Paper-3 Jan - March

2015
General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation

January to March 2015
http://www.insightsonindia.com
General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015
Table of Contents
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact
assessment; Disaster & Disaster Management ................................................................................. 16
Q. Modern India has a lot to learn from the traditional water management from the past.
Explain in what ways this can be done with special focus on water harvesting and disaster
management. (200 Words) ............................................................................................................ 16
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth,
development and employment. ......................................................................................................... 17
Q. The finance minister of India called GST as the biggest tax reform measure since
independence. Analyse the benefits that can incur to the Indian economy with its
introduction. (200 Words)............................................................................................................. 17
development and employment .......................................................................................................... 18
9) Reforms, economic growth, progress all are empty words if they do not translate into
jobs. Write a note on initiatives taken by the government to improve employment
opportunities in the country. (200 Words)................................................................................... 18
Topic: : Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth,
development and employment .......................................................................................................... 19
Q. In what ways higher levels of economic inequality hinders economic growth and social
mobility in the long run ? Discuss this statement in the light of growing inequality in India.
Make a case for re-introduction of inheritance tax in India. (200 Words) ............................... 19
Topic: Indigenization of technology and developing new technology......................................... 20
Q. DRDO has not lived upto its expectations in achieving indigenisation of defence
equipment. Critically examine the factors responsible for its sub-optimal performance and
suggest measures to improve the same. (200 Words) ................................................................ 20
Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on
industrial growth ............................................................................................................................... 21
Q. Explain the rationale behind imposing restrictions on Indian pharmaceutical companies in
charging a free market price. What are the mechanisms used by the government and add a
note on recent controversy regarding drug pricing. (200 Words) .............................................. 21
Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public
Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks
and food security; ..............................................................................................................................23
Q. FCI is a lynch pin in the food security program of India, yet failure of successive
governments to reform the organization has resulted in huge losses to the exchequer.
Highlight the deficiencies in the running of Food Corporation of India and suggest measures
to revamp it. (200 Words)..............................................................................................................23
assessment ..........................................................................................................................................24
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Q. Though the tiger census has brought the good news of increase in the number of tigers by
thirty percent, the survey methodology has drawn criticism from some quarters. Discuss. Give
your suggestions to further improve tiger conservation efforts in the country. (200 Words) ..24
development and employment.......................................................................................................... 25
Q. Rather than increasing tax rates, the government should initiate comprehensive tax
reforms and rationalization of subsidies and government expenditure to curb fiscal deficit.
Explain the statement along with the measures being taken by government in that direction.
(200 Words) .................................................................................................................................... 25
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation .................................................26
Q. Despite conservation efforts by the state the number of South African rhinos killed by
poachers has increased in the last decade. What efforts have been initiated in this regard and
how can the poaching menace tackled to achieve a positive conservation future? (200 Words)
..........................................................................................................................................................26
and food security; ..............................................................................................................................28
Q. According to the latest NSSO survey data, about 52% of the agricultural households are in
debt, which has increased over the past decade. What are the major reasons for the high
indebtedness of the Indian Farmers? What initiatives are required to be taken in order to
improve the situation at ground level? (200 Words) ...................................................................28
Topic: Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location,
upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management....................................... 30
Q. Market reform, investment subsidies, and better overall public service provision and good
governance are the key to tap the huge potential of the Food processing industry in India. In
light of statement discuss the problems faced by the industry. Also suggest ways to address
them. (200 Words) ........................................................................................................................ 30
development and employment.......................................................................................................... 31
Q) The banning of Amazons Indian arm selling electronics from warehouses and imposition
of heavy penalties by Kerala government on e-retailers like Flipkart, Jabong is an example of
the burgeoning unregulated e-commerce which calls for a comprehensive policy and
regulation of the e-commerce business in India. Critically comment. (200 Words)................. 31
Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday
life ........................................................................................................................................................33
Q) Highlight the important features of the Nuclear Liability Act while throwing light on
grounds on which it was criticised both domestically and by foreign suppliers. Add a note on
the recent breakthrough in this regard. (200 Words)..................................................................33
Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy; .............................................................................34
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Q) The recent election in Greece is a verdict against the austerity which ruined the country.
Critically analyse in the light of recent developments in Greece and its impact on EU. (200
Words) .............................................................................................................................................34
life ........................................................................................................................................................ 35
Q) Nanotechnology can be used to develop simple, effective, low-cost and environment
friendly techniques of pest control. Discuss. (200 Words).......................................................... 35
Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers; ...............................................................36
Q) What is algorithmic trading? How does increasing adoption of algorithmic trading affect
the stock markets? (200 Words) ...................................................................................................36
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation; ................................................... 37
industrial growth;..............................................................................................................................38
Q) The revenue-sharing contract which seeks to replace the New Exploration Licensing Policy
production-sharing contract regime for oil and gas exploration in India with a revenuesharing model, reveals an attitude of extreme suspicion towards the private investor. Critically
analyse. (200 Words) ....................................................................................................................38
Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it; .......................................................................39
Q) A World Bank report underscored the role of urbanisation and private sector participation
as being critical to mitigating socio-economic disadvantages. Discuss. What are reasons
behind growing inequality in South Asia and suggest measures to bridge them? (200 Words)
..........................................................................................................................................................39
industrial growth;............................................................................................................................. 40
Q) If GAAR is not implemented properly it may result in tax terrorism. Examine how and its
impact on Indians economy and ease of doing business? (200 Words)................................... 40
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation; ................................................ 41
Q) What are the various generation of bio-fuels? Why are the previous generation bio-fuels
seen as threat to food security? How do 3rd generation bio-fuels manage to address those
problems? (200 Words) ................................................................................................................. 41
Topic: mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. .................................42
Q) The alleged increment in tax rate would not be able to make smoking tobacco a less
affordable product because of its obvious loopholes in the differential treatment of different
tobacco products or different tiers of the same product. Comment (200 Words) ...................42
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation; ................................................43
Q) Coal remains the main fossil fuel for power generation in India. What are the health
impacts of air pollution from these coal-fired power plants? Also assess the success of current
environment regulatory framework for coal power plants in India. (200 Words) ....................43
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life ........................................................................................................................................................44
Q) India and USA recently committed to multi-sectoral actions to counter the emergence and
spread of Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) and cooperation in training of health workers in
preparedness for threats of infectious diseases. What is AMR? Why is it seen as a threat and
what action can be taken to counter its effects? (200 Words) ....................................................44
assessment ..........................................................................................................................................46
Q) It is said that India has a de facto Carbon Tax. Critically examine how this tax is imposed,
what are its objectives and if these objectives have been met. (200 Words) .............................46
Topic: Science and Technology (health issues)- developments and their applications and effects
in everyday life ................................................................................................................................... 47
Q) What do you understand by Big Data? Discuss some of its applications. (200 Words) ...... 47
Topic: Indian Economy Financial Sector ....................................................................................48
Q) It is said that the most recent union budget has introduced a few excellent moves that
could work towards ushering in a new era in the financial sector in India. Write a note
on them. (200 Words) ....................................................................................................................48
Topic: Indian Economy .....................................................................................................................49
Q) Recently the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the union government signed Monetary
Policy Framework Agreement between them which is hailed as historic. Examine its highlights
and this pacts importance to Indian economy. (200 Words) .....................................................49
Topic: Land reforms in India. Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial
policy and their effects on industrial growth. .................................................................................50
Q) It is said that most industrial projects in India, which are either stalled or cancelled, is due
to land acquisition problem in India. Do you agree with this assessment? Critically examine.
(200 Words) ....................................................................................................................................50
Topic: Government Budgeting; indigenization of technology; Security challenges ................... 51
Q) In the light of recent reports of governments thrust on Mane in India campaign and some
pressing problems being faced by the navy and army, critically comment on Indias defence
budget and its performance in recent years. (200 Words) .......................................................... 51
Topic: Indian Economy Financial Sector .................................................................................... 52
Q) Do you think the new monetary policy framework signed between government of India and
the RBI will help the latter get more autonomy? Critically examine. (200 Words) .................. 52
development and employment. ......................................................................................................... 53
Q) Critically examine the importance of findings and recommendations of the Interim Report
of the Bankruptcy Law Reform Committee for Indian economy. (200 Words)......................... 53
Topic: Indian Economy Employment issues ................................................................................ 54
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Q) What is the importance of Great Compression in American history? Do you think India
too can experience Great Compression? If so, suggest what policy measures need to be
implemented by the government. (200 Words) ........................................................................... 54
Topic: Investment models.................................................................................................................. 55
Q) The most recent union budget and the economic survey have pointed out that many big
infrastructure projects under PPP model are stalled thanks to variety of reasons. They suggest
revisiting and revitalising PPP model to complete stalled and new projects in a time-bound
manner. In this regard, what amendments have been proposed to PPP model? What
challenges these amendments would face? Examine. (200 Words) ........................................... 55
Topic: economics of animal-rearing ................................................................................................ 56
Q) Critically examine what effect the ban on cow slaughtering by some of the states in India
will have on economy and society of India. (200 Words) ............................................................ 56
Topic: Indian Economy money-laundering and its prevention ................................................ 57
Q) In recent union budget, the union government has announced that it would amend
criminal codes and introduce stringent provisions to punish tax evaders in an attempt to curb
black money. Do you think such measures will help in curbing circulation or stashing of black
money in foreign accounts? In your opinion, ideally what should be governments approach?
Critically examine. (200 Words) ................................................................................................... 57
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to mobilization of resources ..................................58
Q) When RBI cuts key interest rates, the Sensex soars and the move is welcomed by the
corporate world. How ill such rate cuts affect common man? Critically examine. (200 Words)
..........................................................................................................................................................58
Topic: Indian Economy General.................................................................................................... 59
Q) While inflation targeting has some rationale in advanced economies, where foods
contribution to the CPI and consumption expenditures is barely 20 per cent, and agricultural
markets are far more organised, there is an inherent danger of it creating an anti-farmer
policy bias in a country like India. In the light of recent monetary policy framework signed
between RBI and the government, critically comment on the statement. (200 Words) ........... 59
development and employment. ........................................................................................................ 60
Q) Do you think increased importance on building physical infrastructure either by involving
private or public means since independence is adversely affecting growth of human capital in
India? Critically evaluate. (200 Words) ....................................................................................... 60
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to mobilization of resources ................................... 61
Q) What do you understand by net neutrality? Do you think regulating internet has negative
consequences? Examine. (200 Words) ......................................................................................... 61
Topic: Investment models; changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
..............................................................................................................................................................62
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Q) It is said that the proposal to transfer risk away from the private sector to the government
under PPP model essentially returns India to a pre-2000 model for investment. Examine the
Pre-2000 model of investment and why this model is despised by some economists. (200
Words) .............................................................................................................................................62
Topic: Awareness in the fields of Space, bio-technology; Science and Technologydevelopments ......................................................................................................................................63
Q) Write a note on different scientific theories on origin of life. Recent experiments by NASA
suggest that life might have evolved abiologically. Examine how. (200 Words) .....................63
Topic: Security issues .........................................................................................................................64
Q) The United States with cooperation from other Western countries is increasingly
depending on eliminating top leadership of terrorist organisations as counter-strategy to fight
terrorism and weaken those organisations. Do you think this is a sound strategy? Critically
analyse. (200 Words) .....................................................................................................................64
Topic: Basics of money laundering and its prevention. ................................................................. 65
Q) Indias emerging status as a regional financial centre,its large system of informal cross
border money flows,and its widely perceived tax avoidance problems all contribute to
countrys vulnerability to money laundering problems. Critically comment. (200 Words).... 65
Topic: Security challenges & their management in border areas;; .............................................66
Q) The proper management of Indias borders ,which is vitally important to national security
presents many challenges and includes coordination and concerted action by the
administrative,diplomatic,security,intelligence,legal,regulatory and economic agencies of the
country to secure the frontiers and sub-serve its best interests. Elucidate. (200 Words) .......66
Topic: poverty and developmental issues (also Paper-3 planning) .......................................... 67
Q) Write short notes on drought-prone area programme and agro-climatic planning. How do
these programmes help in the development of dryland agriculture in India? (150 Words) ..... 67
Topic: Infrastructure ......................................................................................................................... 68
Q) Explain the advantages of water transport. Discuss the challenges faced by water transport
sector in India. (150 Words) ......................................................................................................... 68
Topic: Indian economy.......................................................................................................................69
Q) Critically comment on the issue of black money and the efforts made by the union
government to address various aspects related to black money. (200 Words)..........................69
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, ................................................70
Q) With suitable examples, critically examine the nature of threats being faced by wildlife in
India as a result of governments developmental policy measures. If a drinking water project
benefits thousand poor human beings but severely affects ten endangered crocodiles, should
this project be implemented? Justify. (200 Words).....................................................................70
Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; .............................................................. 71
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Q) Developing methods for alternative delivery of drugs has gained importance considering
the large number of infections that are spread through contaminated, non-sterilised syringes.
Examine why using non-sterilised syringes is dangerous and also examine latest
developments in finding alternatives to syringes. (200 Words) ................................................. 71
life ........................................................................................................................................................ 72
Q) Explain the principle behind functioning of space telescope. Also explain why worlds
largest telescopes are built on higher elevations. (150 Words) ................................................... 72
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. ......................................... 72
Q) If you are asked to advice Indias railway ministry on how to mobilize financial resources
without hiking railway fares, what suggestions will you make and why? Explain. (200 Words)
.......................................................................................................................................................... 72
Topic: Infrastructure: ports ............................................................................................................... 73
Q) Describe the composition of export and import trade of India and the role of ports in it.
(150 Words)..................................................................................................................................... 73
Topic: Indian economy....................................................................................................................... 74
Q) Critically comment why decontrol of urea prices, fewer subsidised cylinders a year and
withdrawal of kerosene from the public distribution system (PDS) are considered as
economic reforms. (200 Words) .................................................................................................. 74
life ........................................................................................................................................................ 76
Q) Recently scientists reported that obesity should be recognised as a chronic and an often
treatment-resistant disease with both biological and behavioural causes. What do you
understand by this? Examine its implications. (150 Words)....................................................... 76
Topic: e-technology in the aid of farmers ........................................................................................ 77
Q) Write a note on the importance of and role played by the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR) in ensuring farm mechanisation in India. (150 Words) ................................. 77
Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. 78
Q) India considers the expanding footprint of extremist and terror organisations in Pakistan,
and their link with various terror activities in India, is a major security challenge. In this
regard, what are all the options that India has pursued to address this security challenge?
Critically evaluate them. (200 Words) ..........................................................................................78
life ........................................................................................................................................................ 79
Q) The recent report of the High-Level Committee for reviewing environmental laws has a
misplaced focus on speedy project clearances and wrongly attributes their delays to
environmental laws. Critically examine. (200 Words)............................................................... 79
Topic: Indian economy employment ........................................................................................... 80
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Q) Recent efforts made by information technology (IT) majors in India to terminate large
number of their employees in order to cut costs brings to the fore the necessity of forming
employee unions and also highlights the fact that the growth of Indias IT industry is over.
Critically analyse. (200 Words) .................................................................................................... 80
Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and
developing new technology. ..............................................................................................................82
Q) Recently researchers at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and
Biotechnology (ICGEB) in Delhi found a drug candidate that prevented TB and malaria
pathogens from infecting human blood cells. Examine the importance and implications of this
breakthrough for India. (200 Words) ...........................................................................................82
life ........................................................................................................................................................83
Q) A few days ago social media giant Facebook launched internet.org in India with an
intention of providing internet for free to all sections of population. But this also has given
rise to many concerns among various stakeholders. Critically examine these concerns. (200
Words) .............................................................................................................................................83
Topic: Indian economy growth ....................................................................................................83
Q) The health of economy is often gauged by the GDP and IIP figures in India. In the light of
recent economic growth trend in India, examine how GDP and IIP data reflect the health of
economy. (150 Words)....................................................................................................................83
Topic: Indian economy growth ....................................................................................................84
Q) Recently the measurement of Indias gross domestic product(GDP) was tweaked to
conform to international standards. But, according to economists this method has created
some discrepancies. What are these discrepancies and why are they caused? Explain. (150
Words) .............................................................................................................................................84
Topic: Environmental pollution and degradation .........................................................................85
Q) Some environmentalists have expressed concern that farming crises in the states of
Haryana and Punjab might cause air pollution in Delhi. Examine why and suggest how this
can be addressed. (150 Words) ......................................................................................................85
development and employment ......................................................................................................... 86
Q) Some analysts argue that Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) measure of GDP which ranks
India among fastest growing nations is not a true reflection of Indias economic and social
growth. Critically analyse flaws in the method and explain what in your opinion needs to be
done to reflect correctly the overall socio-economic development of the country. (200 Words)
......................................................................................................................................................... 86
Topic: Government Budgeting..........................................................................................................87
Q) Indias annual budget is first a macroeconomic exercise and then a micro one catering to
sectors of the economy. Elucidate and suggest what should be the priorities for government
while presenting its annual budget. (200 Words) ........................................................................87
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Topic: Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of
buffer stocks and food security;....................................................................................................... 88
Q) Recently the recommendations of the High Level Committee (HLC) to restructure, reorient
and reform the Food Corporation of India (FCI) was made public. Critically comment on its
recommendations. (200 Words) .................................................................................................. 88
Topic: Infrastructure Energy ....................................................................................................... 89
Q) All in all, the hype and high prices of the ongoing auction of coal blocks post Supreme
Court cancellation of previous allotments conceals the continuing problems of the coal
sector. Critically examine. (200 Words) ..................................................................................... 89
Topic: Infrastructure Energy ....................................................................................................... 90
Q) India has a little over 3 GW of installed solar power capacity. In order to reach 100 GW, the
solar sector has to match ambition with speed, scale and skill. Examine the factors that
determine this speed, scale and skill, and explain how to improve them. (200 Words) .......... 90
Topic: Indian economy growth .................................................................................................... 91
Q) What are the salient features of Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA)? Some defence
analysts think that India should focus on its joint project to develop FGFAs with Russia than
buying them from foreign countries. Critically discuss why. (200 Words) ................................ 91
Topic: Conservation,...........................................................................................................................92
Q) Some recent news reports reported that the rise in number of tigers in India was not
greeted well in regions such as Sunderbans. Critically discuss why and examine the moral
dimensions of concerns raised by inhabitants of these regions. (200 Words) ..........................92
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy ..........................................................................................................93
Q) Renewables can and should play a greater role in our sustainable energy future, but we
need proper accounting and specialised effort to understand their grid implications and
scalability. What do you understand by this statement in the context of Indias quest for
energy security by enhancing energy production through renewable sources? Elaborate. (200
Words) .............................................................................................................................................93
buffer stocks and food security;........................................................................................................94
Q) Recently Shanta Kumar panel, constituted to restructure FCI, recommended reducing the
number of public distribution system beneficiaries for subsidised foodgrains under PDS.
What is the rationale behind such recommendation and what are its likely implications if
implemented? Critically comment. (200 Words).........................................................................94
Topic: e-Technology aid for farmers................................................................................................ 95
Q) How can mobile phone empower Indian farmer? With examples, examine the different
ways by which mobile phone and its applications can be used to aid and empower farmers.
(200 Words) .................................................................................................................................... 95
Topic: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate ..................................................96
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Q) Some defence analysts opine that the Indian military is not optimally organised to face the
challenges that would emerge tomorrow. Why do they opine so? What in your opinion should
be the role of government in preparing the army to face emerging security challenges?
Discuss. (200 Words) .....................................................................................................................96
Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights. ..................................................... 97
Q) Write a note on the latest applications of nanotechnology in the treatment of
lifestyle diseases. (200 Words) ...................................................................................................... 97
Topic: Linkages between development and spread of extremism ................................................ 98
Q) How do you analyse the maoist movement (naxalite) in the context of globalisation and its
effects, especially developmental projects that are being implemented, on the regions affected
by maoist insurgency? (200 Words) ............................................................................................ 98
life : Achievements of Indians in science & technology; .................................................................99
Q) Few environmentalists and politicians are derailing the attempts to build world-class
underground neutrino detector in the hilly regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Is there any
substance in their opposition to the project? According to scientists, what are the benefits of
the project? Critically examine. (200 Words)...............................................................................99
Topic: Indian economy -mobilization of resources; Investment models ....................................100
Q) It is now said that the public-private-partnership (PPP) model for infrastructure
development has become dysfunctional and here is no option other than to step up public
investment in infrastructure to boost the sector. Examine the reasons behind this shift of
opinion and examine in what form public investment can be used to invest productively in
infrastructure sector. (200 Words) .............................................................................................100
Topic: environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment ............ 102
Q) Indias coal based thermal power plants are known for emitting highly polluting gases
thanks to poor quality coal that India has. In the light of recent coal block auction and the
triumphalism associated with it, critically examine the costs of continuing with existing
technology and what needs to be done to address the issue. (200 Words) .............................. 102
life; ..................................................................................................................................................... 103
Q) Agricultural scientists are being driven to frustration, thanks to the governments
lingering indecision on the genetically-modified (GM) crops technology. Critically discuss
why government has not taken a firm decision yet and why agricultural scientists are
frustrated with governments indecision. (200 Words)............................................................. 103
Topic: Indian economy, Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies............................ 104
Q) Some economists argue that the government should continue with good subsidies and do
away with bad subsidies. In your opinion, which subsidies do you consider as good and bad
in India? Explain why. (200 Words) ........................................................................................... 104
Page 11

industrial growth. ............................................................................................................................ 106
Q) It is expected that if recommendation of a key report on oil sector reforms by a panel under
former Finance Secretary Vijay Kelkar, are implemented, these could bring down the
countrys annual $150-billion oil import bill by at least $40 billion. Examine how. (200
Words) ........................................................................................................................................... 106
Topic: environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment ............108
Q) Over half of the most polluted cities in the world are in India, said a World Health
Organization report released in the middle of 2014 and air pollution is an urgent public health
problem that deserves policy attention. Critically comment. (200 Words)............................108
buffer stocks and food security ....................................................................................................... 109
Q) The implementation of the National Food Security Act is mired in apathy and confusion.
In the light of Indias worst record in ensuring nutrition to its people and various
amendments made to the food security act, critically comment on the statement. (200 Words)
........................................................................................................................................................ 109
Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; ............................................................ 109
Q) Indias brain drain is Wests brain gain. Critically discuss why Indias scientists move to
foreign countries and excel. Do you think brain drain is a thing of past, especially in the field
of science? Examine. (200 Words) .............................................................................................. 109
Topic: Awareness in the fields of bio-technology .......................................................................... 110
Q) What do you understand by genomics? Examine how far the Human Genome Project has
helped in finding cures for human diseases. (200 Words) ........................................................ 110
industrial growth. ............................................................................................................................. 111
Q) In the light of growing competition and growing investor interest in e-commerce in India,
many feel it is high time that the regulatory regime was simplified to allow free play to ecommerce. In this regard, examine the constraints faced by e-commerce industry and how
liberalization of this sector would help Indian economy. (200 Words) .................................... 111
Topic: Science and Technology- developments ..............................................................................112
Q) Independent India was founded and has developed largely by making friends with science
but in recent years Science, Technology, Agriculture and Medicine (STEAM) have been
neglected and this negligence has cost dearly the nation. Who should take the blame and why
for this negligence? What measures are needed to address this issue? Critically examine. (200
Words) ............................................................................................................................................112
Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; Awareness in the fields of IT, Space,
Computers,.........................................................................................................................................113
Q) Explain the working principle behind the Global Positioning System (GPS). Write a note
on the efforts made by India to create its own GPS system. (200 Words) ................................113
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Topic: Security issue Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to
internal security. ...............................................................................................................................115
Q) The Wests war against terrorism is definitely not a war against or a confrontation with
Islam as such, but a war against Islamic radicalism, the ideology it is promoting, the
initiatives it has launched and the terrorism it is trying to expand in different parts of the
world. Critically comment why various strategies to fight terrorism are increasingly failing
and examine what long-term plan is needed to arrest the rise of radicalism thats spreading
fear across the world. (200 Words) ..............................................................................................115
Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology ............................................................ 116
Q) How does a membrane based typical water purifier work? What are its components? Also
examine latest technologies developed in water purification methods, especially by Indian
scientists. (200 Words) ................................................................................................................ 116
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries .............................117
Q) Israeli settlements on the West Bank are opposed by the West, by Arab states on many
grounds. Why do they oppose these settlements? Do you see any merit in this? What is
Indias opinion on this? Critically examine. (200 Words) ..........................................................117
Topic: Infrastructure: Railways etc .............................................................................................. 118
Q) Indian Railways plays a pivotal role in reviving economic growth in the country and
investment in the railways has a large multiplier effect on the rest of the economy. Examine
how the 2015 railways budget seeks to achieve this goal. (200 Words) ................................... 118
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to employment....................................................... 119
Q) What do you understand by informal employment? How is it measured and what is its
nature in India? Critically discuss. (200 Words) ....................................................................... 119
Topic: Science and Technology (health issues)- developments and their applications and effects
in everyday life ................................................................................................................................. 120
Q) By 2020, projections indicate that non-communicable diseases will account for 75 per
cent of all deaths. Improving diet has a crucial role to play in reducing this burden, In the
light of the statement, examine the role of junk food in causing non-communicable diseases
and its magnitude. Also examine why proliferation of junk food in countries like India is on
the rise. (200 Words) ................................................................................................................... 120
Topic: Resource mobilization, ..........................................................................................................121
Q) In recent spectrum auction by the government, it was seen that the 900-MHz band was in
more demand than other frequencies of the spectrum. Critically examine why. Also examine
what can be possible fallout of this spectrum auction on consumers. (200 Words) ...............121
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning ............................................................. 122
Q) Even after the formation of NITI Aayog, the Plan and non-Plan expenditure distinction still
continues as seen in recent union budget to guide governments expenditure. Why do you
think so? What are the benefits of removing such distinction as recommended by a committee
previously? Examine. (200 Words) ............................................................................................. 122
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Topic: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate ................................................ 123
Q) Write a note on the structure and mandate of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). (150
Words) ........................................................................................................................................... 123
Topic: Conservation.......................................................................................................................... 124
Q) Write a critical account on the measures taken by the government to conserve natural
vegetation and wildlife in India. (200 Words) ........................................................................... 124
Topic: environmental pollution and degradation........................................................................ 125
Q) Recently it has been pointed out that India has moved from a carbon-subsidisation regime
to the one where carbon spewing is taxed i.e.. the shift from a negative price to a positive price
on carbon emissions. Elaborate and examine advantages and disadvantages of this shift in
policy on climate change. (200 Words) ...................................................................................... 125
Topic: money-laundering and its prevention ................................................................................ 126
Q) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to adopt a zero tolerance policy on Know Your
Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) norms. Examine what this zero
tolerance policy entails and why there is such strict policy against above mentioned violations
by banks. (200 Words) ................................................................................................................. 126
and food security; ............................................................................................................................ 127
Q) Some argue that the report of the Shanta Kumar committee on food management contains
several cogent recommendations and they should be implemented to make PDS efficient.
Analyse these recommendations and comment if they should indeed be implemented. (200
Words) ........................................................................................................................................... 127
Topic: environmental pollution and degradation........................................................................ 128
Q) It is said that fight against harmful emissions affects industrial growth which in turn
affects economic development. Critically discuss what strategies need to be adopted by
countries to fight environmental pollution without affecting economic development. Also
comment, if it is worth to let economic growth take a beating at the cost of measures taken to
mitigate environmental pollution. (200 Words) ........................................................................ 128
industrial growth. ............................................................................................................................ 129
Q) It is now widely accepted that the participation of private sector is important in the
transformation of the defence industrial base in the country. Critically examine, what are the
challenges that private sector faces and what needs to be done by the government in this
regard. (200 Words) ..................................................................................................................... 129
Topic: growth, development and employment..............................................................................131
Q) Unless India improves productivity, its demographic profile could become a burden
rather than a benefit. Critically discuss. (200 Words) ..............................................................131
Topic: Infrastructure Energy........................................................................................................ 132
Page 14

