EDEN IAS

(MODEL ANSWERS)
STEPS -06/08/2018- GS I
Q1. ”Satyagraha was a brilliant political tool it not only exposed the tyranny ingrained in the
system but also explored the inherent inadequacies associated with an alien despot.”-Analyse
(10)

Answer:

Satyagraha is the most important contribution of Gandhiji to social philosophy and movement.
It emerged as a weapon of conflict resolution. Gandhiji's fundamental belief is in satya, 'truth,'
which he also calls God. Satya is the ruling principle of the universe. Satya manifests itself in all
living beings, especially in humans, as self-consciousness or soul or spirit. According to Gandhi,
love is the law of our being. The only appropriate relation between human beings is love. And
by love he means what one may usually call compassion that is unconditional practical concern
for the welfare and happiness of others. Such love implies ahimsa, non-violence, as a principle
of social and political action. The achievement of political and moral ends through ahimsa is
what Gandhi called Satyagraha, 'truth force' or non-violent action, which is not passive or
sullen. It calls for courage, strength of character and positive contribution to a righteous cause.
Gandhiji's doctrine of non-violence is absolute. In some circumstances, he thinks, it might be
better to choose violence than submit to injustice.

Gandhi's Satyagraha was an act of moral creativity. For Gandhi, Satyagraha was not only a
political weapon but a weapon of creativity. Satyagraha is a means of establishing faith
inhuman beings as also in God. The philosophy of Satyagraha holds that every human being is
capable of doing well and thinking good. Satyagraha aim is to bear self-suffering in order to
generate a meltdown on the part of the other. Possibility of a moral dialogue with the other is
essential for Satyagraha to succeed. In this sense, Satyagraha is a moral act. It recognises the
morality of the other. Satyagraha is the only means of change that does not make a villain of
the other. Satyagraha is liberating. It liberates both the oppressed of his bondages and the
oppressor of his need to behave inhumanly with others. Satyagraha is the best weapon to
ensure and sustain human rights. The birth of non-violence as a political theory is seen as a
seminal contribution of Gandhi to conflict resolution.
Gandhi's approach to peace is based on Satyagraha. Satyagraha is the moral alternative to war.
Gandhi showed us the way to use it for problem-solving and conflict-resolution from micro-
level to macro- level. Gandhi's Satyagraha proved to be an effective means for political redress.
Many of the contemporary challenges related to war and peace, terrorism, human rights,
sustainable development, climate change, socio-political unrest, and politico-administrative
corruption could be faced through adoption of the Gandhian Way. The twenty-first century
world has much to learn from it.

Q2. “Sugar industry in India can increase its profitability only when a reduced cost of
cultivation is accompanied by improvements in the productivity per unit.”- Elaborate (10)

Answer:

Sugar industries development is backbone to economic development of the nation. In India, Sugar
industry is the second largest agro-based industry and it contributes significantly to the socio economic
development of the nation. Indian sugar industry is also a major sector to create employment probably
7.5 per cent in Indian Economy. The sugar industry plays a leading role in global market being the
world’s second largest producer after Brazil, producing nearly15 and 25 per cent of global sugar and
sugarcane respectively.

The sugar industry produces around 300-350 million tonnes (Mt) cane, 20-22 Mt white sugar and 6-8 Mt
jiggery and khandasri to fulfill the domestic consumption of sweeteners. The industry is able to export
around 1300 MW of power to the grid. Sugar industry is also involve to make avail of sugar complexes
by manufacturing sugar, bio-electricity, bio-ethanol, bio-manure and chemical. These contribute about 1
per cent to National GDP. Sugar industries in India remains regulated and are a source of livelihood for
50 million farmers and their families. It provides direct employment to over 5 lakh not only for skilled
laborers but also to semi-skilled laborers in sugar mills and allied industries across the nation. The
annual turnover of the sugar industry in India was estimated at Rs.41, 000 crore and it has been paying
taxes to the government Rs.2, 500 crore per annum.

In sugar industry to increase profitability we should reduce the cost of cultivation and
improving the productivity per unit. It is possible through new research innovations,
technological interventions and mechanization. It would be effective, if an efficient research
and development effort on sugarcane is taken. So, the government should initiate to improve
the sugar cultivation where cane yield and sugar need to be improved substantially.

Q3. “The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win.”-In the
light of the above statement discus the achievements and failures of the Proletarian revolution
(15)

Answer:

A proletarian revolution is a social revolution in which the working class attempts to overthrow
the bourgeoisie. Proletarian revolutions are generally advocated by socialists, communists and
most anarchists. Marxists believe proletarian revolutions can and will likely happen in all
capitalist countries, related to the concept of world revolution.

The October Revolution radically abolished private ownership of the means of production. For
the first time in history, the viability of a nationalized planned economy was demonstrated, not
in theory but in practice. Over one-sixth of the earth's surface, in a gigantic, unprecedented
experiment, it was proved that it was possible to run society without capitalists, landowners
and moneylenders.

Under frightful conditions of economic, social and cultural backwardness, the regime of
workers' democracy established by Lenin and Trotsky began the titanic task of dragging Russia
out of backwardness on the basis of a nationalized planned economy. The results have no
precedent in economic history. Within the space of two decades Russia had established a
powerful industrial base, developed industry, science and technology and abolished illiteracy. It
achieved remarkable advances in the fields of health, culture and education. This was at a time
when the Western world was in the grip of mass unemployment and economic collapse in the
Great Depression.

