a complicated and almost impossible task, and
will hamper other functions, which would include
CAG certification about the share of GST for States.
CAG can't audit because:-
141 | P a g e
An official pointed out that the GSTN has refused to

give the CAG access to its network, saying it is only
holding the data in a fiduciary capacity since the tax
data originally belongs to the Centre and States.
Officials also pointed out that the GSTN is owned by
a private company, and thus cannot be audited by
CAG.
GSTN has said that it is just a pass through portal
and CAG must approach CBEC and States to get
original data filed by taxpayers.
Therefore centre should make it clear and enable a

transparency mechanism where CAG does not overstep it's
powers and at the same time public interest is guaranteed.
7. What is Graphene? Describe some uses and applications of

Graphene in our day-to-day lives. (GS 3)
? -

The Hindu
Graphene:-
Graphene is an allotrope of carbon in the form of a two-
dimensional, atomic-scale, hexagonal lattice in which one
atom forms each vertex.
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It is the basic structural element of other allotropes,

including graphite, charcoal, carbon nanotubes and
fullerenes.
It can be considered as an indefinitely large aromatic
molecule, the ultimate case of the family of flat polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons.
Graphene has many unusual properties. It is about 200
times stronger than the strongest steel. It efficiently
conducts heat and electricity and is nearly transparent.
Graphene is the only form of carbon (or solid material) in
which every atom is available for chemical reaction from
two sides.
The remarkable thing about graphene is that its crystalline
structure is two-dimensional.
Uses and applications of graphene:-
Graphene is a transparent and flexible conductor that
holds promise for various material/device applications,
including solar cells, light-emitting diodes (LED), touch
panels and smart windows or phones.
Graphene-based touch panel modules produced by a
China-based company have been sold in volume to cell
phone, wearable device and home appliance
manufacturers. For instance, smart phone products with
graphene touch screens are already on the market.
As of 2015 one product was available for commercial use:
a graphene-infused printer powder.
143 | P a g e
It turns out graphene is not just for high-tech applications,

but for the simple devices people use everyday like our
light bulbs.
Potential graphene applications include lightweight, thin,
flexible, yet durable display screens, electric/photonics
circuits, solar cells, and various medical, chemical and
industrial processes enhanced or enabled by the use of
new graphene materials.
Heat conduction:
o Graphene is a good conductor of electricity and can
replace copper wires
o Can be used in boilers and cooking utensils.
Graphene being highly inert is being deployed towards
automobile paints, etc.
Composite materials: Due to its superior properties of
hardness and shear strength, graphene is utilized towards
developing light weight products like aircraft parts.
Electrodes: Due to its superior conductivity at room
temeperature, graphene is also used towards developing
electrodes with high surface area and low resistance.
Bio-medical applications:
o Targeted drug delivery as well as activated
biomolecules and bio-sensors are some other uses of
graphene.
o Drug delivery grapheme can be used in the drug
delievery and also in the detection of the disease
144 | P a g e
It can revolutionalise electronic circuitry.

It can be used to recharge lithium batteries at very fast
pace and can used to store electricity
Because of its strength it can be used in aviation sector
too.
Challenges:
Possible health risks.
Costs involved may make it less affordable in day-to-day
uses
With graphene still new,more research is needed to explore the

benefits of it.In the future the role to be played by graphene is
rather more.
8. GST may widen the economic discrepancies within the
states leading to rise in political fragmentation. Critically
comment. (GS 3)

Live Mint
How GST can lead to political fragmentation:-
It is being rolled out in a political economy context
characterized by skyrocketing economic disparity both
between and within major states.may put pressure on the
federal nature of Indias polity.
145 | P a g e
The centralization of economic policy, as epitomized by

GST, is occurring in a political economy context in which
regional parties are more important than ever.
GST aims to forge an economic union of India at a time
when the economic disparity among the various states of
India is at its peak.Such economic disparity combined with
Indias unique political diversity renders the GST regime
vulnerable to fractious demands.
It is then evident that the policy priorities and taxation
structure need to be different for these two states, in line
with their economic and demographic differences.
GST can potentially exacerbate regional inequality. What
complicates this further in the Indian context is its unique
nature of political diversity.
However the views of GST against political fragmentation are
overhyped because of the following reasons :-
GST formation is based on political consensus , thus
reducing possibility of fragmentation
GST council: It has one state one vote , thus giving equal
voice to all states
One nation one market would improve interdependency
and reduce fragmentation
How it will increase economic discrepancies:-
The richer states can lose out on revenue as inter state
trade is strong in India .
146 | P a g e
Additional taxes cannot be levied by states under GST.

Investment situation in poorer states might not develop
even after GST is implemented as they don't have
sufficient resources to provide tax incentives.
The states with high consumption would garner more
state taxes vis-a-vis poor states that have low per capita
income and poverty
Positive implications on economy:-
The implication is that uniform tax rates across all states of
India will serve as a unifying force of efficiency.
Replacing several hundreds of different tax rates across
the 29 states of India with just five tax slabs for all goods
and services will reduce friction in the movement of goods
and services across state borders.
This can boost economic activity and contribute
substantially to gross domestic product (GDP) growth. For
these reasons, the GST initiative has been justifiably
acclaimed as a milestone economic reform in independent
India.
Poorer states with get benefitted because of uniform
taxation .
increase in revenue of all states especially poor ones like
Bihar, UP that have highest corruption and lack state
capacity
147 | P a g e
Tax base: Poor state have huge population ie demand

especially for FMCG goods, thus they would collect higher
taxes in destination based system.
Overall national economy would improve due to ease of
doing business and higher foreign investments.
Tax evasion will decrease.
Therefore GST would significantly benefit Indian economy and
there is need for mitigating the concerns in a amicable and
friendly manner so that political consensus stays intact.
9. Discuss the systemic glitches that impede attempts to the
government to rid economy of black money. (GS 3)

