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GS2 Weekly [16th – 21st Feb 2015] [The Undercover group] (Insightsonindia.com)
Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.
Q) Assess how recent political developments in Sri Lanka can affect its economic
cooperation with India. Do you think these developments are favourable to India? Explain
why. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- Srilanka is not only our closest nation separated by ocean but also share largest Indian
Population of Tamil citizen, hence having cooperative relations is imminent.
Recently, Maitripala Sirisena who was ex-partymember of Mahinda Rajpaksha who got
separated from party and formed party on secular, pro-minority and pro-India lines won
election and became President of island nation.
India’s economic cooperation with Srilanka will now improve definetly because of following
reasons:
(1.) India has NTPC coal based Thermal power plant project(2000 Crore), Underwater and
overwater power transmission project(1000 MW, 3000 Crore) pending in Srilanka since
2005 is expected to get necessary push.
(2.) Sirisena’s view of pro-India is win-win for India as it will strengthen India’s Look East
Policy on the other hand it will lower the China’s Expansionism threat in Indian Ocean.
Sirisena said, that he will not take any step against India’s territorial security. It is friendly
gesture toward India’s diplomacy. It will save defense expenditure and arm race in Indian
Ocean.
(3.) Now, India can push Srilanka for fair investigation on ethinic atrocities committed
toward Tamilian people, which was stalled for long time. Also International (UNHRC) can
pass more clear resolution and no threat for sanctions on Srilanka will be there. This will
again win-win for India as well as Srilanka.
(4.) India can broker now for fishermen releases and also come up with strict guideline on
cooperative fishing on disputed water of Kachatheevu island. Rise in Srilanka trade(45% of
SL trade is with India). Tourism boost.
(5.) Good gesture toward India from Srilanka will also motivate Maldives to cooperate with
India and not submit to China’s demand of airbase construction.
Hence, New political party accession to power is beneficial for India and India must look
Sirisena’s visit to Delhi as an major oppurtunity to even out past differences and come up
with comprehensive development plan.
Topic: Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
Q) According to a study, the level of malnourishment is high among children whose parents
migrate in search of livelihood. Critically examine why and suggest measures to address this
problem. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- With india striving hard to achieve its MDG targets and reduce malnutrition, the
attention needs to be focussed on specially vulnerable groups to correct the bigger picture.
Migrants are one of these and mostlty come from the low socio-economic strata.
Most of the migration for livelihood is either cyclical or distress migration,the later being
most common.
The increased malnutrition among children of migrants basically stems from the fact that
they have to compromise and adjust in harsh,unhygenic conditions and temporary
settlements. The causes include
1. Poor socio-economic conditions hence affordability of food hampered
2. Temporary settlements leading to unhygenic conditions
3. Child labour ex: brick klins
4. Lack of sanitation and open defecation
5. Inadequate access to health facilities and immunization
6. Inadequate and improper breast-feeding and weaning
7. No access to pds facilities due to mirgation leading to poor nutrition in mother and
children.
8. Content of diet does not suffice for diverse nutritional requirement of children
9. small land holdings leading to inadequate production
The main solution lies in preventing migration and hence multiple problems related to it by
proper implementationn of schemes like MGNREGA, PURA etc. The others include:
1. increasing access to anganwadis
2. making pds facilities available for migrants
3. provision of proper houses and sanitation facilities
4. considering migrants as “vulnerable groups” and chalking out special programmes
5. identification of migrants and help from local PR institutions
6. regular health camps in identified areas
The complexity of the problems calls for a multi-pronged approach including the state,
NGOs and change in policy outlooks
Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.
Q) Analyse why having good relations with Sri Lanka is important for India from security
point of view. In this regard, examine what efforts have been made by India to forge strong
relationship with Sri Lanka in recent months. (200 Words)
The Hindu – 1
The Hindu – 2
Ans- India shares not only great civilisational linkage driven by buddhism but also strategic
partnership on diverse spheres of cooperation.
Fostering harmonious relation with island nation are crucial for protecting our strategic
interests in indian ocean region.. At times when chinese expansionist policy is being
manifested through naval bases in Maldives and other nations, countering security
challenges driven by 'String of pearls' of China is imperative for securing our security and
commercial interests. In order to prudently scrutinise negative intentions of 'Maritime silk
road ' project of china, constructive ties with Sri Lanka is needed.
In keeping line with such objectives, India is geared to strengthen trilateral defence linkages
involving Maldives and Sri Lanka. we have reached to succesful realisation of civilian nuclear
cooperation and signed MOU for cooperation in Nalanda university as well agricultral
cooperation. The much awaited NTPC power generating projects in lanka is expected to
achieve concrete realisation. Besides, it is expected that through consrtructive talks with
present pro-indian and pro- minority govt in sri lanka, we can evolve realisation of 13th
amendment for democratic stabilty and demillitarisation in northern province of island
nation.