Q) According to Census 2011, 80.7 million households in India live without electricity and of
these about 75 million households are in rural areas. Critically examine the reasons behind
such disparity between urban and rural households and critically comment on governments
policy in addressing the issue of energy poverty. (200 Words) ................................................ 132
Topic: Environmental pollution and degradation ....................................................................... 133
Q) What do you understand by Black Carbon? Examine its impact on ecosystem. (200 Words)
........................................................................................................................................................ 133
Topic: Awareness in the fields of bio-technology ; Also Paper 1 (Locational factors) ............. 134
Q) Fifteen years after it rose and went limp, the biotech sector, globally, as well as in India has
seen a bull run of sorts and India has become the worlds 12th biggest biotechnology economy
having the second highest number of USFDA-approved plants. Examine the factors
responsible for this rise and also examine if this run is sustainable in coming years. (200
Words) ........................................................................................................................................... 134
Topic: Conservation and environmental pollution and degradation; Paper 2 (Government
policies and interventions for development in various sectors ) ................................................. 135
Q) Recently, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC)
issued guidelines on access and benefit sharing (ABS) of biological resources. Examine the
objective behind these guidelines and their impact on traditional medicines manufacturing
industry. (200 Words) .................................................................................................................. 135
Topic: environmental pollution and degradation......................................................................... 136
Q) Critically highlight the hazards of indoor air pollution. Suggest what measures are needed
to address this issue. (200 Words) .............................................................................................. 136
Topic: Disaster Management ........................................................................................................... 136
Q) The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), in a report, has said as much as US
$314 billion will have to be spent every year to meet annual average losses from just
earthquakes, tsunamis, tropical cyclones and river flooding. Critically discuss why its
imperative for governments to invest in disaster managements and risk reduction strategies
and the cost of neglecting these measures. (200 Words) .......................................................... 136
Topic: Conservation.......................................................................................................................... 137
Q) Many species of plants and animals are endangered in India. Explain why and evaluate if
policies taken by the government are effective in protecting these species. (200 Words)...... 137
Page 15
General Studies 3
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation,

environmental impact assessment; Disaster & Disaster
Management
Q. Modern India has a lot to learn from the traditional water management
from the past. Explain in what ways this can be done with special focus on
water harvesting and disaster management. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Reference
Ans: In ancient times Indian are known for having various water conservation and
management methods. These methods are so convenient that these are suited according
to need of any kind of ecosystem.
Various water harvesting methods that can be used are:
1)Tanks: We can have tanks for an area or in each house which can collect rainwater and
which can be used for several purposes.It can also be used to collect water when there is
a situation of flood.So will help in mitigating flood impact.
2)Johads:It is small earthen dams to collect rainwater and can be used to recharge
groundwater.
3)Step wells:These are also knows water temple.Step wells can be used to collect
rainwater and it can be used for various purposes during dry seasons.So drought like
situation can be mitigated this way.
4)Kunds: another very efficient method to collect rainwater, which is built underground
with cement is used for drinking purposes.
5)kuls: It is a channel in the precipitous mountainous region where rainwater can be
guided to flow in this channel and can be used for irrigation purposes in downhill areas.
It will help in mitigating flood situation also.
Modern water related problem can be solved by traditional methods. These techniques
are very simple to use. They just require participation from communities. So govt can
Page 16
learn these approaches and MNREGA scheme can be used to involve people to build
traditional water reservoirs.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning,

mobilization of resources, growth, development
and employment.
Q. The finance minister of India called GST as the biggest
tax reform measure since independence. Analyse the benefits that can incur
to the Indian economy with its introduction. (200 Words)
Business StandardReference
The Hindu
Ans: Goods and services tax (GST) is an indirect tax which is based on the principle of
VAT which aims to replace all the indirect taxes on goods and services like state tax,
entertainment tax etc. The producers then have to pay tax according to its output but
the tax on input will be reimbursed to them.
The benefits that GST can have on our economy are:
a) Tax Reforms: It will broaden the tax bases along with increased compliance tax
evasion will be difficult in GST regime which allows cross checking. It eliminates
cascading burden of multiple taxation.
b) GDP Improvement: This will increase tax to GDP ratio of the government which
dipped to as low as 10 percent in the last fiscal year. It will raise more revenue for the
government and reduced fiscal deficit, more investment in social sector initiatives.
c) Uniformity: It will integrate indirect taxation system across the states and facilitate
common market across states. It will also do away with entry tax thereby giving boost to
trade between the states.
d) Transparency: GST is expected to build a transparent and corruption free tax
administration. It will give boost to entrepreneurship by reducing confusion regarding
taxes enthuse the private sector leading to more investment.
Page 17
d) Push for Make in India: It will boost the initiative. Along with this it will also give
boost to exports. This will also lead to creation more employment opportunities.
e) Inflation Control: Further GST is also expected to bring down inflation in the
economy as the prices of the goods and services will be reduced because of a uniform tax
rate.
f) Tax Terrorism Removal: Equitable division of tax burden between manufacturing
and services without giving any advantage to any sector. This will increase in efficiency
in the respective sectors ultimately benefiting the economy.
g) Quality Improvement: It will promote specialization because total tax liability
remains same irrespective of number of production-distribution stages. It will
encourage firms to purchase inputs from the firms who have paid their taxes in order to
reduce their tax liability.
All these benefits of GST make it a more desirable reform needed by the country in
immediate future. Addressing the concerns and demands of states on merit basis will be
an important breakthrough in its success.

and employment
9) Reforms, economic growth, progress all are empty words if they
do not translate into jobs. Write a note on initiatives taken by the
government to improve employment opportunities in the country.
(200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans: Recently government has taken many initiatives with the intent of creating more
jobs and meaningful utilization of the vast workforce available in India. Some of the
major initiatives are:
1. Make in India - A flagship initiative to boost the manufacturing sector so as to create
ample job opportunities for youth.
2. Apprentice protsahan yojna - to provide assistance and guidance to industries to
provide training to new apprentices and they can later be absorbed easily in the
industries.
Page 18
3. Ustaad for encouraging traditional skills like Zardoshi, Fulkari, Embroidary and
providing
a market to this art crafts.
4. Nai Manzil for skilling madressa pass-outs to join main-stream.
5. Skill Development programs Deen Dayal Upadhyay Antyodaya Yojana to develop 10
lakh skilled youth in next 3 years
6. National Manufacturing Policy and Information Technology policy also envisages
creation of millions of jobs in these sectors.
The urgent need is to create more jobs for youth which necessitates skill development.
With the favourable condition of 3D Demographic dividend, Democracy and Demand,
India cannot afford to lose this golden opportunity in hand.
Topic: : Indian Economy and issues relating to planning,

and employment
Q. In what ways higher levels of economic inequality hinders
economic growth and social mobility in the long run ? Discuss this
statement in the light of growing inequality in India. Make a case for
re-introduction of inheritance tax in India. (200 Words)
The Times of India
Business Standard
Ans: Inequality in income leads to demand side problems for an economy since people
having less disposable income do not generate demands for commodities other than the
bare essential.
In Indian agriculture, the weak economic position of marginal and small farmers
reduces the economies of scale in farming, they are unable to use new technologies and
thus leading to lower output. We have seen how the land reforms, debt waiver schemes,
low interest credit to farmers have majorly helped the economical stronger farmers.
Page 19
The wealthy increase their monopoly. Bigger companies can increase their market share
and small/ medium scale industries bear the brunt of high competition from them.
The deprivation of opportunities forces the marginalized to work in low paying jobs.
Skill development is sidelined which further reduces the efficiency.
The state has to increase its spending in Social Security Schemes to cater to the needs of
increasing number of lower income groups, which increases the fiscal deficit. Adding to
the problem is the high rate of tax evasion by corporates and individuals.
The social status of women, dalits etc is further reduced in case of lower income groups.
The bargaining power of people with economic power is very high. They are able to
influence policy decisions of the government more than those with lower income. The
rise in income inequality increases the level of poverty thereby starting a vicious cycle of
illiteracy, high population, and unemployment and so on. High crime rate is also
attributed to the frustration that comes in people due to accumulation of wealth in a few
hands.
Money makes money
In recent times, economists have voiced for reintroduction of Inheritance Tax for
lowering of income inequality. According to some, the biggest source of economic
inequality today is inherited wealth. It discourages rentier income and encourages
professionalism and enterprise. It can help the govt to shore up tax revenues.
Topic: Indigenization of technology and developing

new technology.
Q. DRDO has not lived upto its expectations in achieving indigenisation of
defence equipment. Critically examine the factors responsible for its suboptimal performance and suggest measures to improve the same. (200
Words)
Business Line
PIB
Ans: DRDO is responsible for the development of technology for use by the Indias
defence forces. With a network of 52 laboratories, which are engaged in developing
defence technologies covering various fields, like aeronautics, armaments, electronics,
land combat engineering, life sciences, materials, missiles, and naval systems, DRDO is
India's largest and most diverse research organisation.
Page 20
Recently, Projects most criticized were Tejas, NAG, but are much depended on
industrial co-operation also, which is not developed in India as per requirements.
Without the support of vibrant technological base it is difficult for any defence
organization to complete such projects on its own.
DRDO is also in need of structural review and internal audit. There is also a criticism
that within the organization the youngsters are not allowed to move up in the hierarchy.
Projects runoffs are cause due to such lethargy.
Indias defence procurement policy is also responsible to dysfunctional projects.
Scientist in DRDO need Official approval for buying or exploring many research related
equipments and tools from abroad or private sectors. Such Red Tapes are gone against
this marvel institution.
It is marvel institution because during sanctions, India has nearly achieved Triad in
Nuclear Weapons delivery systems, an indigenous achievement.
Successive governments have not been keen to address the problems in internal
functioning of DRDO. There has not been discussion on floor of house as well as in
Media importance of healthy functioning of DRDO.
Revamp of DRDO important recommendations:
i) creation of Defence Technology Commission (DTC)
ii) creation of a Commercial Arm of DRDO
iii) creation of technology domain based clusters
iv) Appointment of a dedicated Chief Controller for Human Resources (HR).
Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in

industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth
Q. Explain the rationale behind imposing restrictions on Indian
pharmaceutical companies in charging a free market price. What are the
mechanisms used by the government and add a note on recent controversy
regarding drug pricing. (200 Words)
The Indian Express
Page 21
Ans: Governments have to strike a balance between the conflicting interests of the
industry and consumers to ensure affordable medicine without dampening innovation
and competitiveness in the pharmaceutical industry. Following a Supreme Court order
to regulate drug prices, the Pranab Sen task force was constituted on the basis of whose
recommendations the government set up NPPA under the Essential Commodities Act.
Rationale
It is cleanly summed up in the motto of the NPPA- "Affordable medicine for all"
The availability of drugs at affordable prices is essential for the health and productivity
of Indians. Low purchasing power of a large population, high mortality and poor health
scenario further prompts the government to intervene.
Mechanism
NPPA sets a ceiling price of 348 essential medicines determined essential by averaging
the MRP of all products with >1% market share.
Controversy
NPPA tried to set price ceilings of 100 or so non essential drugs citing its mandate to
control prices of non-essential drugs during shortages or emergency. This caused
several complaints and litigations from the
pharma companies. India was put under a watch-list of regimes with market-unfriendly
IPR and price control bodies.
This hurts our image as a fair market, as well as the upcoming BIT with the USA. The
government revoked NPPA's authority to control prices for non essential drugs although
efforts continue to bring more drugs into the essentials list. Prices of certain drugs shot
up exponentially causing distress to several affected citizens.
Page 22
Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and

minimum support prices; Public Distribution Systemobjectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer
stocks and food security;
Q. FCI is a lynch pin in the food security program of India, yet failure
of successive governments to reform the organization has resulted in
huge losses to the exchequer. Highlight the deficiencies in the
running of Food Corporation of India and suggest measures to
revamp it. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans: Food Corporation of India, a nodal agency for procurement of food grain and its
distribution through public distribution, has not performed to it's expectations.
Deficiencies
-Regional Disparity-FCI storage canters have been concentrated only in green
revolution zone.Large part of the eastern India is devoid of FCI storage cneters and
weakens the forward and backward linkages
-Lack of Infrastructure-FCI procures more than what it can store.Extra food grain rot in
the open because of lack of storage capacities.
-Lack of Monitoring mechanisms-Inefficeint and ineffective monitoring mechanisms
have encouraged corruption,pilferage, inefficiency to creep into the administration
-Functional Autonomy-Over centralization curtails the autonomy of FCI and reduces it's
efficiency
Measures
-Decentralization in East- Expanding the network of FCI in remote areas of the east
-Institutional reforms-Coupling FCI storage centers with food processing centers, better
transport facilities can help it reach big and small farmers alike
-Capacity building-Training it's professionals, corporatizing the FCI management can
bring in more efficiency
-Storage only to a predetermined level beyond that food grains should be released in the
market thereby helping in taming food inflation
Page 23

environmental impact assessment
Q. Though the tiger census has brought the good news of increase in
the number of tigers by thirty percent, the survey methodology has
drawn criticism from some quarters. Discuss. Give your suggestions
to further improve tiger conservation efforts in the country. (200
Words)
The Indian Express
Ans: The recent Tiger census reports cites nearly 30 percent increase in Tiger
population which is a welcome change from the past trends and a much awaited positive
development.
However the methodology employed for the census is a point of discussion. The
government has used the "refined methodology of double-sampling using camera traps"
of 1938 for the big cat population estimation.
But this is not the best available methodology for this task and superior alternatives
based on occupancy modelling approaches have evolved that are more apt in present
context and more cost effective.
The present method faces criticism on:
a) "Double sampling approach" used by NTCA: In this method, two sets of data
are collected from photographing tigers through cameras and counting paw-marks or
droppings. It is now considered obsolete.
b) Statistical extrapolation: This method is weak and may yield flawed results. And
given the vast geography of the area, the method may not yield refined results.
c) Silence on Area: Tigers now occupy only half of the area, than originally occupied
but the report is silent on this aspect.
Some of the ways suggested for Tiger conservation are:
a) Regulation: Strict regulation of Indias Tiger tourism. Tiger corridors must be
designated as eco-sensitive areas.
b) Measures for Poaching and Trade: Making the punishment fit the crime and
ramp anti-poaching measures will help immensely. Maintain and enforce laws banning
tiger products.
Page 24
c) Habitat and Corridors: Protecting tiger habitats like parks and establish new
protected areas for tigers. Create corridors that connect forests and allow tigers to roam
to find adequate prey
d) Check Inbreeding: Corridor creation and strictly management of buffer zones will
increase mates for breeding and gene pool to raise population.
e) Address Legal Loopholes: Address the environmental laws that bypass scrutiny
and destroy forests for commercial activities.
f) Human Animal Conflict: Reduce tiger-human conflict by educating people in the
vicinity of Tiger reserves .Joint forest management involving both the state forest
departments and local communities will increase their will and community progress.
g) Research and Awareness: Develop critical tiger wildlife research and monitoring
techniques and promote research. Cooperation with NGOs and civil society to raise
awareness in this regard is a must.
With strong cooperation and sustained efforts from the Centre and state governments,
the non-governmental sector and people should make it is possible to raise and conserve
the big wild cat, Tiger, our National Animal.

and employment.
Q. Rather than increasing tax rates, the government should initiate
comprehensive tax reforms and rationalization of subsidies and
government expenditure to curb fiscal deficit. Explain the statement
along with the measures being taken by government in that direction.
(200 Words)
http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/budget-may-announcefuel-subsidy-reforms-115012300033_1.html
Ans: Economic utilization of available resources can be visualized only when the Govt.
spending is rational and the income is augmentative, as suggested by Kelkar committee
on fiscal consolidation. From that perception, the following initiatives have been by the
Govt:
Page 25
Expenditure:
1. Pahal Scheme Target based subsidies is essential to plug the loopholes in delivery
mechanism. This is also an indirect way of financial inclusion by which consumers are
pumped into the financial system through their bank accounts.
2. Liberation of diesel pricing and decision to do away with the supply of subsidized
kerosene minimizes the enormous subsidy burden which was hitherto held by the Govt.
3. PSU Disinvestments Freed the locked-in capital which had been a serious setback,
for there were shortage of funds to bridge the wider current account deficit, especially
when the target being 4.1%.
4. Tax holiday for power projects Addresses the burgeoning energy demand and
encourages the growth in power sector to move towards clean energy.
Income:
1. GST Bill To provide a simple and uniform taxation arrangement in which all the
indirect taxes will come under the single umbrella of GST
2. Increase in FDI cap Though there were constraints in implementing the Tarapore
Committees recommendations to adopt full convertibility, the Govt. seeks to bring in
more capital by opening up FDI in various sectors. Ex: Insurance bill, coal mining
privatization, Defense, etc.
3. Financial inclusion Tax evasion and avoidance can be considerably dealt with if a
proper financial inclusion is in place. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has recently
found its place in Guinness book of world records for being the largest financial services
scheme ever.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation

Q. Despite conservation efforts by the state the number of South
African rhinos killed by poachers has increased in the last decade.
What efforts have been initiated in this regard and how can the
poaching menace tackled to achieve a positive conservation future?
(200 Words)
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/s-africa-record-number-of-rhinoskilled-in-2014/article6812389.ece
Page 26
Ans: The South African Rhino is facing existence problem as its horn is the most prized
object that people demand. The number of poaching in South African for Rhino is
irrevocably increased for horn which is a status symbol in Thailand and Vietnam,
treated as symbol of luxury, and the myth associated with it being a medicine. Since the
demand is surging many are stockpiling it for future returns.
The conservation projects taken up by the people and the government in this regard are:
a) Legislative Measures: The South African Department Environmental Affairs has
made several legislative changes in response to the threats to rhinos. From 2008, a
National Moratorium was placed on rhino horn sales to try and prevent domestic sales
of rhino horn from entering the illegal international market.
b) Regulation: Stricter regulations on marking of rhino horn and trophy hunting of
white rhinos were introduced in 2009 to try and clamp down on leakage of rhino horn
from Africa.
c) DNA Index RhoDIS: Rhino DNA Indexing System in Kruger Park is being done so
that Poachers can be prosecuted on based on evidence. The use of Camera and RFID
detectors for tracking Rhinos is used.
d) The WWF:SA has launched a national program to strengthen conservation efforts
by: Building and protecting Rhino, developing buffers in local communities as first line
of defense, tightening proactive law to break the illegal trade and market study to check
them.
e) Tourism: Promotion of wildlife based tourism to provide additional funding for
conservational efforts and to generating mutual beneficial incentives for the coexistence of man and animal.
Poaching can be possibly tackled by:
a) Safe Dehorning: By cutting the Rhino horn for which they are hunted with
checking the impact on the behavior and mating process is debatable die to the ethical
aspect which does not permit this.
b) Poisoning Horn: Making the Rhino horn trade will make it unpalatable for human
consumption which is the main cause for poaching.
c) Selling Natural horns: Selling off horns of Rhinos dead due to natural causes
legally can fetch the government money to put for Rhino conservation. The existing
stock legalization is also debated.
Page 27
d) Awareness: Increased funding, educating people and harsher prison sentence can
bring results for Rhino conservation.
Thus the initiatives taken by the South African government and other NGOs are
tremendous but the key message here lies with the individuals to stop buying rhino horn
product.
Reference Links:http://www.expressoshow.com/articles/10-Realistic-Ways-ToSave-The-Rhino?articleID=4090

Q. According to the latest NSSO survey data, about 52% of the
agricultural households are in debt, which has increased over the past
decade. What are the major reasons for the high indebtedness of the
Indian Farmers? What initiatives are required to be taken in order to
improve the situation at ground level? (200 Words)
http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/abyss
http://www.frontline.in/columns/C_P_Chandrasekhar/revisiting-ruralindebtedness/article6756887.ece
Ans: Inspite of the involvement of 58% of population in agriculture, its contribution to
the economy is meagre resulting in prevailing poverty condition in the country,
especially among the farmers and also slow growth conditions.
Reason for high indebtedness of the farmers:
1. Problems with agriculture
i) Highly affected by the vagaries of nature
ii) Low agricultural productivity due to inadequate institutional and infrastructural
requirements like inadequate irrigation, power supply, small land holdings, inadequate
access to good quality seeds, fertilizers, technology etc.
Page 28
Initiatives requiredProviding required institutional and infrastructural requirements to the farmers by

involvement of modern technology and insurance for unforeseen calamities
2. Problems with financial institutions
i) Disproportionate rise in the ratio of capital formation in agriculture compared to the
ratio of agricultural credit to agricultural GDP indicates that a sizable part of the
additional bank
credit may be going to the better-off farmers than the needy ones.
ii) Banks may not be willing to give loans to the poor farmers due to small holdings
making them indebted perennially, thus diverting the credit under the head of indirect
finance to agriculture just to meet the priority sector lending target
Initiatives requiredRevisiting the priority sector lending by diverting the credit flow to the needy farmers.
3. Problems with Government
i) Benefits of high prices of farm commodities are not reaching the growers in adequate
measure because to the lack of marketing reforms
ii) There are several flaws in the implementation of the government's agricultural
development and social welfare programmes like significant errors of inclusion and
exclusion, providing benefits to those who are not eligible and bypassing some who
should be benefited
iii) Intervention of Government to waive farm debt results in restriction of credit flow to
agriculture by the banks
Initiatives requiredIncreasing the efficiency and eliminating the loopholes of agricultural welfare
programmes by introducing required marketing reforms
4. Access to financial institutions
i) Majority of rural households obtained credit from non-institutional sources as it is
difficult to get institutional credit due to complex procedures and documentation.
ii) Also there is inadequate awareness and knowledge of farmers about the schemes
Initiatives requiredIntroducing attractive schemes and increasing awareness of farmers to restrict them
from non-institutional lending
Thus, a coordinated effort by the Government and financial institutions can help
improving the condition of farmers and elevating agriculture as a forerunner contributor
to the economy
Page 29
Topic: Food processing and related industries in India- scope

and significance, location, upstream and downstream
requirements, supply chain management.
Q. Market reform, investment subsidies, and better overall public
service provision and good governance are the key to tap the huge
potential of the Food processing industry in India. In light of
statement discuss the problems faced by the industry. Also suggest
ways to address them. (200 Words)
http://www.epw.in/system/files/pdf/2014_49/52/The_New_and_Changing_Roles_o
Ans: India has a huge potential with regard to food processing industries because of its
huge raw material base, geographical advantage and large market. Its role in curbing
inflation and along with improving efficiency of the agricultural sector among others is
immense. However the industry is dealing with many problems and not been able to tap
its true potential.
a) Market Problems: Poor supply chain management, middleman dominated
linkages, small sized industries problems are compounded by loopholes in laws such
APMC act.
Solving basic Infrastructural problems of warehousing and stocking facilities, sorting
and grading by including private sector in storage area is must for growth.
b) Subsidies: Back ended subsidies paid only after completion of whole project
discourages involvement of low budget entrepreneurs. To avail benefits of MSME's tax
benefits, entrepreneurs keep plant size small thus R&Ds is hampered.
Proper Investment subsidies, tax reforms to reduce input costs and reducing the
complexity in the industry will encourage growth and investment.
c) Services: Government starts many schemes which are overlapping, vague and there
is laxity in implementation. Adoption of good manufacturing practices to qualify
international standards of CODEX, HACPP etc. Complete absence of vertical integration
thus rising cost makes it uncompetitive in international market.
Page 30
Improved use of technology along with trained manpower, skill development, raising
efficiency of TAC and PRI will raise the service standards.
d) Governance and Coordination: Poor center state cooperation and agriculture
being state subject harmony is must to its success. Multiple overlapping policies and
institutions are unable to coordinate among themselves besides no accountability and
transparency in functioning.
Policy on contract farming pan India, organized food retail in major scale with uniform
policy guidelines regarding all sector will raise governance standards.
Efforts for improvement have been envisioned such as national mission on food
processing in 12th FYP, recent Make in India for food processing needs to be
implemented on priority basis. Lastly economies of scale need to be improved to make
the industry more competitive in the market.
Links- Mrunal.org:http://mrunal.org/2013/08/food-processing-introduction-scopesignificance-awesomeness-hardly-obstacles-truckload-of-for-gs-mains.html

and employment.
Q) The banning of Amazons Indian arm selling electronics from
warehouses and imposition of heavy penalties by Kerala government
on e-retailers like Flipkart, Jabong is an example of the burgeoning
unregulated e-commerce which calls for a comprehensive policy and
regulation of the e-commerce business in India. Critically comment.
(200 Words)
http://www.financialexpress.com/article/industry/companies/e-commerce-taxingtimes-for-flipkart-others-as-kerala-slaps-rs-54-crore-penalty/34637/
http://www.financialexpress.com/article/industry/companies/e-commerce-amazonflipkart-rival-cos-fuel-commercial-property-boom-in-india/34465/
Page 31
Ans: E-commerce in India has been in news for both good and bad reasons. It is really
good to know that Indian e-commerce players have started making their own mark in
the e-commerce sphere.
However, it is equally alarming that e-commerce websites of India are not following the
e-commerce laws of India.
1. E-commerce frauds in India have significantly increased and there is an urgent need
to regulate and punish such e-commerce offences and crimes in India.
2. Myntra, Flipkart and many more e-commerce websites are under regulatory scanner
of Enforcement Directorate (ED) of India for violating Indian laws and policies.
3. Small and medium businesses and entrepreneurs of India are also facing the problem
of predatory pricing undertaken by big e-commerce websites operating in India. With
great financial resources, the e-commerce companies and websites offer products and
services that cannot be offered in normal course of business. As a result, the small
businesses cannot sell their products in the market and they are forced to quit the
market. This now leaves only the big fishes to explore and monopolise the Indian
market.
However over regulation can lead to stunting of growth of these new avenues because
1. They are still in its nascent stage of development.
2. They are convenient to the consumers
3. They help in promoting a wide catalogue and the consumer will be better informed
and provides scope for comparison
4. FDI is not allowed in online retail so gives a boost to Indian entrepreneurs
5. It is more transparent for the consumers.
But there is a need on the part of Indian government to look into this unfair practice
commonly adopted by e-commerce websites in India. These practices are resulting in ecommerce frauds, violation of Indian laws and disturbing the balance of trade,
commerce and business in Indian market. The ambiguity and vacuum in the FDI and ecommerce laws needs to be cleared at the earliest.
Page 32
Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their

applications and effects in everyday life
Q) Highlight the important features of the Nuclear Liability Act while
throwing light on grounds on which it was criticised both
domestically and by foreign suppliers. Add a note on the recent
breakthrough in this regard. (200 Words)
http://www.financialexpress.com/article/industry/barack-obama-arrives-in-india6-top-points/34667/
Ans: India's energy is heavily skewed in favour of conventional fossil fuels. To diversify
our energy sources, India made crucial deals with USA, France and Russia with regard
to supply of nuclear reactor and materials. In 2010, India enacted Civil Liability for
Nuclear Damage Act (CLND) to provide compensation to victims in case of nuclear
accident through no-fault liability to operator.
USA suppliers GE and Westinghouse have made objections to financial liability
stipulated in sections 17(b) and 46 of CLND Act saying that these clauses are violating
the norms of International Convention on Supplementary Compensation (CSC) for
nuclear damage. Section 17(b) gives operator (NPCIL) right to claim compensation
directly from supplier in case of supplying sub-standard device and faulty nuclear
material with no fault from operator. Section 46 makes supplier liable for damages
under other Indian laws such as Tort law.
With no cap on liability in terms of time and quantum, suppliers are not able to get
insurance as premium are high and very subjective to assess. Domestic suppliers are not
able to take gigantic risk given the damages claim, Vendors don't want to be harassed by
other Indian tort laws which can impose several criminal charges as well.
To clear the logjam, Washington and New Delhi agreed on civil nuclear deal braving all
challenges. India agreed to provide insurance pool that will indemnify American
suppliers in case of nuclear damage. This deal will deepen the ties between strategically
allied countries and give India much needed energy to drive its economy.
Page 33
Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy;

Q) The recent election in Greece is a verdict against the austerity
which ruined the country. Critically analyse in the light of recent
developments in Greece and its impact on EU. (200 Words)
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/momentous-vote-ingreece/article6824736.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/stick-to-austerity-brusselswarns-athens/article6824744.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/radical-left-triumphs-ingreece/article6825246.ece
Ans: The 2008 global economic crisis worst hit Greece causing wide spread
unemployment. Greece being a welfare state continued its spending causing its
budgetary deficit to soar to about four times euro-zone's prescribed limit.
To save Greece economy from an imminent collapse IMF & EU offered two massive
bailout packages; one in 2010 worth 110 billion euros and other in 2012 worth 130
billion euros.
the pre-condition for bailout packages were that Greece would significantly cut down
the budgetary deficit by accepting an
austerity measures requiring huge cuts in salaries and other social welfare schemes as
well as much higher tax rates.
Recently an unusual anti-austerity coalition between Syriza (radical leftist) and
independent Greeks (right wing) came to power.
The new government aims to:
1. re-negotiate the terms of international bailout package.
2. secure a write off for Greek's debt by half.
3. give respite to citizen from austerity.
The new govt. in Greece plans to do away with austerity measures. But any failure on the
part of Greece to meet its austerity and debt commitments, will put its place in eurozone at risk.
impact on EU:
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1. anti-austerity movement led by left-wing parties in different countries of euro-zone

will be strengthened.
2. ECB's massive QE programme to revive EU economy may be given a second thought.
3. overall weakening of EU.
4. Greece may exit EU.
Greece govt. should enter into a dialogue with institutions like EU & IMF and evaluate
all pros and cons before taking any drastic step.

