VISION IAS

www.visionias.in

Approach – Answer: General Studies Mains Mock Test 1326 (2019)

1. Given the growing ecological and geopolitical significance, Arctic region offers immense opportunities
for serving India's long-term interests. Discuss.
Approach:
• Brief introduction about Arctic region.
• Highlight the growing environmental and geopolitical importance of Arctic.
• Discuss how this potential can be used for furthering India’s long-term interests and mention a few
challenges posed to India by it.
• Brief conclusion where some steps taken in this direction can be mentioned.
Answer:
The increasing ecological as well as geo-political significance of the Arctic has been highlighted by
unprecedented rate of ice-melt caused by global warming, the quest for natural resources in the region
and possibilities of opening up of new trade routes in recent times. This presents an opportunity to India
as well to serve its long-term interests, which include:
• Climate Research: the polar regions have a major influence on global climate. Changes in the Arctic
have an impact on phenomenon such as the Monsoon, which affects India. India already has polar
research capabilities through its experience in the Antarctica. Polar research in the Arctic would
serve India’s long term interest of climate security. The opening of the Himadri research station in
2008 further attests to the steps India has been taking in this direction.
• Strategic importance: Future of the Arctic depends on cooperation between Arctic and non-Arctic
states. India has been an observer at the Arctic Council since 2013. Countries such as Norway have
come up with specific India strategies. This is an indication of the potential of cooperation between
arctic and non-arctic states for the future of a region, which is globally important yet not a global
commons.
• Energy Security: Abundance of oil and natural gas in Arctic and our dependence on these, especially
crude oil, makes the Arctic more important for India from energy security point of view. Also, it can
help India in diversifying its energy imports. E.g.- India is interested in cooperation with Russia for
oil and gas exploration in this region
• Economic importance: The Arctic region holds mineral resources including gold, nickel, cooper,
graphite and uranium, utilised in the manufacture of high-technology products such as mobile
phones and nuclear reactors. Furthermore, the opening up of the Arctic route may change the global
connectivity map. Remaining engaged with this region is thus is of vital significance for India.
Thus, Arctic region becomes important for India’s long-term interest. India should work closely with
Arctic Council to further safeguard its interests in the region. The cooperation with other observers at
the Arctic Council such as Japan, Singapore and South Korea would also strengthen India’s position.
However, India needs to have an Arctic policy to articulate its position, as many like China and South
Kore have already done.

1 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

2. Discuss the challenges that India may face in the eventuality of withdrawal of US troops from
Afghanistan. What options does India have to safeguard its interests in the context of the changing
situation?
Approach:
• Introduce by giving a brief highlight of the issue involved.
• Discuss the challenges that India faces with the withdrawal of USA troops from Afghanistan.
• Discuss what India should do to safeguard its interests in the context of the changing situation.
• Conclude on the basis of the above points.
Answer:
President Donald Trump’s decision to reduce US forces in Afghanistan from 14,000 to 7,000 would have
far reaching consequences for Afghanistan. However, India as development partner and a neighbor of
Afghanistan also faces probable challenges, such as:
• Security: US withdrawing troops from Afghanistan would strengthen negotiating leverage of groups
such as the Taliban. This may imapct India’s security as terrorist outfits such as the al-Qaeda and
Haqqani network may feel empowered. Specifically the situation in Jammu and Kashmir might be
affected adversely.
• Humanitarian issues: The civil unrest might lead to a mass exodus of Afghans trying to flee the
country which could trigger another refugee crisis that may have repercussions for India.
• Economic impact:
o India’s investments in Afghanistan such as Salma dam, Afghan Parliament building may turn
futile if Taliban comes back to power.
o The resulting instability in Afghanistan may hamper regional projects such as TAPI pipeline.
Regional instability: An Islamist regime in Afghanistan may make Pakistan a central player in the
country. It might further exacerbate regional instability. Following are the various options available for
India to safeguard its interests in the context of the changing situation:
• Diplomatic efforts: India needs to cooperate with other like-minded countries to push forward
peace process and achieve its strategic objectives. It also needs to engage USA in understanding the
future course of events and taking steps to stabilise Afghanistan.
• Strengthening Afghanistan’s security capabilities: India must step up its efforts beyond
development assistance to provide monetary and material assistance to strengthen security
capabilities of the Afghan government.
• Strengthening ties with Afghanistan: India needs to use the goodwill it has earned and the links it
has established to cement the anti-Taliban forces, without interfering in Afghanistan’s internal
affairs. India needs to further strengthen its cooperation with Afghanistan in the sphere of
economic, social and human resource development.
• Formulation of a clear-cut roadmap: A more nuanced Pakistan policy has to be adopted in order to
fight a better positioned Pakistan in the region.
• Strengthen Border security: Domestically, India needs to increase its military preparedness in the
border areas, develop cooperation among the intelligence and military organization and modernize
the armed forces and the border security, in case of civil unrest in Afghanistan and the resulting
regional instability post troops-withdrawal.
This will not only ensure that Afghanistan remains friendly towards India and not a haven for hostile
elements but will set India ready to tackle the above challenges in a holistic and effective manner.

3. The BRICS as a grouping seems to have internal contradictions, which makes it difficult for it to emerge
as an effective forum in a dynamic multi-polar international order. Critically discuss.
Approach:
• Introduce in brief the idea of the BRICS Group.
• Give an account of internal contradiction in the BRICS group.

2 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 • Discuss the factors that help the BRICS to remain an effective multilateral forum in a multi-polar
international order.
• Conclude on the basis of above points.
Answer:
The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) is a grouping of five emerging economies. The
BRICS nations currently account for nearly a quarter of the world economy, contributing more than half
of global economic growth.
Although BRICS as a group has evolved gradually into an important coalition in the multi-polar
international order, in recent times many scholars have questioned the significance and relevance of
BRICS amid growing internal contradictions:
• Competition: All BRICS countries aspire to be regional powers and hence at some point some of
them compete with each other.
• Different political systems with Brazil, India and South Africa being democracies while Russia and
China having authoritarian characteristics.
• Contradictions in Trade: Brazil and Russia are commodity exporting countries and thus benefit from
high commodity prices while India and China are commodity importers that benefit from low
commodity prices.
• Territorial issues: China and India have outstanding territorial issues to resolve and India looks with
suspicion to any institution that has Chinese domination.
• Diverging views in multilateral forums reforms: China and Russia seem to support the inclusion of
three other countries as permanent members in UNSC only on paper with no significant result on
the ground. Also, India is the only BRICS country which is still not a member of the NSG on account
of China’s reluctance.
However, there are many factors that help bolster co-operation among BRICS members.
• Convergence on global economic order: The common need to construct economic order that
reflects current situation will drive the BRICS to conjure up their efforts towards global economic
governance. New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement has challenged the
legitimacy of US/Western dominated Bretton Woods institutions. The BRICs countries have become
“agenda setters” in multilateral institutions.
• Common interest in sustaining BRICS forum as it provides a platform to them for addressing Global
issues such as IMF reforms, climate change, terrorism, etc. from the perspective of emerging
economies.
• Cooperation on new emerging subjects such as outer space: In 10th BRICS summit held last year,
there were concerns against arms race in outer space and calls for strict compliance with the existing
legal regime providing for the peaceful use of outer space. The expansion of BRICS interaction
beyond economic issues to other areas will make it a stronger partnership.
• Cooperation in social sector: It is also working in issues like Women Empowerment by a proposal to
set up a BRICS Gender and Women’s Forum, setting up a vaccine research center for immunization
to promote new vaccines.
• Common quest for economic growth will also drive co-operation among BRICS countries to help one
another sustain their growth trajectories. The BRICS expansion, known as "BRICS Plus" can be
furthered and build into a wider partnership with other major developing countries and
organizations, so as to turn BRICS into the most-influential platform for South-South cooperation in
the world.
The BRICS continues to remain a coalition of emerging economies that will challenge western dominated
discourses in some forums and provide an alternative idea of global governance and shared prosperity.