Indian Express
Systemic glitches:-
Weak institutions such as banking system, enforcement
mechanism etc. which are opaque and to some extent,
corrupt and this is exploited to fullest by evaders and
criminals alike.
o People exploited the loopholes in the system to foil
moves to demonetise the economy. People allegedly
took the help of bankers and also used others bank
accounts to deposit their unaccounted money.
Banks did not make proper arrangements to detect
counterfeit currency.
148 | P a g e
Government measures will discourage further:-

o The stringent provisions of the foreign assets
declaration scheme will discourage people from
parking unaccounted money in overseas assets and
investments.
o Also, stringent provisions under other laws and the
Income Tax Act will discourage people from
generating more unaccounted money.
o Government lacks access to data to detect evasion
probably due to use of cash for payments
Tax system is very arbitrary. Income tax laws have failed to
impose criminal punishments on tax evaders.
Lack of adequate manpower and capacity building in
different government departments.
In small towns and villages, there is a big difference
between market value and stamp duty value of
properties, particularly land.
Lack of coordination among different governmental
institutions:-
o Various agencies like State vigilance, CBI, CVC,
Enforcement directorate, DRI etc have over-lapping
function, hindering coordination and sharing
information.
Agencies have not taken to use of Bigdata which is
essential to mine useful information
149 | P a g e
Cash to GDP ratio of 12%, Indian economy is excessively

dependent on cash transactions which is difficult to trace.
Way forward:-
Improve inter-agency coordination by appointing liasoning
officers, use of technology
Develop an intelligence grid similar to NATGRID with
access to all agencies
Capacity building of agencies by establishing dedicated
cadre for ED, DRI etc
Big data application for transactions and analysing the
transactions.
Increase the strength of personnel in tax administration.
Restricting cash transactions over a certain value.
Keeping in check the foreign transactions and putting
pressure on tax havens for information
With the recent steps taken by the government like Project
insight of IT department to gather data from various source,
promotion of cashless economy. They would go long way in
checking black money.
10. What is the need of setting up a Computer Emergency
Response Team for the Financial Sector (CERT-Fin) in India?
Discuss. (GS 3)
(-)

?
The Hindu
150 | P a g e
Need for setting up CERT-Fin in India:-

It is a move to set up an emergency response team comes
in the backdrop of growing cyberattacks in the financial
system.
RBI had already created a specialised cell (C-SITE) within its
supervision department to conduct detailed IT
examination of banks cybersecurity preparedness, to
identify the gaps and to monitor the progress of remedial
measures.Last year, more than 32 lakh debit cards of
various public and private sector banks were
compromised.
This entity will work in close coordination with all financial
sector regulators and other stakeholders
Post demonetisation, promotion of a digital economy is an
integral part of government's strategy to clean the system
and weed out corruption and black money.
The CERT-Fin will lead to collaboration between the
technology companies and the banking system in the
country.
The synergy created by these announcements, along with
the efforts of cyber security solutions, is going to further
inspire new users to come online, aiding India's transition
to a digital economy.
It would certainly bring in higher protection to boost the
confidence of consumers as the nation moves to broad
digitization and an increasingly cashless economy.
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Given the government's mission to set a target of 2500

crores worth of digital transactions for FY 2017-18 through
modes such as Unified Payment Interface, Unstructured
Supplementary Service Data-USSD, Aadhar Pay, IMPS and
debit cards, CERT-Fin has a big role to play in securing
transactions through stringent security controls.
Concerns:-
Cyber experts said much more is needed to be done in
order to safeguard our computer networks and payment
gateways as India aims to go digital.
Big challenge is to however, is to work out a realistic
framework for CERT-Fin's activities and carefully define its
role in ensuring higher security for the financial sector.
The banking industry faces the challenge of helping to
define the exact role of CERT-Fin, considering that the RBI
recently formed its new IT arm to prescribe cybersecurity
policies for the sector.
What needs to be done?
Need far more focus to safeguard computer networks and
payment gateways targeted by state and non-state actors.
Need to strengthen our cyber law so that online fraudsters
can be nailed fast.
It's essential for CERT-Fin to enable financial firms to
develop an even stronger community defense model. The
new organization should provide an important resource to
152 | P a g e
deliver deeper analysis, mitigate risks and encourage

greater collaboration.
The key focus should be to bolster the quality and
timeliness of cyber threat intelligence received by financial
institutions, strengthen cybersecurity risk management
and response, as well as champion cybersecurity programs
and initiatives in the sector.
Together with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, a
resolution mechanism for financial firms will ensure
comprehensiveness of the resolution system in the
country.
11.What are Non-Performing Assets (NPAs)? Suggest some

ways to reduce Non-Performing Assets in banks. (GS 3)
- () ? -

Non performing assets:-
Non-performing asset is a loan on which the borrower has
stopped paying interest and/or principal
According to RBI, terms loans on which interest or
installment of principal remain overdue for a period of
more than 90 days from the end of a particular quarter is
called a Non-performing Asset.
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For the first half of the 2016-17 financial year, bad loans
constituted more than 9% of total advances.
The problem is most acute in public sector banks, where
NPAs were nearly 12% of total advances for the first half of
the just-concluded financial year. Indias public sector
banks had about Rs 6 lakh crores in non-performing assets
as of December.
Measures:-
Strict credit appraisal:
o Banks should stop giving money to unworthy people.
Strict credit monitoring is the need of hour.
Proper followup after disbursal:-
o An alternative loan monitoring system should be
developed. Send an external audit party independent
of borrower to check stock and debtors on regular
intervals.
Sell NPAs:
o Selling NPAs is an another measure which can be
adopted by banks.
One time settlement:
o Keeping the public interest in mind, banks should
provide an one time settlement scheme, it can save
banks both time and money.
Unnecessary litigations can also be avoided. Recovery
camps should be organized on regular basis.
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Stock audit by external professional s atleast once a year

for large borrower accounts is also essential.
The government has finally recognised that stressed assets
have reached unacceptably high levels. And with the current
ordinance, the RBI is in a stronger position to find a permanent
solution to Indias NPA crisis.
12. What is the need of having Wholesale and long-term

finance (WLTF) banks? Also, discuss the problems associated
with WLTF banks. (GS 3)
()
?