Thus, considerable efforts are being made towards strengthening bilateral engagement in
diverse sphere. India should realise the potential offered through 'pro-indian' approach of
current govt in trade facilitation, tourism and people to people interaction
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s
interests,
Q) Critically analyse the objectives and intent of the Chinese Silk Road Economic Belt project
and its implications for India. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- The "Silk Road Economic Belt" is a Chinese initiative to integrate
economies of Asia and Europe along the Eurasian corridor with Chinese economy; through
the development of transport infrastructure and communication networks involving
railways, roads & fiber optics highways that would connect South Asia,
South East Asia, Central Asia and Europe along an integrated land corridor.
Intent:
1. realize Chinese aspirations of playing an enhanced role at regional and global levels.
2. First step towards establishing Chinese hegemony at regional and global levels; instead of
US $ or Euro, the local currencies & Renminbi to be dominant means of economic deals.
Objectives:
1. development: of Chinese hinterland particularly Xinjiang province which is seeing a lot of
ethnic violence arising out of social problems like poverty, unemployment,
backwardness etc.
2. Economic Growth: enhanced connectivity will boost China's trade with entire Eurasian
continent; Chinese overcapacity in construction materials will be utilized; efficiency
improves.
3. Enhanced Regional & Global clout: China hopes to gain closer cultural and political ties
with countries along the silk Road.
4. Counter US: policy of "Pivot of Asia" and its trans-pacific partnership agreement which try
to contain China and consolidate American hegemony.
5. Showcase a softer side of China & gain an uppe r hand over regional powers such as India
& Japan.
Implications for India:
Security:
1. Chinese influence in Indian neighbors such as Nepal, Bhutan may increase.
2. encircling India via land corridor just like string of pearls in Indian Ocean.
Political:
1. India's clout at regional level might be reduced.
Economic: if India participates in the initiative then
1. its trade might be boosted with Eurasian economies.
2. China may fund infrastructure development in India too.
Conclusion: the need for India is to balance security concerns with economic
benefits to be derived; particularly in the context of Chinese assertiveness.
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues
arising out of their design and implementation.
Q) “Even before concrete work begins on the government’s ambitious smart-city project,
there seems to be increasing concern over the initiative turning into an elitist concept.”
Critically examine why such apprehension is expressed from some quarters. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- Developing 100 smart city is flagship programme of NDA government. With India’s
economy and diplomacy developing at faster rate, many nations are more than eager to
cooperate in building smart cities. Huge investments, high expectation are pipelined, which
led to turning this initiative into an elitist concept i.e. out of reach of common public.
Cooperations are coming from nations like Japan, Germany, Singapore and US which have
already set benchmark in building smart city from scratch(Whitefield project) as well as
renewing existing cities (Brownfield project). A common perception is in everyone’s mind
that smart cities will be world class with lavish buildings, expensive infrastructures which is
not entirely true.
Some valid reasons why such skepticm and apprehensions coming are:
(1.) Right now smart cities in India are HiTec city of Hyderabad, Banglore Electronic city and
Mumbai financial district. This are build with huge investment and it is not possible for
common public to avail facilities of those place because of high rent, expensive outlets.
Hence, apprehension of cost and exclusivity of only elite are coming.
(2.) Wrong percpetion that, no small skilled job will be available there. Hence no place for
semi-skilled or small jobs.
(3.) Perception that everything will be mechanised and automated from automated waste
collection, retreating domestic water to automated buses. Such things invovles knowledge
transfer from developed nations.
(4.) Concept of Brownfield project which means same mediocre city will be transformed,
hence the apprehension that where will all existing settlement and jobs will go ?
Smart city is about managing the tasks/infrastructures to use optimum energy, green
energy, cleanliness and sustainability. It is wrong to think that such cities will lead to
widening gap between common people and elite people.
Topic: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s
interests,
Q) In recent months, the United States of America and South Africa are involved in a major
trade dispute between them over the trade of chicken between them. Critically analyse the
issue and examine what implications such similar issues can have on India. (200 Words)
The New York Times
Ans- Reason behind Trade Dispute
1. US prefer mainly chicken breast and remaining legs and thighs are dumped into African
nation at lower than market price of african market.
2. US chicken is infamous for its massive use, (misuse), of GMO's, growth hormones,
antibiotics, animal factory confinement, weed control chemicals, pesticides, bovine growth
hormones, anti-inflamatory drugs, etc, etc. Persistent toxic chemicals are a big problem in
the American food supply but most Americans do not seem to care by what method or
materials their food is grown and processed, so long as they can continue to gorge
themselves cheaply.