Q) Nanotechnology can be used to develop simple, effective, low-cost
and environment friendly techniques of pest control. Discuss. (200
Words)
http://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/surinder-sud-game-changer-forpest-control-115012600790_1.html
Ans: Virtually every technological sector, nanotechnology is causing excitement and
concern and the prospect of its application to pesticides is no different.
The predominant uses being discussed at present are in antibacterial products.
Nanosilver, for example, could when used as a materials preserver maintain its ability to
reduce odor-causing bacteria longer and require smaller quantities than other silver
preservatives.
The potential uses and benefits of nanotechnology are enormous.
These include insect pests management through the formulations of nanomaterialsbased pesticides and insecticides, enhancement of agricultural productivity using bioconjugated nanoparticles (encapsulation) for slow release of nutrients and water,
nanoparticle-mediated gene or DNA transfer in plants for the development of insect
pest-resistant varieties and use of nanomaterials for preparation of different kind of
biosensors, which would be useful in remote sensing devices required for precision
farming. For controlling pests state-of-the-art nanotechnology has evolved to hassle-free
gel-based carriers for pheromones called nanogels.
Traditional strategies like integrated pest management used in agriculture are
insufficient, and application of chemical pesticides like DDT have adverse effects on
animals and human beings apart from the decline in soil fertility. Therefore,
nanotechnology would provide green and efficient alternatives for the management of
insect pests in agriculture without harming the nature.
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But, it is necessary to bring public opinion on the regulatory framework for the use of
nano-technology
Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers;

Q) What is algorithmic trading? How does increasing adoption of
algorithmic trading affect the stock markets? (200 Words)
http://www.business-standard.com/article/markets/tax-cloud-over-foreign-investorsalgorithmic-trading-115012700570_1.html
http://www.business-standard.com/article/markets/sebi-to-issue-discussion-paper-onalgorithmic-trading-115012100980_1.html
Ans: In algorithmic trades, the trader feeds a computer programme into the system and
allows that program to put in all his trading orders and execute them too. These are very
high speed transactions which help in securing a deal on the stock market within no
time
There are many different types of algo programmes. Some of these programmes sclice
the order into bits and spreads out the orders through the trading session so that the
price is not unduly affected by the order.
Also some of these identifies anomalies between the price of an asset in different
exchanges or markets and cashes in on these differences
These algos though harmless, can be used for underhand activities as well like bluff
trades so that other programmes reveal their intended trades.
Effects of algo trades on stock markets :
1. Market volatility : increase in thr unhedgable risk and thus a decrease in risk-adjusted
returns
Ex: Flash Crash of 2010,USA
Knight capital case,2012
2. Increase in liquidity
3. These trades have an unfair advantage because they put in the trade before other
investors become aware of it. Thus adversely affecting other investors .
4. Some of them also bombard the stock exchanges with multiple orders thus swamping
the system
On the Indian NSE these trades account for about 45% of the equity derivative market.
Regulators worldwide are finding means to regulate these trades. However, they are
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hard to regulate as these trades have grown so big in number that they cannot be
banned without causing serious harm to markets liquidity and price discovery process.
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation;

Q) The departure of the Indo-US climate talks from equity and
common but differentiated responsibilities is an attempt to evade
historical responsibility by USA. Critically analyse. (200 Words)
http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/us-india-bonhomiemissing-on-climate-change-115012800025_1.html
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/to-stop-climate-change-indiamust-act/
Ans: Kyoto Protocol, Lima talks And Paris convention 2015 All aimed at Cooperation
and Sustainable development and Mitigating ,adapting the climate change . For this to
happen GCF fund was announced which will help DC/LDC in mitigation and adaption
through funding ,tech-transfer from Developed Economies on principle of "historical
Reasons"
~It was Also stated that Climate change is world issues thus common responsibility
however Developed states will have greater responsibility thus was Coined CBDR.
Recent India-US talks which concluded gave immense jubilation in the other issues
however it did not fructify in the climate talks Despite India Changing of Stance
1. India even Agreed US proposal of Phasing out HFC under Montreal protocol[ on
Depletion of Ozone layer] which could have been used as negotiating cards ahead
in Paris 2015
2. $100bn GCF fund which required further fund as committed , Still US Non
committal on Climate talks before e Paris 2015 is sign of US will not be giving
more funds as promised
3. There was commitment of $2bn on Investment on renewable ,however it is
unclear whether the same will be used in Importing technology or
4. A low level Committal on Partnering given R&D activities.
Given NATO troops going back and Emerging US economy, India being highest US
Arms importer it was expected that US will show some committal on it however it
sidelined and dropped the text of climate change from talks, despite the India
willingness to partner US for Climate talks.
Page 37

industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth;
Q) The revenue-sharing contract which seeks to replace the New
Exploration Licensing Policy production-sharing contract regime for
oil and gas exploration in India with a revenue-sharing model, reveals
an attitude of extreme suspicion towards the private investor.
Critically analyse. (200 Words)
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/still-slipping-on-oil/99/
Ans: Government has decided to move from the Production Sharing Contract in which
the explorer recovers his expenditure first before sharing the profits with the
government to Revenue Sharing Contract where the explorer shares revenue with the
government from the first day itself. This was also suggested by Rangarajan Committee.
This step is being taken due to various criticism in the PSC method which includes:1)Inflating the exploration expenditure added with under reporting of production to
maximize the profits by the private sector that too for a longer time. Reliance was
criticized on the same grounds for its exploration in KG Basin.
2)Less revenues for the government.
3)No continuous supply of oil and gas during the times of low oil prices.
4)The method was also criticized by Ashok Chawla committee on pricing of natural
resources of favoring the private sector at the cost of government.CAG report too
highlighted about some irregularities.
Government adopting the RSC shows its inability to regulate/monitor the private
companies accounts.Also making the private sector to put money in an escrow account
under PSC shows the suspicion of the government towards the private sector and its
intention to secure its revenues.But the government's move overlooks its impact on the
exploration by the private companies which will not have the motivation to take new
projects because of the high risks and expenditure involved.
In a country like India where 2/3rd of the oil and gas blocks remains
undiscovered/underdeveloped moving to RSC is not a good idea as in such blocks PSC is
preferred because of the high investment and risk involved.Instead government could
have opted for the continuation of the older method along with strengthening
regulations and monitoring over such projects and streamlining the blockades like
redtapism,weak contracts etc in order to ensures adequate revenues along with
continuous oil and gas supply.
Page 38
Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it;

Q) A World Bank report underscored the role of urbanisation and
private sector participation as being critical to mitigating socioeconomic disadvantages. Discuss. What are reasons behind growing
inequality in South Asia and suggest measures to bridge them? (200
Words)
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/the-dynamics-ofinequality/article6831125.ece?homepage=true
Ans: Higher rate of urbanization means large scale migration of rural people to the
cities in the search of better livelihood. But the process of urbanization increases when
manufacturing and other job-creating industries start growing to expand. Such
expansion is largely depends upon the availability of resources and its effective
utilization and such desirable things lack in South Asian countries. However, the private
investment or entry in this sphere might boost the expansion rapidly.
The growing inequalities in South Asian nations are largely due to:
- Low per capita income of the countries
-Weak human development
- Rampant corruption and policy hurdles
- Stereotyped attitudes
- Political insecurity
- Inefficient distribution of resources
- Lack of proper job-creating industries
- Higher dependency on agriculture and traditional way of production
To bridge the gap following steps can be initiated:
- capital generation with the support if private investors
- Rapid development of infrastructural facilities and integration of remote market
- Effective institutions for resource mobilization and augmentation of income of the
people
- Removing policy hurdles and creating a transparent and accountable system
Ignoring jobless growth
- Control of inflation and Endeavour to increase real income of the people
- Use of high technological inputs on production process to stay in competitive global
market.
Page 39

industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth;
Q) If GAAR is not implemented properly it may result in tax
terrorism. Examine how and its impact on Indians economy and
ease of doing business? (200 Words)
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-opinion/sending-the-rightsignal/article6836457.ece
http://www.business-standard.com/article/opinion/letters-a-transparent-taxregime-115012901515_1.html
http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/tax-law-uncertaintyremains-a-concern-for-foreign-investors-115012900300_1.html
Ans: The idea of GAAR became popular in the backdrop of Vodafone tax case.. GAAR is
general anti avoidance rules made to prevent intentional tax avoidance by manipulating
tax laws. It empowers the Income Tax dept. to investigate any deal or joint ventures
which involves huge capital. however the announcement of GAAR created havoc in
Capital market and is believed might lead to tax terrorism.. Main reasons were:
1. The arbitrary method to investigate any commercial deal.
2. Due to the possibility of retrospective taxation
3. Vagueness of tax laws might be used against a particular company. eg recent
Vodafone case of transfer pricing . Under GAAR they have much more power.
Impact on economy:
1. Less investment by foreign companies so less growth.
2. Reduced employment
3. Poor service delivery as less competition.
Impact on ease of doing business:
1. GAAR will weaken the investors faith in stability of Indian tax regime.
2. Cost benefit analysis favors delay in implementation unless properly detailed and
acceptable norms are formed.
3. One big case like Vodafone may have ripple effect on investor's confidence.
As Shome panel recommended we should delay its implementation for now and should
strive toward a stable and predictable tax regime, avoid retrospective taxation and work
to provide a transparent business environment in Indian economy.
Page 40

Q) What are the various generation of bio-fuels? Why are the
previous generation bio-fuels seen as threat to food security? How do
3rd generation bio-fuels manage to address those problems? (200
Words)
http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/punjab-govt-plans-toset-up-asia-s-first-bio-ethanol-refinery-115012901477_1.html
Ans: A biofuel is any hydrocarbon fuel that is produced from organic matter in a short
period of time. This is in contrasts with fossil fuels, which take millions of years to form
and with other types of fuel which are not based on hydrocarbons like nuclear fuels.
The structure of the biofuel itself does not change between generations, but rather the
source from which the fuel is derived changes.
a) First Generation Biofuels were directly using the food crops like wheat and sugar
for making ethanol and oil seeds for bio diesel by conventional method of fermentation.
These fuels emitted more greenhouse gases.
b) Second Generation Biofuels used non-food crops and feedstock instead of food
crops as used in first generation. Wood, grass, seed crops, organic waste are used in fuel
preparation.
c) Third Generation Biofuels use specially engineered Algae whose biomass is used
to convert into biofuels. The greenhouse gas emission here will be low in comparison to
others.
Since first generation completely depends on food directly; high volume of food grains
were directed away from food market and used in the energy market. As every country is
energy starved and good remuneration for farmers awaited everyone was attracted to
production of raw materials for biofuels causing damages to the food security aims.
The third generation biofuels have advantages like:
a) Cost: The Algae are cultured to act as a low-cost alternative. It gives high-energy and
entirely renewable feedstock.
b) Energy: The Algae will have the potential to produce more energy per acre than
conventional crops.
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c) Eco-Friendly: Algae can also be grown using land and water which are unsuitable
for food production, therefore reducing the strain on already depleted water sources
d) Range: In Algae based biofuels is that the fuel manufactured can be used for a wide
range of fuels such as diesel, petrol and jet fuel.
However Algae, even when grown in waste water, requires large amounts of water,
nitrogen and phosphorus to grow. Also it requires large amount of fertilizers increasing
GHG emissions and hence will be much costlier.
The fourth generation biofuel may in future reduce the greenhouse emission. It is a ray
of hope for mankind which could be nurtured further by sustainable development thus
to secure a better future for upcoming generations.
Topic: mobilization of resources, growth, development

and employment.
Q) The alleged increment in tax rate would not be able to make
smoking tobacco a less affordable product because of its obvious
loopholes in the differential treatment of different tobacco products
or different tiers of the same product. Comment (200 Words)
http://www.epw.in/commentary/tobacco-taxation.html
Ans: Income increases in a rapidly growing country like India can lead to more than
proportionate increases in cigarette consumption.
Tobacco taxation is paramount to a successful strategy that promotes public health,
reducing tobacco consumption, while generating government revenues
The taxation of tobacco products in India is complicated by following reasons and hence
not efficient1. a myriad of tax structures,loopholes and exemptions, -like diff rates for hand-rolled
and machine -made bidis,filter/non-filter cigarettes
2. different collection systems and other challenges of tax administration.
3. Undertaxation for most commonly used tobacco products like bidis
4. 30% of GVA from tobacco products is generated in informal sector and thereby
outside the tax web and other regulatory mechanism.
5. Luxury taxes imposed on tobacco products by some states like UP,AP and west bengal
were struck down by supreme court in 2005
6. Taxes are imposed per-1000-sticks basis which reflects very poorly in per stick cost
7. Share of tax in retail price of cigarettes, far low than World Banks 2/3rd yardstick
Page 42
8. Considering the rate of inflation,the 72% increase in taxes on tobacco products

translates to not more than 58%
To achieve the broader objective of restricting consumption through tax policy,
1. extending excise duty on tobacco products to those manufactured and sold in the
unorganized sector
2. ensuring that excises across tobacco products are consistent and do not encourage
substitution
3. ensuring that tobacco products as a group are taxed higher relative to other
consumption good
4. setting up a simple and enforceable system to tax and to minimize revenue leakages
5. Earmarking some of the revenues from increased tobacco taxes to support a
comprehensive tobacco control programme will lead to even larger reductions in
tobacco use
Ex : In the United States, for example, several states have used cigarette tax revenues to
finance tobacco-related health programmes
Thus a critical review of the tobacco taxation policy needs to be made and the loopholes
need to be sealed to achieve the desired objectives of MPOWER as proposed by WHO .

Q) Coal remains the main fossil fuel for power generation in India.
What are the health impacts of air pollution from these coal-fired
power plants? Also assess the success of current environment
regulatory framework for coal power plants in India. (200 Words)
http://www.epw.in/system/files/Regulating%20Air%20Pollution%20from%20Coal%2
0Fired%20Power%20Plants%20in%20India.pdf
Ans: India is the world's second largest coal burner after China, generating 210 GW of
electricity a year, mostly from coal.
Health Impacts:
1. Millions of cases of asthma, respiratory distress and heart disease
2. NCEP analysis estimates incremental changes in the ambient pollutant
concentrations due to the presence of coal-fired power plants. Specially, the Indohttp://www.insightsonindia.com
Page 43
Gangetic plain, with states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh
harbour the largest coal mines in the country.
3. Adverse impacts are especially severe for the elderly, children
4. Morethan, 100,000 people died prematurely in 2011-12 due to emissions from
thermal power stations
Needs for improvements in current laws:
1. The environment clearance procedures require self assessment for only 10km radius
of the TPPs; whilst the impacts are observed at much greater distances, considering the
minimum stack height for a 500MW TPP is 275m.
2. Immediate introduction of emission standards for SO2, NOx, and Mercury for all the
coal-fired TPPs. This should be applied also retrospectively to all the operational power
plants, in order avail all the possible benefits.
3. Introduction of protocols to continuously monitor emissions at all stacks and make
the data available to pollution control authorities, civil society, and the public, for
further analysis and verification of the emission loads.
4. Regulating emissions at the plant level by mandating FGD operations for all the
existing, the newly commissioned, and the planned TPPs in India.

Q) India and USA recently committed to multi-sectoral actions to
counter the emergence and spread of Anti-Microbial Resistance
(AMR) and cooperation in training of health workers in preparedness
for threats of infectious diseases. What is AMR? Why is it seen as a
threat and what action can be taken to counter its effects? (200
Words)
http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/america-right-partner-india-dealantimicrobial-resistance
http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/why-antibiotic-resistance-getting-worse-india
Page 44
Ans: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of microorganisms that cause disease
to withstand attack by antimicrobial medicines. From drugs used to treat common
bacterial infections, to the complex combinations now fighting HIV infection, resistance
is increasingly being detected and is spreading rapidly.
Repeated exposure to antibiotic can make microbes resistant to it. Microbes that are
resistant to multiple antibiotics are called Multi Drug Resistant or Super bug. Drug
Resistant organisms may acquire resistance to First Line antibiotic, thereby
necessitating the Second Line antibiotic and in over usage may even use and failure of
Third Line antibiotic.
During the recent visit of the US president, MoU were signed for joint cooperation to
find a cure for Cancer and Ebola, along with measures to counter AMR.
Threat from Anti-Microbial Resistance:
a) Disease Resistance: AMR will not allow any treatment of any diseases by the
antibacterial drugs due to Superbugs development. Its effect can be seen in the increase
in incidents of XDR TB (Extremely Drug Resistant Tuberculosis), as compared to the
normal TB, which can be cured with easily available medicines.
b) Economic Burden: New varieties of disease will come in picture which will take
huge toll on economy and life. In countries like India cannot benefit from demographic
dividend.
c) Global Threat: Also, greater globalization leading to more travel favors the spread
of AMR across countries and continents. So, AMR has become a global public health
concern.
For countering AMR we need to reduce the use of antibiotics. Some of the ways are:
a) Use: As per the WHO report 2014. People should only use prescribed Antibiotic for
full period of prescription and not share antibiotic. Awareness among people regarding
AMR is necessary.
b) Prescription: Health workers and pharmacist must only issue antibiotic when
prescribed and prescribing only in required situation.
c) Research and Cooperation: Research on new drugs should be carried out in a
speedy manner. International cooperation to fight together and check this menace is
prerequisite.
d) Regulation: Strict and comprehensive legislation for limiting use of antibacterial in
livestock which are the cause of transfer of superbugs or resistance microorganisms in
humans.
Page 45

Q) It is said that India has a de facto Carbon Tax. Critically
examine how this tax is imposed, what are its objectives and if these
objectives have been met. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- Carbon tax refers to levying of such taxes on the use of carbon emitting fossil fuels
which discourages their usage by increasing their cost-price . The De-Facto Carbon Tax
referred in the Economic Survey are the high excise duties, clean energy cess being
levied on petroleum products like Petrol,Diesel and Coal Usage. The basic objectives
behind levying the carbon tax are ,
1. Promoting cleaner sources of Energy by artificially inflating the price of fossil fuels to
reduce consumption .
2. Incentivises researchers to create more fuel efficient technologies.
3. Assigning economic value to carbon emissions will help in green accounting where
adverse effect on environment is factored into balance sheets and creates awareness
amongst public.
Indias De-Facto tax i.e it isnt explicitly stated to be Carbon Tax instead collected as
Excise duties etc. Considering the same India has one of the highest Cabon Taxes ,$ 140
per tonne of CO2 for petrol , $64 per tonne CO2 for Diesel though we lag on the tax levy
on Coal usage.
The objective of discouraging andrationalizing fossil fuels consumption has been only
partially successful. The basic shortcomings are ,
1. Unavailability of viable green technology or cleaner source of Energy to substitute
Fossil Fuels.
2. Despite the Carbon-Tax fossil fuels remain cheaper than resources like-solar , wind
energy
3. Coal based Thermal Plants fuel Indias power requirement ( almost 60 % ) . Higher
Cess could lead to spurt in Inflation through high energy prices.
When alternatives like Metro Trains and other efficient public transport have developed
Carbon Tax will be more effective otherwise long term environmental concerns be
sacrificed
for short term gains and Carbon Tax ineffective.
Page 46
Topic: Science and Technology (health issues)- developments

and their applications and effects in everyday life
Q) What do you understand by Big Data? Discuss some of its
applications. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Big data is a catchphrase used to denote a set if data, both structures and
unstructured, so large that it is not possible to analyse and process it by using
conventional database management systems. Such a huge surge in data has occurred
due to burgeoning number of information capturing devices like mobiles, cameras,
sensors, etc. and a less increase in our storage capacity despite the latter being digital
now. The challenges associated with Big Data arr storage, analysis, and processing,
querying, management and information privacy.
The use of such voluminous data can help us spot and understand new business trends,
opinions, prevent diseases, combat crimes, etc. and governments and business
organizations are increasingly becoming interested in more effective uses of big data.
Consequently, the data management industry and analytics is growing immensely.
Applications:
1.Government: Big data can be analysed for targeted delivery if schemes, maintain
record of beneficiaries, analyse the response of the electorate to policies, predict future
trends and demands of population.
2. Businesses: Help to understand customers profile and needs, keep centralized data of
sales, maintain individual history of each customer and delivet customized services.
3. Science and Technology: Research data can be captured at more depth and analysed
in a better way. For example data at Large Hadron Collider for atomic research. In
future we are moving to the Internet of Things which will be based on machine-tomachine communication and each machine will have several Gigabytes if data about
itself and others for simulating processes.
4. In social surveys also, now we can capture a larger sample of population for
evaluating trends and undercurrents. For example a recent big data analysis has shown
that Indian cuisines are mostly anchored around spices and have dissimilar ingredients
paired.
However, as data capturing devices flood the market, what us big data today might be
very small tomorrow and this has been the trend so far.
Page 47
Topic: Indian Economy Financial Sector

Q) It is said that the most recent union budget has introduced a few
excellent moves that could work towards ushering in a new era in the
financial sector in India. Write a note on them. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- To meet the ambitious development targets, a vibrant financial sector is the need
of the hour. Many welcome steps have been taken in this budget which gives genuine
reason for cheer.
1) capital infusion to PSBs- around 8000 cr will be pumped into PSBs to meet BASEL 3
norms. Although this is inadequate considering NPA issues, more revenue is likely to be
generated through reducing government share.
2) SARFARESAI to NBFCs- given much importance to NBFCs to fund SMEs, it was
prudent to incorporate them in this act for better debt recovery and reducing court
disputes.
3) sector neutral financial redressal agency- a one stop consumer complain and
grievance redressal forum against all financial service providers. (recommended by
FSLRC)
4) merging FMC with SEBI- SEBI with its experience and trustworthy track record,
better equipped to deal with malpractice and chaos prevailing in future commodity
market.
5) revamping bankruptcy code- since existing legal provision are not adequate to deal
with this. A simplified law will bring legal cetainity, speed and keep away rogue
borrowers.
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6) MUDRA ( Micro Finance Development Refinance Agency) will strengthen financially

the micro finance institutions and extend their reach.
7) an autonomous bank board bureau- for appointment of persons in high posts of PSBs
without any political interference.
Proper implementation of these will make room for further reforms and the ride to our
great developmental ambition will be smooth.
Topic: Indian Economy

Q) Recently the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the union
government signed Monetary Policy Framework Agreement between
them which is hailed as historic. Examine its highlights and this pacts
importance to Indian economy. (200 Words)
The Indian Express
The Hindu
Ans- For past few years, India has been fighting against price rise at moneytary level,
not with much success. This time addressing few structural costraints partially in
budget, government has strengthened its moneytary front by entering into a pact with
RBI. Key highlights are:
Reasserting that moneytary policy will be solely handled by RBI preempting long
standing friction between FM and RBI governor.
Setting clear inflation target- by January 2016, CPI would be contained below 6% and
following years, it will vary between a 2% band. This will bring taming inflation to
forefront for RBI giving secondary priority to interest rate cut, thus somehow resolving
the growth-inflation dilemma.
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Accountability- criteria have been set that will determine when RBI missed the target.
In such case it has to explain to government the causes and state remedial measures that
will be taken. It will publish a biyearly document explaining people the source of
inflation.
Its inflation forecast for next 6-8 months will give an officials estimate enabling many
to form strategies accordingly.
A monetary policy committee will bring in more objectivity avoiding the view of RBI
governor alone.
Importance to Indian economy:
1) Huge relief to common men
2) Increase in expenditure by people boosting growth
3) Increase in saving rate making more capital available for investment.
4) No more gold rush- no more CAD deficit and unstable exchange regime
5) With better investment avenues no need to look only for real estate inflating it price
to unacceptable level- a good sign for governments housing for all by 2022 scheme. And
yes less black money in this sector.
Such institutionalized measure to battle inflation has given more confidence but
government must do more to address the structural issues like supply chain constrains.
Topic: Land reforms in India. Effects of liberalization on the

economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on
industrial growth.
Q) It is said that most industrial projects in India, which are either
stalled or cancelled, is due to land acquisition problem in India. Do
you agree with this assessment? Critically examine. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- For the last decade or two, land acquisition has been the biggest irritant for any
developmental or industrial projects. The intensity of problem is reflected from
following:
- Arcerol Mittal and POSCO withdrew their multi billion dollar steel project last year
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- Resistance by local people and tribals following government suppression has

prevented land acquisition like niyamgiri hills of Odisha
- About 1300 PPP projects worth 7 lakh crore is pending and land is one of the reason
for this
In some places environmental concerns raised by environmentalists and civil society has
dissuaded people from giving away their land. Although there are other issues like delay
in clearances, economic climate, high interest rate and NPA condition of banks which is
preventing players especially private ones to go ahead with investment.
But the issue with land is a problem of governments own making, because:
a) Until recently land were taken forcefully with paltry or no compensation
b) No consent of broad consultation before taking land
c) No participation in decision making in rehabilitation plan or future development on
their land and fair benefit sharing
d) Government sitting on huge amount of unused barren land, fallow land and
government land but not effectively using them.
Although land acquisition act of 2013 took adequate care of affected people, the
resulting high cost and delay in acquisition send a negative signal to industry. Some
innovative ways like land bank, efficient use of barren and government land, leasing out
land instead of selling them would be the way forward without compromising the
interest of affected people.
Topic: Government Budgeting; indigenization of

technology; Security challenges
Q) In the light of recent reports of governments thrust on Mane in
India campaign and some pressing problems being faced by the navy
and army, critically comment on Indias defence budget and its
performance in recent years. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- The government has allocated 144 crores for the make in india campaign for the
communications and the battlefield integeration system, both of which wouldn't see the
light of the day this year for the lack of proper planning and foresight.
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For years, the defence budget has been an exercise of tussle of egos in the defence
minsitry rather than a focussed budget aiming to deliver performance where needed.
Army has been consistently underperforming by giving away 60% revenues to it's
payrolees and other wasteful activities. The navy meanwhile has been languishing for
the lack of critical components and even then its budget has been slashed to 13.5%
percent.
The policy makers have to realise that in a warlike situation, the enemy wouldn't indulge
each of three arms separately on our terms. It would be an all-out war for supremacy.
The key point to note over here is that despite our focus on stopping Pakistan in J&K
and containing China based on our previous four wars concentrating on land forces, we
have to take an integral view of the situation.
A joint services command like that of US would greatly help in inter-coordination and
proper setting of priorities. A bottom up budget with flexibility to allocate money on
basis of requirements and coordination with local industries is required. Rather than a
single chief, the forces should be integrated under 5-6 commands with chiefs from
various services focussing on the area based approach. Until these basic steps are taken,
we would continue to languish in our defence capabilities
Topic: Indian Economy Financial Sector

Q) Do you think the new monetary policy framework signed between
government of India and the RBI will help the latter get more
autonomy? Critically examine. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Business Standard
Ans- Based on Urijit Patel Committee recommendations, government and the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) agreeing over a new monetary policy framework with the primary
objective of containing inflation.
Many people feel it will give more autonomy to RBI which is in sync with the central
banks of many world big economies. The agreement says, once inflation reaches beyond
the comfort zone, both at high and low levels, RBI should use whatever in its command
to bring it to the comfort zone. This basically gives autonomy to RBI.
RBI act will be amended for the formation of a five-member monetary policy committee
(MPC) headed by the RBI governor. Out of the five members, three were suggested to be
from RBI (the deputy governor and the executive director in-charge of monetary policy).
This composition of committee will reflect the independence of RBI, it should have
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experts as members and should not have government nominee as members.