3 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

4. Despite India having immense soft power potential, it alone will not be sufficient to achieve India's
foreign policy objectives. Examine.
Approach:
• Introduce by giving the definition of soft power and highlighting India’s soft power potential.
• Highlight how soft power alone is insufficient to achieve India’s foreign policy objectives.
• Discuss the alternatives methods of diplomacy which can be pursued to complement soft power.
• Conclude by giving a way forward.
Answer:
Soft power is the ability of a country to persuade others to do what it wants without resorting to force or
coercion. It is associated with intangible power resources such as culture, ideology, reputation and
institutions.
India’s Soft Power potential
• Since independence, soft power has been intrinsic to India’s foreign policy. India boasts an amazing
variety and wealth of soft power resources.
• Its spiritualism, yoga, movies and television soaps, classical and popular dance and music, cuisines,
its principles like universal brotherhood, non-violence, democratic institutions, plural society, etc.
have all attracted the people across the world.
• Most recently, upon India’s insistence, UN General Assembly moved resolution to observe June 21
as International Yoga Day. It was supported by 170 countries.
• Its strong moral streak and democratic traditions have helped in India’s external engagement. For
example- Dalai Lama sought refuge in India, Bangladesh and other countries turned towards India
for assistance in conducting free and fair elections, drafting their constitutions and developing
welfare schemes.
• Masood Azhar being designated as a global terrorist by UN is considered as one of the biggest
diplomatic win for India can be an excellent example of India’s rising soft power potential.
Inadequacy of Soft power
• Despite its merits and successes, soft power alone is inadequate to fulfil the desired foreign policy
objectives. In an increasingly militarized world, emphasis on soft power is considered as weakness by
many.
• Soft power projection through bus diplomacy or cultural exchanges has not succeeded in changing
the behaviour of Pakistan. Use of terrorism as a means of state policy by the neighbour cannot be
dealt with by soft power alone.
• Similarly, China has not yielded on border disputes, despite India’s economic and military rise since
1962 and attempts at resolving the differences through peaceful dialogue.
• Non-aggressive impression of India co-exists with negative impressions about its ability to effectively
govern and deliver a decent quality of life to its people.
Alternatives in the diplomacy
• Given the apparent limitations of soft power, there is an urgent need to complement it with hard
power. Hard power is based on use of military options, coercive diplomacy and economic
sanctions.
• In recent times, India has successfully deployed both the methods to deftly deal with crisis of
international nature.
• India stood its ground in the Doklam Crisis without escalating it to an armed conflict. Chinese troops
had to recede. Most recently, India successfully retaliated after the Pulwama attack. While the
Indian air force crossed international borders to destroy the terrorist training camps in Balakot, it
also secured the safe and successful return of Air force pilot captured by Pakistan.
Thus, both the powers need to be embraced in complementarity to one another. Hard power yields
obedience, while soft power yields acceptance. The former is the foundation of state’s strength, but the
later helps consolidate that strength. History suggests that the synergistic use of both forms of power,
increasingly termed as smart power, allows a state to gain global influence.
4 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
5. Highlighting the role of space technology in border management, enumerate the steps taken so far in
this regard.
Approach:
• Giving a brief scenario of difficulty in border management, discuss the role of space technology in
border management in context of India.
• Enumerate the steps that have been taken in this regard.
• Highlight the various challenges associated with them.
• Conclude on the basis of the above points.
Answer:
India shares 15,200 km long land frontier with its surrounding countries, some of them being hostile
neighbours like Pakistan and China. So, sealing the entire border becomes a major imperative. But
variations in the terrain and topography are a huge challenge in achieving this task. So, utilising space
technology is often touted as an effective way to overcome this challenge.
Role of space technology in border management:
• Timely Information: The information received through various satellites is used by various agencies
including the security establishment. For instance, weather satellites can provide timely information
about topographic features and weather conditions, which are critical to military and para-military
operations.
• Intelligence inputs and Surveillance: Remote sensing satellites, radar satellites and satellites with
synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors are capable of providing day and night all-terrain and all-
weather inputs. Earth observation satellites provide detailed images of hot spots where border
crossings peak. India uses the RISAT and Cartosat spacecraft to capture still images as well as high-
resolution video of the nation’s disputed borders.
• Checking infiltration: Deployment of Medium Altitude Long Endurance and High Altitude Long
Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), along with use of low orbit surveillance satellites can
check infiltration and improve India’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities
• Coordination between agencies: Border forces depend on intelligence shared by central agencies
like IB, RAW and National Technical Research Organisation. They also face poor communication
issues in areas like Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Kashmir Valley. With satellite technology
border security authorities can exchange information or access critical data from headquarters,
border checkpoints or on the-move border patrol units.
Steps taken in this regard:
• A Space and Tech cell, within Home Ministry’s Border Management Division is planned to be set-up
to improve border management and help in operations.
• Navigation for use in border management by Indian Armed Forces is planned to be governed by
indigenously developed NAVIC (IRNSS), reducing dependence on GPS.
• Communication: India has developed various satellites for communication purposes in military
sphere, such as:
o GSAT-7 or INSAT-4F, a multi-band military communications satellite developed by ISRO will
enable Indian Navy to extend its blue water capabilities and stop relying on foreign satellites
communication systems like Inmarsat.
o GSAT-7A, which will augment Indian Air Force’s existing satellite based communication
capabilities.
• Satellite imagery for border management: The defense forces require specific scene-spot imagery
according to the military's area of interest to help them track developments along India's land
borders. The Cartosat series is made for this purpose itself. Similarly, Geo-Imaging Satellite
(GISAT) will provide live, real-time images of large areas of India.
Also, report of Task Force created by Ministry of Home Affairs identifies areas of use of space
technology in improving border management. Further such interventions should also address challenges
like lack of effective deployment of manpower and non-timely execution of projects. Also, steps should
be taken encourage private sector as well. Knowledge exchange and experience sharing with other
countries should be stepped up as well.