The achievements of Soviet industry, science and technology have already been explained. But
there was another side to the picture. The democratic workers’ state established by Lenin and
Trotsky was replaced by the deformed bureaucratic state of Stalin. This was a terrible
regression, signifying the liquidation of the political power of the working class, but not of the
fundamental socio-economic conquests of October. The new property relations, which had
their clearest expression in the nationalized planned economy, remained. Also the proletariat
leadership vacillated a lot regarding the method of struggle. Some shunned violence while
some celebrated violence and declared it to be indispensability. Yet others found themselves
somewhere in between.

The dictatorship of the proletariat as the instrument of the proletarian revolution. The question
of the proletarian dictatorship is above all a question of the main content of the proletarian
revolution. The proletarian revolution, its movement, its sweep and its achievements acquire
flesh and blood only through the dictatorship of the proletariat. The dictatorship of the
proletariat is the instrument of the proletarian revolution, its organ, its most important
mainstay, brought into being for the purpose of, firstly, crushing the resistance of the
overthrown exploiters and consolidating the achievements of the proletarian revolution, and
secondly, carrying the revolution to the complete victory of socialism. The revolution can defeat
the bourgeoisie; can overthrow its power, even without the dictatorship of the proletariat. But
the revolution will be unable to crush the resistance of the bourgeoisie, to maintain its victory
and to push forward to the final victory of socialism unless, at a certain stage in its
development, it creates a special organ in the form of the dictatorship of the proletariat as its
principle mainstay. Further the socialist who condemned war in imperial and capitalist
countries joined an armed race during the cold war. Barring few instances, there was no victory
for them in the democratic setup this was also a major reason for failure.

Q4. “In a multiethnic country like India, extracting a common national identity out of the
numerous distinct social identities is a cumbersome task”- Elucidate (15)

Answer:

Identity is about how an individual defines himself or herself and how others perceive him or her. It is
formed through the process of socialization and the influence of social institutions like family, peer
group, etc. A person with a strong sense of identity is one who knows where s/he is in life, has accepted
this position and has workable goals for change and growth.

Social identity is the self-awareness of an individual based on his or her association to the
society or any particular group/s. It is defined as that part of the self which refers to cognitions
arising from societal position of the individual.

National Identity: National identity is the form of social identity decided by birth or citizenship
of a person in a country. Nationalism is the concept arising after the movement of national
liberation as a result of colonial rule and reformations of nations in Asia and Africa. National
identity is strengthened with the emergence of nationalism but is formed as a cognitive
construct during the developmental phase. Nationality of a person determines the national
identity, but nationality is dependent on citizenship of the country. Nation is considered as a
deep, horizontal comradeship, in a form of „imagined community

Cultural Identity: The term „culture‟ refers to the language, values, beliefs, norms, customs,
clothing, food, gender roles, knowledge and skills, and all the other things that people acquire
that make up the „way of life‟ of a society. Cultural identity is a part of socialization process of
an individual. Parental migration, mother’s cultural knowledge and orientation (teaching about
culture, language) demographic characteristics such as education, and degree of community
urbanization influence cultural identity

Regional Identity: Regional identity is somewhat a related concept to state-nation induced

identity. In India, states divided on the basis of language and regions give an exclusive example
of regional identity. Since the regional or territorial principle is drawn from a belief in ancient
heritage, encapsulated in the notion of “sacred geography‟, and figures in both imaginations, it
has acquired political hegemony over time. Territory is a part of the national identity, but
overpowering as an in group when it comes to preference.

Religious Identity: Religion as identified in psychology is a set of beliefs and practices related to
the divine, God or sacredness. Religion is a system of belief in a divine or supernatural power,
practices of worship and other rituals directed towards such a power.

Gender Identity: Gender has two components, namely Masculinity (M) and Femininity (F).
While early literature used these two terms sex and gender interchangeably, from the late
1930s, femininity and masculinity had come to be recognized as significant dimensions of
personality rather than as given but invisible properties of biological maleness and femaleness
(i.e. as psychological processes within are different from appearance). Although sex is a trait
determined by birth, gender is psychological in nature. Gender identity is influenced by the
society but developed inwardly in the individual.

In a multiethnic country like India, extracting a common national identity out of the numerous
distinct social identities is a cumbersome task. India, in spite of its rich cultural heritage and
glorious past in terms of one of the great ancient civilizations, today somehow lacks in offering
a unified identity milieu for its citizens. The various sub categories of caste, class, ethnic and
linguistic groups dominate the identity of Indians.

The question which arises at this point is why in spite of being one of world’s largest
democracies, Indians lag in fulfilling the constitutional pre-requisite of equality and fraternity.
Expressions of emotions and expansion of thoughts are somehow paralyzed among Indians due
to loss of the respect and utilization of their own language. The probable reason for this can be
located in the Indians’ colonial subjugation. The derivation of common national identity for
Indians hence calls for an interdisciplinary research paradigm.
 EDEN IAS
(MODEL ANSWERS)
STEPS -07/08/2018- GS II
Q1. “The fundamental rights must not be viewed only as limitations upon legislations they
can also act as source of inspiration for legislators”-Elaborate. (10)

Answer:

Basically, human rights create negative obligations for the state—duties not to interfere with
our free speech, life, liberty, property, and occupation. On this function of human rights there is
general agreement. Much more controversial is the question of the extent to which human
rights also create positive obligations for the state, especially obligations to protect and
promote human rights. On the international level this discussion is organized around different
sets of rights contained in different treaties: the convention on civil and political rights and that
of economic, social, and cultural rights. This example is followed in many constitutional
systems: they organize different sets of rights, often with different degrees of enforceability.
Countries like the United States restrict themselves in principle to defensive rights.