India in past has paid price for not having clear monetary policy. So this step should
improve the situation and also ease pressure on RBI to pursue a particular course of
policy.
In general, this mechanism is welcome - since it brings to India the formal
accountability and transparency about future actions that is the hallmark of modern
central banking but there are still few areas where RBI cannot still do much.
As, RBI targets CPI where the weight of food items if around 50% but food inflation in
India is mostly dependent on non-monetary factors such as production and supply
chains, rains, harvest etc. In this case, RBI may signal intent but it will not have much
impact on ground and RBI will find hard to achieve inflation target.
Also, RBI dont have any control over fiscal responsibility or debt control which
government breach again and again. So again, RBI can't do much here as well.
This step is a much welcome step and will definitely improve the situation in India with
respect to monetary policy but we need to be cautious and government also need to
contain fiscal deficit and control its debit.

mobilization of resources, growth, development and
employment.
Q) Critically examine the importance of findings and
recommendations of the Interim Report of the Bankruptcy Law
Reform Committee for Indian economy. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Indian laws are often termed as the toughest laws for the running of businesses in
India. To improve business condition in the country, Bankruptcy Law Reform
Committee was setup by the government in Aug, 2014. Some of the recommendations of
the committee which submitted its report are1. Early recognition of financial distress in company and timely intervention by the
government to rescue the organization
2. Liquidate un-viable company as soon as possible
3. Allow secured creditors apply for the rescue of the company, earlier it was filled after
the company have been
defaulted by 50 per cent of its outstanding debt
4. Unsecured creditors representing 25 per cent of the debt be allowed to initiate rescue
proceedings against the debtor company
5. Recommendation on individual solvency
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Effect of recommendation if implementedPositive effect

1. Improve the rank of India on ease of
doing business
2. Easy exit policies are one of the criteria considered by entrepreneurs before setting
any organization
3. Early intervention by the government will save the organization from liquidation
Negative effect1. Various provisions which deal with the early intervention by the government to save
organization from being defaulted in already available under various laws, ineffective
implementation of existing laws are major problems
2. Many small businesses and micro enterprises are managed by people who do not have
much knowledge about laws and are largely illiterate, thus, without required knowledge
of existing laws, proper implementation seems to be a distant dream
3. In lieu of getting subsidies and tax benefits through state intervention, entrepreneurs
may show a well running organization as a sick organization
Topic: Indian Economy Employment issues

Q) What is the importance of Great Compression in American
history? Do you think India too can experience Great Compression?
If so, suggest what policy measures need to be implemented by the
government. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Reference (BusinessWeek)
Ans- Great Compression{GC} was period Post WW2 till 70's which took the form of
Great divergence{GDI}. GC was the used as US govt policy to narrow the Gini index [
reduce the income inequalities,wealth concentration] ,which included measures viz
unionisation, legislation for minimum wages ,Overall the view was take the slice of
income from best paid and giving it to the worst Paid. Indeed this Economic policy was
way ahead for various other countries.
In context to India which recently in its Economic survey 2015 had theme "creating
opportunities [ of economic growth] and reducing vulnerabilities[ economic
inequalities] had similar stance, though in the milder format . In India economic
inequalities are relatively high as shown in the Gini Index which is 33.4% [ mean 33%
people have greater control over resources ]
GDI adopted by US government was ,to weaken social security net and support the
already best paid , have created wide disparities among the people as shown in 2010
GINI index which is 41% .
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Progressive taxation which means taxing more to rich, is a way which was used by US
back then, is similar to Recent Budget 2015-16, where no populism or reduction is tax
slabs was made. Also similar stance of progressive taxation and cess on items which are
generally used by Upper middle class or rich class can be seen in same Light
This policy may work, provided the effective implementation and Leakage prove
transmission of such funds from rich to the Social welfare . For this Though Govt have
sought leak-less JAM trinity number, it will be time and space which will decide the
outcome of policies
Topic: Investment models

Q) The most recent union budget and the economic survey have
pointed out that many big infrastructure projects under PPP model
are stalled thanks to variety of reasons. They suggest revisiting and
revitalising PPP model to complete stalled and new projects in a timebound manner. In this regard, what amendments have been proposed
to PPP model? What challenges these amendments would face?
Examine. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- With India aiming for double digit growth in coming years, infrastructure sector
development was rightly identified by budget for such growth. The PPP model,
especially in infrastructure currently followed was under stress due to structural reasons
and budget offers following amendments to revitalise it.
1.Coming forward to take more risk in a PPP contract than the private partner to
encourage private sector to invest.
2. Willingness to renegotiate the already finalised PPP contracts through Independent
Renegotiation Committee as few PPP projects have become unviable due to delays in
land acquisition, legal procedures, environmental clearances etc.
3.On an encouraging note, to reduce the stress of NPA's on banks and thus a possible
legal hassle for players involved in long gestation infrastructure projects, government
proposed to institute a National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) with an
annual inflow of Rs 20,000 crore to finance infrastructure projects.
4. A promise on new Bankruptcy law for early recognition of stress to refinance them
and also enabling an early exit for private players in case on un-viability will increase the
private sector confidence to partner in PPP projects for infrastructure.
5. Decision to increase the capital expenditure of PSU's to develop infrastructure.
Challenges to these proposals:
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1. Greater commitment to finance infrastructure may undermine fiscal credibility of

government in short and medium term.
2. Respecting Land Acquisition, environmental and other laws while continuing with
fast paced infrastructure growth is challenging.
3. Renegotiation of contracts should not completely take-off risk and responsibility from
private players.
Topic: economics of animal-rearing

Q) Critically examine what effect the ban on cow slaughtering by some
of the states in India will have on economy and society of India. (200
Words)
The Indian Express
The Hindu
Ans- No state law explicitly bans the consumption of beef except Maharashtra. Cow
slaughter is banned in almost every state of India, except Kerala and the Northeastern
states, while buffalo slaughter is legal in most states in India. There will be some good &
some bed effects of the ruling.
effect of ruling on society
1. Cattle slaughter in India is a historically taboo subject, because of the cow's traditional
status as a sacred animal in Hinduism, the largest religion in the country.
2. The new rule is expected to hit the Muslim community hard, some of whom own a
majority of the beef-related businesses.
3.undemocratic is the government's crude attempt to regulate, dictate and censor the
dietary
habits of Indians. Banning cow slaughter involves preventing people from choosing
what they eat. Permitting it would not impose a particular diet on an individual or
group.
4.Abstinence from beef-eating is largely a caste or class question among Hindus. The
low castes prefer beef to other meat for reasons of taste and habit too.
5.more important, surveys of butchers in different states show that three-fourths of all
beef is consumed by non-Muslims, largely Hindus. A higher proportion of the sellers of
cattle are Hindus.it will create differences among different communities.
6.Why save the cow only but not its poor distant cousin buffalo?its like Casteism among
cattles.
Effect of ruling on economy
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1. But because of religious sentiments and bans in various states, most of India's beef is
exported - with a 20% share of the global market and exports worth more than $4bn
(2.6bn) a year, it is now the country's top agricultural export, beating the more famous
basmati rice. Buffalo meat, however, accounts for 80% of the exports.
2. Following the Maharashtra ban, there is concern over what will happen to bulls and
bullocks or to cows too old to produce milk or to give birth.
3. Their owners, mostly farmers, could now be stuck feeding them for years until they
die of natural causes.
4. It will render thousands of people without jobs and would result in spiralling of prices
of other meats.
5. Beef is more popular with the poor in India as it is typically cheaper than other meats
such as chicken or mutton. Its an important source of protein for those who do eat it,
but now meat itself might become unaffordable.
Topic: Indian Economy money-laundering and its prevention

Q) In recent union budget, the union government has announced that
it would amend criminal codes and introduce stringent provisions to
punish tax evaders in an attempt to curb black money. Do you think
such measures will help in curbing circulation or stashing of black
money in foreign accounts? In your opinion, ideally what should be
governments approach? Critically examine. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- Black money has evolved into a major political issue and with wild surmises about
its amount, it has captured our imagination. The SC had ordered formation of a Special
Investigation Team on this issue. In the union budget of 2015, the central government
announced some measures like more rigorous punishment fo tax evasion, stronger laws
for benamo transactions and not allowing offenders to approach the Settlements
Commission. But these steps leave much desired for more focussed action plan :
1. They do not address the inefficiency and corruption in our taxation regime and put
more discretionary powers in hands of taxmen. As our experience shows this will lead to
more harassment and litigations.
2. While we need to act to simplify our rules and regulations, promote more ease of
doing business and uncomplicate procedures for investment, we are merely prescribing
punishments without understanding why black money is generated.
3. Certain sectors like real estate or gold trading act as parking space for unaccounted
money that needs to be addressed.
Ideally the government should take following steps:
1. Simplify rules and regulations of investment and further liberalize economy.
2. Demonetize higher currency notes.
3. Just as USA PATRIOT ACT, all transactions by or with Indians, above a threshold,
must get reported.
4. Introduce amnesty for voluntary surrender of black money, set up a Tax Tribunal and
Page 57
increase punishment in tax evasions.

5. Round tripping of black money is a major issue s it distorts market and boosts up
assets prices. Tax deductible at source and closing off traditional routes of inflow like
Mauritius route needs to be done.
6. More international cooperation in areas of money laundering and Benami
transactions.
7. To exhibit its seriousness, government should, ideally, legislate to force disclosure of
assets, income and expenditure of political parties and bring them under RTI.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to mobilization of

resources
Q) When RBI cuts key interest rates, the Sensex soars and the move is
welcomed by the corporate world. How ill such rate cuts affect
common man? Critically examine. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Business Standard
Ans- The recent rate cut by RBI of repo rate from 7.75% to 7.5% has been welcomed by
corporate world and has sent sensex to new heights. It has various implications for a
common man:
1. Banks can borrow loans from RBI at reduced rates and so will have to lower their own
bank rates. This means more loans cam be doled out and that too cheaper ones. So
cheaper education, home or car loans and smaller Equated Monthly Instalments, good
news for our middle class.
2. Business can avail easier loans so bring down their costs, expand enterprise and
generate more employment.
3. Inflation cn be checked.
4. More expenditure than savings by people so drive up the growth and demand.
5. More trading in markets and speculations will build upon trust.
However, there are some negtive affects also:
1. Reduced savings and more demand will pump up the prices of various goods.
2. Loans given out may cause an economic bubble to form and this may burst as in US in
Page 58
2008.
3. Depriciation of rupee will result. Currently oil prices are in check so no issue. But
volatility of rupee to crude oil prices is large and geopolitical issues are disturbing
trends. Seasonal changes in fodd prices is alao an issue.
4. Banks may have to suffer from issues of non-performing assets and their own
margins.
So the present situation brings cheers to common man but continuous monitoring is
required by RBI.
Topic: Indian Economy General

Q) While inflation targeting has some rationale in advanced
economies, where foods contribution to the CPI and consumption
expenditures is barely 20 per cent, and agricultural markets are far
more organised, there is an inherent danger of it creating an antifarmer policy bias in a country like India. In the light of recent
monetary policy framework signed between RBI and the government,
critically comment on the statement. (200 Words)
The Indian Express
Ans- The recent monetary policy framework agreement between RBI and government
institutionalizes the inflation control measures and a welcome sign. But there are some
issues:
a) RBI determines its monetary policy based on CPI figures where food and non
alcoholic beverage has about half the weightage (45.86%). Their price are more
controlled by weather condition, supply chain management, market structure etc and
less by monetary policy tools like interest rate.
b) Food and fuel price drives the CPI and mostly it depends on external factors like
volatility of oil producing region, adverse weather etc. RBI can only react by increasing
interest rate which will dampen growth and wont tame inflation either.
c) RBI can only give a buffer time to the government to address the core issues and
safeguards the economy from drastic change in macro economic indicator but for
temporarily. In this case, making the RBI answerable for explaining the reasons for
missing inflation target does not make sense.
d) In the advanced economies, food commodities share barely 20% of inflation index
and agriculture market is organized which makes it responsive to the monetary policy of
central banks.
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How this will create anti-farmer policy bias?

The pressure of limiting inflation to the set figures will make government frequently
resort to 1. Not increasing MSP regularly 2. Imposing export ban 3. Duty free imports.
This will affect the the agriculturalists and workforce dependent on agriculture.
Both fiscal and monetary policies are needed to control inflation. Instead of throwing
this completely on RBI, government should think over structural reforms which cause
inflation.

employment.
Q) Do you think increased importance on building physical
infrastructure either by involving private or public means since
independence is adversely affecting growth of human capital in India?
Critically evaluate. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Human Capital also know as Human Resource is the skill, knowledge and
experience of individual, organisation or nation. A nations biggest asset is Human
Resource development which needs better physical infrastructure(roads, education
institutes, bridges, electricity ) and invisible infrastructures(services, education,
sanitation) for realisation of full potential.
Physical infrastructure needs huge investment which led to focus on public and PPP
investment on this sector and ignored Human Capital development as for election and
political advantages visible infrastructure holds more value.
Also, for providing mass scale employment and developing new urban areas, physical
infrastructure was boosted since Independence. Indias education system also produced
more than enough to qualify for domestic job requirement. Most of the high-tech
research and technologies we directly buy from foreign nations at considerate price.
Also, primary sector of economy which caters largest employment to nation doesnt
need skill and education expertise. All such factors summarises to lesser focus on
Human capital development. International organisation like World Bank, IMF and ILO
also never focussed on skill development for India, rather they only asked for trade
transparency, EXIM policy, cheap loans for infrastructures etc because, the deficit in
infrastructure was matching up with deficit in Human capital.
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A Developed HR will be of no use if there is no physical infrastructure and vice-versa.

Both HR and physical infrastructure have gestation period and takes time to mature and
become beneficial.
Hence, balanced attention to both is needed.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to mobilization of

resources
Q) What do you understand by net neutrality? Do you think
regulating internet has negative consequences? Examine. (200
Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Net Neutrality- In internet traffic every data irrespective of its origin is equal and
its transport over network must be considered equally without giving some preferences
to some. Net neutrality is core of internet governance over various networks that ISPs
should not discriminate.
Effect of Regulating Internet::
Internet traffic in various countries is regulated by their law of the land; Like China
imposes ban on multiple websites. Similarly India too has started to interfere in such
matters in recent times. Government's contentions on Public safety and national
security are valid; however there must be clear cut guidelines and laws to manage and
implement such bans. For example recently Supreme court of India asked to ban all
porn websites in India on argument that porn is increasingly responsible for rapes in
India. Such flawed and arbitrary argument to ban some traffic is against the principle of
net neutrality and it will cause a debilitating impact on internet business and freedom of
speech. So regulation of internet traffic must be carried out in spirit of striking a balance
between freedom of speech and some restrictions of freedom of speech (as it is not
unlimited).
Page 61
Topic: Investment models; changes in industrial policy and

their effects on industrial growth.
Q) It is said that the proposal to transfer risk away from the private
sector to the government under PPP model essentially returns India
to a pre-2000 model for investment. Examine the Pre-2000 model of
investment and why this model is despised by some economists. (200
Words)
Business Standard
Ans- PPP as a model for investment only started in India in 1997.Pre-2000 model of
investments in India had following characteristics:
1. Government /Public sector was the main risk bearer and guarantor in all projects of
economic and social importance .Public units were mainly used to build infrastructure
because the private sector was far less available or welcomed.
2.While private players cooperated in completing the projects, the government carried
the maximum responsibility for their quality ,standard and maintainence and expected
outcomes of the projects .
3.Projects choices were often saddled with politicization, populism and appeasements
while their economic viability and other aspects were not properly analyzed.
4.Since,the government bore the risks, it used to pump huge capital on operation of
completed projects ,eradicate their failures ,their revival and improvement in quality
building huge burden on exchequer .
5.Very rarely, private players who entered into contract to build projects were held liable
for their failure, delays and rising cost of their uses.They were guaranteed returns on the
projects built by them.In case they failed to collects their expected revenues, the
government used to pay from it's own exchequer to compensate their deficit.
There are several detractors of such model.The main reasons being:
1.projects viability were less cared.
2.When the state takes all the risks,there is little reason to think that right projects will
be picked.
3.Such model of PPP leads to polticization and serves as an excuse for vast transfer of
scarce resources to the private sector in guise of gauranteed returns.
4. Decreases inefficiencies and accountability; dampens quality and competitions ;often
escalates costs of projects.
Page 62
Topic: Awareness in the fields of Space, bio-technology; Science

and Technology- developments
Q) Write a note on different scientific theories on origin of
life. Recent experiments by NASA suggest that life might have evolved
abiologically. Examine how. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- The Origin of life, is one of the greatest unsolved questions in science. Over the
years, many theories have been put forwards regarding the origins of life.
1- Panspermia- this theory states life did not begin on earth but was brought from
outside, maybe from mars as some scientists have controversially suggested.
2- Electric spark theory- This theory states that lightning might have helped create the
building blocks of life.
3- Communal clay- This theory states that life evolved from clay, which helped
concentrate
organic compounds together.
4- Deep sea vents some suggest that life might have started in deep sea vents, which
spew hydrogen rich molecules
5- Cold start it is said that the cold nature of the earth could have preserved key
organic molecules in the ocean from UV light.
But recently, scientists at NASA discovered that neucleobases which form the basic
structure of DNA and RNA can be synthesised abiologically.
The scientists discovered that when water contain pyrimidine was frozen to extreme
temperatures in vacuum and was then exposed to UV radiation, it broke down to form
Uracil, Cytosine and Thymine.
Scientists argue that since many amino acids and neucleobases can be created
abiologically, key ingredients for DNA, RNA and proteins can be synthesised the same
way too.
Page 63
Topic: Security issues

Q) The United States with cooperation from other Western countries
is increasingly depending on eliminating top leadership of terrorist
organisations as counter-strategy to fight terrorism and weaken those
organisations. Do you think this is a sound strategy? Critically
analyse. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Terrorism is cancer to International peace and economics. U.S and her allies have
always been in forefront to tackle terrorism firsthand because of their economic
interests and responsible position in international fora.
The concept of Decapitation to eliminate terrorism by killing and effort fully targeting
the members in highest cadre of organisation was tried since the US invasion in Iraq
and killing Al-Qaeda leaders. Though it appears that such decapitation would lead to
organisation collapse but in reality its not always. If only target killing of leaders are
sole purpose than it evokes mass emotions and raises the new recruitments. Also,
terrorist organisation may appear for some time to be dormant but its not as evident
from 2007-08 USs mission in Iraq to finish Al-Qaeda top leaders and later part of 2012
again Al-Qaedas operation started emerging also many old members joined ISIS.
Terrorists also switch their organisation once there are left leaderless.
Hence, we need to take following steps:
(1.) We need to understand what message terrorists like ISIS want to convey. They want
new recruit from social media, they want to send terror waves, glorifiy their beastly
deeds to attract extremists thinking people. Hence, govt should stop broadcasting their
any act, disabling any content ISIS want to post in social media and not giving any voice
to them to interact with young minds.
(2.) Govt should equally focus on top leaders as well as mass training centres to
eliminate future of terrorism.
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(3.) Images and graphics of decapitation should not be publicised. Also, making people
aware that terrorism is because of wrong interpretation of religious book and not the
other way round.
Terrorism can be effectively eliminated only with long term prudent plan which should
include: eliminating terrorists->There social media presence-> preventing new recruits> cutting off their economic channel -> providing stable democracy in the region -> and
then monitoring peace in the region with domestic govt cooperation for at least 10 years
period and then phasing out.
Topic: Basics of money laundering and its prevention.

Q) Indias emerging status as a regional financial centre,its large
system of informal cross border money flows,and its widely perceived
tax avoidance problems all contribute to countrys vulnerability to
money laundering problems. Critically comment. (200 Words)
http://www.thehindu.com/business/black-money-in-stock-markets-sebi-to-suspendshell-companies/article6871176.ece
Ans- According to a CBDT Report in 2012 commercial tax evasion by under-reporting
revenues and inflating expenses by various business entities and criminal transactions
account for about 60% and 35% of the black money(BM) being generated in India
respectively. Corruption on the other hand is responsible for a meager 5% of the total
amount, even though it is the most publicized.
The major reasons behind such large-scale prevalence of money laundering activities are
the ineffectiveness of Indias tax regime alongwith its rapid economic growth. The real
estate sector is the primary destination of BM, mainly due to the large property
transaction costs and bureaucratic hassles associated with it. The relative porosity of our
borders is responsible for the smuggling of gold, fake currency etc. which eventually
adds to the BM generation.
However, the inadequacies of the financial system and border security are not the only
factors responsible. The absence of an effective monitoring mechanism, such as the
USAs Patriot Act which requires Americans to report foreign transactions above a
certain limit, a strict punitive regime and the prevalence of various amnesty measures
have prevented the creation of credible deterrence mechanisms.
The MC Joshi Committee report on BM (2012) had suggested various measures such as
strengthening the PoCA, setting up of an all-India judicial service and a National Tax
Tribunal, compulsory reporting of large global transactions etc. to curb the menace of
Page 65
BM. Revamping the tax laws to encourage people to pay taxes by reducing the rates,
introducing a banking transaction tax and speeding up the process of liberalization are
other measures which can be adopted.
Topic: Security challenges & their management in border

areas;;
Q) The proper management of Indias borders ,which is vitally
important to national security presents many challenges and includes
coordination and concerted action by the
administrative,diplomatic,security,intelligence,legal,regulatory and
economic agencies of the country to secure the frontiers and subserve its best interests. Elucidate. (200 Words)
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/n-korea-fires-short-rangemissiles/article6872382.ece
Ans- National security requires concerted action of all individuals of this nation and not
only government agencies.Similarly, management of Indian borders is not only the
responsibility of armed forces but also other
administrative/diplomatic/intelligence/legal/ regulatory agencies.
Administrative agencies like local administration and police has a great role in
motivating and influencing local public support against any illegal action across
border.Unless local support is not available, armed forces will find very difficult to
manage borders.ex-Rajasthan,punjab, UP borders
Diplomacy plays an important role in maintaining peace at international borders.exduring Nepal's political crisis after end of aristocracy, Indian diplomats handled
situation carefully and prevented any major effect on Indo-Nepal relations.
Armed forces along with internal and external intelligence agencies are the major
factors for stable borders.ex- militants entering from pakistan,Nepal,
bangladesh,bhutan borders have been successfully tackled by concerted efforts of
central and state armed police forces, Army, IB, RAW.
legal authority though do not have direct effect on border management but they help
armed forces in proper maintenance of disturbed region.ex-AFSPA allows immediate
action on basis of valid suspicion by armed forces in disturbed region without going into
administrative loops.This helps in immediate action and elimination of threat without
compromising security.
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Frontiers are also at threat by transaction of illegal money, fake currency, drugs, arms
etc
Regulatory and economic agencies provide proper guidelines to makes sure of any loop
holes being closed.ex- strong anti narcotics and smuggling law along with RBI's
initiatives to ban illegal/black money and fake currency.
India's unique feature of few not so good neighbours has resulted in growing divisive
elements along with drug addiction,fake currency and other menaces in society which
can be fought only by united efforts by all individual person and government in this
country.
Topic: poverty and developmental issues (also Paper-3

planning)
Q) Write short notes on drought-prone area programme and agroclimatic planning. How do these programmes help in the
development of dryland agriculture in India? (150 Words)
http://www.ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm?legy2=9-12
Ans- DPAD is region specific developmental plan where the rain- fall is less than 75 cms
and does not has any reliable water resource, ( india's 2/3rd area comes under this i.e
plateau interiors)
its main component are1) promotion of region specific development i.e diversification of agricultural income for
e.g- animal husbandry etc.
2) sustainble techniques such as rain water harvesting, water shed management are
promoted.
in the same way Agro-climatic planning was promoted by planning commission for
promotion of growing of those crops which are naturally suitable for that area. The
major objectives of this are1) building capacity of local resident and imparting information so that suitable crops
can be grown.
2) Providing avenues for profit maximization like diversification of agricultural income.
As our country's 75 % area is semi-arid so the need for these two can be be overemphasized, they help by1) by imparting knowledge regarding available resources and there use.
2) most importantly they promote local led development i.e demand driven.
3) success stories such as ofhttp://www.insightsonindia.com
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a) ralegaon siddhi ,b) hivere bajar in maharastra and c) sukhomajari in haryana is e.g of
success of dry land farming due to effectiveness of the above two
Topic: Infrastructure
Q) Explain the advantages of water transport. Discuss the challenges
faced by water transport sector in India. (150 Words)
NCERT
Ans- There are 2 types of water transport. Inland(through rivers, lakes and canals) and
Ocean(coastal and overseas shipping).
Advantages of water transport :
1. cost : Rivers and oceans are natural and does not require any cost of construction.
even the maintenance cost is less as compared to roadways and airways.
2. capacity : Heavy and bulky goods can be transported easily at a little cost through
water transport.
3.Power requirement : comparatively less tractive power is required for its operation
which results in a lesser cost of operation.
4. It is indispensable to foreign trade.
5. During natural calamities like floods, etc. when rail or road transport is disrupted,
water transport alone is possible.
Challenges faced by the water transport sector in India :
-- It is the least preferred mean of transport because of the time factor.
-- It is susceptible to ocean calamities.
-- seasonal characteristics of river - water may freeze during winter or the water level
may go down during summers. sometimes the river changes its course causing
dislocation in normal route.
-- not suitable for small businesses.
-- construction of canals reduces the volume of water in the rivers (effects peninsular
rivers as they are rain dependent)
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-- government has not put too much effort in the water transport sector, hence it is
lagging in infrastructure.
India has huge scope for water transport with a large part of it covering the Indian ocean
and so many rivers in the main land. Water transport can help trade a lot and it should
be used with its full potential.
Topic: Indian economy