5 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

6. Despite allegations of human rights violations under the AFSPA, it is a functional requirement for the
army in disturbed areas. Critically discuss.
Approach:
• Briefly, write about the AFSPA and highlight the issue of allegations of human rights violations.
• Provide arguments in favour and against the AFSPA.
• Conclude by suggesting a way forward.
Answer:
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958 was enacted to maintain public order in the
“disturbed areas”. Presently, it is enforced in four states of North East and J&K.
It grants extraordinary powers to the armed forces operating in disturbed areas such as opening fire
after giving warning, searching premises and arresting without warrant,, destroying structures used as
hideouts etc. Most importantly, the act provides them with legal immunity against civil or criminal
proceedings in respect of their actions.
However, there are various allegations against army for misusing these powers. There have been cases
of violating human rights including arbitrary killings, sexual assault and torture. Many cases of individuals
missing for years have been registered. They have been accused of having destroyed homes and entire
villages merely on the suspicion that insurgents were hiding there.
Further, it has been argued that this act has not successfully restored normalcy in disturbed areas
despite being in existence for about 50 years. Rather the number of armed groups has gone up after the
act was established. It has increased resentment amongst the locals and as such anti-terror measures
have had the unintended effect of alienation of citizens. The government’s responsibility thus is to
harmonise the rights of the individual with the requirements of national security.
There have also been arguments that continuation of AFSPA is a functional requirement for the army in
disturbed areas:
• For effective functioning in an extraordinary situation: Absence of such special powers would
adversely affect operational flexibility and the utilization of the security capacity.
• For maintaining law and order and civil administration in disturbed areas and protecting
sovereignty and security of the nation. AFSPA has been crucial in rooting out terrorism from Punjab
and Mizoram as well as preventing the terrorists to take over Manipur.
• For protection against frivolous complaints: Withdrawal of special powers would lower the morale
of forces for it may encourage insurgents to exploit the situation by filing lawsuits against the forces
through locals.
Further, powers under AFSPA are not absolute. For e.g.: army can open fire only when the source of
terrorist fire can be clearly identified and any person taken into custody needs to be handed over to the
nearest police station along with a detailed report.
Army itself also takes strict action against violations of human rights. For e.g.: In September 2015, an
Army court martialled six of its personnel found guilty in the Machil fake encounter case and awarded
life sentence to all convicts.
With respect to AFSPA, as recommended by BP Jeevan Reddy Committee in 2004, the decision can be
taken after considering all the probable alternatives. Scrapping of AFSPA would surely alleviate
sentiments of discrimination and alienation among the people. However, this should not come at the
cost of national security and integrity of the nation. Efforts should be made by all the stakeholders —
civil society, the insurgents, the State and the Governments (centre and state) towards finding a lasting
and peaceful solution before repealing the act.

6 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

7. The use of Internet creates both challenges and opportunities in the fight against terrorism. Discuss.
Approach:
• Briefly write about the use of internet by terrorists.
• Bring out the challenges and opportunities presented by internet.
• Conclude on the basis of the above points on a positive note.
Answer:
Internet has brought about a revolution in the way people share information and collaborate – quickly,
effectively, across borders, to an almost limitless audience. Internet, however, is also being exploited by
the terrorist organizations to create a new brand of ‘internet-enabled’ terrorism.
The multivariate use of Internet for propagating terrorism poses corresponding challenges for security
agencies worldwide:
• Disseminating Propaganda: Use of internet by terrorist organisations to facilitate recruitment,
promote radicalization, and incite violence through videos, games, and online chat rooms has
enhanced their reach, which is becoming increasingly difficult to moderate.
• Transnational Operations: It is being facilitated by internet which helps them evade national
jurisdiction and prosecution.
• Illicit Fund Raising: It is almost getting impossible to identify the funds received through shell
companies or a complex web of online transactions.
• Lending Anonymity: Use of internet has decentralized terrorist operations such as training, planning
and execution of attacks (like lone wolf attacks) which lends anonymity to perpetrators and leaves
behind no trace.
• Procuring weapons: It is emerging as a source of procuring sophisticated weapons easily and
anonymously at the click of a button via dark web, which are difficult to trace.
• Cyber-Terrorism: Use of digital platforms by terrorists can threaten critical infrastructures like
power, banking, transport and communications which can destabilize an entire nation.
The use of internet by terrorist organizations, also presents opportunities to governments and security
agencies to counter them:
• Intelligence gathering: It can help governments and security agencies to pre-empt attacks by
analysing the online communications and activities of the terrorists. Big Data Analytics can also be
employed to proactively identify and deter such attacks.
• Counter Propaganda: Internet can be helpful to disseminate sound counter-narratives to a wide-
audience (in multiple languages with ease) as well as the targeted groups who are likely to be
radicalized.
• Evidence collection: Internet can be used to gather evidences which can be used for prosecution.
• Effective Transnational Co-operation between intelligence/security agencies in real-time can
amplify the global effort to counter terrorism.
The internet is a prime example of how technological advancement can prove to be a double-edged
sword. A united, global response is the only hope for the international community to defeat ‘internet-
enabled’ terrorism. India recently joining the Christchurch Call to counter terrorism and radicalization
online including social media is a step in the right direction. India should look to build upon such
initiatives.

8. Explain the concept of Chandrasekhar Limit and highlight its significance in the field of astronomy.
Approach:
• Explain the concept of Chandrashekhar limit.
• Explain how it helped in understanding the formation of black holes and white dwarfs and helps
further the growth process of universe.

7 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

Answer:
The Chandrasekhar Limit is the maximum mass theoretically possible for a stable white dwarf star. The
current value of the limit is 1.4 solar mass and signifies that the mass of a white dwarf could not exceed
1.4 times that of the Sun. Above this mass, electron degeneracy pressure is not enough to prevent
gravity from collapsing the star further into a neutron star or black hole.
The Limit is named after Subramanyan Chandrasekhar, an Indian-American scientist, who was awarded
the 1983 Nobel Prize “for his theoretical studies of the physical processes of importance to the structure
and evolution of the stars”.
Significance:
• Till 1930s, scientists assumed that all stars collapsed into white dwarfs after exhausting their nuclear
fuel by way of nuclear fusion. Chandrasekhar Limit challenged and corrected this prevailing idea.
• The Chandrasekhar limit entails that any white dwarf having a mass less than 1.4 times the mass of
the sun will stay a white dwarf forever.
• But when the mass exceeds this limit, stars explode into a supernova and collapses into a neutron
star or possibly even a black hole. Such an explosion creates elements heavier than iron, which
cannot be created by stars otherwise by thermonuclear processes.
• Only a supernova explosion can create heavier elements like Copper, Silver, Gold, and the trace
elements like Carbon, Oxygen and Nitrogen that are important for the processes of life. This furthers
the growth process of the universe as it both generates and distributes the elements on which life
depends.
• Therefore, Chandrasekhar Limit is not just an upper limit to the maximum mass of an ideal white
dwarf, but also represents a threshold, surpassing which a star delivers various elements to the
universe at large and makes it possible for life to exist.
Overall, the concept of Chandrasekhar Limit not only enhances our understanding on the evolution of
stars but also furthers the study about the formation and stability of ultra-dense and compact matter
such as neutron stars and black holes existing in the universe.

9. Examining the risk posed by space debris, suggest some measures which can be taken for its
mitigation and removal.
Approach:
• Introduce briefly with the meaning of space debris with few examples.
• Examine various risks posed by them.
• Highlight few measures which can be taken for mitigation and removal of space debris.
Answer:
Space debris encompasses both natural (meteoroids) and artificial (man-made) particles. While
Meteoroids orbit around the sun, most of artificial debris orbit around the Earth and are commonly
referred to as orbital debris. Such orbital debris mainly comprise of the working spacecraft, non-
functional and derelict satellites, discarded remnants of past repair jobs and a few thousand pieces of
barely traceable former satellites whirling around the Earth. There is nearly 7500 tonnes of artificially
created objects that are currently in space.
Various risks posed by space debris:
• NASA estimates that there are about 20,000 pieces of debris larger than a softball. These space junks
travel at speeds up to 28000 kph, that can damage satellites, space shuttles, space stations and
spacecraft with humans aboard.
• There are 500,000 pieces of debris of the size of a marble or larger which may be like deadly
shrapnel. The non-traceable debris pose the greatest risk to space missions.
• Due to the risk posed by space debris, various space agencies have to manoeuvre their space
programme thus adding to extra economic and human resources related costs. Further, there is an