Introduction:-
RBI has released a discussion paper on a proposal to set up
differentiated banks in the form of wholesale and long-
term finance banks to fund large projects.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday proposed to float
wholesale and long-term finance (WLTF) banks that would
fund long-term high-value projects something similar to
the development finance institutions (DFIs) of the past.
Need of having wholesale and long term finance banks:-
In an effort to introduce new ideas and develop niches to
ensure that more segments are covered.
155 | P a g e
Focus primarily on lending to the infrastructure sector and

small, medium and corporate businesses.
They will also securitize assets for banks and financial
institutions which do priority-sector lending.
RBIs proposal comes at the time when the banking sector
is saddled with stressed assets worth Rs7 trillion, overall
credit growth is languishing at around 4.5% and bank
credit to industry is shrinking at a rate of 5% year-on-year.
Due to asset quality impacts on banks balance sheets,
there is an overall declining trend in bank credit, primarily
towards services sector, industrial segments, and small
and medium enterprises.
Considering the existing landscape of banking and non-
banking services in the country, it is felt that there is a
need to explore the possibilities of permitting other types
of differentiated banks to facilitate progression to a more
mature and deeper financial sector.
Specialisation in the field of long term financing is
needed to properly evaluate the risks attached and
lending rate therefore.
There are less explored areas of borrowing money i.e.
corporate debt market, masala bonds etc. WLTF banks can
use these instruments.
Huge infrastructure deficit needing long term funds.
Problems associated with WLTF banks:-
156 | P a g e
However, to put small and medium enterprises and

infrastructure portfolios together, perhaps, is not a bright
idea.
The existing and established universal banks may not
necessarily take the reform with excitement. They are
presently evolving approaches to ensure payment banks
do not run away with their fee income or customer base.
Borrowing by WLTF banks may become an issue as it has
to keep rate low, repayment duration long and has to
compete with existing banks and other avenues of
investment.
Government support may be needed, which may lead to
excess government interference.
Only few entities can come forward as need of capital will
be high for WLTF banks.
Regulation: SLR, CRR would impact their margins.
Way forward:-
Avoid government participation for more operational
freedom of these banks
Licences should be provided to only those who are in a
position to bring in capital to both meet regulatory
requirements and run the business on a sustainable basis
Allow these banks to compete directly with bond market
and exempt them from CRR and SLR.
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13. Use of Internet and social media by non-state actors for

subversive activities is a major concern. How have these have
misused in the recent past? Suggest effective guidelines to
curb the above threat. (GS 3)
-

|
- ?

|
UPSC Mains Previous Year Paper
Introduction:-
In the 21st century , the internet and social media have
empowered non-state actors so much that superpowers
can no longer install stable regimes at will.
How have these been used in the recent past:-
The internet and social media can now create and mobilize
radical ideologues across the world, and create
homegrown fanatics in every country . There is no military
defence against these new developments.
The ability to spread subversive ideas, once the hallmark
of liberation movements, is now the hallmark of radical
Islam.
High technology could pulverise conventional armed
forces but could not control low-tech rural areas, or stop
158 | P a g e
the Taliban's spread of ideas and arms, or even stop the

Taliban raising funds through local taxes, smuggling and
the opium trade.
Even if ISIS gives up most of its erritory , it will retain the
power to persuade and mobilize hrough social media and
the internet, inspiring an unending succession of alienated
Muslims in many countries to become suicide killers.
New forms of communication have enabled non-state
actors to spread their tentacles, and to mobilize money
and arms, on a scale that even strong states cannot foil.
Somali pirates have shown that even commercial
hoodlums, seeking millions without a shred of ideology ,
can defy the greatest naval superpowers.
Hacking and other 21st century tools enable radicals to
undercut the most powerful states.
Cyber attacks on critical infrastructure and other forms of
cyber terrorism.
Brainwashing by manipulating religious doctrines
Glorifying acts of terrorism by uploading videos of killings
& attacks
How to curb it?
Ideally , by creating a sense of universal brotherhood.
India should be active in demand for equitable internet
governance globally.
Cyber security laws and bodies like CERT-IN should be
upgraded with latest technologies.
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Digital literacy must be increased via school & college

education with emphasis on our secular & democratic
ethos.
International co-operation must be sought for preventing
and control of cyber-crimes
14. Give an account of the current status and the targets to be

achieved pertaining to renewable energy sources in the
country. Discuss in brief the importance of National
Programme on Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). (GS 3)

|
( )


Current status and targets:-
In tune with increasing energy demands and as per Indias INDC
(Intended Nationally Determined Contribution) provided to
UNFCCC as part of Paris climate pact, India intends to build 175
Giga Watts (GW) of renewable energy by 2022.
It includes:
Solar Power: Target 100 GW (current installed capacity
3GW)
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Wind Energy: Target 60 GW (current installed capacity

22GW)
Biomass: Target 10 GW (current installed capacity 4000MW)
Small Hydro: Target 05 GW (current installed capacity
4000MW)
Apart from electricity generation in a environmentally friendly
manner, in order to focus on efficient use of energy
Importance of national programme on LED:-
Launched as the Prakash Path (Way to Light), a National
Programme for LED-based Home and Street Lighting.
Under this scheme, the government is planning to replace
77 crore conventional bulbs and 3.5 crore conventional
streetlights with the LED range.
As per the Economic Survey 2015-16, this change will see
a savings of Rs 45,500 crore by reducing 21,500 MW
electricity demand.
For this, the Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) along
with Discoms, will be distributing LED bulbs to consumers
at Rs 10 per unit. This is against the market price of Rs 350-
400.
Energy conservation:
o LEDs havelonger life (50,000 hours) and increased
efficiency due to photo sensitive semiconductor
161 | P a g e
technology. Estimated savings of 100 b KWh

(domestic) and 9 b KWh (street lighting)
Mitigate climate change:
o It helps in mitigating the climate change by reducing
the CO2 emission by 85 million tonnes annually.
Environment friendly:
o They have no mercury they have zero negative
environmental impact.
Reduces power load:
o It is estimated to reduce reduce peak load by 20000
MW (domestic)and 1500 MW (street lighting).
Rural electrification:
o Reduced peak load and supply of LED would not help
in rural electrification but also for rural development.
Economical:
o There availability at low prices and their usage is also
economical to the nation as it reduces energy import
bill
Industry:
o It gives a boost to Make in India, startup and stand up
India it would give thrust to LED manufacturing,
especially for the MSMEs. It would also promote
employment.
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Thus National Programme for LED -based home and street

lighting not only helps facilitate Indias commitment of
reducing its emission intensity per unit of GDP by 33-35%
by 2030 under its INDC but also step towards bringing
positive behavioural change in society by shifting to less
energy consumption mode.
15. Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting.