Q) Critically comment on the issue of black money and the efforts
made by the union government to address various aspects related to
black money. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Black money(BM) generation has been one of the most persistent and destructive
problems associated with our economic growth primarily due to the inability of the
government to effective tackle the issue over the years inspite of numerous domestic and
foreign reports on the menace. This has resulted in the formation of a shadow
economy which has been estimated to be around 23-26% of the entire economy.
One of the first methods employed by the Indian government to recover unaccounted
money was the Voluntary Disclosure of Income(VDI) in 1951. In 1981 the Central
government had officially recognized the prevalence of illicit money in the Indian
economy and decided to float Special Bearer Bonds(SBB). Although the VDI Scheme has
been largely successful, the SBB scheme has been criticized for allowing BM owners to
escape punishment.
To deal with the hoarding of BM in tax-havens, the Centre has signed numerous DTAA
with foreign countries like Switzerland and Mauritius and TIEA with countries like
Bahamas and Bermuda. It has also set up various units such as the CBDT(cross-border
transactions and transfer pricing), ED(enforces FERA/FEMA), FIU(suspect
transactions) etc. The Centre had also appointed the MC Joshi Committee(2012) on BM
to study the generation and curbing of BM.
Although these steps have been progressive and have shown results in the past year,
especially after the formation of the SIT by the new government, various roadblocks
exist in the recovery of BM from foreign countries. In addition to continuing talks with
foreign governments on this issue, the Centre should strengthen existing laws such as
PoCA, PoMLA, Whistleblowers Act etc. to deter BM generation within the country
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Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and

degradation,
Q) With suitable examples, critically examine the nature of threats
being faced by wildlife in India as a result of governments
developmental policy measures. If a drinking water project benefits
thousand poor human beings but severely affects ten endangered
crocodiles, should this project be implemented? Justify. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Most basic and integral part of development is building up necessary
infrastructure such as roads, railways, telecom network and exploiting natural resources
via mining, fishing, timber, drinking water schemes, hydro development for the good
of people.
Recent govt's thrust on infrastructure generation threatens wildlife in following manner:
1. Genetic bottleneck: to serve irrigation & flood control needs thrust on barrage
construction will restrict free movement of Ganges River Dolphin in GangaBrahmaputra river system; adversely affecting their breeding; ultimately threatening
their existence.
2. Habitat loss: proposed drinking water scheme by Telangana state govt. in Adilabad
district threatens crocodile habitat in Godavari river.
3. land reclamation: from wet lands & riverine habitats for agriculture & urban
development threatens migratory and non-migratory species such as Siberian Crane &
Great Indian Bustard.
4. power generation: thrust on hydro development in north east to tap its vast
hydropower potential threatens species in eastern Himalayan foothills; Sumatran Rhino
& Javan Rhino are already extinct.
5. Union Govt.'s decision to reduce fishing ban period in EEZ on west coast; will lead to
overfishing; threatens fish species.
6. Habitat fragmentation: caused by roads & railways development; hampers breeding
of fauna.
For implementation of any developmental scheme, its pros & cons must be evaluated; if
some proposed drinking water scheme benefits millions but threatens native fauna then
1. Efforts should be made to relocate the particular specie.
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2. Increase public spending to develop requisite habitat in some other area through
afforestation & water shed management programmes etc.
If no options are available then scheme should not be implemented; it is high time our
flora & fauna is given due value.
Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology;

Q) Developing methods for alternative delivery of drugs has gained
importance considering the large number of infections that are
spread through contaminated, non-sterilised syringes. Examine why
using non-sterilised syringes is dangerous and also examine latest
developments in finding alternatives to syringes. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Responsible for the eradication of smallpox, the virtual elimination of polio, and
the dramatic drop in measles mortality rates, vaccines have made a remarkable
contribution to global public health.
In low-income countries, however, where low sanitation is the norm, they have also
been a major cause of death.
While vaccinations save two million lives per year, the unclean syringe is responsible for
30% of Hepatitis B and C infections, and 1.3 million deaths worldwide per year.
The dangers associated with use of non-sterilised syringes include:
1. can lead to spread of bloodborne diseases like Hep B, Hep C, HIV etc
2. Sterilization requires temperature of 121C for 20 minutes. However, healthcare
workers must have access to sterilization equipment and proper training since
inadequate sterilization can result in the transmission of disease.
3. It poses a threat not only to the patients but also to medical,para medical and health
care workers
However , Use of disposable syringes also is a problem since it generates a huge amount
of Biomedical waste and the disposal of sharps needs special containers and accessibility
to these may not be there. Hence the need to find alternatives to syringes. The
developments in this context include :
1. Use of Auto-disposable(AD) syringes: a one time use syringe. Eliminates the black
market that is associated with disposable syringes
2. NFIs(neeedle-free injectors): NFI drives liquid through a nozzle orifice creating a
high-velocity liquid jet that punctures the skin and delivers the drug below the skin
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3. Recently, the researchers at IIS designed a biocapsule made up of a polymer

spermidine dextran sulphate ,loaded with insulin/antibiotic and placed at the infection
site and triggered by micro-shock waves.
However, these developments are still in the pipeline and not available for all injectable
medicines. Hence proper on-site segregation,use of needle burners,cutters after use and
proper disposal is the need of the hour.

Q) Explain the principle behind functioning of space telescope. Also
explain why worlds largest telescopes are built on higher elevations.
(150 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Various telescopes work by capturing a specific light in the broad spectrum of
electromagnetic radiation (visible light, infrared, x-rays, microwaves etc.) either through
reflecting or refraction. Principles of Space telescope are not different from ground
telescopes. It can be a reflecting or refracting telescope basic principle it to
collect more and more light and
converge it to the focal point
e.g. Hubble telescope which uses Cassegrain reflector, it has two mirrors, one primary
concave mirror and another convex secondary mirror. So light entering the telescope is
collected by primary mirror and reflected onto secondary convex mirror which
converges it on the sensors.
Since the earth's atmosphere distorts, scatters, absorbs and blurs the light entering it so
an ideal place to capture light would be out of earth's atmosphere or from high altitudes
where atmosphere is less dense. That is the reason why ISRO has it observatory in
Himalayas to minimise these atmospheric effects
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways

etc.
Q) If you are asked to advice Indias railway ministry on how to
mobilize financial resources without hiking railway fares, what
suggestions will you make and why? Explain. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Page 72
Ans- Railway is lifeline of Indian Economic system. On one hand it commutates

millions people everyday mostly from poor rungs and on the other hand it is mired with
serious lack of funds for improvisation in services. Some Suggestions to mobilize
Financial Resources without hiking the railway fares:
(1.) Increasing the number of trains in the routes which are very busy and overcrowded.
This will generate positive revenue from already setup infrastructure.
(2.) After testing the safety and detailed study from various aspect, Raise the speed of all
trains by 20kms. Right now all trains are running underspeed. Raising speed will lessen,
provide leeway for newer train in tracks and decrease cost of electricity as a fuel.
(3.) Services like Railway track, station cleaning, parking maintenance, crossing
operation and other fourth grade jobs to private firms with strict instruction and penalty
provision. It will bring efficiency, save costs of operations and save energy of railway to
focus on other tasks.
(4.) Stepwise phasing out from maintaing Railway hospitals, museum, schools, colonies
and transfer its control to Government of PPP model. Because Railway spends a good
financial and man power to maintain them.
(5.) Increasing automation and computerisation toward small process like shunting,
railway line switching, announcements, teller machines etc to save man power allocated
to such services.
(6.) Better safety/security management to save ex-gratia paid during accidents mishap.
Invovling third party Insurance for such mishaps.
(7.) Introducing PPP provision in a better and more inclusive way through e-auctioning.
Like Infra bond, Railway can issue Rail-bond with fixed interest rate to invite
investment. It will peg railways liabilities and government will treat Railway as MNC
rather than nations workhorse.
This steps may seems of lesser significance but if implemented with determination, it
will bring extra funds of considerable scale
Topic: Infrastructure: ports

Q) Describe the composition of export and import trade of India and
the role of ports in it. (150 Words)
NCERT
Page 73
Ans- India is a very old participant in world trade.

Export consists of Plantation Crops, Agriculture and Allied Products, Ores and Minerals,
Leather and Leather Manufactures, Gems and Jewellery, Chemical and Related
Products, Engineering Goods, Textiles, Handicrafts and Carpets, Cotton Raw Including
Waste.
Import Consists of Fertilizers, Petroleum Crude and Products, Pearls, Precious and
Semi-Precious Stones, Organic and In-organic Chemical.
Importance of Ports:
1. Approximately 95 percent of Indias trade by volume is transported by sea.
2. Total sea-borne trade of India, more than 85 per centers shared by Mumbai, Kolkata,
Cochin, Chennai and Visakhapatnam.
3. The average ship-borne traffic in India is 700 million tonnes per annum
Indias 12 major ports are expected to double their annual cargo handling capacity to
1,600 million tonnes (MT) within the next five years.
Besides foreign trade, ports play an important role in internal trade. Inland water
transport in India carries about 16 million tonnes of goods each year.
With 7500 kms coastline and 14,500 kms rivers, port play most vital role in India's
economic growth.
Topic: Indian economy

Q) Critically comment why decontrol of urea prices, fewer subsidised
cylinders a year and withdrawal of kerosene from the public
distribution system (PDS) are considered as economic reforms. (200
Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Subsidies are like spoonfeeding a child. It is useful in infant stage because child is
not capable of self-developing himself, But continuing spoonfeeding a child is harmful
for his all round development and also for parents as they cant engage in other activities
which are more important. Hence, phasing out subsidies slowly is what is required as
one of the Economic Reforms.
Decontroling the price in economy means, leaving the price control to the dynamics of
market rather than artificially lowering the price by providing backdoor subsidies.
Page 74
Why Decontrolling the price is required as Economic Reforms:

Urea:
(1.) Most of subsidised urea are collected by rich and bigger farmer and never reach
marginal farmer.
(2.) Major part of urea reaches to Bangaladesh, Burma and Nepal through
blackmarketting. Also, Chemical industries uses this urea as their raw material.
(3.) Over use of urea leads to Eutrophication, pollutes water bodies, deoxygenate water
and hence deplete diversity of marine life in rivers.
(4.) Urea subsidy is opposed by WHO because it distorts real price of crops.
(5.) Continous use led to depleted nutrients for what urea is not providing.
Hence Urea subsidy should phase out. NBS is a good step toward it.
Fewer Cylinder to each family:
(1.) Many subsidised cylinder end to restaurents, hotels, LPG kit to cars and black
market.
(2.) Oil companies are not achieving their potential and losing on their economic edge
against private companies.
(3.) Use of subsidized gas by gas power plant is also non scientific and ecological
unsustainable.
Hence it should be limited to 6-9 cylinders per year.
Kerosene at PDS:
(1.) Though Kerosene is an outdated fuel but still some fraction of population in rural
areas use it for lighting and cooking. But providing kerosene to everyone is not
efficiency. All kerosene ends up in blackmarket for adulterating the diesel, fueling
pumps in fields, Smuggled to neighbouring nations.
(2.) Rural populations these days are also electrified so no need to give subsidised
kerosene, instead solar lamps can be distributed.
Hence solving such basic issues and phasing out subsidy is a big step toward bridging
fiscal deficit and bringing economci reforms.
Page 75

Q) Recently scientists reported that obesity should be recognised
as a chronic and an often treatment-resistant disease with both
biological and behavioural causes. What do you understand by this?
Examine its implications. (150 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Around the world, the prevalence of obesity has nearly doubled in thee last
decade. Being overweight or obese significantly increases the risk of multiple
debilitating diseases including cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, high blood
pressure etc.
For many obese individuals, the struggle to achieve a healthy body weight becomes a
veritable battle against biology as a number of metabolic processes promote weight gain
despite genuine efforts to decrease food consumption and increase energy expenditure
Scientific investigations have shed light on the biology of weight loss in recent times. It
turns out the battle against the bulge is much more complex than the overly simplistic
eat less food to lose weight message. It is a long term phenomenon and termed as a
disease since it cannot be cured with frontline methods.
Its implications include:
1. once someone has had obesity for an extended period of time, that weight becomes
biologically stamped in.
2. if an obese person manages to shed weight and remain trim, the obesity is said to be
in a state of remission
3. once established, the biological adaptations have an insidious way of inducing
increased calorie consumption and storage of fat to protect an individuals highest
sustained weight.
Hence the solution for this problem lies in a holistic approach to weight management.
The options include use of anti-obesity drugs, surgical treatment in morbidly obese and
preventing further weight gain in overweight people to avoid obesity.
Page 76
Topic: e-technology in the aid of farmers

Q) Write a note on the importance of and role played by the Indian
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in ensuring farm
mechanisation in India. (150 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Indian council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous apex body
responsible for the organisation and management of research and education in the field
of agriculture, animal science, agro forestry, fisheries and allied sciences.
Mechanisation refers to improved tool and implement of machinery that supplement
and substitute human labour, enhances workers output, avoids drudgery and stresses
etc. Currently in agriculture sector of India, the production costs are rapidly increasing
while eroding the profit margin of farmers. Hence there is a need of farm mechanisation
to reduce costs, enhance productivity and efficiency. Thus in order to keep agriculture
economically viable ICAR has reorganised itself in 1965. With its success in Green
revolution, it has taken many vital steps towards a sustainable farm mechanisation in
India.
1). It is working towards developing need-based and region specific engineering
technologies and is engaged in planning, co-ordination and monitoring of R&D
programmes in a national and international level.
2) It has developed many improved machinery such as laser and leveller, self-propelled
sprayers, precision seeders and planters, harvesters for cereals and sugarcane etc.
3) It has introduced gender friendly tools for reduction in the drudgery for women farm
workers.
4) With a nation-wide vast network, it is engaged with many mass awareness
programme related to new farm technologies. Ex: Lab to Land programme, recently set
up of modern mechanised farm units.
Page 77
Topic: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating

challenges to internal security.
Q) India considers the expanding footprint of extremist and terror
organisations in Pakistan, and their link with various terror activities
in India, is a major security challenge. In this regard, what are all the
options that India has pursued to address this security challenge?
Critically evaluate them. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Intro : --1) Pak distinguishes b/w Good nd Bad terrorism. Good terrorism is
considered as a tool along with army, ISI to fight with India.
2) Many terrorist organizations based in pak (mostly operating from POK, Punjab
region prominient of them are LET, Jaish e Mohammad, Jamaat-e Islami, Jammat Ud
dawa etc.)
3) Another angle:: Increasingly Taliban now expanding its footprints in Pak. which may
destabilise whole of south Asia. so again an emerging gr8 challenge for india. As Taliban
is ideologically extremist organization.
4) Link of Indian terrorist organizations like Indian Muzahiddin, SIMI to pakistan-Training, funds, motivation etc.
India's efforts to tackle this emerging security challenge ::
1) Stepped up Internal security especially after Mumbai(26/11) like Indian Coast Guard,
NIA, More wings of NSG, Yearly State Police chiefs meet specially discuss all these
emerging challenges so state-state cooperation is very important that's why the need of
NCTC emerges.
2) Border Area Devp. :: Border Fencing, More effective watch on infiltration,
3) Checking extremism in Natives :: -- Through special welfare progams for surrendered
native terrorists (Himayat- J&K).
4) Defence cooperation and intelligence sharing-- like US.
Criticism of India's approach in tackling the situation::
1) Even after all these measures India has failed to tackle terror incidents in country.
Our approach has been post terror mgmt instead of mitigation. Porous borders with
Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar provides safe passage to Pak based terrorists in India to
carry out terror operations.
2)Link of J&K Terror grps with Pak :: still 100s of terrorists are hiding in sopore,
Bandipore (South Kashmir especially) which intermittantly attack on Indian security
Page 78
establishment. Recent attack on a Colonel is testimony to it. Hundreds of our jawan dies
every year in such covert operations.
Solution ::
1) More effective approach, better intelligence sharing b/w security agencies, modern
tools with security agencies.
2) International pressure on Pak to stop such covert activities.
3) More aggresive postures on border what Modi govt. is currently doing (i.e. Peace from
the position of strength :) ).

Q) The recent report of the High-Level Committee for reviewing
environmental laws has a misplaced focus on speedy project
clearances and wrongly attributes their delays to environmental
laws. Critically examine. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- A High-Level Committee was constituted to review a list of Environmental acts
administered by the Min. Of Environment, Forest and ClimateChange(MoEF&CC). With
proposals for amending some existing Acts so as to bring them in line with the
requirements of various pending project clearances creates a cloud over the actual
purpose of the HLC.
Concerns over some Recommendations1. Identify and specify No Go forest areas with
70% canopy (apart from protected area)-This classification is detrimental for the
effective evaluation of any forest with low canopy as it may have dense cover earlier,
thus it will reduce the actual forest estimates.
2. Economic incentives for promoting treeland as distinct forest encourage forest
diversion.
3. Compensatory Afforestation and Net Payment Value (NPV) payment will further
enhance forest diversion which cant be restored.
4. Proposed amendment to the Schedule Tribes and The Traditional Forest Dwellers
(Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 to remove the precondition for approval from
Gram Sabha in case of linear projects; which is a bold move against the very existence of
the democratic decentralised system.
Page 79
5. Proposed amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 to dilute the mandatory
central permission into a situational one.
6. Special treatment for linear projects, Power,mining, strategic border projects and
creation of new Umbrella law Environment Laws for Management Act(ELMA) for
setting up National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and State
Environmental Management Authority (SEMA) in National and State level respectively
for full time clearance and monitoring agencies and induction of utmost good faith will
induce
discontent among the forest dwellers.
Some positive aspects of the Recommendations-incorporation of noise pollution as an offence in EPA.
-creation of appellate tribunal for appeals.
-Judicial review role for National Green Tribunal.
-creation of Env. Reconstruction Fund.
-Green Awareness prog. In primary and secondary schools.
-banning plastic and polythene inside sanctuaries.
With the notion of Development identified by industrial and mining project and
revamped Single Window approval procedure for ensuring time-bound and speedy
clearances, the laws will not encourage the protection of the environment, but only
introduce degradation to environments if implemented. So it should be re-evaluated
before putting the ideas into legislatures.
Topic: Indian economy employment

Q) Recent efforts made by information technology (IT) majors in
India to terminate large number of their employees in order to cut
costs brings to the fore the necessity of forming employee unions and
also highlights the fact that the growth of Indias IT industry is over.
Critically analyse. (200 Words)
Frontline
Ans- In the last two decades IT industry has emerged as a glamor industry for
youngsters employing about 6mn people. But it has also some problems such as
a) Low pay scale for freshers
b) Job insecurity
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c) Pyramidal structure of work force

Recently large number of emplyees were laid off and terminated with very short notice.
Such unethical practices are not new and worst part is lack an organization lobby to
promote employees interest often makes companies take unilateral decisions. To give
voice to these employees, trade unions could be a way; in fact many localized trade
unions have already
been formed.
But trade has its own issues:
1) Demand for unrealistic high wage and service condition will take away the
competitive edge that this industry hold globally bringing the doom.
2) The industry itself spends huge sum ( as per surveys) in employees training and skill
upgradement to keep them employed.
3) The pay scale and work condition are certainly the best among any other fields.
Thus instead of trade unions, an effective grievance redressal mechanism established by
law
will serve the purpose well.
Regarding the growth of IT industry, I dont agree that its good days are over for
following
reasons:
1. US economy is recovering which is the major importer of our services
2. EU, especially major economies are doing well. The FTA also is in advanced stage of
conclusion
3. New methods such as providing service in other languages, focus on product rather
than service will help us explore new untapped market.
Page 81

indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
Q) Recently researchers at the International Centre for Genetic
Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in Delhi found a drug
candidate that prevented TB and malaria pathogens from infecting
human blood cells. Examine the importance and implications of this
breakthrough for India. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- India suffers disproportionately from the burden of infectious diseases given the
confluence of existing environmental, socio-economic, and demographic factors. In the
recent past, India has seen outbreaks emerging and re-emerging diseases in various
parts of the country,malaria and TB being most important among them.
The recent breakthrough is important because:
1. Disease burden : Will reduce mortality,morbidity caused due to TB and Malaria
2. Health:
Would ease the threat of emerging forms of tb like MDR,XDR and TDR which are life
threatening
Will also benefit PLWAs since they would be less prone to co-infection
Would reduce the incidence of childhood TB and hence the vicious cycle of
malnutrition and reduced immunity
With easy availability of drugs the complications of malaria like cerebral malaria etc
would reduce.
Will aid in national vector borne diseases control programme
3. Economic :
indigenously prepared drugs will come at a cheaper cost for the patients
will reduce indian anti-tb drug imports
the implications of such a move are multi-sectoral :
International such low cost drugs can also be used in africa and other tropical
countries to reduce mortality due to malaria and tb
Scientific community successful indigenous research will attract talent towards
research and prevent brain drain
Private sector- will get a boost for further investment in R&D
Tropical diseases researchby pharma companies will increase
Page 82
It is indeed a breakthrough and similar developments in this direction will make india a
meaningful actor and partner in the global fight against infectious diseases and
promotion of global health.

Q) A few days ago social media giant Facebook launched internet.org
in India with an intention of providing internet for free to all sections
of population. But this also has given rise to many concerns among
various stakeholders. Critically examine these concerns. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Anshttp://a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaembed/images/1734/8265/original.jpg
Topic: Indian economy growth

Q) The health of economy is often gauged by the GDP and IIP figures
in India. In the light of recent economic growth trend in India,
examine how GDP and IIP data reflect the health of economy. (150
Words)
Business Standard
Ans- GDP indicates the aggregate value added on products.While IIP is a composite
short-term indicator of change of volume of production with 75 % weightage of
manufacturing.
Both helps in measuring economic health of a nation but gdp measures value addition
while iip indicates real production growth.
the recent higher growth in gdp(5.4%) in comparision to iip(2%) indicates there is more
value addition to the product than actual increase in the volume of production.This
increases profit of businessmen.
But,both iip and gdp have demerits like they dont measure the quality of development
like distribution of wealth.There is no measure of environmental harm calculation,no
Page 83
long term welfare measures,etc

Thus there is a need to switch to other indexes like Human Development Index(having
education,life expectancy,etc),Index of Sustainable Economic Welfare,Gross Happiness
Index,etc.

Q) Recently the measurement of Indias gross domestic product(GDP)
was tweaked to conform to international standards. But, according to
economists this method has created some discrepancies. What are
these discrepancies and why are they caused? Explain. (150 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- Recently 2 changes were introduced in India's gross domestic product (GDP)
calculation. First, the base year for GDP calculation was updated. This was done to
update the products and services used to calculate GDP. Second, the measurement will
now be done at gross value added (GVA) at market prices and not at factor costs. This
means that subsidies would not be added and taxes would not be deducted from the
gross value.
The change, however, has caused some discrepancies in GDP numbers. The breakup of
the GDP, i.e. calculating the GVA by individual sectors and adding them up, does not
match with its headline number. Further, the discrepancy has increased from .1% of
GDP (at factor cost) to 1.2% of GDP (at market prices).
This is due to the following reasons
1. The data quality of GDP at market prices, for headline number as well as individual
sectors, is not accurate given it is a newly adopted practice.
2. Upgradation of base year has added greater share for certain sectors such as
manufacturing into the GDP causing the earlier discrepancies at factor cost to inflate.
3. Inclusion of production taxes which are levied even if the final product is not there
(such as property tax) in the GDP calculation has also caused inflation of discrepancies
Page 84
Topic: Environmental pollution and degradation

Q) Some environmentalists have expressed concern that farming
crises in the states of Haryana and Punjab might cause air pollution in
Delhi. Examine why and suggest how this can be addressed. (150
Words)
Business Standard
Ans- Pictures released by NASA in 2013, showing large-scale smoke emerging from the
fields of Punjab due to burning of straw, have alarmed environmentalists with the
National Green Tribunal issuing a notice to the state government. Efforts have been in
progress since then to stop the prevalent practice leading to pollution and wastage of a
potential resource.
This farming crises takes birth from the declining water table due to water-intensive
agriculture in these states
Declining water table---->farmers not allowed to sow rice early---->less period between
harvest of paddy and sowing of next crop---->quick solution to burn rice straws in field -->pollution in punjab, haryana, delhi etc--->environment and health hazard.
Various permutation and combinations of solutions have been tried like making burning
of straw in fields a cognizable offence,providing subsidy for rice residue use etc. but
what is needed is a more sustainable solution including :
1. Energy generation : a uniform procurement on mass scale of rice straw needed
2. Packaging : increased demand will be profitable
3. Composting and mulching : increases fertility of soil and reduces fertilizer use.
However awareness generation and subsidy is necessary
4. DSR : direct seeding of rice involves sowing the seeds directly in the fields
5. offering incentives to farmers to stop burning and later credit the incentives through
international carbon trading.
However the deeper flaws in the farming crises needs to be addressed which has been
built in with the advent of green revolution in these states. The final solution to the
crises lies in crop diversification, better awareness, organic farming and sustainable use
of technology.
Page 85

employment
Q) Some analysts argue that Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) measure
of GDP which ranks India among fastest growing nations is not a true
reflection of Indias economic and social growth. Critically analyse
flaws in the method and explain what in your opinion needs to be
done to reflect correctly the overall socio-economic development of
the country. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Purchase Power Parity gives an idea about the strength of nations currency when
pegged against currency of another nation on the basis of buying same quality of
goods/services in their respective nations. Indias nominal GDP is 10th in world while
when calculated on PPP basis it is third only after US and China. It shows 2 things which
are both hope and concern.
First, It shows that Indias has huge potential to grow and quantity wise great wealth.
Its a good thing.
Secondly, with prevalent poverty, malnutrition and other ill-economy index in India it
also presents that there is huge economic inequality. Hence GDP ranking based on PPP
is not correct measure of socio-economic development because it presents relative
strength of currency for huge GDP in India. As India is huge in economy, resource rich
and cheap in service, hence Goods/Services are cheaper here. Hence, our PPP is higher.
So, this measure is distorted presentation.
Because India has very diversed demography, economy activities, economic disparity
between Rural and Urban. Hence to present overall economy correctly there should be
different economic yardsticks for different purpose.
(1.) Nominal GDP for GDP indexing.
(2.) HDI for human development and prosperity measurement.
(3.) Gender based GDP to give gender-wise production.
(4.) GDP share by Rural and Urban settlements. Sector wise GDP and growth (primary,
secoandary and tertiary sector)
Economy is a complex in itself and so is subjectivity of Society. When both combined as
Socio-Economic development, one has to extra cautious while choosing only one index
Page 86
to measure growth. Hence, relying on fragmented sector is better for inclusive view of
economy.
Topic: Government Budgeting.