To such category of human rights we can place the Fundamental rights which perhaps form the
core of our constitution. These have been often seen as limitation upon state action but they
can also have some positive impact over legislation. For instance they do not allow the
legislators to deviate from the core principles of individual liberty obviously subject to general
welfare. They help in reminding the cherished ideals that inspired our freedom movement and
which must inspire our subsequent legislation. They help in creating laws which remain hinged
to the idea of social justice and economic opportunity. They help is making laws that adhere to
the principles of secularism. In total they help in upholding human dignity as paramount
necessity.

Q2. “India must step up its efforts to fight overweight and obesity just as it has been doing
with wasting and stunting.”-Examine (10)

Answer:

It is clear that India has a lot to do to tackle nutrition challenges — 26 million children suffer
from wasting (a low weight-for-height ratio), more than in any other country. Yet, the country
has the second highest number of obese children in the world — 15.3 million in China and 14.4
million in India. While tackling undernutrition through assurance of adequate nutrition (usually
interpreted as dietary calories), we need to ensure that it is also about appropriate nutrition
(the right balance of nutrients). Our policy response has to move from “food security” to
“nutrition security”.

India must step up its efforts to fight overweight and obesity just as it has been doing with
wasting and stunting. Between 1980and 2015, obesity doubled for children and tripled for
adults; an additional 2.6 million children will be obese in India by 2025, a trend that will not
reverse without action. Rising obesity is putting pressure on already fragile health systems in
India by posing a high risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and
some cancers (clubbed together as non-communicable diseases or NCDs). Research shows that
Indians have higher levels of body fat and lower levels of lean muscle when compared to many
other populations.

India can ill-afford to ignore as it looks ambitiously toward a universal health coverage system
where everyone can access quality health services that are free of financial burden. The rise in
obesity is deeply concerning because just as growing up underweight gives that person a
lifetime of health problems so does a childhood of being overweight. The potent combination
of Indian children eating more junk food while becoming increasingly sedentary puts them at an
even greater risk. Research has shown that early warning signs for fatty liver disease can be
found in children as young as eight if they had larger-than-advised waistlines when they were
three. Most of these problems are associated with bad eating habits and can engender life-style
related diseases. The National Health policy 2017 addresses this part of India’s health problem
by highlighting measures to fight life style related diseases.

By making connections to both under- and over-nutrition, health advocates should make
economic and social arguments to spur a ‘whole-of-government’ approach to these ‘whole- of
society’ problems. Tackling obesity benefits the economy and the environment, as healthy and
sustainable diets are good for productivity levels and the planet. It is now time to get ahead of
this unfolding health crisis and save lives and money in the process.

Q3. “To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.”- In the light of
the above statement discuss the achievements and failures of the National Commission for
Human Rights in India. Suggest some steps to make it a more efficient body. (15)

Answer:

The national human rights commission is a statutory body established under the provisions of
Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It is responsible for looking into cases of excesses which
are violating human rights and to strengthen the efforts to uphold the human rights in the
country. Three specific objectives of the establishment of the NHRC were mentioned. These are
  To strengthen the institutional arrangements through which human rights issues could
be addressed in their entirety in a more focused manner;
 To look into allegations of excesses independently of the government, in a manner that
would underline the government’s commitment to protect human rights; and
 To complement and strengthen the efforts that have already been made in this
direction.

The Act itself states its objectives as to “provide for the constitution of the National and State
Human Rights Commissions and Human Rights Courts for better protection of human rights
and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.”

The National Human Rights Commission undoubtedly has some laudable achievements to its
credit. The Commission has taken up many important cases for the better protection and
promotion of human rights in the country. Some important cases the Commission took up
include the following:

 Custodial Deaths
 Police Excesses (Torture, Illegal Detention/Unlawful Arrest, False Implication etc.);
 Fake Encounter;
 Refugees;
 Cases related to Women and Children;
 Atrocities on Dalits/ Members of Minority Community/ Disabled;
 Bonded Labour; and
 Armed Forces/ Paramilitary Forces, etc
 Bringing into forefront the various draconian provisions of TADA.
 Waging fight in the court of law against Arunachal Pradesh government for its apathy
towards Chakma refugees.
 Its suo moto cognizance in the case of Gujarat riots and filed a special leave petition
before the Supreme Court.
 Active interventions in cases of plight of manual scavengers.

The Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2006, the first and the only amendment of
the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 that created the NHRC could not bring much
significant improvement in making the Commission an effective and efficient institution. It is
still characterized by

 Lack of jurisdiction to independently investigate human rights violations perpetrated by

the armed forces;
 Negligible powers of enforcement;
 Complete financial dependence on the Central Government;
 A politicized appointment process that all but assures reliable and government- friendly
Commission members;
  A staff hiring process that borrows most staff members from other government
departments for relatively short assignments at the Commission;
 A chronic shortage of well-trained and resourced staff;
 A lack of capacity the avalanche of individual complaints in a timely manner; and
 Inexcusable parliamentary delays in considering the NHRC’s annual reports, thereby
delaying the report’s public release.
 Its recommendations are not binding.
 It doesn’t have powers to punish the violators or award relief to the victims.
 It cannot take cognizance of the violations after the period of 1 year.

The effectiveness of NHRC will be greatly enhanced by empowering NHRC powers to enforce its
orders. Also it needs penal powers against authorities which do not implement its orders. NHRC
to play meaningful role in society it must have majority of members having a proven record of
human rights activism or expertise or qualifications in the area. NHRC needs to develop an
independent cadre of staff with appropriate experience. Ambit of NHRC must be widened to
include all cases of human rights violation throughout the country. Awareness about human
rights must be enhanced by curriculum, education and by other campaigns.

Though there are various lacunas in the functioning of NHRC it cannot be termed as toothless.
The cognizance of matters by NHRC has an immense potential to address the human rights
violations in the days of vibrant media and through the route of courts.

Q4. “It is important that the Indo-Pacific Region (IPR) and Quad format are not confused with
each other. The Indian view of IPR is positive — that is an open and inclusive arrangement
which is not directed against any country nor intended to contain any country.”-Comment
(15)

Answer:

The Quadrilateral format of U.S.-Japan-India-Australia is one of the many multilateral dialogues

in the region, and not directed against any country. It is not part of the Indo-Pacific region
concept outlined the Prime Minister of India in Shangri La.

The Prime minister in his speech declared that it is important to understand that the Indo-
Pacific Region (IPR) and Quad format are not confused with each other. The Indian view of IPR
is positive — this is an open and inclusive arrangement, which is not directed against any
country nor intended to contain any country. He was referring to the general belief that the
Quad arrangement came together in November 2017 in an effort to contain China’s aggressive
actions in the South China Sea, and in India’s neighbourhood.
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD) is the strategic dialogue between four countries viz. India,
United States, Japan and Australia. It was originally initiated in 2007 but later disbanded with
withdrawal of Australia. It has been recently revived and is being viewed as response to
increased Chinese economic and military power. China not exactly warning the Quad but on a
stricter note has issued a statement that it would appreciate mutual trust among countries and
regions, but at the same time it has given a hint that it should not be directed against a third
party. It has also called the Quad as an Asian NATO.

This must be seen in the background of improved relations with China in the last few months,
and the Wuhan Summit where Mr. Modi travelled to China to meet President Xi Jinping.

In June 2018, at the end of the second Quad meeting, attended by joint secretary-level officials,
all four countries issued separate but similar statements. Amongst the divergences were lines
committing the Quad to “safeguarding and strengthening” the Indo-Pacific region that were
issued by the U.S., Australia and Japan, while the phrase was absent in the Indian statement.
India also spoke of its Indo-Pacific policy in “plurilateral formats,” which the others didn’t.

India's vision for the Indo-Pacific region is that of a free, open and inclusive region that
embraces all in a common pursuit of progress and prosperity. India does not see the Indo-
Pacific region as a strategy or as a club of limited members. India's vision for the Indo-Pacific
Region is a positive one with many elements. Quadrilateral dialogue not only has a security
purpose but also focuses on achieving political and economic objectives. It must not be seen as
a body to contain China, at least from the Indian perspective.
 EDEN IAS
(MODEL ANSWERS)
STEPS -08/08/2018- GS III
Q1. “India has a mature but poorly separated civil and strategic space as well as nuclear
programme.”- Comment (10)

Answer:

India has a substantial nuclear and space capability. This includes a mature space and ballistic
missile capability, a novel and ambitious nuclear fuel cycle, and a capable indigenous industry
to support both. The weak separation of civil and strategic nuclear assets is of great concern.

India’s three stage nuclear programme includes fast-breeder reactors, which are on paper at
least, capable of creating plutonium suitable for use in nuclear weapons (depending on the
fissile material loaded). Second stage Fast Breeder Reactors have not been submitted to IAEA
safeguards. Furthermore, the supply of uranium from other countries allows India to burn this
safeguarded fuel in their safeguarded facilities whilst using their sizeable natural uranium
resources to breed plutonium and produce weapons-grade uranium for an expansion of their
nuclear arsenal.

It is difficult to assess the degree to which India has sought to separate its defence-specific
missile programme and space rocketry programme. It is the case that the defence-specific
missile programme is of maturity and no longer requires Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) assistance, but basic and applied research continues, and Department of Space operated
space assets are used by the Indian Armed Forces for navigation, communications, and
reconnaissance. Military and space programmes also share indigenous supply chains.

Defence-relevant technology research, design and development are conducted by a range of

military and civil entities. A weak distinction between defence-related civil research and
genuine civilian-purpose only research complicates observation of Indian strategic entities. For
example, many private civil research institutions in India cooperate closely with strategic
weapons entities in the defence sector at the same time as cooperating internationally with
civil entities abroad on topics, research, and items that may have defence value.