8 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 increased danger from inexpensive, tiny satellites called CubeSats, which are going to add around
15% space junk in next 10 years.
• Some big sized debris can re-enter earth’s atmosphere and can hit any place on earth without
burning. For instance, in April, 2019, the Chinese space station Tiangong-1, weighing 8.5 tonnes,
dropped out of orbit and splashed into the South Pacific Ocean, just northwest of Tahiti.
While the probability of space debris hitting earth is 1 in 1 trillion and most of the smaller debris will
burn easily on entering earth’s atmosphere before hitting earth, yet it’s a problem which could magnify
in the future. So, measures need to be taken for mitigation and removal of space debris in orbits, such
as:
• Ensure collision avoidance manoeuvring capability while the space objects are still active.
• Prevention of in-orbit explosions via passivation of space objects at the end of their operational life.
• Meeting the on-ground safety requirements in case of an uncontrolled re-entry.
• Removal of a few large sized objects from regions with high object densities and long orbital
lifetimes would prevent multiplication of debris. For instance, in the low earth orbit region, satellites
can be commanded to re-enter earth’s atmosphere within 25 years of mission completion.
• Conceptualising Graveyard orbits to accommodate those satellites which have completed their
mission in or near the geostationary ring,
• Active Debris Removal (ADR) technologies such as net capture and harpoon capture need to be
experimented for their economic feasibility.
• International coordination by way of strengthening information exchange on space debris research
activities between member space agencies.
• International Debris Mitigation Standards such as adopted by European Space Agency must be
adopted by other nations as binding national requirements for the design and operation of space
systems.

10. Discuss the challenges confronting higher self-reliance and indigenisation of defence industry in India.
What steps can be taken to accelerate its pace?
Approach:
• Introduce by highlighting the present scenario of the defence industry and the need for its
indigenisation (self-reliance) in India.
• Enumerate the challenges faced by the government in achieving the full-fledged indigenisation of
defence industry in India.
• Mention the steps can be taken in this regard.
• Conclude on the basis of the above points.
Answer:
With India sharing its boundaries with hostile neighbours like China and Pakistan, defense sector
remains very crucial for upholding its sovereignty. This has resulted into India being one of the top
defence spending countries in the world. Further, India has been world’s top arms importer in the last
decade as well.
Indian defence procurement has firmly set indigenization as a key priority, which stands at less than 35%
presently. Initiatives such as ‘Make in India’ put special focus on defence sector and progressive
revisions in the Defence Procurement Policy highlight the gradual shift in focus towards greater
indigenisation.
But, there are multiple challenges that are acting as a hindrance in achieving the full-fledged
indigenisation of defence industry in India as follows:
• Research & Development (R&D): Currently, the Indian defence budget allocates approximately 6%
towards R&D spend as compared to 15% by France and 12% by the US. Further, the research efforts
are marred by infrastructural and human resource constraints existing in defense research
organizations in India.

9 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 • Protection of intellectual property: Inadequacies in the legal framework of IP laws remain related to
the transfer and licensing of technology, contractual terms governing such transfer between the
seller and the buyer etc.
• Sector is not fully open to FDI: Only 49% (100% in some cases) FDI in defence sector is allowed, so it
discourages the foreign players from entering into joint ventures.
• Monopoly enjoyed by DRDO in defence research: In USA, the private sector is an active participant
in not just defence manufacturing but also in research.
• Other issues: Various issues related to foreign collaboration, taxation, the import and export
regimes, etc. have also impacted the indigenisation process.
Following steps can be taken to accelerate the pace to achieve full-fledged indigenisation of defence
industry in India:
• Defence Inclusive S&T Policy: Like in US and China, the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)
policy must be evolved in conjunction with the fefence strategy of the nation.
• Identify “Critical-to-Security” technologies: India should seek global leadership in only selective
areas that are “Critical-to-Security”. For example, for Israel, “Critical-to-Security” sector comprise of
missiles and anti-missile technology.
• Communities of Interest: Based on “Critical-to-Security” technologies, “Communities of Interest”
should be created on the lines of US. A Steering Committee having top scientists, engineers and
academicians relevant to that domain must be entrusted to develop plans and proposals to prioritize
technologies and steer the technology towards a realizable product.
• Increased R&D investment: India has been spending less than 1% of its GDP on R&D, so it is
imperative for India to increase the investments like Japan (3.3), USA (2.9), Israel (4.3), etc.
• Civil-Military Integration (CMI) Policy: Dual-use application program like in US and China should be
initiated, which will bring in competition and compel each stakeholder to continuously innovate at
better price and sophistication.
• Human Capital: Human Capital is an indispensable pillar in building a strong R&D base so the role of
educational institutions in this effort has to be recognised. Initiatives like Optional Courses by DRDO
Research Boards can be started in universities.
• Approach to design: India must follow ‘Build-Capitalize-Improvise’ doctrine in its R&D endeavours as
per the needs of Indian defence.
• National Defence Research Repository (NDRR): It will help government in tracking and avoid
funding for duplication of technologies. It will also help different researchers collaborate and build
on their expertise and experiences.
Achieving full-fledged indigenization remains a mammoth task to be achieved and will require some
landslide decisions and efforts from all the stakeholders involved, with the government playing a leading
role.

11. Comment on the role played by the diaspora in India's development process. Also, discuss the
challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora and suggest ways to translate these partnerships
into benefits.
Approach:
• Define diaspora and elaborate its role in India’s development process.
• Highlight the challenges in terms of engaging the Indian diaspora.
• Conclude with the ways to translate these partnerships into benefits.
Answer:
The Indian diaspora encompasses a group of people who can either trace their origins to India or who
are Indian citizens living abroad, either temporarily or permanently. The Indian diaspora comprises of
approximately 31 million people, of which PIOs are above 17 million and NRIs over 13 million, spread
across 146 countries in the world.