Q) Indias annual budget is first a macroeconomic exercise and then
a micro one catering to sectors of the economy. Elucidate and
suggest what should be the priorities for government while
presenting its annual budget. (200 Words)
The Hindu (Basically a General Question)
Ans- The budget or annual financial statement is presented in the Parliament as
mandated by
constitution (art 112). It is a statement of annual revenue and expenditure of
union government.
It is a macro economic exercise because it reflects the overall health of the economy and
governments current and future policy towards it. It reveals many
macro-economic indicators like fiscal deficit, current account deficit, trade
deficit, tax to gdp ratio etc.
But it also highlights the sectoral financial performances, their problems and takes steps
to correct them via changing tax structure, announcing new schemes, chalking
out favorable policy etc.
While presenting a budget, the priorities of a government should be especially in
indian context:
1. improve the fiscal indicators like fiscal deficit, current account deficit, tax to GDP
ratio etc.
2. Generate sufficient revenue to fund the current and capital expenditure using various
means.
3. Announce new schemes or assistance to revive a failing sector or encourage a
potential
sector or nurture an already excelling one.
4. Keep the overall fiscal position healthy for the economy to attract investment and
create a favorable economic climate
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Considering the reach of budget to every sector and every section of people, it is the
single most annual economic document.
Topic: Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning,

limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food
security;
Q) Recently the recommendations of the High Level Committee (HLC)
to restructure, reorient and reform the Food Corporation of India
(FCI) was made public. Critically comment on its recommendations.
(200 Words)
The Hindu
Livemint
Ans- As an initial step to secure the four pillars of food security viz. availability,
affordability, accessebility and stability the FCI was setup in 1964 . However the
shortfalls of FCI in its 3 major objectives of procurement,storage and distribution, lead
to formation of the shanta kumar committee for FCI restructuring.
Some of the progressive recommendations include:
1. Procurement Payment reforms: Popularise NWRs
2. Buffer stock reforms: Whenever FCI has grains above buffer norms, it should
automatically sell excess stock in open market Pro-Active Liquidation Policy.
3. Storage reforms: End to End computerization and Online tracking of entire system
from procurement to retail distribution.
4. Transport reforms : Improved night security at rail-points, because >85% of PDS
Grain is transported through railways and maximum siphoning off occurs here. Use of
inland waterways where possible
Though some of its recommendations appear progressive,most of its reforms have been
debated and criticised on various grounds:
Survey : Committee report says only 6% farmers benefited from MSP procurement
regime and nearly 50% of the foodgrains are siphoned off from PDS system
But experts dispute the NSSO-survey methodology used in deriving these numbers.
Cutting down NFSA : Many poor families will be deprived of their basic right to food.
recommends FCI to hire contractual staff, close regional offices and give VRS to
employees. Trade union leaders are in opposition to this.
Privatisation : though many farmers have not benefited from public procurement, but
FCI has not opened branches outside selected regions.
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Outsourcing procurement to some states :it recommends not to do open ended

procurement from all states, above buffer stock limits.
This will catalyze distress sells and farmer suicides.
Direct cash transfer has its own shortfalls
Hence to achieve the target of food security, what is needed is better targetting and
proper use of technology which is pro-poor
Topic: Infrastructure Energy

Q) All in all, the hype and high prices of the ongoing auction of coal
blocks post Supreme Court cancellation of previous allotments
conceals the continuing problems of the coal sector. Critically
examine. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- the historical judgement of supreme court canceled the previous allotments of the
coal blocks siting the discrepancy to the rules. the govt decided to sell to coal blocks
again on the high prices in the auction but this process is ultimately hurting the growth
and future revenues. the problems persisting are1. the companies which will invest large amount in auctions will surely recover that
while selling the coal fuel in market.
2. this selling of coal at high prices will increase the price of all the products and services
associated with the coal.
3. this will further effect the growth and the investments, including FDI will be adversely
affected in contrast to the objectives of make in india.
4. further, govt has not worked on creating the market of fuel thus the irrational
movement of coal will further depress the sector. like the a grade coal is used for the
work which can be easily done away with d grade coal.
5. the company which will procure the coal blocks with such high prices will then work
for sole profit of itself and the interests of others will be sacrificed.
thus, while the faster allocation of coal blocks is also needed to bring back the sector on
the track, the present small problems must also be taken care which if not cured will
become the giant problems in future. the insensitive hike in prices of coal block may fill
the funds of govt in short run but will hurt it only in future revenues.
Page 89

Q) India has a little over 3 GW of installed solar power capacity. In
order to reach 100 GW, the solar sector has to match ambition with
speed, scale and skill. Examine the factors that determine this speed,
scale and skill, and explain how to improve them. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- Being a tropic and Subtropic country ,where solar insolation received is capable to
provide cost effectiveness to Solar tech, it is imperative for India to focus on Solar
mission , and fulfil task of 2022 100GW,. With Neighbour China target to reach 7Gw
every years , India cannot afford to loose this battle . For it to Succeed it need to focus 3
major areas and do the required efforts to fulfil it
1 Speed - In 7 years to touch 100GW mark , that is capacity to be doubled every one and
half year. Requires govt swift policies, Advanced price/ tariffs acknowledgment ,Low
interest debt finance or Equity finance , green Bonds issued recently by Yes banks ,
Green bank from National clean energy fund can be used .
~Land which is 3-4% of total cost , Gujrat //KA initiative of Lease bank, raj 25 lease, Mp
stamp duty exemption can be used to Encourage entrepreneurs
2Scale - with Such ambitious target , it requires Use of roof top projects, Solar projects
spread on wetland via canister, Net metering German policy , Micro grid or
decentralised electricity , Solar lantern instead of Kerosene Subsidy .Green corridors of
Gujrat and TN can be extended.
3 Skill - With NSDA ,and recent records from 2011 -2014 24k jobs were created , Such
can increase to 1.3 million jobs both full time and part time . Also efficient use of land
Like in recent canal top project in gujrat can serve as Encouragement for Skill
development
green bank, Exchange swap , Easy exit policies , renewable purchase obligation , can
help in boosting the Investment. For every 3 Gw , 1 Bn import of Solar is required this
could be minimised by R&D , improving domestic competitiveness, reducing import
dependence. Large government procurement order For instance similar to LED
procurement& distribution Scheme in Delhi and Deen dayal yojana caused to decrease
price to 120 from 400 rupees.
~Banks shall be encouraged for Solar finance , and People in area of greater Solar
insolation shall be motivated to use it .
Page 90

Q) What are the salient features of Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft
(FGFA)? Some defence analysts think that India should focus on its
joint project to develop FGFAs with Russia than buying them from
foreign countries. Critically discuss why. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- Salient Features of Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) are:
(1.) It is complete stealth aircraft even if it with missiles (heavy) and arms.
(2.) Very low probability for interception by Radar. Supersonic speed gives edge over
radar detection unless it is near radar station itself.
(3.) High-performance air frames, advanced avionics features, and highly integrated
computer systems capable of networking with other elements within the battlespace for
situational awareness.
(4.) Cost effective if we compare to introduing same feature in Fourth Generation
Aircraft fighter.
(5.) More competent to fourth generation fighter aircraft and hence gives an Air combat
edge.
Right now major defense companies like Dassault(France, Rafal producer),
Sukhoi(Russia), Lockheed Martin(USA) are manufacturing it.
Indian Air Force(IAF) in 2007 signed a project to co-develop FGFA with Indias HAL
and Russias ROBOBORONEXPERT(defense expert in manufacturing) collaboration.
But now India is ignoring it and resorting to 126 FGFA purchasing which will costs in
billions and inflating the defense budget of India.
It is not a correct measure from Indias side because of following reasons:
(1.) High tech FGFA are liability once the maintenance contract ends, then for each year
India will have to pay for maintenance. While the IGA (Intergovernmental Agreement)
to co-develop would have lowered the cost drastically. Already Russia is ready with
FGFA named PAK-FA and found uncooperative to share technology and details with
India. India must approach in peacemeal approach of purchasing few and asking for
knowledge transfer for maintenance.
Page 91
(2.) Co-developing such Fighter aircrafts will also boost Indias stand on future
manufacture which is only with US, China, Russia, France and Turkey right now. It will
boost indias campaign Make in India in long term.
Defense expenditure is a permanent one, but there is one feature which all developed
nations share is Indigenous defense manufacturing. If India wants to realise the
developed nations like defense dream in future, It must go for knowledge acquisition
rather than defense machine acquisition.
Topic: Conservation,
Q) Some recent news reports reported that the rise in number of
tigers in India was not greeted well in regions such as Sunderbans.
Critically discuss why and examine the moral dimensions of concerns
raised by inhabitants of these regions. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- The declining numbers of tigers have always been the concern of govt specially
the bengal tiger which is also the national animal of our country. the recent rise in
number of tigers in sunderban region has given the sigh of relief to wildlife officials but
the locality of sunderbans have not the same perspective towards it.
the reason being the increase in number has increased their encroachment in the nearby
villages and this has augmented the jeopardy of people's lives in that region.
the decrease in the forest cover and lack of food availability in forests force them to
come to villages in search of food.
the dilemma with the Sunderban people is that they feel that the tigers are much safer
there than them as there are restrictions on killing of tigers but people's death go away
unnoticed.
Further, tigers are having more freedom than locals as they do not frequently go out in
night.
thus, while the tigers' rise is a moment of relief but certain things must be taken care of1. restriction of tigers to the forest areas and availability of food there.
2. increase in the forest cover for tigers' easy movement.
3. availability of security options to villagers.
4. regulations for killing or injuring tiger in case of emergency.
5. local govt and panchayats can work on the task as per the local needs.
Thus, while the Sunderban tigers are pride of the nation, it shall not be the danger of
even a single citizen of the nation. for the years, animals and humans have lived together
Page 92
and were dependent on each other, this harmony can be maintained again with just few
initiatives and measures.
Topic: Infrastructure: Energy

Q) Renewables can and should play a greater role in our sustainable
energy future, but we need proper accounting and specialised effort
to understand their grid implications and scalability. What do you
understand by this statement in the context of Indias quest for energy
security by enhancing energy production through renewable sources?
Elaborate. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- With the fast declining traditional non renewable energy sources and the way they
are enhancing the global warning and climatic change, there is a need to increase the
use of renewables. Being the developing country, Indias quest for energy security is
different from US and Europe and the problems faced in enhancing renewables are1. higher cost in generation.
2. further distribution cost higher in this case.
3. location specific potential of renewables some of which are located away from the
customers or grid.
4. peak demand of energy in india is in evening when sun has gone down and the solar
storage technologies are expensive thus, making it not feasible on large scale.
5. further wind energy is dependent on seasonality thus, not perennial source of energy.
6.the hydro power has the problem of extra duty of water management like in irrigation
which limits its peak energy production.
7. Grid infra of India is weak and unstable.
To meet all these challenges and to increase the role of renewables for sustainable
energy future, following must be taken care of1. Need to work on every technical detail related to renewable energy production.
2. Regulations, support and incentives must be provided by govt for its efficient
working.
3. Grid infra and its management must be strengthened.
4. There is also need to develop skills and innovation in this field so as to reduce the
dependency on imports.
Thus, though we need proper accounting and specialised effort to understand grid
implications and scalability, this is not hard to achieve and once these constraints are
removed, the green energy will sustain the sustainable India.
Page 93

security;
Q) Recently Shanta Kumar panel, constituted to restructure FCI,
recommended reducing the number of public distribution system
beneficiaries for subsidised foodgrains under PDS. What is the
rationale behind such recommendation and what are its likely
implications if implemented? Critically comment. (200 Words)
The Hindu
The Hindu
Ans- The recommendations of the Shanta Kumar panel were as follows:
1. Reforms in FCI, like handling over of procurement to states which had a developed
procurement system and instead focusing on building infrastructure in eastern states.
2. Food security Act: Reduction in coverage from the current 67% to 40%, and raising of
prices of grains in TDPS to 50% of MSP.
3. Gradual introduction of cash transfer and end to end computerization of the entire
food management system.
The reason for these changes were as follows:
1. Corruption in the FCI, which caused diversion of food grains
2. The recent NSSO survey pointed to the fact that only 6% of the farmers benefit from
the MSP scheme. Mostly because of lack of awareness and non availability of
procurement infrastructure.
3. Reduction of coverage of food security act, to reduce its fiscal strain, comply with
WTO norms which was a cause of contention in the Doha round of talks, and reduce
wastage of food grains due to the inefficient storage system of FCI.
Implications:
1. In a county with the most poor and malnourished, curtailing the food security act
might cause more harm than good if the system of identification, and delivery are still
prone to the present day maladies.
2. While resources might be raised in the short term to invest on infrastructure, the long
term benefits take time to accrue, and thus translate into political gains. So, such a move
can be construed as anti poor and create a trust deficit for any further reforms.
Page 94
3. Also, reducing the storage requirement can be dangerous in a country still very
dependent on seasonality and prone to droughts.
Thus, even though the recommendations may be well intentioned, without ramping up
the associate infrastructure, better targeting and delivery, such reforms will be difficult
to implement and may be prone to the same mistake as earlier.
Topic: e-Technology aid for farmers

Q) How can mobile phone empower Indian farmer? With examples,
examine the different ways by which mobile phone and its
applications can be used to aid and empower farmers. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- With rise in penetration of mobile network and mobile phones in rural areas,
Government doesnt want to miss the oppurtunity of reaching the last mile farmer
through sms and call. This is win-win for both govt and farmers. For farmers: as it
doesnt invovle TV set, physically reach office for advice. For Govt: an oppurtunity to
help rural population to make them self-sustaining and achieve dream of 4% agro
growth.
Examples of usage of mobile phones and its application to help farmers:
(1.) mKrish- Developed by TCS provides on-phone suggestions for which crops best for
which soil, seasonal info, diseases spreading for crops, best time for harvest. It helped
farmer to be get good information with scientific reasoning behind them.
(2.) Help centre by Krishi Vigyan which is joined with Soil Health Card. Once a farmer
gets his soil health card attached with mobile number. He regularly gets update
customised for his farmland.
(3.) Many states starting registration of mobile numbers to send regular SMS
information about crops, fruits to enrich farmers with new knowledge and horizons for
innovation in agriculture. Like developing orchards, sowing timber trees on the side of
farmland etc.
Hence, Mobile phones is great medium for govt to reach farmers, also it reduces cost of
providing facilities service.
Page 95
Topic: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate

Q) Some defence analysts opine that the Indian military is not
optimally organised to face the challenges that would emerge
tomorrow. Why do they opine so? What in your opinion should be the
role of government in preparing the army to face emerging security
challenges? Discuss. (200 Words)
The Indian Express
Ans- Indian military is one of the largest in the world and is thoroughly experienced in
warfare and joint exercises. However, there are some issues that could be challenging in
the future and need quick attention:
1. Mostly we import defense euipments and weapons. Many are outdated and cause
casualties on our side. Example: Mig planes. No substantial domestic manufacturing
happens.
2. Gone are the days of old - fashioned battles of prolonged periods. In the 21st century
of diplomacy, if war happen, it will be short and intense with army, navy, air, nuke and
cyber all unleashed together or sequentially. Thus, a great coordination amongst these
units is must for Indian military.
3. An aspirational India may have to undertake expeditionary roles in distant theatres of
wars. This requires organization of military on lines if US military with areas of
geographical responsibility.
4. Military is engaged in various non-core roles like riot control, disaster management,
etc. due to inefficient state machinery.
5. In the aftermath of Parliamentary attacks, Indian troops took long time to be
organized, Operation Parakram. This has been sorted out in Cold start
6. Disparities in sizes of army and navy and air force exists.
These issues can be addressed by government through various policy changes:
1. Organize military in a matrix structure whereby operational and support roles are
separated. Chief of staff is responsible for equipping and training nut not war fighting.
Combatant commanders, assigned different geopolitical areas of responsibilities, are to
be responsible for combats on orders from the Prime Minister or Chairman of joint chief
of staff committee. This is much on the lines of Goldman Act of US military.
2. Create a chairman for joint chiefs of staff committee to advise Prime Minister and
order combatant commnader. This chairman to be different form exisitmg chiefs to
bring equity amongst them.
3. Rationalize size of units. Like army men can be trained in amphibious warfare amd
positiioned as Marines under Navy and similarly for the Air Force.
4. Relieve army of its other roles like disaster management, riot control, border security,
etc. Infact, separate dedicated border guard units csn be formed from paramilitary
Page 96
forces. Increase the size of territorial army. Compulsory limited years service for all 18
plus people will also help
5. Push for domestic manufacturing and technology transfer.
6. Not to join either NATO or CSTO but engage in joint exercises.
Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics,

nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to
intellectual property rights.
Q) Write a note on the latest applications of nanotechnology in the
treatment of lifestyle diseases. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Nanotechnology is the manipulation of the matter at atomic scale or molecular
scale. Nano means 10^(-9). It has opened up immense opportunities in multiple fields.
In medical fields, nanomedicine holds much promise although much progress and
assessment is yet to be made.
1. Efficient drug delivery. Nanoparticles can be used for targeted drug delivery to
affected cells only. Also, Nanoparticles can be used to encapsulate, direct and release
drug. This will reduce overall consumption and side effects.
2. Cell repair where nanoparticles can target damaged cells only. This will replace
conventional organ transplant.
3. Therapy techniques where nanosponges, of the size of red blood cells, freely flow in
the bloodstream and attract toxins to themselves. Then the accumulated toxins are
flushed out of the body.
4. Imaging affected body parts and measuring various parameters like sugar, blood
pressure by using bio-sensors on quantum dots.
But most of the technology is still in the testing phase. For example nanoparticles called
nanodrones are used to blast plaque build-ups in arteries formed out of cholesterol. But
it has been tested only on mice who do not suffer heart attack. Similarly life style
diseases like cancer, diabetes, etc. can be treated with nanomedicine. But we need more
understanding before actually deploying nanomedicine on a commercial scale.
Page 97
Topic: Linkages between development and spread of extremism

Q) How do you analyse the maoist movement (naxalite) in the context
of globalisation and its effects, especially developmental projects that
are being implemented, on the regions affected by maoist insurgency?
(200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- In 1991, the India took the path of reforms by embracing liberalisation,
globalisation etc. These led to the flow of investment into India. The quality of life of
middle class and urban people increased. But the waves of prosperity emanating from
globalisation never reached to the poor Indian. A quiet anger started developing among
the poor and neglected Indian. Thus todays Maoist movement is the manifestation deep
social malaise as a result of the collapse of good governance and the intrusion of
commercial interest into corporate bodies in the tribal domain.
As we are heading to the era of globalisation the aspirations go on increasing and a new
stage of appropriation has begun with mining, industrial projects, dams and irrigational
projects getting precedence over tribal rights and welfare and hence boosting the
Naxalite movement in the region.
1) In Niyamgiri, Odisha, land which is the abode for dongria tribes has been handed
over to the multinational Vedanta Group which will completely destroy the livelihood
and will affect more than 20,000 tribes.
2) In Bastar, Chattisgarh, Tens of thousands of adivasis are being forcibly evicted from
their forest in the name of Bodh Ghat Dam.
3) The Polavaram project will displace 2.5 lakh Dorla tribals from Bastar and Telangana.
These incidences mobilises Naxalite movement with the support of deprived section and
results into violent attack on school, police station, roads, rail-tracks which they often
view in suspicion and treat them as an encroachment of their traditional rights. Attacks
on telecom towers in Jharkhand plunged most parts of the state and neighbouring areas
into a blind or Zero-network zone.
Page 98

applications and effects in everyday life : Achievements of
Indians in science & technology;
Q) Few environmentalists and politicians are derailing the attempts
to build world-class underground neutrino detector in the hilly
regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Is there any substance in their
opposition to the project? According to scientists, what are the
benefits of the project? Critically examine. (200 Words)
Frontline
Ans- INO project which has chosen Bodil hills On Stable rocks of Western Ghats has
gained criticism and caused Inordinate delay since 2000. It would be Pertinent to
Discuss under Concerns of Society , Scientific facts and Benefits to India from this
project
~Neutrino are sub atomic electrically neutral abundant , tiny non radioactive mass,
formed by either Atmospheric Cosmic rays or by Neutrino factories .Such are
fundamental particles .It is of three type electrons tau ,muon of which mass hierarchy is
unknown as so is its conversion. Such low energy jhamrless passes every second and
which is proposed to be evaluated by Iron magnetised calorimeter.
Concerns of Society/Petitioners
1. Such neutrino is being used for Nuclear weapons ,radioactivity ,
2. Factory produced Neutrinos may be harmful vis-a-vis to atmopsheric neutrinos
3. Possibility of disaster and damage to people working at site due to high dosage of
radiation
4. Can damage acquifiers, chemical presence in groundwater flows and Charnockite may
get damaged due to it which is aquifers
5. It may harm rivers like periyar vaigai etc ,as it's source is such Acquifiers in Bodi hills
6. Possibility of earth quake as happened due to Other labs
7. High energy beam will be used
Scientific facts
1. Neutrinos are harmless and objective is to learn only neutrino through angle of Origin
of universe . No strategic, Nuclear, radioactivity purpose. Alternatively Neutrino may be
potent tool to stop nuclear proliferation
2. Whether atmospheric or Factory made, will have same properties whites harmless its
analogy can be taken as Photon produced from sun and bulb light are same and we use
them both
Page 99
3. 100 trillion neutrinos passes every second from our body . Still for radiation purpose
or High energy beam of neutrinos adequate safeguards and experiment in remote areas
is done.
4. Charnockinte is not aquifer but a rock mass. Also about their allegations/concerns
MOEF also observed baseless, factually incorrect. Such usage of words may have intent
to misled judge, or create doubt among community of civilians
5. Concerns of river also false as all 3 river are rained and no connection with acquire
6. Region selected is stable rock while Region with which comparison is made is
tectonically active and also have Karst region of limestone presence. Also wrong
connection between Earthquake and Lab presence has been used
7. High energy beam of photon is used as laser in everyday life, despite it hazards
Known. However Neutrino beam will be shielded [also it is harmless]
Benefits
1. Can answer Universe origins , Neutrino oscillations [ one type of neutrino to morph in
another type.tau to electron is not known while rest are known] . It is fundamental
particle thus
2. Mass hierarchy questions between 3 types of neutrinos will be known and further
properties
Overall there is already much time wasted. Govt and authorities must develop
consensus among people with FAQ, sheets, seminars in order to hasten the Operations
Topic: Indian economy -mobilization of resources; Investment

models
Q) It is now said that the public-private-partnership (PPP) model for
infrastructure development has become dysfunctional and here is no
option other than to step up public investment in infrastructure to
boost the sector. Examine the reasons behind this shift of opinion
and examine in what form public investment can be used to invest
productively in infrastructure sector. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- India has now entered an inflexion point in PPP where it is moving from asset
creation to operation of projects.The shift is leading to problems in the absence of an
Page 100
institutional mechanism, like those present in other countries, to deal with

renegotiations. There is suddenly a spate of PPP projects which have come up for
renegotiation
The reasons for the failure of PPP projects in India are many:
poor preparations,
flawed risk-sharing,
inappropriate business models and
fiscal uncertainties
vested interests leading to development of skewed qualification criteria
Technical data availability and its quality
with the economy not growing as projected earlier, traffic projections have gone
wrong, leading to issues of financially viability
It is not appropriate to shoot down the entire concept of PPP on the basis of one failure.
The nature of problems being faced by PPP projects varies from one project or sector to
another. For example:
airport express line- construction and operation was done by 2 different entities
roads - delayed clearances and aggressive bidding
However, looking at the bigger picture, it appears that the PPP projects are not running
along the expected lines.
Here we need a two pronged strategy:
1. Current projects : need to re-asses and take up a project-specific approach, restructure
their contracts from the current form to become engineering-procurement-construction
(EPC) service providers.
2. Increased government spending on infrastructure
The govt is planning to set up a national infrastructure fund (NIF). Current budgetary
commitments to investment in infrastructure could be channelized into the fund as
equity. Further, all asset sales, whether through disinvestment, spectrum sales or
mining licences, should be transferred to this entity as equity. The debt can be leveraged
through:
1. Sovereign debt
2. Credit enhancement
3. Direct market bond issuance
The first priority of the new fund will be to take some critical projects that are currently
on the shelf as non-performing assets
Also promotion of bilateral investments in infra (like DMIC) and completion of diamond
quadrilateral should be given priority.
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These changes and increased govt expenditure will give a positive push to the
infrastructure in India leading to many positive externalities and will further boost FDI
in India.
Topic: environmental pollution and degradation,

Q) Indias coal based thermal power plants are known for emitting
highly polluting gases thanks to poor quality coal that India has. In
the light of recent coal block auction and the triumphalism associated
with it, critically examine the costs of continuing with existing
technology and what needs to be done to address the issue. (200
Words)
Business Standard
Ans- with supreme court judgement on cancellation of coal blocks and followed events
shown that coal can give lot of revenue to states and center which are facing acute
problem of fiscal deficit. because of it's potential revenue it get corrupted in allocations.
coal is made up of ash, carbon, volatile matter and moisture. coal is said to be high grade
when it's carbon content is superior to others. unfortunately Indian coal is of low grade,
hence when it get's burnt it gives lot of toxic gases like oxides of sulfur,nitrogen,carbon
in addition to fly-ash.along with the quality of coal operational procedures in power
generation leads to release of toxic gases and effluents. these oxides leads to global
warming which we are witnessing now. fly-ash deposits near by surrounding areas and
leads to air pollution and breathing problems etc. fly-ash gets dumped on agricultural
fields and disturbs productivity. stored coal some times catches fire on open storage
with out any coverage.
these problems can be solved by
1. gasification of coal, which is of high calorific value and generation of toxic gases per
unit of power generated is significantly lower than that of original coal.
2.use of super critical technologies lowers toxic gases generation.
3. use of bag collectors, electro-static precipitators etc.. reduces the suspended particle
matter and fly-ash problem.
4. covering the coal reserves with water shield which lowers the firing problems.
coal blocks allocation should be based on method of usage of coal in less polluting ways
along with revenue concerns.
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unless govt.'s consider environmental impacts and just focusing on political mileage, it
leads to major damage than meager revenues.
some solution of problem (Technical one)
1) Improve infrastructure of coal washries in India:: In power plants raw coal z being
used mostly. Coal shd be washed (similar to refining of petroleum) so as to reduce its
ash, moisture component.
2) Power Plant technology :: There r both cheap and costly models available. Efficency
should be given priority over cost. Like cheap boilers, cheap cooling towers (who
consume lots of water) etc should be avoided. Further in power plants; units which are
most efficient should be only used to feed the load demands and gradually old and
inefficient units should be replaced by new ones.
3) Electronic precipitators :: CPCB, SPCBs are taking bribes from NTPC; and so NTPCs
precipitators never works. So root of every problem z corruption. (One govt. agency
bribes another govt. agency in this country).
4) Fly ash treatment :: make use of it in making cement; ensure its safe disposal
otherwise it can contaminate water resources. (yearly about 1 billion tonne of fly ash is
generated so it z huge amount).