This unclear separation should raise concerns about the unwitting/witting assistance of foreign
entities when engaging with Indian entities who are stakeholders in the strategic weapons
programme. Hence India should immediately address this issue.
Q2. “The Army’s unconscionable delay in acquiring modern small arms severely compromises
the infantry’s operational efficiency, especially in counter-insurgency warfare.”- Elucidate (10)

Answer:

In the last five years, the small arms profile of India’s paramilitary forces has emerged as
significantly superior to that of the Army, which continues to struggle to acquire even basic
weapons for its infantry units.

Since 2010, the Army has operated without a carbine. It is also struggling with similar self-
defeating and hidebound acquisition procedures to acquire an assault rifle. It is still years away
from selecting one, let alone inducting it into service.

Succeeding Army chiefs have declared the procurement of both weapon systems to be ‘top
priority’, but years later, following extended trials and interminable evaluations, this priority
remains unfulfilled.

On the other hand, the central paramilitary forces have, over the same time frame, inducted a
range of modern carbines and assault rifles into service. Undoubtedly, their numbers are fewer
than the Army’s, but there is a procedural lesson for the Army in the relative swiftness with
which the central paramilitary forces have shortlisted, evaluated, tested, and finally acquired
the weapon systems.

Ironically, instead of the bigger and more battle-hardened Army setting an example in small
arms acquisitions, the opposite has been true, due largely to the central paramilitary forces’
less encumbered acquisition procedures and swifter decision-making processes. Since 2010-
2011, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have acquired some 34,377 ‘Storm’ MX-4 sub-
machine guns from Italy’s Beretta, with under barrel grenade launchers (UBGLs) and around
68,000 AK-47 variant assault rifles from Bulgaria’s Arsenal. A follow-on order by the CRPF for
60,000-odd AK-47s is under acquisition.

In comparison, the Indian Army’s unending saga of small arms acquisitions makes dismal telling.
This is due to utter confusion in determining their qualitative requirements (QRs) and the
inherent systemic inefficiencies for which the Army has to assume ownership.

Attempts to import around 1,000 sniper rifles for the Army’s Special Forces in 2010-11 under
the Fast Track Procurement route proved fruitless and have been abandoned, even though the
requirement remains a priority. Unfortunately, even such specialist rifles, which can potentially
alter not only the course of battles and politics but even history, remain elusive for the Indian
Army. So if we want that our soldiers do not suffer any longer due to the want of strategic
weaponry we must address this issue.
Q3. “The Indian banking sector is close to a breaking point as assets and deposits remain
dominated by public-owned banks, who are struggling under the weight of crippling NPAs.”-
Critically Analyse (15)

Answer:

Declared gross non-performing assets (NPAs) at public-sector banks have risen to at least 6.2
trillion rupees, with an additional 1.5 trillion rupees of restructured standard assets. In total,
these represent 14.6 percent of advances, three times the percentage for their private-sector
peers. As of writing, all the nationalised banks except SBI are trading at less than book value,
and the majority are at less than half book value. Over the 2016 and 2017 fiscal years, taxpayers
have seen a loss of 400 billion rupees from the public-sector banks, with all of them losing
money except SBI. But we don’t know how bad the situation is. Unlike in Europe, the scope of
the criteria used to judge asset quality has been rather restricted, and the impact of asset
quality could be larger than estimated so far.

No public, system-wide effort has been made to assess the adequacy of provisions against
these NPAs or of the sustainability of the restructured assets. Most independent observers,
such as ICRA, India Ratings, Moody’s, and Fitch, estimate that between 1.25 trillion and 1.35
trillion rupees of capital will be needed for the banks to meet their capital requirements for the
2019 fiscal year.

We read almost daily about the initiatives taken by the Reserve Bank of India, the government,
and even the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to address the problem of bad
corporate loans and improve mechanisms for more-effective recovery of these debts. More
recently, we have seen the Reserve Bank asking banks to initiate forced bankruptcy proceedings
against 12 large loan defaulters that account for 25% of banking system’s bad loans. We have
also seen the government commit to limited capital infusions to help shore up public-sector
banks via its “Indradhanush” recapitalisation programme. However post demonetization and
Prompt corrective action the situation is improving. The Economic survey 2017-18 suggested
the 4Rs viz. Recognition; Recapitalization; Resolution and Reform. Since then things have
improved yet a lot is required.

What we have yet to see is a comprehensive vision of how the sector can return to
sustainability. This should encompass the industry itself – via bodies such as the Indian Banks’
Association (IBA) as well as individual institutions – regulators, policymakers, academia, public
advocacy groups, and other industry experts. The questions which this discourse should address
include:
1. What is the extent of the damage? Will actions aimed at corporate debt recovery and
balance sheet remediation, such as limited capital infusions and regulatory relief on
accounting norms, will be adequate to restore the sector to a sustainable state without
structural reforms?
2. How the governance frameworks failed so spectacularly, and what can be done to address
this going forward?
3. What is the range of ways in which the government could resolve the current problems?

In addressing these questions, this discourse needs to further set a medium-term vision for the
sector which articulates clear objectives for the governments continued role (if any) in the
ownership of banks. However such a transformation of the banking sector would be a
Herculean task given the socio-political challenges, and would require strong political will and a
well-planned transition.