What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in
the Indian context? (GS 3)
|

?
Background:
Gender budgeting (GB) is a practice that accounts
budgetary measures to support gender commitments.
India formally adopted gender budgeting in 2005.Every
Indian budget since 2005 has a statement that lists out
schemes meant specifically for women.Sixteen states have
also embraced gender budgeting over the past decade.
Status:
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Greater gender equality with respect to enrollment in

schools:
o More girls are enrolling with increase in awareness.
Spending on infrastructure has also increased for instance
women in BPL categories are given free LPG for better
health prospects.
Providing women with safe toilets in school especially in
villages, giving free cycles for easy commutation(for eg. in
Bihar), providing them with drinking water facilities are
some steps in this direction.
Village panchayats controlled by women tend to spend
more on public goods such as drinking water which are
closer to the concerns of women
The gender budgeting has helped improve women's
economic equality.
Government efforts :-
o Many government schemes like beti bacho beti
padhao for bettering sex ratio and education ,
sukanya samridhi yojana for enhancing their
economic status are launched.
o Recently government has increased the Paid leave of
women to 26 Weeks from 12 Weeks under maternity
benefit act this will ensure the retention of Women in
the work force.
Concerns:
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Gender budgeting alone is unlikely to solve the massive

problem of gender inequality that not only prevents
women from living a full life but also hurts economic
growth.
For example, India has the lowest level of female
participation in the labour force when compared to most
other regional economies. Indian women enter the labour
force only when there is economic distress while they
retreat back into their homes once the situation improves
a rare case of employment going down when the
economy improves.
Social norms do prevent women from exercising these
freedoms.
The lack of certain core public goods such as safe streets
or lack of clean drinking water are more likely to hurt the
economic prospects of women more than men.
o The lack of clean drinking water on tap in effect
means that women in many parts of the country
spend several hours every day walking in search of
water.
According to the Mcckinsey Global report on Gender
parity, India has a score of 0.48 which compares poorly
with 0.71 for Western Europe and 0.74 for North America
and Oceania.It also goes onto say that investment in
gender parity can result in 1.4% per year increase in GDP.
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Requirements of gender budgeting :-

GB requires Government budgets to establish its gender
specific impacts and to ensure that gender commitments
are translated into budgetary commitments.
Gender specific grant allocations in various schemes. For
example schemes like Start Up India and Stand up India
allocations must be specifically earmarked for women
entrepreneurs.
Provisions specially to attract women in the mainstream
economy and targeting the section of women that
hesitates to participate actively by leveraging benefits.
Institutionalizing GB at state govt. level must be done to
increase the share and commitment on state subjects.
A gender sensitive budget helps in translating gender-specific

commitments into budgetary commitments. Since women
comprise approx 48% of the population of India, it becomes
important for their voices to be heard.
16. Discuss some measures to bring about structural reforms

in the world economy. Also, briefly explain the difference
between financial cycle and business cycle. (GS 3)
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,

Live Mint
Measures to bring structural reforms in the world economy:-

Most of the policy response after 2009 has focused on
demand stimulus. Not enough attention has been paid to
balance-sheet repair. Most standard economic models
focus on an output gap but pay too little attention to the
way capital is misallocated. China is an excellent example
of this.This needs rectification.
The equilibrium rate of interest that is so crucial to much
of modern monetary thinking is, in the current global
situation, not negative but actually positive. What this
means in practical terms is that monetary policy in many
countries is too loose.This needs to be corrected.
Policymakers have to be sensitive to financial conditions
being out of line with the underlying economic
conditions.
Loose monetary policy in the years leading to the financial
crisis led to both excess leverage as well as the
misallocation of capital. Monetary policy cannot be
oblivious to financial stability issues.
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Strengthen the functioning of product and labour market

by lowering the barriers for entry of private
firms,improving quality or quantity of factors of
production .
Differences between financial and business cycle:-
Definitions:
o The business cycle is the fluctuation in economic
activity that an economy experiences over a period of
time. A business cycle is basically defined in terms of
periods of expansion or recession.
o In the financial cycle
financial disruptions tend to be long whereas
booms are relatively short
Equity and house prices cycles are typically
longer and more pronounced than credit cycles.
The features of financial cycles have changed
over time; in particular, equity price cycles have
becomeshorter.
Financial cycle that often does not move in sync with the
business cycle. The financial cycle tends to be much
longer than the business cycle 15-20 years rather than 8-
10 years.
The scope of financial cycle is wider than the business
cycle and has deep impact on the global economy.
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17. The Paris accord requires caution by all global actors, after
United States changed stance on climate change. Critically
examine. Also, discuss the role of sub-national actors. (GS 3)

, -

The Hindu
Background:-
Even though the U.S. has not technically withdrawn from
the Paris Agreement from last December, when countries
came together and set climate-related targets for
themselves, President Donald Trumps recent decisions
are a sweeping repudiation of former U.S. policies to
reduce and limit pollution and GHGs.
US orders not only directed federal agencies to cancel or
amend policies that might interfere with domestic energy
production, but also slashed research budgets for climate
change.
Why global actors need to act cautiously in light of the US
change of stance with respect to climate change:-
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Global agreements are often tenuous and need support

and pressure from other actors within and across
countries who function at many levels.
US change in stance might demotivate other countries
towards climate change goals and also .
Funding to adhere to climate change goals could be a
cause of concern.
US is still the second largest GHG emitter.
Global actors need not be cautious:-
This may not be a big step back if other countries persist
with their efforts and if renewables continue to get more
affordable as they have recently.This move also provides
elbow room for renewable energy businesses elsewhere
to pick up the slack in interest within the U.S.
China is now the de facto leader on climate change now
that the U.S. has pulled back.
India initiated International Solar Alliance(ISA) and the
response is tremendous
EPA finding cannot be reversed easily even by the
president.
Role of sub national actors:-
Non-state climate initiatives is the name given to the set
of initiatives that are driven by other actors than central
governments: cities, regions, companies, NGOs, etc.
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By April 2015, more than 180 co-operative initiatives

had been identified and included in the Climate Initiatives
Platform, with more than 20,000 participant organisations.
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Climate Savers
o WWF Climate Savers is for companies seeking to
substantially reduce their carbon footprints. Each
participant sets a reduction target in absolute terms
and within a defined timeframe.
Ultra-Low CO2 Steelmaking (ULCOS)
o ULCOS is a consortium of 48 European companies and
organisations from 15 European countries. The aim of
the ULCOS programme is to reduce the CO2
emissions of todays best steel production routes by
at least 50%.
Caring for Climate
o Caring for Climate is an initiative aimed at advancing
the role of business in addressing climate change.
Participants commit to set voluntary targets to
improve energy efficiency and to reduce their carbon
footprint.
C40
o C40 cities are a network of the worlds megacities
committed to taking action that reduces global GHG
emissions.
Carbon Climate Registry (cCR)
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cCR is not only an initiative itself, but the reporting