applications and effects in everyday life;
Q) Agricultural scientists are being driven to frustration, thanks to
the governments lingering indecision on the genetically-modified
(GM) crops technology. Critically discuss why government has not
taken a firm decision yet and why agricultural scientists are
frustrated with governments indecision. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- GM crops are the hot topic for debate among NGOs, Agricultural scientists and
GMO seeds companies. While billion dollar companies like Monsanto, Bayer, Dow and
Syngenta have scientists lobbies who conduct research and publish researches in high
numbers in favour of GM crops and trying to push it in India. There is nothing wrong in
using GM crops but we should remember that Dow chemicals are behind Bhopal Gas
Tragedy and Bayer was Endosulfan supplier. Such billion dollar companies often hide
harmful effects of GM in long terms.
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Though it is known that, many developed nations are using GM crops for more than 35
years without any side-effects but in India no tests has been done on variety of lands.
Only tests conducted on laboratories and inhouse fields of research institute hence
genearlising there positive result is not correct. Some reasons why govt is reluctant
toward allowing GM crops:
(1.) GM crops require more water, fertilisers unlike what they are always advertised to.
(2.) GM crops harms bees and other small insects which helps in pollination alongwith
harmful insects.
(3.) People have apprehension as some studies found that GM crops brings pre-mature
growth in children and other side-effects. Also, cattles feeding on GM crops becomes
sterile has also been found.
(4.) Confusion over, if GM crops are allowed, how it will be distinguished in market. If a
consumer doesnt want to consume a GM crop, will he have any choice ?
(5.) Bt. Brinjal and Bt. Cotton had shown many side-effects in past.
Agricultural scientists are concerned because:
(1.) Their main motive of research for decades are not materialised.
(2.) Instances of NGOs lobbying against GM crops has come out recently.
(3.) Indian agriculture is lagging behind in per acreage produce but not taking GM crops
which have promising future.
Hence, GM non-food crops should only be allowed in some region under closer
inspection for side-effects. Their test in Indian soil and climate should be done first
before allowing for vast use.
Topic: Indian economy, Issues related to direct and indirect

farm subsidies
Q) Some economists argue that the government should continue with
good subsidies and do away with bad subsidies. In your opinion,
which subsidies do you consider as good and bad in India? Explain
why. (200 Words)
Business Standard
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Ans- Subsidy culture has been long prevalent in India, starting from the early
independence days, and continuing even today, without assessing the necessity of most
of them, leading to a large scale budgetary allocation, which could have been easily
avoided or reallocated to
some other needy sector.
---Some of the bad subsidies include:
1. The one which harm the environment, like subsidies on nitrogenous fertilisers, which
have led to their overuse and harmed the soil, alongwith increasing the deficit.
2. Schemes which give only a short term relief, without any skill development in the
persons involved, which makes them overly dependent on the scheme, like MGNREGA.
3. Subsidies/ schemes started, without much brainstorming, due to which the target
population does not benefit much. Example, the loan waiver initiative only benefitted
the well off farmers who have borrowed from the formal sector, and not the farmers who
use the informal credit system.
---The good subsidies can be seen as:
1. Subsidies on public transport, to reduce pollution and congestion on roads and reduce
petrol consumption.
2. Subsidies on medical equipment or medicines, during some epidemic, which can
ensure that all sectors of populations receive medication.
3. Subsidies for loans given for secondary agriculture initiatives, to reduce the burden on
primary agriculture activities, and reduce disguised unemployment in agriculture.
4. Subsidies to ensure flourishing of MSME, so as to reduce the top to bottom approach
of progress currently employed by the govt.
5. Subsidies to encourage renewable energy usage at public places and in residential
areas,
like Prakash Path in New Delhi, which is to be nationalised after full scale
implementation in the capital.
---Such subsidies are better then the former, because they help in skill development of
the masses, reduce the govt expenditure to facilitate the lower classes, help in reducing
pollution and consequently help in lowering the fiscal deficit of the country, due to the
resources can be allocated more efficiently in other needy places to help in the
development of all sectors of the country.
Page 105

industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
Q) It is expected that if recommendation of a key report on oil sector
reforms by a panel under former Finance Secretary Vijay Kelkar,
are implemented, these could bring down the countrys annual $150billion oil import bill by at least $40 billion. Examine how. (200
Words)
Business Standard
Ans- To bring down the nation's oil import bill Kelkar recommended following
reforms in oil sector:
institutional reforms:
1.
create an empowered Cabinet Committee on Energy for
policy formulation and integration of energy related issues; will remove policy
paralysis.
2.
make DGH an independent regulator for upstream oil
& gas sector on the lines of SEBI; more teeth to DGH to resolve issues.
3.
create a national databank of basins; enhance
transparency.
4.
create an independent cadre of staff for downstream
regulator (PNGRB); stability to PNGRB.
Fiscal:
1.
cover oil & gas under GST to simplify &
standardize taxation norms ensuring similar country wide pricing.
2.
extend definition of mineral oil as used in ORD act to
IT act-1965; to standardize taxation.
Pricing:
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1.
market linked pricing for natural gas to incentivize
higher exploration & production making stranded fields viable; increased
domestic production will reduce imports.
2.
wave off custom duty on imported LNG to boost demand in
general
contractual:
1.
favoured PSC over RSC due to misaligned risk return structure
of the latter; RSC often a cause for lower level of production as riskier
fields in deeper waters are not bided & exploited.
2.
ensure absence of retrospective clauses/changes in
contracts to bring clarity in contracts.
3.
extension of contract tenure upto economic life of
asset (oil field) to boost investor sentiments.
policy:
1.
bring open acreage licensing policy by 2016 to allow
upstream companies to bid for any oil & gas block without waiting for
announcement of bidding under NELP regime.
2.
to boost investment in exploration allow equity
participation to foreign firms in nominated fields.
the above recommendations can be thoughtfully implemented to reduce
country's oil import bill.
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Topic: environmental pollution and degradation,

Q) Over half of the most polluted cities in the world are in India, said
a World Health Organization report released in the middle of 2014
and air pollution is an urgent public health problem that deserves
policy attention. Critically comment. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- Recent Obama visit which led to purchase of air purifiers from Sweden is
reminder that Air pollution levels are alarmingly high . Air pollution levels are so high
that Delhi has crossed China in the Pollution levels.
~Although govt launched the National Air quality index "One Number -One Colour"
Which allows the Citizen to determine pollution level on the basis of redness of Colour [
red being dangerous ] . This i sa good initiative but Implementation and monitoring
seems not in focus . even CSE suggestion to use hand held monitoring {air quality
monitoring] do not seems to be priority of Govt.
Pollution due to particulates of less then 2.5 [microns] can be dangerous if came in
respiratory system. Sulfur from the Car, Flue gases from near by Kiln and tanneries are
another issue
~Harayana Rice husk burning also pollutes the Air of Delh as in the recent Study .
Which The suggestion was to use such in Bio Electricity and Delhi citizens pay for it in
order to reduce such Visibility issue
~Discouraging Private cars usage , BRTS systems , Greater bus connectivity and Metro
connectivity and Behaviour change is the key here . Solid waste management and
inviting the Entrepreneurs for it to have innovative solution on place can ramp up the
drive. Such Solid waste burning may well be curbed by such innovative practices
ultimately it is the will which can make way for Cleaner environment
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security
Q) The implementation of the National Food Security Act is mired in
apathy and confusion. In the light of Indias worst record in ensuring
nutrition to its people and various amendments made to the food
security act, critically comment on the statement. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- TO ensure nutrition and to end malnourishment GOI enacted FSA by which Right
to food became a legal right.The act provides
1)Children from 6 months to 6yrs will get meals in anganwadis.
2)Mid day meal scheme in all govt schools
3)Malinourish children will get free meals in anganwadis.
4)Anganwadis also have clean water and sanitation.
Though act provide for these provisions to ensure nutrition still India has worst record
in ensuring nutrition because of problems in PDS and act like
1)It is only covering school children but many of the poor children are out of school
2)Anganwadis in india are in bad shape.33% of anganwadis are not connected to
drinking water,there is no provision for improving this.
3)Identification of beneficieries is improper.
4) Under the act all women entitled to maternity benefits of 6000 per month but GOI
did not designed guidelines for it.
Though FSA provisions have good provisions for ensuring nutrition, leakages and
improper guidelines leading to failure of PDS, Hence PDS reforms should be need of the
hour where states like Chhattisgarh showing good results.

Q) Indias brain drain is Wests brain gain. Critically discuss why
Indias scientists move to foreign countries and excel. Do you think
brain drain is a thing of past, especially in the field of science?
Examine. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Brain Drain is not a new problem for India and research of many like Dr Subba
Rao in Medicine, Satyendranath Bose in Physics are few to quote who worked with
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foreign institutions and spent their careers abroad. Today's export of top Indian
students to foreign nations, especially US is a fine example of brain drain which
exemplifies that this is not a thing of the past.
There are many reasons for Brain drain.
1. Lack of quality education post the graduation except few respected institutions and
problems of low pay, low growth are also a reason.
2. Lack of infrastructure for research in science, outdated laboratories, out of sync
syllabus also major contributors.
3. Plagiarism and fight for promotions, informal superior-subordinate relations at times
strained etc are responsible in indian institutions leading to migration of scientists.
4. Transparency, opportunity to grow quickly, recognition for talent making foreign
institutions excel along with scientists excellence.
5. Gender inequality is a key reason and proportion of women in ISRO, DRDO etc show
that women are left out in the middle of their progress and it takes much work
compared to men to shine, to reach high levels whereas countries like US gender
equality is promoted with high importance.
Brain drain is not a thing of the past given today's migration of professors, scientists,
students to US, UK, Australia etc. Many Indian diaspora getting awards like Nobel prize
etc is celebrated in India but the reason behind their moving abroad is forgotten. The
question of Why Its taking so long for 1 Billion population to get a single Nobel in
Science still remains unanswered. It is high time India improve on the core areas that
contribute for development of science and scientists.
Topic: Awareness in the fields of bio-technology

Q) What do you understand by genomics? Examine how far the
Human Genome Project has helped in finding cures for human
diseases. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Genomics is a forum for describing the development of genome-scale technologies
and their application to all areas of biological investigation. The Human Genome Project
was an international scientific research project that determined the DNA sequence of
the approximately 20,000 25,000 genes that make up the human genome.
With its completion genetic engineers could determine role played by different genes in
human development, growth, diseases, and characteristics.
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Till now this project has helped in achieving:

1. Understanding Autism
2. Providing cheap treatment of Brain tumours, breast cancer and leukemias are among
the most common and lethal cancers.
3. Understanding T1 Diabetes is possible and its effect on immune system and improve
its treatment methods
4. Discovery of species diversity in vaginal microbiome of pregnant women, and nasal
microbiome of children explained.
5. Increased understanding of Several diseases of Digestive Tract, skin, reproductive
organs and childhood disorders
6. Helps in for monitoring the status of genomic and meta-genomic projects worldwide
and their associated metadata. creating a database in will help in understanding genetic
cause of different diseases due to climate change around the world.
This project has helped doctors to understand cause of very fatal diseases. But it has also
opened a ground for such genetic tests which may challenge natural cycle of birth and
death of species.

Q) In the light of growing competition and growing investor interest
in e-commerce in India, many feel it is high time that the regulatory
regime was simplified to allow free play to e-commerce. In this
regard, examine the constraints faced by e-commerce industry and
how liberalization of this sector would help Indian economy. (200
Words)
Business Standard
Ans- India, the world's second most populous country does not find a place in Top 30
nations using e-commerce because of low internet penetration and poor financial and
logistical infrastructure compared to other countries.
-Low internet penetration of 11 per cent impedes the growth of e-commerce by limiting
the internet access to broader segment of population.
-Poor last mile connectivity due to missing links in supply chain infrastructure is
limiting the access to far flung areas where a significant portion of population resides.
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-High drop-out rates of 25-30 per cent on payment gateways, consumer trust deficit and
slow adoption of online payments are compelling e-commerce companies to rely on
costlier payment methods such as Cash on Delivery.
-Existing government regulations does not refer explicitly to e-commerce business, for
example, IT Act, 2000, Consumer Protection Act, 1986, Contract law, etc.
ADVANTAGES OF LIBERALIZATION IN INDIAN E-COMMERCE
-INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT: Increased capital will help to establish supply
chain, distribution system and warehousing.
-MANUFACTURING SECTOR GROWTH: Expansion in retail sector will boost
manufacturing sector.
-EFFICIENT SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: Reduced middlemen leading to lower
transaction costs, overhead, inventory and labor costs.
-Best work culture, traceability, transparency, increased job creation and customer
service.
-Increased access to buyers/sellers, allow MSMEs and artisans to reach out to customers
both locally as well as abroad. E-commerce also contribute a lot in India's GDP growth.
Thus, there is a need for the government to concentrate on gaining optimal results out of
e-commerce.
Topic: Science and Technology- developments

Q) Independent India was founded and has developed largely by
making friends with science but in recent years Science, Technology,
Agriculture and Medicine (STEAM) have been neglected and this
negligence has cost dearly the nation. Who should take the blame and
why for this negligence? What measures are needed to address this
issue? Critically examine. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- R&D , Enhancement of technological capabilities ,research support , are Crucial in
areas of Agri,Meds, S&T . STEAM which was proposed to be allocated with budget 2% of
GDP has not been risen more then 1%.
Page 112
~Unlike "developed" countries and China where Reward oriented and Industrialist
Sponsored Funds come in the Labs .In India funds are generally for making Brick and
mortar structure of IIT and IIMS for political mileage , rather constructive research.
~Patenting ,Licensing and Loose IPR regime also discourages any new invention.
Various Indians which worked with foreign institutions have claimed rebound awards
,which proves that there is no deficit in the talent but in the processes
Measures to be taken
~Enhancement in Budget for R&D
~Concession for companies involved in R&D rather reverse engineering
~ Contribution based and not seniority based model
~Made in India and not Make in India which will encourage R&D
~Strong IPR regime
~ International practices of Public private partnership
~New talent shall be harnessed improving Farm to lab models
~MSME which haunts with various technological problems can be provided solution
with help of iit and NITS
~Political will and Mature politics over development is the key here
From past experiences it has been show that Countries with Strong R&D base have
progressed @ faster rate, Given Unchallengeable mandate over development ,It
becomes Inevitable to redress it
Topic: Achievements of Indians in science &

technology; Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers,
Q) Explain the working principle behind the Global Positioning
System (GPS). Write a note on the efforts made by India to create its
own GPS system. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- GPS-: The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system
that
consists of 24 orbiting satellites, each of which makes two circuits around the Earth
every 24 hours. These satellites transmit three bits of information the satellite's
number, its position in space, and the time the information is sent. These signals are
picked up by the GPS receiver, which uses this information to calculate the distance
between it and the GPS satellites.
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Working & Applications -: With signals from three or more satellites, a GPS receiver can
triangulate its location on the ground (i.e., longitude and latitude) from the known
position of the satellites. With four or more satellites, a GPS receiver can determine a 3D
position (i.e., latitude, longitude, and elevation). In addition, a GPS receiver can provide
data on your speed and direction of travel. Anyone with a GPS receiver can access the
system. Because GPS provides real-time, three-dimensional Positioning, navigation, and
timing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all over the world, it is used in numerous
applications, including GIS data collection, surveying, and mapping.
efforts made by India to create its own GPS & other countries-:
1. The IRNSS constellation will give India guaranteed access to what has become a
critical service in the present day navigation satellite signals.
2. Using its seven satellites, the IRNSS system will beam accurate navigation signals
over India and up to 1,500 km from its borders. Three of those satellites have already
been launched and ISRO plans to have the remaining satellites in place by the middle of
next year. By adding four more satellites, India has the option to extend the area covered
by its navigation system.
3. Americas Global Positioning System (GPS), with worldwide coverage, is the leader in
the field.
4. Russia, for its part, established a similar capability with the Global Navigation
Satellite System (GLONASS).
5. Europe is therefore in the process of putting its own constellation of Galileo
navigation satellites in place.
6. China is likewise creating the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System; a regional service
has already been launched and it intends to achieve global coverage by around 2020
Currently US govt, who created GPS, maintains it and makes it freely accessible to
anyone with GPS receiver. But dependence on foreign controlled GPS system may not be
guaranteed in hostile situations, as happened to Indian Military depending on American
GPS during Kargil war. So it is always a good option to develop indigenous systems and
reduce dependence on other countries.
Page 114
Topic: Security issue Role of external state and non-state

actors in creating challenges to internal security.
Q) The Wests war against terrorism is definitely not a war against
or a confrontation with Islam as such, but a war against Islamic
radicalism, the ideology it is promoting, the initiatives it has launched
and the terrorism it is trying to expand in different parts of the
world. Critically comment why various strategies to fight terrorism
are increasingly failing and examine what long-term plan is needed to
arrest the rise of radicalism thats spreading fear across the world.
(200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- West approach in tackling the terrorism ,extremism has been criticised due to
various reasons and flaws in it . Some of suggestion has been provided to pursue the
same objective
West's approach
~ it Prejudiced ,stereotyped one particular community in lieu to make its intervention
legitimate
~ For it personnel gains like oil or geopolitical goals in the regions it tried to escalate the
issue
~It used Media, military, security and hyped the issue , to make killing of leader in
foreign territory justified , Which further caused hurt of sentiment of Such groups
~ Also it used such groups initially to settle the score with Cold war enemies and with
those countries which are not accepting its hegemony and later stopped funding when it
goals were fulfilled . This betrayal and stopping of funds united all groups for Common
West
~At home too, Such communities were discriminated in Security, employment, public
offices as also seen in movies and documentaries like New york , 9/11
Suggested approach
~ Radical islamic jihadist forms microscopic group vis a vis to large moderate and
modernist muslim across world >Support of such communities can be used
~Ideologies not military intervention can kill ideology , taking help of Muslim to show
that Islamic verse of Jihad , in no sense can be legitimated to such extremism
~Supporting modernist and moderates Muslim regimes
~ Challenging their religious legitimacy can be way out
~Not trapping in illusion which such organisation wants West to get trapped like
Stereotyping Islam , Muslims
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~ Global consensus on Resolution of terrorism is Required . A more mature response

from UNSC chamber can achieve the goal
A united, selfless efforts with aim to restore peace can only be way ahead. Any sort of
attaching vested interest may only aggravate the situation
Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology

Q) How does a membrane based typical water purifier work? What
are its components? Also examine latest technologies developed in
water purification methods, especially by Indian scientists. (200
Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Membrane based water purifier(WP comes in two forms (1.) Traditional
membrane based WP (2.) Reverse Osmosis based WP.
Traditional membrane based WP works on simple concept of filtering any visible and
small suspended particles. Sometimes alums are also used to load the impurities and to
make it large to get caught by membranes.
Reverse Osmosis based WP works on concept that, when Tap Water pushes water in RO
filter, the pressure pushes water through the layers of membranes so designed to extract
dissolved solids, bacteria, contaminates, detergents or any impurities which are larger
than microns.
Components of Water purifiers are:
(1.) Membranes: To filter any suspended material in water and outputs clean water.
(2.) Nanotubes made of Carbon, Silver and Titanium oxide kills E.coli bacteria through
its roughness. It also destroys proteins of bacteria and prevents their DNA to replicate.
(3.) Water Pressure: To push the water through the membrane. Household tap water
pressure is enough for such push. Hence, RO filter doesnt require electricity or extra
power source.
Latest membrane developed by mixing two polymers to give a mesh hole size of 50
nanometers which is smallest achieved so far, and can remove all kinds of bacteria and
pathogens from water. Also, use silver, titanium dioxide and carbon nanotubes that are
embedded on membrane is their ability to kill E. coli bacteria. Silver leaches in water
Page 116
and when the ions so released kill the bacteria by destroying the integrity of the cell and
by damaging the cell proteins and terminating the DNA replication.
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and

developing countries
Q) Israeli settlements on the West Bank are opposed by the West, by
Arab states on many grounds. Why do they oppose these settlements?
Do you see any merit in this? What is Indias opinion on this?
Critically examine. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- The Israeli settlements on the west bank are on a piece of land that historically
and legally belongs to the arab palestines.It was captured by Israel from Jordan in
1967,and despite many international and arab condemnations,refuses to return it back.
-Israel considers this captured land both as a buffer territory to resist attacks from
hostile Arab neighbours as well as a source of land for its burgeoning jewish population.
-This has created tension between Israel and the Arab states and even with US. The US
and the UN want Israel to vacate these territories to facilitate peace talks by building
trsuts and giving th Arab negotiators something to show their domestic audience as not
compromising on long stated arab position.
-India, while accepting the Israeli right to existence and need or better Arab Israeli ties
also say that Israel should look at the issue from both a humanitarian as well a security
angle. Considering Israeli unequivocal support for India at times of crises like kargil war
position on Kashmir etc India's soft position on the issue is understandable. India's
support of Palestinians all these years didnt yield much diplomatic and political
dividend form the Arab and Muslim world. Hence India is well within its righst to put its
national interest first.
-For its own security, Israel has to leave the captured lands. The illegal settlements fuel
Arab resentment, strengthen Israeli foes like Hamas, and Iran's position and incite
attacks on Jewish settlers and inside Israel itself.
-It also robs Israel of crucial moral and diplomatic support it deserves in many respects
at the international fora.
Page 117
Topic: Infrastructure: Railways etc

Q) Indian Railways plays a pivotal role in reviving economic growth
in the country and investment in the railways has a large multiplier
effect on the rest of the economy. Examine how the 2015 railways
budget seeks to achieve this goal. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- Railways is the backbone for India economy but due to its neglect from last many
years it couldn't be utilized to drive the GDP of the country.
Now new government is looking to tap this potential of Indian railways and in the Rail
budget they have announced lot of steps that will be taken to improve the Railways
which will in turn effects the rest of the economy positively.
New budget has proposed an investment of more than 8 lakh crores in railways in next
five years.
The main problem is from where this money will come, Railways have proposed some
very good ways.
They are looking at passenger and freight increase, monetization of assets and
borrowing, partnership with states, ministries of coal, iron ore, cement, fertilizers to codevelop projects, sovereign wealth funds and pension funds.
All this help in driving the economy in many ways.
1) Capacity building on existing routes will help in carrying more and more freight, also
in increasing passenger travelling.
2) operating ratio improvement will be focussed which will help in better financing of
projects in future.
3) e-catering to select meals from an array of choices and On-board entertainment on
select Shatabdi trains. These will help in generating jobs.
4) Transport Logistics Corporation of India will be set up to provide end-to-end
solutions at select railway terminals through PPP, and that the PPP cell in the railway
ministry will be revamped to make it result-oriented. This will help in improving the
management and improving the decision making process.
5) Proposes to revamp policy and simplify processes for entrepreneurs through open
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bids, to be processed by independent experts and uploaded on the web. The new model
concession agreement or standardised contractual frameworks, for instance.
This will give entry to many new businesses.
6) Partnership with states will help in improving the business in those states and will
help generating jobs..
7) Various ministries participating will help in again setting up new factories.
8) Acquisition of locomotives, coaches, wagons, doubling of railway lines and their
gauge conversion will give more money to railways and to easily transport commodities.
All this will also help in Make In India and will help in bringing in FDI.
Overall if the plans are executed well then it will help in definite boost of Indian
economy and generating lakh of jobs.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to employment.