10 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 Role played by the diaspora in India's development process:
• Remittances: Substantial financial contributions through remittances are utilised by recipient
families in productive activities such as improvement of land, education or health and helps in
poverty reduction. According to the World Bank, India is the top recipient of remittances at around
80 billion USD.
• Investment: Diaspora also contributes to the economic development in India through Foreign Direct
Investment (FDI) and transnational entrepreneurship, including support for entrepreneurs and small
businesses in the country of origin.
• Knowledge Transfer: Diaspora is a great source of transfer of technical knowledge and skills in the
form of brain gain. They can act as important interlocutors between the technology and country of
origin.
• Philanthropy: Some Diaspora organisations and individuals pursue charitable enterprises. A huge
concentration of Indian diaspora philanthropy has been mobilized on health, education, relief, and
rehabilitation. Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat & Punjab have a large number of such
NGO’s.
• Diaspora Networks: Diaspora networks serve not only to perpetuate migratory flows but also
influence and control access to particular labour markets. In India’s case such networks are
operative in the Gulf labour markets.
• Advocacy/Diplomacy: Diaspora seeks to influence government, media, corporate sector and other
prominent groups on a range of issues. For instance, lobbying for the US-India Civilian Nuclear
Agreement Bill in 2008.
The country of origin has to cater to the needs of its diaspora and at the same time, create policies to
encourage them to contribute to its growth. In the Indian context, the government initiatives have
followed a corresponding two-pronged approach. While initiatives like ‘Know India Program’, ‘Bharat ko
Jano’ quizzes, UGC scholarships are effective outreach activities; other measures such as policy changes
like Minimum Referral Wages (MRW), applicable only to Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries,
increased the minimum wage of Indian workers.
However, there are some quintessential limitations upon our engagement with our diaspora:
• Support of the diaspora is neither automatic nor continuous, and their interests need not be India’s
priorities.
• Remittances may not always be used for beneficial purposes, such as foreign funding being used for
separatist movements like the Khalistan movement.
• Repatriation and rescue of Indians stuck abroad is a huge financial challenge.
• Wealthier diaspora from the US, Canada and the UK demand dual citizenship and voting rights.
• Minimum Referral Wages policy and E-Migrate system, although helped in reducing the
vulnerability to fraudulent contracts, have been detrimental to India as companies now find it easier
to hire labour from countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan.
• Diplomacy in the gulf rests on a paradox since promoting Indian migrants’ rights should not hamper
emigration flows.
For India to leverage its connect with the diaspora fully and find ways to translate these partnerships
into benefits, it must consider the following options:
• India can open a separate Minister-of-State level department for NRI administration - similar to the
Veterans’ Administration in the US.
• Formalize a rotation program wherein top NRI scientists, engineers, doctors, managers and
professionals serve Indian public sector organizations for a brief period, lending their expertise,
similar to VAJRA Scheme.
• India should aggressively court NRIs to invest in India — especially for projects which focus on rural
development — by offering attractive interest rates on deposits.
• Provide rehabilitation centres for returning workers, especially from Middle-East.
• During overseas visits, the head of state/government should try to connect and intensify their
engagement with the diaspora.
11 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
12. Highlight the reasons behind proliferation of multilateral preferential trade agreements. Do they
violate WTO's MFN principle? Do you think that such trade groupings present an existential threat to
WTO?
Approach:
• Start with an account of increased bilateral/multilateral trade agreements.
• Discuss the reasons for their proliferation.
• Evaluate whether trade agreements violate MFN principle.
• Discuss as to why this diversion may be an existential threat to WTO.
Answer:
The rapid increase in multilateral preferential trade agreements (PTAs) also referred to as Regional Trade
Agreements (RTA) has been a prominent feature of international trade policy in recent times. Almost all
WTO members are part of at least one PTA. Recourse to PTAs spans both developed and developing
countries. Recent examples of ‘mega-regional’ PTAs include the Comprehensive and Progressive
Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and ongoing negotiations on a Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership (RCEP). Such initiatives are complemented by a plethora of bilateral PTAs,
including a large network of agreements negotiated by the EU.
The steady expansion in the number and average depth of PTAs reflects continued strong interest in
international trade cooperation by governments around the globe. These agreements have become
ubiquitous because of the following reasons:
• Geographical proximity between participating states
• Trade complementarity among participating states
• Limitations of multilateral negotiations at WTO, where progress takes years to achieve consensus
• The weakness of WTO in responding to unilateral measures taken by powerful countries such as the
USA
• The gradual weakening of the the WTO dispute resolution mechanism in recent times.
PTAs constitute an exception to the general most-favoured nation (MFN) provision of the WTO. Prima
facie it might seem that Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) compete with the WTO or violate its principle
of non-discrimination for all WTO members, but often they can actually support the WTO’s multilateral
trading system. It is allowed for the WTO members to conclude RTAs, as a special exception, provided
certain strict criteria are met.
PTAs go further than the WTO in liberalizing trade. For instance, applied tariffs on substantially all trade
between partner countries must in principle be reduced to zero (although WTO rules do not require this
to be the case for PTAs between developing countries). PTAs increasingly go beyond the removal of
border barriers to cover matters not subject to the WTO. Examples include rules governing access for
foreign investment, cross-border data flows, the digital economy, and dimensions of domestic regulation
(e.g., competition policy; public procurement; regulatory cooperation). PTAs in North America (NAFTA),
Europe and East Asia (e.g., ASEAN and related trade and cooperation agreements) have supported the
pattern of specialization and rising ‘foreign’ content of domestic production.
The RTA, defined in the WTO as reciprocal preferential trade agreements between two or more partner,
have actually allowed countries to negotiate rules and commitments that go beyond what was possible
multilaterally. In turn, some of these rules have paved the way for discussion and agreements in the
WTO on issues including services, intellectual property, environmental standards, investment and
competition policies. However, the RTAs in themselves can not ensure a robust multilateral rules based
trade order, that can be done by WTO alone.
Given the prevailing protectionist sentiments in countries such as the USA adherence to WTO and its
dispute settlement mechanism is critical to ensure a rules-based and fair multilateral trading regime.
There is a growing clamor for much-needed reforms at the WTO. The multilateral PTAs also provide a
push to the need for these reforms. If successful, this could result in actually boosting international
economic cooperation.

12 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

13. India needs to balance its growing water needs and larger security concerns with effective hydro-
diplomacy. Highlighting the challenges faced with regard to transboundary rivers, analyze this
statement in the context of India's riparian relations with its neighbours.
Approach:
• Define hydro-diplomacy and mention the challenges faced by India with regard to trans boundary
rivers.
• Explain how India should balance growing water needs and security concerns through hydro
diplomacy.
• Conclude briefly with the focus on importance of hydro-diplomacy.
Answer:
Hydro-diplomacy is a tool for states to balance interests related to national sovereignty while
strengthening regional cooperation with countries sharing common water resources. A UN report
estimates that by 2030, water demand in India will grow to almost 1.5 trillion cubic meters from
approximately 740 billion cubic meters requiring India to manage its needs using efficient hydro-
diplomacy.
Challenges with regard to transboundary rivers
• With Bangladesh: Though India and Bangladesh signed Ganges Water Treaty in 1996, Teesta River
Treaty still remains a bone of contention. Also, there is apprehension in Bangladesh regarding India’s
intentions for the interlinking of the rivers and the construction of the Tipaimukh dam in the
northeast
• With Pakistan: Any military or diplomatic escalation between India and Pakistan makes Indus Water
Treaty (IWT) of 1960 the focal point. Many experts have argued for renegotiation of the treaty.
• With Nepal: Since the Kosi Agreement of 1954, the two sides have not addressed water rights
issues. Such negligence caused 2008 floods affecting over 2.3 million people. Major projects such as
the Pancheswar are stuck for decades.
• With China: China’s dam-building and water division plans along the Brahmaputra (Yarlung Zangbo)
is a source of tension with India and Bangladesh. Indi and China do not have a River water treaty
and the agreement on hydrological data sharing is limited.
A case for rebalancing water needs and security concerns
• It is estimated that India, which is already water-stressed, will become 'water scarce' by 2025.
• In the subcontinent, growing population and increasing development are placing rising pressure on
the Ganges-Brahamaputra-Meghna (GBM) and Indus Basin posing potential challenges of conflicts.
• Internally, water sharing issues have raised passions and violence. Thus, water is also becoming
internal security challenge. Teesta is an example of sensitivities within the federal polity of India on
water relations with neighbouring countries.
• India has been releasing 5,900 tmcft of water every year to Pakistan. Many argue that this adversely
affects the interests Jammu and Kashmir, moreover Pakistan has been objecting to projects on the
western rivers by India using the provisions of the Indus water treaty, this has led to calls for
renegotiation of the treaty.
• Chinese aggressive posturing on the use of upper stream of Brahmaputra river has caused tensions
and trust deficit between two nations.
• Similarly, experts argue that 2008 Bihar floods were caused due to callousness of Nepalese
administration.
Way Forward
• A comprehensive approach is required with China on the river Brahmaputra. This include expansion
of current agreements to include year round data sharing and also the possibility of a River waters
treaty.
• The template of Bhutan can be used to deal with Nepal on water related issues. India and Bhutan
have been able to forge a mutually beneficial partnership in hydropower production and grid
connectivity to ensure a market for power produced. Nepal remains a buyer of electricity from India
despite large hydropower potential.
13 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 • With friendly countries such as Bhutan and Bangladesh a futuristic but ecologically sound idea of
joint river basin management can be considered.
• The BBIN framework, which includes the issue of hydro cooperation should be strengthened.
• Within the IWT India needs to utilise all the options to use its share of water.
• Hydro-diplomats have a role to play along with the multilateral institutions but local and
international NGOs also have a key role to play in bringing all stakeholders of these countries
together for cooperation on the most precious resource of all: water.
• India must utilise the new water data sharing platform created by the United Nations, Google, and
the European Commission that will track the world’s water bodies and help in achieving article Six of
the Sustainable Development Goals.