Even EU has cautioned over the import of US Food material. US need to consider over this
cultural purspective. In case of India, Similar reason of Banning ALPHONSO which caused
heavy loss in revenue. Every country has right to what to eat and from where to eat
.Although whole world's nations prefer FTA in bi/tri/multilateral agreement to serve their
citizens interest but not at cost of health .
If India at place of US, then surely need
1. Sharp teeth over food producing industry for adulteration
2. Increase Role of Food Ministry ..check over products
3. Notion of Prefer to serve quality along with quantity amoung producers
If India at place of SA,
Have full right to follow SA way , although it may counter effect from opposite country so
india can look for WTO and other organisation
Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
Q) How effective has been United Nations Security Council in addressing some of pressing
security challenges faced by raising extremism across the world? In the light of its mandate,
critically comment. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the most powerful body in the United
Nations, with primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and
security. It has five powerful countries (US, UK, France, Russia, and China) as permanent
members along with 10 non permanent members. Despite UN has been largely successful in
ending various conflicts, it is unable to address many challenges faced by raising extremism
across the world.
1) UNSC failed to enforce its resolution on Iraq, for cooperation and transparency regarding
various weapons. That led to the US invasion on Iraq in the name of weapons of Mass
Destruction.
2) In 2003, Sudan erupted into conflict as various extremist groups criticized and attacked
the government for oppressing the non-Arab. After three years, UN could dispatch its
soldiers in a limited manner. By 2010, an estimated 300,000 Sudanese civilian were killed.
3) In 2012, China and Russia used their veto power and the UNSC could not intervene in
Syria. Since the Syrian civil war began, an estimated 60,000 civilians have been killed.
4) UNSC is also unable to bring any resolution condemning Israel’s action against Palestine,
following US's veto power.
5) UNSC do not have any concrete plan to deal with tensions in East Jerusalem as well as the
activities of radicalised and extremist groups in Iraq, Syria, Ukrain etc.
Although UNSC can be credited for its peace-keeping missions in Haiti, Congo, etc. The big
issues of world peace – terrorism, extremism, nuclear proliferation can’t be entrusted upon
a body which is more often paralytic than effective.
Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.
Q) “There are at least five factors, which should make the ongoing sectarian war in Pakistan
different from its earlier avatars, and more difficult to combat.” Discuss these factors and
their possible implications on India – Pakistan relations. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- ---Sectarian war refers to the violence against common citizens, due to their
association with a particular religious group.
---With time, the sectarian war in Pakistan has surely evolved and changed its course of
action while executing terrorist activities, This can be attributed to five factors:
1. Due to the increased geographic spread of the groups outside the few districts of Punjab,
extending to the regions of Karachi, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Baltistan regions.
2. The intensity and scale of violence has increased, with increase in the human and
material damage occuring in each of the terror strikes. This is due to the increased supply of
weaponry, due to the linkages between groups like TTP and sectarian groups of Punjab.
3. The new war is also related to its external linkages, as opposed to the fuelling by cold war
between Iran and Pakistan, in the 80s and 90s. This is due to their involvement in the larger
Shia-Sunni war and the rise of IS in the middle east countries. This may result in the
involvement of IS in Pakistan’s war too, in the future.
4. The scale of control of state on the sectarian groups, is also a factor. In the 80s and 90s,
the sectarian groups were supported by the state. But with the newly established linkages,
these groups no longer need the support of the establishments, and are therefore out of
their control.
5. The fear of targeting these groups also serves as a factor, as these groups have a large
civil support base. Also, as long as the war is confined to tribal border areas, external help in
the form of drones can be used. But in the heartland, the nation will be highly dependent on
the less trained police force.
---This can severely affect the future Indo Pak relations, as the insidious plans of these
terrorist groups against India, are no secret. If such terrorist groups team up with the
military, the bilateral relations can further strain.
---The democratic establishments in Pakistan have never been able to keep the military on a
leash, which may be the deciding factor in the future relations between the neighbours.
---The Pakistan govt needs to have a strong political will to counter such extremist forces
with the help of military, and establish a peaceful environment in the country, so as to
maintain good relations with all its neighbours and remove the tag of “Safe Haven for
Terrorist groups” currently imposed on it.
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues
arising out of their design and implementation.