platform for two other initiatives
Experts study shows that action from existing climate
initiatives
involving cities, companies and sectors could save
2.9 GtCO2 e, with a range of 2.53.3 GtCO2 e.
Some make a direct contribution to closing the emissions
gap, whereas others
advocate action that is largely driven by governments.
There is another group that lays the foundation for future
action
by encouraging reporting of emissions.
Major initiatives of cities and regions are already delivering
commitments that
should result in emission reductions even higher than was
previously identified as possible.
Companies are also making commitments that represent a
significant proportion of the identified potential.
The regional commitments to reducing GHGs by states in
large parts of the U.S., the philanthropies that are
supporting improvements in efficiencies and innovations
in the climate and energy sector, and cities such as New
York and Seattle, which are committed to building a low-
carbon future, are all examples of sub-national entities
that have a powerful influence.
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Cities are coming up with policies for renewable energy

promotion, solar street lights and LEDs for households..
18. Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural
development. Identify the factors that were responsible for
the success of land reforms in India. (GS 3)
|
|
Background:
Land reform usually refers to redistribution of land from
the rich to the poor. More broadly,it includes regulation of
ownership, operation, leasing, sales, and inheritance of
land.
In an agrarian economy such as India, with great scarcity
and an unequal distribution of land,coupled with a large
mass of the rural population below the poverty line, there
are compelling economic and political arguments for land
reform.
Land reforms and agricultural development:
Positives:-
Tenancy reform:
o It may lead to changes in landlord-tenant
relationships such that tenurial security is increased
and may enable tenants to gain security against
eviction.
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o So the bargaining power and the stake in land

utilization of the tenant are increased.
o This may lead to increased investment by the
tenants in modern agricultural technology.
o To protect tenants from ejectment and to grant them
permanent rights on lands, laws have been enacted in
most of the states.
o Land can be resumed by the landlord only on the
ground of personal cultivation. But the land-lord can
resume the land only up to a maximum limit.
Abolition of intermediaries:
o Land reforms put an end to the middlemen culture
benefitting the sharecroppers and the landless
farmers.
Consolidation of disparate landholdings:
o Due to consolidation of landholdings agricultural
productivity increased along with the increase of
landholding
Reduction in land rent allowed farmer to retain more
profits for agriculture investment.
Negatives:-
Land reform adopted since Independence have failed to
bring about the required changes in the agrarian
structure.
Tenancy reform has actually increased inequality in
operational land holdings in India.
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It has led to large-scale eviction. Large-scale eviction, in

turn, has given rise to several problems social, economic,
administrative and legal.
Instead of the abolition of the official land-lords, absentee
land-lords as a class have emerged.
It lead to fragmentation of land, thus increasing the
number of small and marginal farmers with unviable land
holding.
Factors that led to success of Land reforms:-
Constitution and laws:
o Since Independence, land reform legislation in the
1950s mandated implementation of land ceilings,
vesting of surplus lands and distribution to landless
and marginal landowners.
o Constitutional mandate in the form of Article 39 of
DPSP
o Safeguarded by the Ninth schedule in the
constitution.
o Computerisation of land reforms and laws like LARR.
Political will :
o During left-wing administration in Kerala and West
Bengal,
implementation of land reforms was done more
actively that might have a direct effect on
productivity.
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o Agricultural development was at the forefront of

most of the five year plans and adequate funding was
done to boost the agricultural output.
Civil society :
o It has played a significant role as seen in past
Bhoodan movement
Green revolution
Awareness of the people for their land rights .
Land reforms is a continuous process. Recent efforts by

government like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Krishi
Sinchayi Yojana promising doubling of farmers income by 2022
also show that land reforms is headed towards a fruitful future.
19.Terrorism is emerging as a competitive industry over the
last few decades. Analyse the above statement. (GS 3)

| |
Yes,it is:
The current competitive market in terrorism means that
groups are trying to distinguish themselves from one
another through more memorable violence. They need to
do so because this is the only way in which they can be
heard and become popular enough to attract recruits.
Human Resource:
o Competitive pay is offered to the fighters which is
able to pull youth fight in terrorist organisations.
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Globalisation:
o This process aided the terrorist activities due to
flexibility in movement of people across borders.
Nexus of criminals and terrorists:-
o Terrorists need finances for their activities. So,
criminals colluding with terroristS is emerging as a
competitive industry. For example, credit card
information theft, smuggling, drug trafficking and
child trafficking.
Due to Internet and social media, all terrorist activities like
money transfer, recruitment, propaganda became easy
without physical movement of people.
Regional conflicts: Such conflicts are benefiting the
terrorism. For example sunni-shia rivalry in west Asia,
India-Pakistan rivalry in South Asia.
Control over large tracts of land especially by ISIS .
Marketing:
o Social Media and Advertisements are key methods of
radicalization. Terrorist organisations run their own
news channels, Twitter handles and constantly
update latest changes.
Existence of hawala networks
Support of governments to terrorists due to which they
have corporatised their industry and made it competitive.
Increased migration to Europe and East Asia causing
imbalance
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However despite the industry being competitive most of the

people do not think it as attractive as it is against the values
and principles followed in the society,create violence etc..
By trying to educate youth and understanding their alienation

the governments can strive to work towards
deradicalisation,nab organised crime ,Implementing provisions
of BEPS for throttling Hawala finance would make terrorism to
be controlled effectively.
20. Discuss Indias achievements in the field of Space Science
and Technology. How the application of this technology has
helped India in its socio-economic development? (GS 3)

| -
?
India's achievements in space science and technology:
Recently PSLV launched 104 satellites in to space in one
launch..This is the first for any space agency.
Mangalyaan, 2014:
o India joined an exclusive global club when it
successfully launched the Mars Orbiter Mission on a
shoestring budget that was at least 10 times lower
than a similar project by the US.
Chandrayaan, 2008:
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o Indias first unmanned lunar probe was launched

almost a decade ago and was a landmark in Indias
space mission.
Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, 2016:
o The seven-satellite system created Indias very own
satellite navigation system e terrestrial and will
provide services in marine navigation, disaster
management, vehicle tracking and fleet management,
and navigation aide for drivers.
Reusable Launch Vehicle, 2016:
o In May 2016, India successfully tested the Reusable
Launch Vehicle.
Successful launch of GSLV with Indigenous Cryogenic Stage
Development of Next Generation Geo-Synchronous
Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III
GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation):
It is primarily being used in aviation sector for precise
position information services. With this, India becomes the
Third country in the world, after USA and European Union,
to offer Global Navigational Satellite System (GNSS) based
precision approach services to civil aviation sector.
Application of space technology in socio-economic
development :-
1.Economic:-
Agriculture:-
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o Remote sensing satellites provide key data for