Q4. “Food processing industry is of enormous significance for India because of the vital
linkages it provides, the synergies it promotes and the progressive improvement it makes in
the value chain network.”- Discuss (15)

Answer:

Food processing industry is of enormous significance for India’s development because of the
vital linkages and synergies it promotes between the two pillars of our economy, industry and
agriculture. Fast growth in the food processing sector and simultaneous improvement in the
development of value chain are also of great importance to achieve favourable terms of trade
for Indian agriculture both in the domestic and the international markets. The sector however,
has to go a long way. Even important is the crucial contribution that an efficient food
processing industry could make in the nation’s food security for instance the postharvest losses
of selected fruits and vegetables are about 25 to 30 percent in our country.

Even marginal reductions in these losses are bound to give us better returns and thereby
improve the income level of the farmers. During the last one decade, India moved from a
position of scarcity to surplus in food. Given the trade in production of food commodities, the
food processing industry in India is on an assured track of growth and profitability. It is
expected to attract phenomenal investment in capital, human, technological and financial
areas. The total food production of India is estimated to double in the next 10 years.

With a number of fiscal relief and incentives, to encourage commercialisation and value
addition, Government of India has accorded ‘high priority’ status to the food processing
industry.
 SWOT Analysis of Food-Processing Industry Infrastructure in India:
Strengths
1. Round the year availability of raw materials.
2. Social acceptability of food-processing as important area and support from the central government.
3. Vast network of manufacturing facilities all over the country.
4. Vast domestic market.

Weaknesses
1. High requirement of working capital
2. Low availability of new reliable and better accuracy instruments and equipments
3. Inadequate automation information management.
4. Remuneration less attractive for talent in comparison to contemporary disciplines.
5. Inadequately developed linkages between R&D labs and industry.

Opportunities
1. Large crop and material base in the country due to agro ecological variability offers vast potential for
agro processing activities.
2. Integration of developments in contemporary technologies such as electronics, material science,
computer, bio- 119 technology etc. offer vast scope for rapid improvement and progress.
3. Opening of global markets may lead to export of our developed technologies and facilitate generation
of additional income and employment opportunities.

Threats
1. Competition from global players
2. Loss of trained manpower to other industries and other professions due to better working conditions
prevailing there may lead to further shortage of manpower.
3. Rapid developments in contemporary and requirements of the industry may lead to fast
obsolescence.

HUB AND SPOKE MODEL FOR FOOD PROCESSING

Hence, there is an opportunity for large investments in food and food processing technologies,
skill development and equipment. The major interventions in this context are, for example,
canning, dairy and food processing, specialty processing, packaging, frozen food/refrigeration
and thermo processing. Fruits; vegetables, fisheries, milk and milk products, meat and poultry,
packaged/convenience foods, alcoholic beverages and soft drinks and grains are some sectors
where the future looks promising. Health food and health food supplements are other rapidly
rising segments of this industry.
 EDEN IAS
(MODEL ANSWERS)
STEPS -10/08/2018- CURRENT AFFAIRS
Q1. “Globalisation and e-commerce have created new options and opportunities for
consumers. However, the same have also made the consumers more vulnerable than ever
before”- In the light of the above statement discuss the salient features of the Consumer
Protection Bill 2018. (10)

Answer:

Globalisation, increase in trade, emergence of new modes of dealings and supplies and e-
ommerce
c have created new options and opportunities for consumers. However, the same
have also made the consumers vulnerable to new forms of unfair trade and unethical business
practices. This necessitated the need to amend the existing framework for the protection of
rights and interests of consumers. The Consumer Protection Bill 2018 was introduced in the Lok
Sabha on 5 January 2018 and seeks to replace the existing Consumer Protection Act 1986.

Highlights of the Bill

The Bill replaces the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The Bill enforces consumer rights,
and provides a mechanism for redressal of complaints regarding defect in goods and
deficiency in services.
Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions will be set up at the District, State and
National levels for adjudicating consumer complaints. Appeals from the District and
State Commissions will be heard at the next level and from the National Commission by
the Supreme Court.
The Bill sets up a Central Consumer Protection Authority to promote, protect and
enforce consumer rights as a class. It can issue safety notices for goods and services,
order refunds, recall goods and rule against misleading advertisements.
If a consumer suffers an injury from a defect in a good or a deficiency in service, he may
file a claim of product liability against the manufacturer, the seller, or the service
provider.
The Bill defines contracts as ‘unfair’ if they significantly affect the rights of consumers. It
also defines unfair and restrictive trade practices.
The Bill establishes Consumer Protection Councils at the district, state and national
levels to render advice on consumer protection.
The Bill sets up the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions as quasi-judicial bodies to
adjudicate disputes. The Bill empowers the central government to appoint members to these
Commissions. The Bill does not specify that the Commissions will comprise a judicial member.
If the Commissions were to have members only from the executive, the principal of separation
of powers may be violated.

The Bill does not specify whom the Councils will advise. If the Councils advise the government,
it is unclear in what capacity such advice will be given.

Notwithstanding the above shortcoming, The Consumer Protection Bill 2018 has introduced
many provisions as stated above to keep up with the emerging market trends and further aims
to simplify the consumer dispute adjudication process by including provisions for electronic
filing and provisions for hearing or examination through video conferencing. Once translated
into an act, the Bill will certainly be a step forward towards protecting the rights and interests
of consumers.