Q) What do you understand by informal employment? How is it
measured and what is its nature in India? Critically discuss. (200
Words)
EPW
Ans- The economic activities which are based on basic survival activities and avoid
governmental or institutional regulations like labor law, tax evasion etc are called
Informal employment. As per NSS this sector consist of propriety and partnership
enterprises excluding any cooperative or non profit institute , in non agricultural sector
and in agriculture excluding crop production.
Characteristics of informal sector are:
1) Primary objective is to generate employment.
2) Their contribution to economy not included in GDP and GNP.
3) Workers generally don't have job contracts, unstable job, no paid leave or any other
social security benefits.
4) Not regulated or registered, tax evasion etc
5) Easy survival activities like street vending, casual jobs etc which require lesser skill.
Method of measurement of informal sector has changed with time, initially it was just
over all employment minus formal sector. But subsequently NSSO surveys are used to
identify these informal sectors.They use a brief questionnaire to establish the fact.
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In India, Informal sector has huge contribution yet un-noticed in its economy.
1) 75% of employment in rural area and 69% in urban area are under informal sector.
2) play an important role in employment of women and less educated youths.
3) This sector has the maximum share in reducing poverty in the nation.
4) they also influence government policies ex- tax waiver for poor weavers of banarasi
sari
This informal sector still faces major challenges :
1) huge number of workers which are working without job contract thus their job
remains unstable.
2) they rarely get paid leave or social benefits like pension, insurance etc
3) tax evasion and overlooking labor regulation results in making employment
vulnerable to government action and security of workers is at stake.
Government needs to first quantify its informal sector and slowly bring this sector into
main stream of economy so that their contribution in country's development can be
increased. Also better regulations will promote this sector and enhance living and
working standards of workers.
Topic: Science and Technology (health issues)- developments

and their applications and effects in everyday life
Q) By 2020, projections indicate that non-communicable diseases
will account for 75 per cent of all deaths. Improving diet has a crucial
role to play in reducing this burden, In the light of the statement,
examine the role of junk food in causing non-communicable diseases
and its magnitude. Also examine why proliferation of junk food in
countries like India is on the rise. (200 Words)
Down to Earth
Ans- "What one eats is what one becomes" is a popular saying thay seens true in this
age of burgeoning fast and junk foods. These hav5w become a concern because of their
content and negative effects on health. More consumption happens in developing world
than the developed world.
Mom-communicable diseases are tougher to contain and mostly result from lifestyle like
eating habits.
Junk foods have little nutritional value like vitamins, minerals, etc. but have high fat and
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sugar content. Examples are sweetened beverages, burgers, pizzas and street foods.
They have little short term effects but in long term result in issus likr heart diseases,
diabetes, obesity, intestinal problems, etc.
In India, the consumption of these items is on the rise due to following reasons:
1. Rising middle class which is arranging itself in nuclear families. They usually live in
urban and semi - urban areas and take pride in aping the West.
2. Increase in solitary residents like bachelors, working people in metros, etc. who lack
will and means to home-like food.
3. Aggressive campaigning by companies to promote their brands. Like beverage
companies sponsoring and campaigning with youth icons during cricket matches.
4. Lack of public awareness and political will to take effective steps. Cold drinks were
once banned in India but came back stronger.
Topic: Resource mobilization,

Q) In recent spectrum auction by the government, it was seen that
the 900-MHz band was in more demand than other frequencies of the
spectrum. Critically examine why. Also examine what can be possible
fallout of this spectrum auction on consumers. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- In general, Mobile communication is supported over 900MHZ and 1800MHZ
frequency bands. In India, union government conducts
periodic auction of these frequency bands through which telecom operators will buy
license to provide service. The latest call for bids to get the license of 900 MHZ has seen
an unprecedented demand. This can be attributed to
1. As per the laws of physics, for the same strength, low frequency signals can travel
more distance than high frequency signals. Hence the number of intermediate base
stations required to increase the strength of signal will be less in case of 900MHZ
frequency band service. It will reduce the installation costs.
2. Wide availability and lower costs of essential devices and network equipment
required to support communication service in 900 MHZ than in 1800 MHZ.
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3. Introducing 4G services by exploiting the better technical standards of 900MHZ band

is easier compared to less evolved standards of 1800MHZ band.
4. The present license holders could build up large consumer base through their
consistent service in 900 MHZ band for 20 years. Loss of license, without any
alternative band to support means losing the established customer base to the
competitor.
Though the increased demand can bring high revenues to the government, it may have
the following possible fallouts:
1. Service providers will most likely to pass the costs to customer by increasing the call
tariff
2. Without proportionate increase in tariffs, stress on the balance sheets of private firms
may lead to default. It causes increase in Non-performing assets of banks which lent
credit to them.
Government would do well to take measures to allow
service over alternative bands to reduce the pressure on existing bands. 15MHZ band, in
2100MHZ frequency range, which was agreed by armed forces for civilian use, can come
handy.
Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning

Q) Even after the formation of NITI Aayog, the Plan and non-Plan
expenditure distinction still continues as seen in recent union
budget to guide governments expenditure. Why do you think so?
What are the benefits of removing such distinction as recommended
by a committee previously? Examine. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- Why being continued:
1. The plan and non-plan distinction was introduce to distinguish between spending on
schemes under FYP and other expenditure.
1. 12th plan is already in the middle. Most of the schemes and states budgets are
planned according to that. Even NITI Aayog is going to take mid-term appraisal of plan.
So it is being continued.
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Adverse impacts of distinction:

1. Non-plan expenditure is seen as non-productive and pruned. For instance, recently
the budget of ministry of health is pruned to meet fiscal deficit target, where as health
has already low allocations.
2. Appraisal is being done only on plan expenditure, thus, there is no appraisal and
improvements in non-plan expenditure.
3. Already created assets under plan expenditure in previous plans are being neglected,
as they form non-pan expenditure now. For instance, water shed maintenance is being
neglected.
Because of these adverse impacts, the distinction should be down away with.
Topic: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate

Q) Write a note on the structure and mandate of Indo-Tibetan Border
Police (ITBP). (150 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- ITBP is a multi-dimensional force. It is basically a mountain trained Force and
most of the officers and men are professionally trained mountaineers and Skiers. It was
initially raised under CRPF Act, later in 1994 ITBPF Act was enacted and rules were
framed.
It is headed by DG rank officer with ADG as an assistant and other posts like IG, DIG to
constables like police force.
ITBP was the first to establish Regional Response Centers in HP, Uttarakhand, NE
regions and carried out numerous rescue and relief operations in various disaster
situations took place in these areas since 1994.
Mandate and Tasks1. Vigil on NE borders, detection and prevention of border violations, and promotion of
the sense of security among the local populace
2. Check illegal immigration, trans border smuggling and crimes
3. Providing security to sensitive installations, banks and protected persons
4. Restore and preserve order in any area in the event of disturbance.
They are stationed at forward border posts at altitudes from 9000-18000 feet. They
are called Himveers and provide security to VIPs in Delhi, deployed in UN Peace
Keeping Force, they are providing security to Embassy of India in Kabul, and Consulate
General of India, Jalalabad, Khandar also.
"ITBP inspires men to put duty before self."
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Topic: Conservation
Q) Write a critical account on the measures taken by the government
to conserve natural vegetation and wildlife in India. (200 Words)
NCERT
Ans- ---Conservation of natural resources has become a serious issue in todays world,
which is being engulfed by the forests of concrete day by day.
---A vast expanse of the worlds forest cover, is being used by industrialists today to
manufacture commercial products, leaving little space for the wildlife to dwell upon,
paving the path for their endangered nature in the world.
---Several measures have been taken by our govt to counter the flow of deforestation
and poaching, like:
1. Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and Forest Conservation act (1980) were passed for
conservation of wildlife and forests, while banning the poaching of lion, tigers, deer,
elephants, etc.
2. Biosphere reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries help in conserving the
wildlife and protecting them from human interference in habitat in a large extent.
3. To promote concept of sustainable development, environmental clearance has been
put as a requirement, to check the amount of industrialisation in the country.
4. India is also a member of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species) which prohibits the trade of animals and plants included in its list.
5. Biological Diversity Act, 2002 was passed, which primarily addresses access to genetic
resources and associated knowledge by foreign individuals.
6. At the CoP-11, India has launched the Hyderabad Pledge and announced that the
Government will allocate a sum of $50 million during Indias presidency of the CoP to
the Convention on Biological Diversity to strengthen the institutional mechanism for
biodiversity conservation in India.
---Although such measures have been introduced and some commendable results have
been achieved, the implementation on ground level has not been upto the mark in
majority of the areas, due to low level of surveillance and local public support.
---The govt needs to put the issue of environment conservation on a priority issue, as the
slowdown in industrial growth can be recovered after a few years, but the loss of
environment occurred can act as a severe negative externality on the superficial
development and cost our future generations dearly.
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Topic: environmental pollution and degradation

Q) Recently it has been pointed out that India has moved from a
carbon-subsidisation regime to the one where carbon spewing is
taxed i.e.. the shift from a negative price to a positive price on carbon
emissions. Elaborate and examine advantages and disadvantages of
this shift in policy on climate change. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- The shift to carbon taxation combined with Indias ambitious solar power program
suggests that India can make substantial contributions to the forthcoming Paris
negotiations on climate change
the advantages of this move include:
1. Help in Reduction of carbon emissions
2. enable india to come out with a blueprint of "intended nationally determined
contributions" (INDCs) towards fighting global warming.
3. India can play a constructive role in the global negotiations, thereby changing its
image from a game spoiler to a facilitator
4. it can more forcefully put forward its plea for higher weighting to adaptation vis--vis
mitigation in climate action to reduce developing countries' vulnerability to climate
change.
5. Push forward the need for adhering to the concept of CBDR in mitigating climate
change
6. India can seek liberal financial and technological assistance for the developing
countries to cope with global warming
It will be important to maintain this carbon tax even when prices of petrol and diesel
increase in the international market. But certain disadvantages/drawbacks can be seen
1. The prices of these fuels are lower today and, so the signal to change consumption is
weak and inadequate.
2. Will not lead to change in consumption behaviour unless supplemented with robust
public infrastructure
3. Price of diesel remains lower than petrol, mainly because of differential levels of
taxation. So it is not enough to make a dent
4. It does not say that the excise duty collected on dirty fuel will be used to upgrade
refinery technology
Though this can be seen as a progressive step, this tax must be used to help shift to less
carbon-intensive ways of production. A strong political will and partisanship approach
will be able to mitigate the effect of climate change due to carbon emissions
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Topic: money-laundering and its prevention

Q) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to adopt a zero tolerance
policy on Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering
(AML) norms. Examine what this zero tolerance policy entails and
why there is such strict policy against above mentioned violations by
banks. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- RBI advises banks to follow certain customer identification procedures for
opening of accounts and monitoring suspicious transactions, to prevent banks from
being used, intentionally or unintentionally, by criminal elements for money laundering
or terrorist financing activities.
Compliance to these Know Your Customer and Anti Money Laundering (AML) norms
are likely to be more stringent as RBI has announced to adopt a zero tolerance policy on
flouting these. Zero tolerance policy has the below implications:
1. 100% compliance required:
Even a single percent non compliance will attract penalties. At present during
inspection, RBI overlooks the small violations by the banks which are 99% compliant
with these norms.
2. More Restrictions:
Proposal to put operational curbs on banks; restrictions on branch expansion likely to
be imposed.
3. Higher Monetary Penalties:
Monetary penalty likely to rise from the present level of Rs 5 lakh per violation. It may
go upto 1 crore for a single violation.
Reasons for adoption of zero tolerance policy:
1. To incorporate the Financial Action Task Force(FATF) Recommendations and Basel
norms.
2. Combating money laundering and terrorism more efficiently.
3. BETTER RISK MANAGEMENT: KYC procedures enable banks to know/understand
their customers and their financial dealings better which in turn help them manage their
risks prudently.
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Q) Some argue that the report of the Shanta Kumar committee on
food management contains several cogent recommendations and they
should be implemented to make PDS efficient. Analyse these
recommendations and comment if they should indeed be
implemented. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- Shanta Kumar Committee report on food management talks abotu some
important issues and many recommendations are being made by the committee
which needs to be implemented as soon as possible.
1) Cash Transfer : This recommendation is made by committee to stop the possible
leakages and this will also save thousands of crores of money from government which
can be used for expansion of facilities.
2) Private Partnership: Private partnership has been recommended by government for
procurement and for transportation , this should help in efficient use of resources and
further enhancing the capability.
3) Reduce Coverage: One of the recommendation is to reduce the coverage from 67% to
40 % which has been opposed by many parties.
But this has been suggested due to the statistics which are showing that leakages are too
much and most of the food is not reaching the actual beneficiaries.If we reduce the
target and also focus on reducing the leakages, this should help but we need to be sure
that national food security is not impacted.
4) Procurement shift: There has been recommendation that procurement should shift to
north eastern states as they dont have the required structure. This should be
implemented to help north eastern states grow.
5) Export: The committee has suggested that the food ministry should be quick to export
grains or sell them in the local market as soon as FCI procures more than the
requirement. This should be implemented.
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6)Taxation : The committee has proposed uniform tax of minimum 3 % and maximum 4
% on wheat and rice and the same to be included in the MSP.
This also should be implemented.
There are many recommendations which should be implemented immediately but some
of them only once we are sure that we are not keep people hungry like the reduction in
coverage.

Q) It is said that fight against harmful emissions affects industrial
growth which in turn affects economic development. Critically discuss
what strategies need to be adopted by countries to fight
environmental pollution without affecting economic development.
Also comment, if it is worth to let economic growth take a beating at
the cost of measures taken to mitigate environmental pollution. (200
Words)
The Hindu
Ans- The pressing need for economic development and growing environmental
degradation has posed a challenge to all policy makers. A middle path called sustainable
development has emerged as the way forward reconciling the two, not fully but mostly.
Strategies need to be adopted:
Increasing focus on renewable energy moving away from fossil fuel- India lead the
path by an ambitious target of 175 GW by 2022.
Recycle, reuse and efficient use of natural resources
Environmental clusters like national parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserve in line
with industrial cluster- compensates the negative effect on environment
Promoting community participation in decision making- take care of the development
need as per local requirement preventing unnecessary harm to environment
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Emphasis on public transport, energy efficient techniques, waste treatment, reviving

old traditional techniques which are often in sync with nature
Laws protecting indiscriminate exploitation of environment
In the tag of wars between development and environment, tilting heavily in favor of one
will harm both in long run. Relentless focus on development disregarding environment
will make it unsustainable and resulting health and environmental cost will off-set all
economic gains.
Similarly environmental fundamentalism will slow down much needed development to
reduce poverty, disease, malnutrition etc. Low generation of economic resources will
impact the welfare of both people and environment. Thus countries need to the tight
rope walking balancing the two aiming for sustainable development.

Q) It is now widely accepted that the participation of private sector is
important in the transformation of the defence industrial base in the
country. Critically examine, what are the challenges that private
sector faces and what needs to be done by the government in this
regard. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Defence industry is highly technology driven and it is the private sector that
adapts itself better to rapidly changing technology. It helps the nation to build a
reservoir of latest technology to give it an edge over its prospective adversaries But the
private sector faces the below challenges:
1. POLICY ISSUES:
a. In all deals where transfer of technology is negotiated, the nominated recipient is
always a DPSU. Private sector company is not considered even it is better placed in
terms of infrastructure and know-how to absorb the technology.
b. Increasing the FDI limit to 49% is unlikely to be sufficient to attract FDI with
technology transfer.
c. Most countries have export control laws that regulate the participation of defence
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manufacturers in ventures abroad .They guard their technology and perpetuate their
monopoly with consequent financial gains.
2. PROCEDURAL ISSUES:
a. Inadequate time for the submission of technical and commercial proposals as
requirements of the armed forces are not made known to the private sector sufficiently
in advance.
b. Indian private companies that have the requisite capability are not considered for the
RFPs (Request for proposals) apparently owing to their lack of experience in delivery.
c. Lack of necessary financial strength.
3. FUNCTIONAL ISSUES:
a. Many Indian vendors have not fully grasped the import of highly accurate and exact
standards requirement of defence equipment.
b. RFPs are issued for one-time piecemeal quantities without any long term
commitment regarding regular flow of orders. This deters Indian companies from
committing resources for establishing production facilities as the venture can prove both
expensive and risky.
4. THE COMMUNICATION GAP:
a). Procurement Agencies are Unaware of Industrys Potential:
There is no data bank of Indian industries available with the MoD. Requests for
Proposals (RFPs) are issued only to a few highly visible companies, while many others
lose by default.
(b). Industry Lacks Knowledge of Defence Requirements and Procedures:
Many private sector companies having the capability to manufacture the whole range of
defence requirements are ignorant of the procurement agencies, their policies and
procedures.
STEPS TO BE TAKEN BY THE GOVT:
1. Transparency: All contracts should be opened up for bidding
2. RURs: As suggested by Kelkar committee, government should identify certain firms
based on their technical, managerial and financial strength as champions (Raksha
Udyog Ratna) and circulate RFPs for major systems to these firms.
3. Tax rebates: Removal of the differential and regressive tax and duties
4. Infrastructure Availability: Availability of capital, land and infrastructure; Total
elimination of licensing;
5. Ensuring better planning and strict implementation of offsets
6. Facilitation: A directory of credible defence manufacturers should be made available
to all the defence procurement agencies and foreign producers to locate potential Indian
partners for collaboration.
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Topic: growth, development and employment.

Q) Unless India improves productivity, its demographic profile could
become a burden rather than a benefit. Critically discuss. (200
Words)
Livemint
Ans- With relatively young population and most of the people in the working age group
,India demographics are better than China and any other major economies of the worlds
in terms of their economic importance and all of this would mean nothing unless India
invest efficiently and wisely in improving it's skilled manpower and productivity
otherwise the boon is likely to convert into bane for it.
Features and advantages of demographic profile in India:
1.Roughly two third of the population is in the working age group( 15 to 60 years) .This
provides the potential for huge man power capable of being employed and meet the
labor demand.No country in the world has such demograhic advantage like India .Major
economy like China and Japan have increasing aging population thus ,presenting
potentially huge shortage of labour in upcoming future.
2.The average age of population in India is 27 year and this is expected to reduce further
to 24-25 by 2020.
3.A lager young population means huge domestic consumer base for produced goods
and services that makes Indian market more lucrative with huge growth potential and
economic activities.India's economic growth would not be dependent on exports and
thus would remain largely insulated from decreased demands internationally in crisis.
Why imporving productivity is key :
1.Productivity must increase to generate more and more employments by creating huge
number of new jobs otherwise most of the young working population would remain
unemployed in absence of proper and sufficient jobs.Thus,demographic advantage of
having large working age population would turn from a benefit into a huge financial and
social burden .
2.Adequate imparting of skills through increased education and training is essential to
make the young population employable and fit to meet the requirement of jobs .
In absence of all these ,India would end up becoming an under achiever .
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Q) According to Census 2011, 80.7 million households in India live
without electricity and of these about 75 million households are in
rural areas. Critically examine the reasons behind such disparity
between urban and rural households and critically comment on
governments policy in addressing the issue of energy poverty. (200
Words)
Down to Earth
Reference
Ans- Energy poverty is a persistent issue that continues to be a central focus in the
governments budgeting, as is apparent by the level of annual subsidization levied
on the OPCs and the energy industry. This has to be analyzed in the context of
the energy complex, a concept that has influenced the understanding on rural energy
access and usage.
Poverty and energy access present an immense divide between the urban and rural
populations, and although the government has attempted to replace rudimentary
(wood) forms of energy for the consumer, with newer forms such as LPG, kerosene,
solar panels, the poor still struggle. The reason being that the
usage pattern and consumer preference linked to energy usage in India cannot be
assumed as being in a linear pattern. The governments understanding is that
once a better option for energy is provided whether it is for electrification
or cooking, the previous form will be abandoned. The governments recent push
to expand its LPG network to rural areas has still resulted in what is referred
as an energy complex. The usage of each type of fuel depends on location of
village, proximity to resource body such as forest or dry shrub land, number of
women in household, annual income, land holding, caste etc. All these factors
combined influence the type and intensity with a particular fuel is used.
In terms of providing electricity, there is a definite divide. This divide
simply exists because of the governments inability to understand energy usage
patterns, and also in the lack of funds that exist in setting up energy
infrastructure. IGO reports released annually use a variety of factors in order
to get an assessment of energy usage across rural sections in developing
countries to better understand and plan for an efficient alternative. Even then
this is quite a task; more importantly the government at this stage should focus
on
1. Improving road infrastructure as a primary initiative to allowing the spread
of LPG usage across villages for cooking purposes.
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2. In terms of providing electricity on a wider network, a better investment of

infrastructure is required. Transmission is the central focus here as resources
are distributed unevenly across the country: coal reserves largely in the
eastern sector and hydel reserves in the northern sector. Power generation
happens, but the level with which it is transferred is important.
3. Corporations such as Power Finance and REC (Rural Electrification
Corporation) need better co-ordination and greater investment in FDI in order
to distribute resources across the rural sector.
4. Renewable energy continues to be an unexplored sector that should be
seriously invested into. If the center is strapped for funds on a yearly basis,
foreign intervention into amenities such as solar panel chargers, solar cookers
for case specific locations would be helpful.
5. Offshore generation of wind energy is still in its preliminary stages, and
holds promise across coastal states that can harness this potential.
Topic: Environmental pollution and degradation

Q) What do you understand by Black Carbon? Examine its impact on
ecosystem. (200 Words)
Down to Earth
Down to Earth-2
Ans- Black Carbon or soot refers to the solid particle emitted during incomplete
combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass. BC is the solid fraction of PM2.5 that
strongly absorbs light and converts that energy to heat.
Emissions of BC comes from mobile sources especially diesel vehicles, biomass burning
(including wildfires), residential heating and industry.
It has much shorter life span a few hours to 20 years than CO2 (lifespan of more than
100 years) but plays a far greater role in global warming as it traps more heat. Because
of its short lifetime in the atmosphere the effects of BC are most important regionally,
especially in South and East Asia. Other hotspots occur in Mexico, Brazil, Peru, and
parts of Africa.
IMPACT ON ECOSYSTEM:
1. Melting of snow and ice, by absorbing heat in the atmosphere and by reducing
albedo(the Earth's ability to reflect sunlight, when deposited on snow and ice)
2. Interference with cloud formation and changes in precipitation patterns.
3. Reduced agricultural production in some parts of the world.
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4. Soiling and damage of material

5. Global temperature change
6. Visibility impairment
7. Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in human beings
Mitigating BC by using clean fuels, making emissions standards for industries and clean
and efficient household cooking solutions, especially in rural areas could prove effective
in slowing down the planets warming.
Topic: Awareness in the fields of bio-technology ; Also Paper 1

(Locational factors)
Q) Fifteen years after it rose and went limp, the biotech sector,
globally, as well as in India has seen a bull run of sorts and India has
become the worlds 12th biggest biotechnology economy having the
second highest number of USFDA-approved plants. Examine the
factors responsible for this rise and also examine if this run is
sustainable in coming years. (200 Words)
Down to Earth
Ans- Biotechnology Sector has seen an unprecedented growth in the recent times. The
phenomenon is seen not only in India but also in US. Some of the factors which are
responsible for the growth is as follows:
1) R&D and new compositions: There has been a surge seen in biotechnology R&D and
new
composition formations in last 3 to4 years. For example last year Biocon has developed
Alzumab for the treatment of Psoriasis.
2) USFDA approvals: USFDA is approving new medicines at a much faster rate than
they ever did, this is been done with the ambition to control some of the deadly diseases.
3) Biosimilar: There has been a surge noticed in this area as well, its organic similar of
the
inorganic medicines and it comes relatively cheaper.
4) Patents: A lots of patents are completing their 20 years of regime and henceforth the
list of
generic manufacturer will increase.
5) Merger and Acquisitions: As generic manufacturers are seeing an increase in their list
the
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big MNCs are also trying to get into generic market by means of M&A. Last few years
have seen an increase in the M&A activities in Pharma sector.
6) International demands: USA healthcare programs need more and more generic
medicines, generic medicines constitute 75% of their market which is expected to rise
further. Similarly, India is seeing a huge demand from African countries.
Currently, the sector seems bullish; however there are a few concerns. A lot of new
entrants have come to make quick money in this sector, which would also run away
faster in case the sector gets bearish, that can make the Industry fragile. But, over all the
good performance seems to continue in the coming years, as additionally, Indian
Government is also pushing up the health expenditure under National Health Policy.
Topic: Conservation and environmental pollution and

degradation; Paper 2 (Government policies and interventions
for development in various sectors )
Q) Recently, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change (MoEF&CC) issued guidelines on access and benefit sharing
(ABS) of biological resources. Examine the objective behind these
guidelines and their impact on traditional medicines manufacturing
industry. (200 Words)
Down to Earth
Ans- There are many small and big players in the field of AYUSH medicines (AYUSH
means Auyrveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) which have seen a growth in
the last decade in their business but have not shared a bit of the profit with the State
Biodiversity Board (SBB) and National Biodiversity Board (NBB), in spite of the
provision for Access to Benefits (ABS) of biological resources clause in the Biodiversity
Act, 2002. MoEF&CC recent guidelines on ABS would help the SBB and NBB to get their
due share which runs in thousands of crore. Thus, it would strengthen the financial
position of the Government. However, the traditional medicines
manufacturing industry are not happy over this guideline, as this would create a dent in
their profit margins. They are already suffering due to the vagueness in NTAC (Normally
Traded As Commodities) list. The NTAC list have also drawn criticism to the
Governments from the environmental groups for exempting much more plants than
actually required. Thus, the guideline would help state generate more revenue, control
over use of rare plants, punish the offenders but it will also throw the small players out
of business, hence, can create a livelihood issue for many
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Q) Critically highlight the hazards of indoor air pollution. Suggest
what measures are needed to address this issue. (200 Words)
Down to Earth
Ans- Air pollution is a major concern in this rapidly industrialized world. Indoor air
pollution out of that can be easily controlled than controlling outdoor. Most of the
indoor pollutants are released by using solid fuels(wood, charcoal,coal,dung), kerosene
lit lamps.
Fine particles and carbon monoxide are also damaging pollutants indoors.
Hazards:
1)Women and children are more susceptible to these.It can create serious health issues
to women.
2) They cause many diseases like chronic obstructive lung disease, lung cancer, cataract.
3) They can also cause high blood pressure and heart diseases.
4) They are responsible for more than a million deaths in the countyr every year.
Measures:
1) We need to switch to clean fuel.
2) Government need to expand the reach of LPG so that it reaches to more and more
rural areas.
3) Government can extend the subsidies to people in lower strata for LPG.
4) Government need to stop subsidies on kerosene, so that its use as fuel is discouraged.
4) People should make their homes with proper ventilation and airy.
Indoor air pollution can be stopped with few small measures if government and people
themselves make effort for it.
It will help in improving the health of women specially and will protect children from its
harmful effects
Topic: Disaster Management

Q) The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), in a report,
has said as much as US $314 billion will have to be spent every year to
meet annual average losses from just earthquakes, tsunamis, tropical
cyclones and river flooding. Critically discuss why its imperative for
governments to invest in disaster managements and risk reduction
strategies and the cost of neglecting these measures. (200 Words)
Down to Earth
Page 136
Ans- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climatic Change (IPCC) came to the conclusion
that, worldwide the frequency and magnitude of all types of natural disasters are on the
rise. Disasters occur in India with grim regularity causing enormous loss of life and
property. Almost 85% of the country is vulnerable to single or multiple disasters and
about 57% of its area lies in high seismic zones. Approximately 40 million hectares of
the countrys land area is prone to flood, about 8% of the total land mass is vulnerable to
cyclone and 68% of the area is susceptible to drought.
The magnitude of loss of human lives and livelihood in our country due to such disasters
is excessive by any modern standard. In terms of erosion of resources, disasters have
proved frightfully expensive. According to a recent study by the World Bank, 2.25% of
the GDP and 12.15% of the revenue of the country were lost due to natural disasters.
Globally, such disasters have claimed over 1.3 million lives and cost the global economy
at least $2 trillion in the past 20 years.
Disaster risk is a consequence of hazard and vulnerability. Disaster risk can be reduced
by forecasting occurrence of hazards as accurately as possible and well in time, and
preparing in advance for their onset and even manipulating those natural hazards,
which lend themselves to manipulation. It can also be brought down by taking measures
to reduce vulnerability.
Ref: 3rd Report of ARC.
Topic: Conservation
Q) Many species of plants and animals are endangered in India.
Explain why and evaluate if policies taken by the government are
effective in protecting these species. (200 Words)
NCERT
Ans- India, is one of the 17 mega biodiversity countries of the world and accounts for
7.8% of the recorded species of the world. However, catering to the resource needs of its
massive human population takes a hit on its natural resources like forests,atmosphere
and water bodies which in turn leads to loss of biodiversity.
About a fifth of these species are now endangered and nearly one fourth of the species
listed in the Convention of International trade in Endangered species(CITES) are found
in India.
Page 137
A substantial national system of natural reserves which started from nothing in 1956 has
been built to conserve these species and their environment. Inspite of this system being
under financed, overextended and patchy in its coverage India has had some remarkable
success stories in its conservation programme.
-The Tiger Project has led to an increase in the tiger population through out the country
- The Gir Forests are now the last home of the Asiatic Lion- extinct elsewhere
- One horned rhinoceros finds a protected home in Assam and Bengal
-inbreeding programme for endangered species like crocodiles,turtles, vultures and the
Indian Bustard have ensured their survival
-The Forest Conservation Act 1980 was enacted to lessen the large-scale habitat
destruction caused by deforestation.
-An end to the alteration of first-growth forests into eucalyptus plantations, but it also
swung the importance from a commercially-centered forest management to the
conservation-centered forest management.
-Elephants have enjoyed an absolute protection since the promulgation of a Wild
Elephant Protection Act 1879 and ban on the commercial trading of Asian elephants and
one horned rhinos which involved the export of ivory.
-Biospheres reserves for sustainable management of forest produce and protection of
flora and fauna
-cultivation of endemic herbs and plants in botanical gardens and seed banks to
preserve indigenous species.
There is always scope for adopting more effective policy measures to plug the gaps
(continued poaching and loss of habitat etc) considering India can draw from its various
success stories.
Page 138

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2015

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation,

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning,

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning,

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: : Indian Economy and issues relating to planning,

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: Indigenization of technology and developing

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation,

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning,

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Initiatives requiredProviding required institutional and infrastructural requirements to the farmers by

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: Food processing and related industries in India- scope

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning,

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy;

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

1. anti-austerity movement led by left-wing parties in different countries of euro-zone

Topic: Science and Technology- developments and their

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers;

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation;

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: Inclusive growth and issues arising from it;

General Studies Paper-3: Insights Secure Compilation January to March 2015

Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in