monitoring soil,snow cover,drought and crop
development.
o Rainfall assessments from satellites,for example, help
farmers plan the timing and amount of irrigation they
will need for their crops.
o Accurate information and analysis can also help
predict a region's agricultural output well in advance
and can be critical in anticipating and mitigating the
effects of food shortages and famines.
o Acreage and production estimates for the principal
crops such as wheat, rice, sorghum, cotton, mustard,
and groundnut using Forecasting Agriculture Output
using Space Agrometeorology and land based
observations (FASAL).
o Precision farming using IRNSS.
o Precision Precision farming using IRNSS
o Identification of diseases of crops through hyper
spectral method.
o Wasteland mapping, watershed development and
monitoring as well as help in fisheries sector for
augmentation of income.
o Agro Metrological (AGROMET) Towers to measure
soil temperature, soil moisture, soil heat and net
radiation, wind speed, wind direction, pressure and
humidity; Flux Tower for multi-level
micrometeorological observation as well as
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subsurface observations on soil temperature and

moisture over the vegetative surfaces.
A number of academic and research institutions as well as
industries participate in the Indian space
Programme.Several Indian industries have the expertise to
undertake sophisticated jobs required for space systems.
Resources:
The other major application of space technology is the
use of earth observation satellites for resources survey.
Investment:
o Space science always puts high demands on
technology and these technologies could be n
important investment for sophisticating future
application missions to bring increased benefits to
society.
o The successful conduct of planetary missions like
Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan puts India in an
exclusive club and this in turn gives the right
credentials for international collaboration and
cooperation on an equal partnership basis.This will
develop both scientific and space manufacturing
industry in India
o Foreign Exchange source through revenue.
o Commercialization of space launching technologies by
ANTRIX has resulted into economic gain.
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The data is used for several applications covering

agriculture, water resources, urban development , mineral
prospecting, environment, forestry, drought and flood
forecasting, ocean resources and disaster management.
2.Social:
Disaster management:
o It plays a vital role in delivering cyclone warnings and
is used in search and rescue operations
o Use of INSAT for e-governance and developmental
communication applications is also fast expanding.
o Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) to monitor severe
weather events such as cyclone and heavy rainfall.
Satellite communication:
o Another application of satellite communication
is Satellite Aided Search and Rescue (SAS&R), as a
part of Indias commitment to the International
COSPAS- SARSAT programme for providing alerts and
position location services for aircraft and ships in
distress.
Scientific Temper :
o ISRO through it's achievements can attract millions of
young minds towards science and further ISRO can
ignite these young minds through collaborations with
various colleges, schools and universities like NASA.
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Finding prospective groundwater zones to provide

drinking water in villages, providing land and water
resources development plans at watershed level using IRS.
Tele-fishery:
o VRCs located at coastal tracts are being provided with
near real time information on satellite derived
Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ). Information pertaining
to inland fisheries, aquaculture, etc., is also provided
through VRCs as relevant.
Telemedicine:
o Introducing telemedicine via satellite for making
speciality treatment accessible to people in remote
areas of India.Places around Bangalore,Kolkata and
Tripura are networked with a hub using VSAT
terminals.
Biodiversity information system:
o Use of space technological tools for characterization
of biodiversity at a landscape level.
21. Indias first rail regulator Rail Development Authority
(RDA) is to be set up soon. Discuss its functions and
drawbacks. (GS 3)
()

The Hindu | Business Standard
Introduction:-
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The Cabinet recently initiated a major reform by approving

the setting up of a regulator called the Rail Development
Authority (RDA).
The concept of a regulator was first mooted in the railways
in 2001 by an experts group under Rakesh Mohan .This

was later reiterated by the National Transport
Development Policy Committee (NTDPC) in 2014 and a
panel under Bibek Debroy in 2015
Functions:-
The regulator will decide on tariffs:
o The RDA will help the government take
appropriate decisions on important policy and
operational issues, including pricing of services
commensurate with costs, suggest measures for
enhancement of non-fare revenue.
o The regulator will frame principles, recommend
tariffs, principles for classification of commodities,

frame principles for social service obligation and
guidelines for track access charges on dedicated
freight corridors.
Ensure fair play and a level playing field for stakeholder
investment in the railways:

o Ensure protection of consumer interests, promote
competition, encourage market development
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Set up efficiency and performance standards and

disseminate information by creating positive
environment for investment and promote efficient
resource allocation.
It will also benchmark service standards, suggest measures
for absorption of new technologies and human resource

development and provide a framework for non-
discriminatory open access to the dedicated freight
corridor infrastructure.
RDA would provide transparency to passenger and freight
tariff determination and protect consumer interest by

ensuring quality of service and cost optimisation.
It would also monitor policies on public-private
partnerships.
Setting performance standards for rail operations and
creating level playing policy for private sector

participation through an executive order.
Ensuring fair play:
o The regulatory body will ensure level-playing field
for all stakeholders.

o It will help propose modifications and send
suggestions or advisory notes on investment in

railways by the Indian Railways, make suggestions
regarding policies for private investment to ensure
reasonable safeguards to PPP investors and to
resolve disputes regarding future concession
agreements.
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Drawbacks:-
This means, it can only recommend changes to passenger
and goods fares to the Railway Ministry which will taken a
final call on fixing tariff.
Lacks autonomy :-
o The regulator may lack autonomy if its formed
through an executive order.
Mere recommendatory powers to the RDA would not
result in effective measures at the grounds.
Low Budget :
o Only 50 crores are allotted to it and they are asked to
employ the latest technology and recruits best talents
from the private sector which is not possible with the
current budget.
Therefore It is a good step to depoliticize the railways but it
should be made statutory in the future and more powers
should be delegated to it so that it can fulfill the aim for which
it is formed.
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General studies -4:
1. Tyranny naturally arises out of democracy. Do you agree?