14. Commenting on the importance of Central Asia for India, highlight the progress made in the
relationship in recent past along with the issues that still remain to further cement the ties.
Approach:
• Introduce with a brief note on India-Central Asia relations.
• Discuss the significance of the region for India.
• Elaborate upon the progress in the relations between India and CAR.
• Discuss the issues that prevents deepening of ties between both sides.
Answer:
India and the Central Asia share historical, cultural and economic connections. Although India does not
share a direct boundary with any of the Central Asian states, it considered them as part of its extended
neighbourhood. Both these regions face similar global and regional challenges, paving way for mutually
beneficial linkages between them.
Significance of Central Asian Region:
• Energy: It is the most important area of co-operation. The CAR countries have an abundance of
hydrocarbon and mineral resources. India has been in negotiations for more than a decade now to
ensure access to gas reserves of Turkmenistan through the TAPI pipeline.
• Geo-strategic significance: Located between Russia, China West Asia and being neighbours to
Afghanistan, Central Asia is one of the world’s most strategic zones. Hence, A stable and peaceful
Central Asia is important from India’s foreign policy.
• Trade: The trade between India and CAR is roughly $1 billion compared to $ 50 Billion of China.
Hence, there is a huge potential for increasing the trade relationship between the two India and
CAR.
• Investment: Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are developing fast, creating opportunities
for investment in sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals and tourism.
• Civil Nuclear Cooperation: The region is also rich in fissile material ore which can help India meet its
shortage of fissile material. This is further demonstrated in the Uranium supply agreement India has
signed with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
• Counter-Terrorism: Although militant Islam is largely non-existent in the Central Asian States, there
are minor terrorist groups that are a cause of concern. Both India and the CAR countries have a
shared interest in the stability of Afganistan and counter-terror initiatives.
• Anti Drug trafficking: The great amount of illegal drugs passing through the Central Asian region is
another potential source of volatility. The Indian markets are indirectly implicated in the regional
drug trade system.
India has come up with its “Connect Central Asia policy” (2012), thereby reiterating its commitment to
greater partnership with the Central Asian states. Significant progress has been made on the relationship
between the two regions:
• India has been involved with the renovation of Chabahar port in Iran which will help in connecting to
Eurasia including Central Asia.

14 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 • Development of the International North-South Transport Corridor(INSTC), a multi-modal network of
ship, rail, and road route for moving freight between India, Iran, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia,
Central Asia and Europe.
• Membership of the Ashgabat agreement will help India contribute to the creation of an international
transport and transit corridor facilitating transportation of goods between Central Asia and the Persian
Gulf.
• Membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will accord India greater role in Eurasian political,
economic, and security affairs.
• The negotiation of a free trade agreement with Eurasian Economic Union in recent years has been seen as
a way of strengthening India’s engagement with the region
• As part of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program, India provides higher
education at marginal cost to Central Asian students
• India-Central Asia Dialogue in 2019 and the initiative to establish an India-Central Asia Group of
Development to promote partnership with the region
• Establishing India-Central Asia Business Council which will engage the chambers of commerce of
participating states.
Issues:
• Lack of institutional mechanisms to implement its ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy.
• India still doesn’t have direct access to the region, which makes it dependent on other neighbouring
countries, especially for trade.
• The unstable situation in Afghanistan and highly volatile India-Pakistan relations has deprived both
sides from mutually benefiting from each other.
• Involvement of major powers including the United States, China, and Russia and growing Russia-
China-Pakistan axis in the region further restrict India’s role.
• Central Asia is part of Silk Road Economic Belt (BRI) initiative. China’s growing military, economic,
and defence cooperation with Central Asia, has become a threat to India’s ambitions in the region.
• Slow progress on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) and Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI)
pipelines.
Way forward:
India needs to show greater pro-activity and shed its piecemeal approach to Central Asia in favour of a
holistic and long-term approach. Setting up an India-Central Asia Forum could be considered to engage
with them periodically and to identify projects which are of common interests. A Central Asia fund to
seed various projects could be set up as well. There is a need to develop Chabahar port on priority,
besides making INSTC effective and linking them with other connectivity initiatives in the region.

15. Discuss the significance of India's island territories in its quest to become a net security provider in the
Indian Ocean region.
Approach:
• Giving a brief introduction explaining what is net security provider.
• Then provide a picture of present situation as how India Ocean region is becoming multipolar and
complex.
• Then discuss the importance of India’s islands as an important part of its defence architecture.
• Then briefly mentioning few steps that have been taken in this regard, discuss further initiatives that
can be taken.
Answer:
India has vast island territories comprising numerous islands in Andaman and Nicobar islands in Bay of
Bengal and Lakshadweep islands in Arabian Sea. Due to these Island territories as well as its geographical
location, India is seen to be in an eminent position in the Indian Ocean.

15 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 Further, due to negligible military capabilities of many Indian Ocean States as well as several security
imperatives for India such as piracy, smuggling, rising competition from China etc., India aims at
becoming a Net Provider of Security in the Region.
As a net security provider India aims to not only address its own security hindrances but also other
countries in the neighborhood by providing support to enhance their capacity, military assistance for
defence efforts or deploying its own forces to stabilize a situation.
In this context, India’s vast Island territories gains importance as it provides:
• Extended access in the region: India enjoys rights over lakhs of square kilometers of exclusive
economic zone (EEZ) due to the island territories of Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar,
extending its reach to almost entire Indian Ocean Region.
• Better monitoring and surveillance: The proximity of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the Strait of
Malacca enhances its strategic importance in securing Sea Lines of Communication. It enables India
to closely observe military and economic activities in the region hosting most of the major
international shipping lanes.
• Relatively safe for military operations and training: They are away from India’s potential direct
conflict zone and thus a safe haven for military base. These are also the best locations for regular
military exercise for Indian forces.
• Enhances our security capabilities: The location of forward air bases on these islands, around 300
kilometres from the Indian mainland, would give our aircrafts an extended combat radius.
• Global power projection: The islands act as extended arms of the country. India can use these
islands to project power into the region and signal about its readiness to counter any intervention.
Although India has taken various steps to boost its capabilities as net security provider like creation of
unified tri-service theatre command, establishment of Island Development Agency, implementing SAGAR
(Security and Growth for All in the Region) etc., much more needs to be done to ensure that its islands
nations gain prominence in India’s ocean diplomacy.
This requires improving capabilities on the islands such as improving engagement and enhancing
vigilance of uninhabited islands, strengthening military infrastructure here, improving implementation of
Coastal Security Scheme, resolving various issues at the unified command at Andaman etc. This will help
India in establishing itself as influential and responsible leader in the Indian Ocean region.