Q2. “Justice BN Srikrishna Committee Report on Data Protection has the potential to
transform the entire landscape related to data privacy and usage in India.”- Elucidate. (10)

Answer:

After much wait, the Government has released Justice BN Srikrishna Committee of Experts
Report on Data Protection as well as a Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018.

This normative foundation of the proposed data protection framework is true to the ratio of
the judgment of the Supreme Court of India in Puttaswamy. The Supreme Court held that the
right to privacy is a fundamental right flowing from the right to life and personal liberty as well
as other fundamental rights securing individual liberty in the Constitution. In addition,
individual dignity was also cited as a basis for the right.

Fiduciary relationship:

The Committee observed that the regulatory framework has to balance the interests of the
individual with regard to his personal data and the interests of the entity such as a service
provider who has access to this data. It noted that the relationship between the individual and
the service provider must be viewed as a fiduciary relationship. This is due to the dependence
of the individual on the service provider to obtain a service. Therefore, the service provider
processing the data is under an obligation to deal fairly with the individual’s personal data, and
use it for the authorised purposes only.

To prevent abuse of power by service providers, the law should establish their basic obligations,
including: (i) the obligation to process data fairly and reasonably, and (ii) the obligation to give
notice to the individual at the time of collecting data to various points in the interim.
Definition of personal data

The Committee noted that it is important to define what constitutes personal information. It
defined personal data to include data from which an individual may be identified or identifiable,
either directly or indirectly. The Committee sought to distinguish personal data protection from
the protection of sensitive personal data, since its processing could result in greater harm to
the individual. Sensitive data is related to intimate matters where there is a higher expectation
of privacy (e.g., caste, religion, and sexual orientation of the individual).

Consent-based processing

The Committee noted that consent must be treated as a precondition for processing personal
data. Such consent should be informed or meaningful. Further, for certain vulnerable groups,
such as children, and for sensitive personal data, a data protection law must sufficiently protect
their interests, while considering their vulnerability, and exposure to risks online. Further,
sensitive personal information should require explicit consent of the individual.

Non-consensual processing

The Committee noted that it is not possible to obtain consent of the individual in all
circumstances. Therefore, separate grounds may be established for processing data without
consent. The Committee identified four bases for non-consensual processing: (i) where
processing is relevant for the state to discharge its welfare functions, (ii) to comply with the law
or with court orders in India, (iii) when necessitated by the requirement to act promptly (to
save a life, for instance), and (iv) in employment contracts, in limited situations (such, as where
giving the consent requires an unreasonable effort for the employer).

Participation rights

The rights of the individual are based on the principles of autonomy, self-determination,
transparency and accountability to give individuals control over their data. The Committee
categorised these rights in three categories: (i) the right to access, confirmation and correction
of data, (ii) the right to object to data processing, automated decision-making, direct marketing
and the right to data portability, and (iii) the right to be forgotten.

Enforcement models

The Committee also recommended setting up a regulator to enforce the regulatory framework.
The Authority will have the power to inquire into any violations of the data protection regime,
and can take action against any data fiduciary responsible for the same. The Authority may also
categorise certain fiduciaries as significant data fiduciaries based on their ability to cause
greater harm to individuals. Such fiduciaries will be required to undertake additional
obligations.

Q3. “The issue of Illegal migration along the eastern borders has remained a point of
controversy in Assam since independence.”- In the light of the above statement discuss the
importance and impact of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). (15)

Answer:

The second draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam was published on July 30,
2018. Of the 3.29 crore persons who applied for the inclusion of their names in the NRC, 2.89
crore have been included as citizens, leaving out around 40 lakh persons.

Assam released the final draft of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), seven months after it
released the first draft on 1 January 2018, which included 1.9 crore names out of a total
applicant pool of 3.29 crore. The Second list however, left our 40.07 lakh people wherein 2.89
rore
c people were found eligible out of 3.29 crore applicants.

This draft of the NRC is however not final and people can still appeal against the non-inclusion
of their names in the NRC. The final list of the NRC containing the names of all Indian citizens in
Assam is expected to be published by December 2018 after disposing off all claims and
objections in final registers at various levels.

Notwithstanding these criticisms, the updation of the NRC is a positive step in a number of
ways.

Firstly, once the draft is finalised, it will provide a much needed perspective on the extent of
illegal migration that has taken place into Assam in particular and the country in general. Since
the days of the Assam agitation against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, there have been wild
speculations about their actual number. The uncertainty about the number of illegal migrants
was compounded by the absence of official estimates. This allowed political parties to often
exaggerate the numbers, polarise voters and exploit the issue for electoral gains. An updated
NRC is likely to put an end to such speculations and provide a verified dataset to carry out
meaningful debates and implement calibrated policy measures.

Secondly, the issue of illegal migrants has remained an emotive one in Assam since
independence. It had even created a divergence of opinion between successive central and
state leaderships as the former continued to be accommodative towards migrants describing
the mass migration from East Pakistan as “homecoming”. Much to the dismay of the people of
Assam, some central leaders even went to the extent of denying that any illegal migration from
Bangladesh has taken place into the state. The publication of an updated NRC will vindicate the
long held argument of large sections of the people of Assam that unabated infiltration from
Bangladesh has indeed taken place and that it has upset the demographic profile of the state’s
population, especially in the border districts. This, they note, has been causing intense
competition and conflict between the indigenous people and migrants for access to resources.