(GS 4)
?
Plato explains how each system eventually changes into
another and lower one because of the principle that "the
excessive increase of anything often causes a reaction in
the opposite direction.
Democratic government in turn engenders its own
reaction: the more liberty men have, the more they
demand, until a situation arises that is strikingly similar to
that found today. Therefore the society has says Socrates,
"subjects who are like rulers, and rulers who are like
subjects"; "the master fears and flatters his scholars, and
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the scholars despise their master"; "the father grows

accustomed to descend to the level of his sons and to fear
them, and the son is on a level with his father." Hence, law
and authority cease to function, and there appears a class
of "idle spendthrifts" who destroy the State. So oligarchy
turns to democracy and democracy changes to tyranny.
The excess of liberty, whether in States or individuals,
seems only to pass into excess of slavery.
And so tyranny naturally arises out of democracy, and the
most aggravated form of tyranny and slavery out of the
most extreme form of liberty.
Power struggle shifts the priorities of the elected
candidates from greater good of people to establishing
their stronghold. For instance the use of chemical
weapons in Syria by Bashar al assad to protect its
government.
In process of defending one's decisions, it is common to
see rules being used to curb opposition. Ex : Use of Article
124A, Section 66A of IT act, Defamation laws.
Leadership: Potential tyrants like Mussolini can sway the
masses in a democracy by using freedom of speech.
Sometimes democracy need not lead to tyranny all the tie
there are democratic institutions which try to check that in a
democracy:-
Judiciary, supremacy of constitution keep tyranny under
control.
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Democratic values like separation of power ensure power

is decentralised to executive, legislature and judiciary
Democratic processes like election after 5 years, no-
confidence motion etc check such outcomes
Democratic institutions like election commission is
ensured independence in conduct of elections.
Democracy doesnt turn to tyranny but it is the weakness of
democratic institutions constitutional framework and processes
that provide possibility of getting themselves hijacked which
pushes it to tyranny . Thus, there is always a possibility of tyrant
hijacking a democratic state but in my view it cannot be said to
be natural outcome.
2.. Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.
Analyze this statement. (GS 4)

How is leadership the capacity to translate vision into reality:-
Leadership is defined as the process in which an
individual influences the group of individuals to attain a
common goal . The goal is attained by reciprocated
cooperation and cohesive behaviour. A leader infuses a
sense of positivity and directs others to reach the specified
goal.
A leader has a dream, and the passion to pursue it. A
leader also has analytical skills, decision-making ability,
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and a go-getter attitude. Leaders dream big and have the

grit to bring those dreams into reality. They also possess
virtues like integrity, dedication, fairness, openness of
mind to greet new ideas, and innovativeness. A good
leader is one who is influential enough to get others to
follow him/her willingly.
o For instance during Indian freedom struggle,masses
followed Indian leaders like Gandhi,Bose,Bhagat
Singh willingly and helped them achieve Indian
independence.
Most great leaders have a noticeably superior skill at
articulating, in very authentic manner, their vision for the
enterprise and what it means for all of us in real, tangible
and inclusive ways.
The truly extraordinary leaders also have the situational
intelligence to help each team recognize their role in the
success equation, feel the gravitas of their contribution
and create the unity of focused, fast and flexible teams
throughout the organization.
Some times even good leaders can't translate their vision into
reality in that era may be because of lack of resources and
technology in that particular time but could be translated into
reality but under the leadership of different individuals at a
different age .
Thus, leadership is a potential ability to help team reach a goal.
To ensure that vision is successfully translated into reality,
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leader shall align their personal vision with the greater vision of
the organisation to bring motivation within the leader
3. Politics and ethics belong to different worlds. Critically
comment. (GS 4)

No they are not :-
Ethics and politics are intimately related. Both are
normative sciences.
o Ethics aims at the supreme good of the individual
whereas Politics aims at public good. Public good can

be attained through individual good; therefore
politics aims at the establishment of an ideal welfare
state where more perfection of the citizens can be
realized.
Similarly individual good can be achieved through
public good. Politics is a practical science but ethics is
not. However, the influence of ethics on the practical
life can not be ignored.
Gandhi for example, advocates that a happy marriage
should be instituted between politics and morality. High
politics must have a moral base.
Politicians in their turn have played an important role in
changing the moral out look of the state.
The concepts like justice, liberty, right duties etc. are
located in the border areas of ethics and politics.
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Yes they are different:-

Politics has no connection with ethics. The will of the
sovereign is law. The power must be exercised on the
people at any cost of their own protection.Hence, it need
not have any connection with morality.
Both ethics and politics are concerned with the ideas of
duty, responsibility etc. The moral thinker makes a
theoretical and analytical study in order to consider what
responsibility is and what is not.
o The politician also does the same job but the extra
work that he does is to fix up responsibility and
recommend the quantum of penalty on the wrong
door..
Politics is basically a descriptive and factual science as it
studies functioning of government at the time of peace
and war. Ethics studies the human conduct with reference
to a particular norm. Thus it is a normative science. It
studies what ought to be, not what actually occurs or what
is the case
In spite of these differences of opinion one thing is certain that
there is a mutual dependence of ethics and politics Moral
philosophers have tried to influence state politics
4. Democracy must be built through open societies that share
information. Comment. (GS 4)
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Yes,democracy must be built through open societies that
share information :-
Open societies sharing information is the prerogative of
any mature democracy.It's the main way of removing
people away from ignorance thus contributing to their and
in turn development of the society.
The vision of democracy is welfare of people, and sharing
of information is also one of them hence a society open to
information and experimentation is a good sign of healthy
democracy.
Open societies lead to building of strong, peaceful and
sustainable democracies by ensuring participation of all
sections.
Open societies encourages discussions and debates which
is a cornerstone of democracy
Tolerance:
o It does not curtail even the most radical ideas instead
provide them freedom of speech
Reform:
o Society evaluates all possible solution from all section
and accept the reforms and move forward.
Transparency:
o People fearlessly convey their concern to the
immediate problem, participate freely in discussion
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without the fear of repurcussion all essential in

democracy.
It helps in smooth running of democratic polity via
people's initiative and public participation.
An open society with information sharing provides a smooth
platform and process to counter any challenge faced in the
society that has political repurcussions.
5. Ethics are pre-determined and a matter of discovery, and

not a evolved concept. Discuss. (GS 4)
Ethics are a set of principles that govern human behavior and

regulate human activities. Ethics have been both
predetermined as well as evolutionary.
Predetermined ethics:
Value for life which gradually gave way to opposing

murder or even killing of animals except when done foe a
better purpose
194 | P a g e
Harmony with nature as man discover his life was very

much dependent on nature and could become better by
conserving rather than destroying environment
Love and Respect for others which was discovered in the
form of equality, charity, empathy etc
Ethics like non-violence and peace are innate to human
being as written in Buddhist values which require
meditation to discover
Ethical values like Truth, Brotherhood have been in place
since the birth of man and societies
Evolutionary ethics:-
Cooperation among individuals has evolved with society as

survival needed competition.
Professional ethics have evolved with the development of
formal profession for example Medical ethics
Ethics of a particular society evolves with the society itself.
Thus, child marriage which was acceptable part of indian
society few centuries back is condemned presently.
Accepting and respecting differences; this was a part of
Jain and Buddhist philosophy earlier. In modern this has
195 | P a g e
been recognized in ways such as LGTB rights, Women

equality rights.
Objectivity and Impartiality is the hallmark of ethical
administration in current times. It has been derived from
the ethical principle of Equality
Therefore ethics is both predetermined and evolutionary .
6. Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.