16. A fine balance between security and developmental measures needs to be attained for tackling the
menace of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India. Analyse.
Approach:
• Briefly introduce the growth of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in India.
• Discuss how it was initially perceived as a law and order issue, thus focussing mainly on security
measures.
• Then discuss the need of developmental measures to address the underlying causes and sustainable
outcome. Mention certain steps in this regard.
• Then go on with discussion on how security and developmental measures help solve the two sides of
the problem
• Briefly conclude showing the positive results that is becoming evident in recent years due to this
strategy.
Answer:
Left Wing Extremism, which took shape as an organized armed movement in India in late 1960s,
continues to be the biggest internal security threat to India. The recent Naxal attack in Gadchiroli that
martyred 15 security personnel highlights the necessity of measuresto tackle the Naxal menace.
Initially, LWE was understood mainly as a law and order issue. Thus, many measures were taken by the
government to tackle the security side of the issue, which included modernization of State Police Forces
through training as well as sanctioning more police stations in these areas, deploying specialized forces
such as Black Panther combat force for Chhattisgarh, Bastariya Batallion etc.
16 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS
 Although such measures help in tackling any imminent threat in terms of attacks by Maoists, yet there
has been a growing realization that LWE must also be seen with spectrum of governance deficit and
underdevelopment along with uneven development.
LWE is a result of several factors such as:
• Failure of Land reforms post-independence
• Deprivation of rights of people due to corruption and inefficient governance
• Loss of livelihood due to developmental projects in forest areas etc.
A fine balance between the two approaches – security and development measures - would ensure a
sustainable outcome.
On the one hand, Security measures would help in:
• minimising loss of lives in the violent activities of Left-Wing extremists through increased capacity to
restrict access to arms and ammunitions
• retaliate appropriately during an attack as well as restrict expansion of areas under LWE by targeting
surrender of leadership of different pockets.
While on the other hand, developmental measures would ensure:
• benefits of development reached the poor and vulnerable in the affected areas.
• resolving the main issue of Jal, Jungle and Jameen which is the main attraction towards enrollment
in Maoists’ organizations.
• reducing people’s grievances and increase public trust in the governance system
• locals understanding the false propaganda of the Naxals against the security forces and the
democratic setup.
This realization is reflected in the changed approach of the government towards LWE, which includes
various initiatives to build infrastructure and usher in development such as:
• Road Connectivity Project for LWE Affected Areas under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
• Making education accessible by initiatives like Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, Sarva Shiksha
Abhiyan
• Aspirational District programme in 35 LWE affected districts
• Skill Development Initiatives such as Roshni etc
• Rehabilitation and assimilation of surrendered LWE cadres with the society.
A holistic approach would help change the vicious cycle of extremism into a virtuous cycle of
development. Some measures towards this approach has shown good results as evident in reduction of
number of districts affected by LWE and increasing number of extremists surrendering to the
authorities.

17. Illustrate the linkages between drug trafficking, organised crime and terrorism. In this regard, mention
the steps that have been taken to arrest the availability of drugs in India.
Approach:
• Introduce the topic by defining organised crime.
• Elaborate on the nexus between organised crime, drug trafficking and terrorism. Give examples.
• Highlight the steps taken to check the drug menace in India.
Answer:
Organised crime constitutes criminal activities planned and controlled by large, powerful networked
groups and carried out on a large scale. Organised crime is mostly syndicate based and deals in drug &
human trafficking, money laundering, illegal arms trade, etc. Many times, it forms the backbone of
terrorism.

17 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

 Linkages between Organised Crime, Drug Trafficking and Terrorism
• Crime Syndicates make use of drug trafficking as a major source of revenue. Proceeds from
organized crime are primarily linked to terror financing.
• The erstwhile Taliban that controlled opium production, and armed ethnic groups in Myanmar,
which use narcotics production and trade to finance their activities.
• Recently, Pakistan was put under the FATF watch list for connections with terror financing.
• Besides terror financing, activities of terrorists and organized criminals frequently reinforce each
other, where terrorists engage either directly or indirectly in organized crime activities such as
trafficking, smuggling, extortion etc. which contribute to undermining state security, stability and
social and economic development.
• Organised criminal groups use the drug traffickers as couriers to carry out smuggling and other
illegal activities.
• Some powerful organized crime groups work with terrorists particularly in and around the main
ports of India (Mumbai) and Pakistan (Karachi) for facilitating the illicit movement of people, arms,
and explosives.
• Conversely, organized crime groups may employ terrorist tactics, including the strategic use of
violence, to achieve their objectives.
• There is the potential exploitation of organized crime networks to procure firearms or fraudulent
documents, and move goods and people used in attacks by terrorist groups. In India’s North-Eastern
region, transnational drugs’ and arms’ syndicates are used to mobilize funds for armed insurgent
groups. In Kashmir, counterfeit currency, hawala transactions etc. are channels of organized crime
used to sponsor militancy.
India is a transit point for movement of narcotic drugs produced in the regions of Golden Triangle in the
east and Golden Crescent to the West. The increase in consumption within the region, and the threat
posed by narcotics to health, economy and law & order is also contributing to regional insecurity.
Steps taken to tackle the problem of drug menace in India are -
• Statutory measures: These include three Central Acts, viz. Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, The
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and The Prevention of Illicit Traffic in
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988.
• Institutional measures: Narcotics Control Bureau was established in 1986 to function as
coordinating and enforcement agency to administer these acts.
• International Conventions: India has ratified various international conventions of UN and SAARC
aimed at tackling organized crime and transnational drug smuggling, e.g. UN Convention Against
Organised Crime. India has also supported the global efforts led by UN office on drug and crime
(UNODC) to curb perpetrating drug menace
• Inter-Governmental Initiatives: India has entered into various arrangements with Nepal, Thailand
and Myanmar, Joint Working Groups on Counter Terrorism and Judicial Cooperation with the
countries in the region.
• Policy measures: India has formulated National Policy on Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances which has given equal emphasis on supply and demand reduction.
• Stepping up of border and coastal security to prevent drug smuggling.
• The Union Government provides financial assistance up to 90% to voluntary organizations for setting
up or running Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts
• Increasing awareness among citizens about ill effects of drug consumption and about rehabilitation
centres.
Further measures must be taken towards ensuring synchronization and coherence among domestic laws
of neighbouring countries to deter drug traffickers and also for translational exchange of criminals. India
should work on developing common strategies to tackle the emerging threat of drug trafficking through
the maritime route as well.