Thirdly, the publication of an updated NRC is expected to deter future migrants from
Bangladesh from entering Assam illegally. The publication of the draft NRC has already created
a perception that staying in Assam without valid documentation will attract detention/jail term
and deportation. More importantly, illegal migrants may find it even more difficult to procure
Indian identity documents and avail all the rights and benefits due to all Indian citizens. Last but
not least, the inclusion of their names in the NRC will provide respite to all those Bengali
speaking people in Assam who have been, hitherto, suspected as being Bangladeshis.

Given all this, the best way forward for India appears to be to initiate talks with Bangladesh and
seek a mutually acceptable political solution for the issue of illegal immigrants. To begin with,
India needs to convince Bangladesh to undertake a domestic verification process for
determining who among those not finally listed in the NCR are its own citizens. The next step
would be to work out a deal for repatriating these persons to Bangladesh. Such a deal is in the
realm of possibility given the fact that Bangladesh has agreed to take back 85 of its citizens this
year after verifying that they had illegally entered Assam.

Q4. “Well-targeted investments in primary healthcare can improve the health of individuals
and populations, which can in turn have a positive impact on macro-economic indicators,
such as employment rates, productivity and economic growth.”- Comment (15)

Answer:

India added 450 million people over the 25 years to 2016, a period during which the proportion
of people living in poverty fell by half. This period of rising prosperity has been marked by a
"dual disease burden", a continuing rise in communicable diseases and a spurt in non-
communicable or "lifestyle" diseases, which accounted for half of all deaths in 2015, up from 42
percent in 2001-03.

The result of this disease burden on a growing and ageing population, economic development
and increasing health awareness is a healthcare industry that has grown rapidly since
liberalization.

As that happens, in rural areas, mobile technology and improved data services are expected to
play a critical role in improving healthcare delivery. Although limited, some companies are also
investing in innovative services and creating lucrative yet low-cost digital and device solutions.
MAJOR PROBLEMS OF THE INDIAN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

1) Population: India has the world’s second-largest population, rising from 760 million in
1985 to an estimated 1.3 billion in 2018. Migrants from rural areas continue to flock to
urban settlements; roughly 32% of them inhabiting cities–although estimates of this
migration vary–that are already bursting at the seams.

2) Infrastructure: India’s existing healthcare infrastructure is just not enough to meet

the needs of the population. The central and state governments do offer universal
healthcare services and free treatment and essential drugs at government hospitals.
However, the hospitals are, as we said, understaffed and under-financed, forcing t
patients to visi private medical practitioners and hospitals.

3) Insurance: India has one of the lowest per capita healthcare expenditures in the world.
Government contribution to insurance stands at roughly 32%, as opposed to 83.5% in the
UK. The high out-of-pocket expenses in India, as we detailed earlier, stem from the fact
that 76% of Indians do not have health insurance, according to data from the Insurance
Regulatory and Development Authority.

4) Rural-urban disparity: The rural healthcare infrastructure is three-tiered and includes a

sub-center, primary health center (PHC) and Community Health Centre (CHC). Indian
PHCs are short of more than 3,000 doctors, with the shortage up by 200% over the last
10 years.

5) Neglect of traditional health care system: The health system of India depends almost on
imported western models. It has no roots in the culture and tradition of the people.
6) Social Inequality: Rural, hilly and remote areas of the country are under served while in
urban areas and cities, health facility is well developed. The SC/ST and the poor people
are far away from modern health service.
7) Lack of Regulations: The lack of regulation by the government in private sector allows
doctors and hospitals to adopt unethical practices.
8) Geography of India: Sub Tropical Climate provides a ground for germination of diseases.
Due to a cumulative effect of poverty, population load and climatic factors India’s
population is seriously susceptible to diseases.
9) Fragmented Health Information System: Data is incomplete and often it is duplicated.
10) Poor educational status leads to non-utilisation of scanty health services and increase in
avoidable risk factors.
11) States under financial constraints cut expenditure on health.
Primary care serves as the cornerstone in a strong healthcare system. Primary healthcare refers
to the first level of contact between individuals and families with the health system. It includes
care for mother and child which included family planning, besides immunization, prevention of
locally endemic diseases, treatment of common diseases or injuries, provision of essential
facilities, health education, provision of food and nutrition and adequate supply of safe drinking
water. Improvising medical infrastructure, by standardizing diagnostic procedures, building
rural clinics, developing streamlined health IT systems, and improving efficiency is one way to
uplift the state of primary care in India.

There is a strong need for re-balancing of activities between primary care (general practice and
ccommunity services) and secondary (hospital) care, combined with better, more coordinated
working between these and other health and social care sectors. A shift in the model of care
with focus on community, not hospitals is what is required. This approach involves the active
maintenance of health, so that acute flare-ups and the consequent need for urgent hospital
admission are lessened. In this way, wellbeing can be improved and the need for in-patient
ccapacity in hospitals can be kept to a minimum.

Health policy experts suggest that systems, models, and providers oriented toward primary
care may achieve lower healthcare costs. Larger primary care group practices including Health
Insurance companies can apply disease management and managed care along with easy access
to primary care and care management through technology. , Similarly, the patient-centered
medical home is another model that can help in reducing healthcare spending.