Q) “Flagship development programmes in India have not been designed or modified based
on evidence from evaluations.” With examples, discuss why it is important to launch
development programmes after thorough evaluation of their feasibility and impact and how
the negligence of this aspect has affected development process in India. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- India is a land of bold social welfare programmes but they share one common
disadvantage which is lack of empirical validity. Though all programmes are high in hopes
but fail to yield results because once launched they become political party flagship
programmes and ego image and hence resistive to change.
Some examples and reasons for pre-evaluations of programmes are:
(1.) India has vast populations and inequalities. Same programme doesn’t work for all
regions. Hence pre-evaluation is important to analyse region based needs and tailor made
programmes as per the region. For ex. Kerosene in PDS provided all over India, though in
95% area of India is electrified and doesn’t use kerosene for domestic purpose. Hence, all
kerosene ends in black market. Kerosene should only be provided in unelectrified homes
regions and not to all.
(2.) NREGA is extended to all over India, but it has shown negative impact in agricultural belt
where there was no unemployment earlier. Here, now all agricultural labour are using
NREGA for cash and Subsidised grain for food. No one is interested in farm labouring leading
to huge loss to plantations, orchards, and big farmers. NREGA should have been only
provided to high unemployment and poverty area.
(3.) Towns near to capital of state only get more attentions like Public health care,
functional PDS and all. But far flung areas are often avoided. Hence, near to capital area are
now well doing, but far areas are not. So, government should now focus in reverse.
This examples shows that, there is need for pre-evaluation and analysis before
implementing Policy in ground zero.
Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
Q) Considering the ongoing geo-political developments in Afghanistan, do you think India
should be worried? Analyse why. (200 Words)
The Indian Express
Ans- India’s relations with Afghanistan has traditionally been warm primarily due to the
assistance accorded to Afghanistan in the form of humanitarian and reconstruction aid and
investments running upto $11 billion as of 2012. The primary objectives behind such aid
programmes were to improve connectivity and economic collaboration with the resource
rich countries of Central Asia and to diminish counter Pakistan’s influence in it.
However, the impending withdrawal of the US army is an issue of concern for India as the
geopolitical and military vacuum created in Afghanistan may be filled up by China and
Pakistan respectively, especially due to the continued prevalence of ethnic disharmony in
Afghanistan. The Chinese have already initiated a trilateral framework which includes
Pakistan and Afghanistan and have committed to construct a hydroelectric project in
eastern Afghanistan.
Such moves by China can potentially erode the goodwill created by India in Afghanistan in
addition to easing Pakistan’s desire to increase its influence in Afghanistan, which it believes
to be its strategic backyard. This will enable Pakistan to relocate its troops from its
western border to the east, alongwith possibly sabotaging India’s attempts to engage with
Central Asian countries(e.g. TAPI). Also, anti-India terrorist groups in Pakistan may be
encouraged to collaborate with terrorist groups in Afghanistan.
The solution to this problem is a strong and unified Afghanistan which is neutral to all
countries in addition to playing the role of a beneficiary to all stakeholders. This requires the
deepening of the democratic institutions in Afghanistan. Leveraging its goodwill in
Afghanistan and allying with Iran to counter Pakistan’s influence in Afghanistan alongwith
continued aid and support seems to be the best course of action for India currently.
Topic:Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues
arising out of their design and implementation; Health related issues; Also paper-3 –
Infrastructure – Roads
Q) In absolute numbers, more people die in road crashes in India than anywhere else in the
world. Critically examine why and suggest what policy measures should India follow to
reduce deaths caused by road accidents. (200 Words)
The Indian Express
Ans- India shows a poor record in road safety and that too is worsening. Reasons for dismal
road safety in India:
1. Boom in automobile sector and parallel rise of the Indian middle class has increased
volume of vehicles on the road. On the other hand, road infrastructure and standards have
not improved accordingly.
2. Cases of drunk driving, rash driving, overtaking and disrespect of traffic rules have
increased.
3. Not following safety standards like lane driving, traffic lights, wearing helmets and
seatbelts, etc.
4. Rapid urbanization of cities and expanding of their limits.
All this has increased the vulnerability of people, specially bicycle and pedestrians, on the
road.
Various nations have lowered their road fatalities by different steps like Vision Zero in
Sweden. Various measures that can be adopted in India are:
1. Promote sustainable transport approach i.e. reduce number of kilometres travelled and
reduce volume of vehicles on the road
2. Avoid-shift-improve approach can be used to this end. We should
(A) create awareness amongst people to avoid private means of transport. This can be
achieved by higher road and toll taxes, sensitizing them over pollution issues.
(B) Shift the traffic onto public means of transport. Multi modal transport systems with
transit facilities are a good option.
(C) Improve existing infrastructure in terms of speed, time, accessibility and affordability.
Delhi Metro provides a great example that can be replicated.