18 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

18. Identify the key threats to national security in the wake of climate change. Also, highlight India’s stand
and rationale on UN’s decision to declare climate change as an international security issue.
Approach:
• In brief, showcase the linkage between climate change and security.
• Discuss how climate change poses a challenge to the national security.
• Discuss rationale behind India’s stance on UN’s decision to declare climate change as an
international security issue.
Answer:
Climate Change is now being labelled as ‘Warming War (like cold war)’ – it is likely to drive regional and
global conflict, and as per a Pentagon Report it poses immediate risks to national security. It threatens
access and availability of basic needs, and the innate human survival instinct will make it a threat
multiplier to global peace and security, in the following manner:
• Local Resource Competition: Climate change can threaten access to resources like food, water, land,
shelter, etc. which can lead to violent conflicts. For example: Competition over access to pasture,
water, fuelwood, and productive farmland – between pastoralists and farmers, and communities
and clans – could intensify conflicts and forced migration.
• Displacement & Livelihood Insecurity: Climate change can induce forced migration which can breed
societal tensions both at source and destination. For example: Changing climate was also a factor for
the exodus of migrants from across the affected countries into Europe during Arab Spring.
• Extreme Weather Events & Disasters: Climate change will exacerbate fragile situation and can
increase vulnerabilities and grievances especially in countries affected by conflict. For example:
Extreme Weather Events like floods, cyclones, droughts are common in the affected regions.
• Transboundary Water Management: is likely to become a challenge in the face of increasing
demand for water as climate change affects both the availability and quality of water. For example:
Rising tensions on water-sharing between India-China, India-Pakistan, and sub-national governments
in India (Cauvery Dispute) pose threat to national security.
• Unintended effects: In countries with poor institutional capacity and governance, may lead to
political disillusionment and ultimately civil war. For example: Drought, crop failures and high food
prices fueled the early unrest in Syria.
Keeping this in mind, United Nations Security Council deliberated on the impacts of climate related
disasters on international peace and security. There has been a sudden rush at the UN to declare climate
change as an international security issues– this would mean the UNSC could take military and non-
military measures to force errant nations to comply with climate negotiations. India has opposed the
same, for the following reasons:
• Disrupts Multilateral Efforts: India is wary of the fact that UNSC taking-over enforcement of the
climate change action will disrupt the Paris Agreement and other multilateral efforts to find
solutions.
• Expansion of Jurisdiction: of UNSC beyond its original mandate while it is still struggling to fulfil its
original mandate.
• Exclusive nature of UNSC: UNSC does not reflect the contemporary world order and decision-
making structure of the Council is opaque and secretive. Climate Justice has to be inclusive which
can be ensured by a participatory institution like UNFCCC.
• Limited perspective of UNSC: Climate Change is a multidimensional issue involving not just political
but social, economic, demographic and humanitarian factors. UNSC has mainly a political mandate
and it could have a limited perspective, and be biased towards certain countries, based on their own
geo-political interests, as has been seen in the past.
• Undermines Sovereignty and Right to Self-determination of other countries.
The burden of climate change is distributed unevenly, especially amongst the developing countries and
small island nations, who have historically been the lowest polluters. The linkage between climate
change and security is evident – however, any global response needs to be multi-dimensional and built
from bottom-up, rather than centralized in one agency.

19 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

19. Explaining the concept of data exclusivity, bring out the arguments for and against incorporating data
exclusivity norms in India's IPR regime.
Approach:
• Explain the concept of data exclusivity.
• Give a brief status of current scenario regarding data exclusivity in India.
• Provide arguments in favour as well as against data exclusivity protection through incorporation in
India’s IPR regime.
• Provide a way forward.
Answer:
Data Exclusivity refers to the protection of clinical trial data submitted to the regulatory authorities to
prove safety and efficacy of a new drug for market approval. Under the protection of data exclusivity,
such data cannot be relied on by other companies for a limited period of time for obtaining market
approval without the holder’s authorization, though other companies are not precluded from generating
their own data to obtain market approval. This concept is generally related to chemical entities,
pharmaceutical compositions and agrochemical registration data or test data.
Currently India provides data exclusivity for 4 years. Due to international obligation especially from USA
and European Union, Government is thinking of increasing this period to 10 years. It is being argued that
data exclusivity should be incorporated in India’s IPR regime as it is a TRIPS plus measure.
Arguments in favour of incorporation of data exclusivity in IPR regime of India are:
• Check unfair competition: Under data exclusivity, second entrant must seek mandatory
authorization from the originator's data and prove bioequivalence according to international
standards. Currently, by merely making reference to the originator's submitted data gives an undue
advantage to the other players, especially generic drugs manufacturer.
• Enable cost recovery: It enables companies to recover the costs incurred in research, obtaining the
marketing approval etc.
• Encourage investment in R&D: Indian patients will gain from the accelerated access to new medical
therapies and launching of more world-class clinical trials management.
• Avoid trade sanctions: If implemented, India may be excluded from the list of “Priority Watch List”
of United States Trade Representative (USTR).
However, several arguments have been advanced against data exclusivity protection through IPR
incorporation:
• It is argued that it is a superfluous form of protection as the data exclusivity period is often granted
without the originator having to demonstrate any of the basic principles of novelty or inventiveness.
So, it undermines genuine innovation as it encourages originator companies to focus on making
changes in existing products rather than focusing on developing new, innovative and beneficial
products.
• Incorporation of data exclusivity norms would negate the impact of section 3(d) of the Patents Act
which currently disallows ever greening of patents.
• Delay the entry of generics beyond the 20-year patent period, thus denying access to cheaper
medicines.
• High prices may give drug companies more incentive to misrepresent the safety and effectiveness of
their drugs.
The Indian government has consistently taken the stand that Article 39(3) of TRIPS does not oblige
member states to introduce data exclusivity legislation in the country.
There is a need to find a formula which ensures that interest of all can be reconciled with the larger
interest of the common people in developing and third world nations. One of the possible solutions can
be creating a legal framework for the Compensatory Liability Model (CLM) where generic manufacturers
provide reasonable compensation to the originator of data for its use.

20 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS

20. Compare and contrast fifth generation (5G) of wireless telecom technology with 4G technology. What
challenges need to be overcome for 5G's pan-India rollout?
Approach:
• Give a brief introduction about 4G and 5G technology.
• Compare 4G and 5G on different parameters such as speed, bandwidth etc.
• Discuss the challenges that India is likely to face in 5G deployment.
Answer:
4G and 5G are generations of wireless cellular connectivity. 5G is the next generation cellular technology
that will provide faster and more reliable communication with ultra low latency. A comparison between
these successive generations of wireless cellular connectivity can be drawn across the following
parameters:
• Bandwidth: 5G technology will be able to broadcast at frequencies between 30GHz and 300GHz,
compared with the bands below 6GHz used for 4G. Hence 5G can support more data.
• Speed: As per the specifications by ITU, the peak speed of 5G would be 20Gbps while in case of 4G it
is 100Mbps for high mobility or 1Gbps for more stationary applications.
• Device handling capacity: 5G will be able to provide super-fast data speeds to an additional 1,000
devices per square meter, thus catering to more number of people.
• Latency: Latency is the term used in network technology to measure the delay of the signal packets
reaching from one node to other. Latency of 4G network is in the range of 200 to 100 milliseconds
while for 5G it is lower at just 1 to 3 milliseconds.
• Reliability: 5G would be able to provide pervasive connectivity for faster and more resilient access to
internet users across varied geographical locations.
Challenges in 5G's pan-India rollout
• Higher spectrum price: The reserve price for proposed spectrum band for 5G services has been fixed
at a higher side as compared to other countries. Further, pressure for generating more revenue and
profitability in telecom sector, coupled with lack of clear business case for 5G may delay 5G launch in
India.
• Lack of a regulatory framework: There is a need of policy to help the operators and ecosystem
prepare their products and services for 5G roll-out, and enable backhaul and network solutions to
reach rural India on time.
• Backhaul issue: Backhaul is a network that connects cells sites to central exchange. Currently, in
India, over 80% of cell sites are connected through microwave backhaul which faces bandwidth
issues, while only 20% sites are connected through fiber which can offer unlimited capacity and low
latency.
• Interoperability issues: Developing standards that support interoperability among different
products, systems and technologies remains a major challenge faced by 5G.
• Lack of skilled professionals: There is a shortage of skilled professionals who can further the
advance of 5G technology throughout the country.
• Reluctance of people: Unaddressed rumours related to possible health hazards posed by 5G
radiations can further delay its widespread adoption.
The government needs to take steps to overcome these challenges to achieve the launch of 5G in India
by 2020 and get benefits from the cumulative economic impact of about $1 trillion by 2035 due to its
timely deployment.

Copyright © by Vision IAS

All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted
in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior
permission of Vision IAS.

21 www.visionias.in ©Vision IAS