Discuss. (GS 4)

Introduction:-
In todays world, people face financial, political and
societal ambiguity and change.
It is essential, here, for companies, governments, and
other organizations to find new and innovative solutions
to upcoming problems and glitches.
Innovation is a critical part of leadership. Innovation may
not be required for all leadership situations, but it is an
important decision which a leader should be able to
make, irrespective of its necessity.
196 | P a g e
Without proper leadership, many new and innovative

products have died while on the road to success. So,
finding the proper leader to lead an innovation is one
important key factor to realize the success that an
innovation deserves.
The leader must know when to simply take the tested
ways, and when to introduce new and innovative ideas
and products.
Trying innovative approaches to implement the
government schemes will show the strength of leadership
by an administrator.
If not all, successful innovators are successful leaders too.
Innovation leads to market leadership, one grand example
being the Apple iPad.
If leaders are not willing to look for innovative solutions,
they may simply be left behind.
If people follow in another companys footsteps, you will
never make any noticeable impact. Think about companies
that have innovated something so revolutionary, that it
has been woven into our lexicon. Goggle Kleenex
Tivo, etc.
Not all leadership situations may require innovation, but
leaders must at least be able to decide if innovation is
necessary. Timing is an important part of leadership. The
leader must assess the needs in a given situation and then
act at the appropriate moment.
197 | P a g e
Learning to lead innovation may be as important as the

innovation itself. Without recognizing the need for proper
leadership many an idea or product has simply died on the
road to successFinding the proper leader may just be the
key to success in your innovation.
It is not that follower doesn't innovate but his innovations
are small ones and may be useful to himself or don't know
the potential of his idea.
leadership qualities like vision, anticipation, innovation etc
need to be inculcated in civil servants, as they carry the
responsibility to reform the governance system.
7. Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a

right to do and what is right to do. Comment. (GS 4)

Yes,it is the difference between what you have a right to do
and what is right to do:-
Ethics goes beyond doing what is legally right and
addresses proper behavior and expectations for those
tasked with the responsibility of planning communities in
their roles as public officials representing the public good.
While the law provides clear responsibilities and limits to
officials and other individuals responsible for the planning
198 | P a g e
of communities, there is a great deal of flexibility where

individuals or groups must make judgment decisions in the
best interests of their community, and being guided by
strong ethical principles ensures that the best decisions
are being made.
A law may tell part-III of constitution is your rights. But
there can some rights which are not covered in this part. In
such case, ethics tells us what is right to do. This part may
not talk specifically on manual scavenging but one should
know that it is not right to force someone to do such act.
Religion:
o It may give all guidelines for what is right to do. Some
of them may not be compatible to present day. But
ethics tells us that such acts are not right. For
example polygamy, triple talaq are against women's
rights.
o Child marriage and sati were once ethical in indian
society but illegal
o Animal sacrifice is considered accepted in tribal and
rural society but illegal.
Marital rape is allowed in the law but is unethical in
itself. Ethics guide the husband in not committing such
acts.
Ethics in general helps in letting people aware of the difference
between what rights they have and what is right to do..
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2017

2. Critically examine the role of Indias freedom struggle in

2. What is National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)?

5. Mention a few characteristics of Universal Basic Income.

6. What is a quasi-judicial body? Explain with the help of

7. Exercise of CAG's powers in relation to the accounts of the

9. Why is maintaining a good relationship between India and

Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (Prevention and Control) Bill,

16. An independent judiciary is of critical importance in a

General studies -3:

3.What is Clean power plan?How can it reduce carbon

recommendations of Urjit Patel committee report on

General studies -4:

The Hindu | Business Standard | Link

It takes years for automakers to develop a new kind of an

SC has,thus, taken a stand to ensure that interest of people

2. Critically examine the role of Indias freedom struggle in

o Active sympathy and support to the people

fighting for independence

In those resolutions, the cause of democracy was

member of the Non-aligned Movement and torchbearer

Movement and making it an effective voice in

Further, it was focussed against menaces fascism,

countries of the world was imbibed in the foreign policy.

The sovereign equality of all states

Independence of thought and action as manifested in the

Improvement of bilateral relations and strengthening of

o India's formidable stance towards unversal

However some aspects of the foreign policy are not

India going for Pokharan-I and Pokharan-II towards

India's intervention in Bangledesh's Liberation War

India is ready to take hard stance at the event of threat

it will provide backend support and refuel to US military

interest in opposition to disarmament values of freedom

Thus, 1991 market led reforms and India's quest to be a

Mains Previous Year Question Paper

Consolidation of agriculture land: it will reduce input cost

4.To what extent globalization has influenced the core of

Globalization has not only inculcated the westernization in

Other changes are:

Traditional dance like bharatnatyam etc has seen intense

Continental tropical air masses produce hot, dry

Anthropogenic activities impact on earth . Man made

Carbon dioxide concentrations have crossed 400 ppm in

climate change. There is a need for global coordinated

A heat wave is declared when the temperature crosses 45

With global temperatures on the rise, the instances of

Direct reasons like heat stroke and dehydration are

Less water flow in rivers like Godavari and Krishna during

With increasing awareness regarding the precautions to be

General studies -2:

1.Discuss the need for providing digital accessibility to

Accessibility is critical for enabling them to gain access for

computers, dictation softwares have helped not just the

Accessible technology is the linchpin around which other

various facets of accessible information.

political will has led to social exclusion of people with

together the Accessible India Campaign, the Rights of

employment and participation on account of a hostile

premises can broaden the customer base, increasing

Recent research pegged the market size of different

Positives of the bill:-

which will have a great impact on inclusion for Indians