3. Stricter norms of traffic rules specially on drunk driving, over speeding, helmets and
seatbelts. Strict challan system.
4. Identifying accident hotspots and re engineering them specially sharp curves, traffic
merging points. Building alternative expressways dedicated to particular traffic.
5. Preventing poor people from sleeping on roadsides.
6. Highway patrol units, cameras, repair shops and medical care units at fixed distances
along roads.
7. Tax incentives to manufacturers of vehicles with more safety features. But higher toll
taxes and road taxes from users.
8. Planners of cities should rationalise the proposed roads and lanes as per the population
demands.
9. Creating awareness amongst people towards overspeeding and tash driving by
campaigning with slogans like Better late than never.
Topic: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues
arising out of their design and implementation.
Q) “Academic governance in the country remains deeply vulnerable to the opinions of the
ruling government.” Do you agree with this opinion? If this is true, what measures need to
be taken by both the academics and politicians to protect the autonomy of academic
governance in the country? Critically examine. (200 Words)
The Hindu
The Indian Express
Ans- Academic governance in educational institutions of India has increasingly seen political
interference at behest of various matters which need not merit such actions. Though the
Governor mostly retains the Chancellor post in universities but administration is controlled
by vice-chancellor and directors. Though the act under which many institutions were
established did not envisage any political interference but encroachment in name of
welfare, greater good of the society,etc are seen. Cases where such administrators resigned,
took decisions or accepted clauses under duress and cases where close relatives of
influential people landed up in top notch institutions are coming to light these days. The
impact is negative in short and long run both as otcontinues to plague our educational
system.
To prevent such situation policy measures required:
1. Selection of vice-chancellor and directors of insitutions of national importance to be
made in a transparent process by a panel of experts.
2. Security of term amd allowances granted to admimistrators of educational insitutions.
3. No outside interference in administrative matters of institutions. But to prevent
concentration of power, board of governors should be established. Members of the board
should be eminent scholars, industry leaders and /or alumni but not present members of
political parties.
4. Avoiding any outside political interference in university students' elections and enforcing
Lyngdoh committee recommendations as far as possible.
5. Fixed financial allocations to institutions which cannot be decreased except on strong
grounds. This will minimise dependence on government.
6. Admimistrators should be as far as possible chosen from the existing faculties.
Besides, moral restrain on academic people will prevent them form making any political
remarks.
However, government control in matters of fees, admission procedures and reservation in
desirable. Regulations over private institutes are also required.
Topic: India and its neighbours
Q) India is Israel’s biggest purchaser of its defence equipments and both countries regard
each other as natural allies. Do you think Israel qualifies as India’s natural ally in the region?
Critically discuss. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- Starting from 1991 with the break-up of Soviet Union and end of Cold War, Indo-Israel
relations have improved substantially.
1. Defence sector has been guiding light in the development of relations.
2. From Buyer-Seller relationship, today India and Israel are moving towards Joint
production of defense equipment, which dove tails well into India's 'Make in India' initiative
and attaining strategic independence in defense equipment.
3. Relations are diversified to also include agriculture, nano-technology, space research and
a understanding on counter-terrorism.
The above reasons and huge good will that India generates among Israeli population makes
one to call them 'Natural Allies'.
But India should continue its Multi-vectored approach towards its diplomacy and build
multiple alliances and resist the temptation to call Israel as its natural ally because of the
following reasons.
1. Iran, the Israel’s natural enemy is the only possible land route to India to reach the
resource rich Central Asia in case the situation in Afghanistan goes against Indian interests.
2. Presence of huge Muslim population in India requires it to maintain good relations with
Arab world, which opposes Israel.
3. India needs the help of Saudi Arabia as much as Israel to counter terrorism.
4. Human right violations of Israel in Gaza and west Bank might become a head ache for
India, which is so far a principled supporter of Palestine cause.
so for the above reasons, India's national interest is better served by building multiple
alliances and leverages than proclaiming Isreal as its natural ally.
Topic: Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance-
applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters,
Q) In your opinion, how much of public opinion is considered in formulating policies that
concern common man by the governments at the centre and states? Also examine how
information technology can be used to ‘listen’ to public opinion. (200 Words)
Business Standard
Ans- Legislative action or executive orders that concern common man are often done
without much thought process and little feedback is collected to assess its practicability.
Also mostly the schemes made so far were focussed on the supply side rather than first
evaluating their demand sides and little assessment was done of their value addition. This
mostly happened due to lack of a platform where lawmakers could properly gauge the
freely disclosed mood of the public, except their own intuition and political compulsions.
Certain politicians came up with an idea of JanSabha but it was insufficient to give a big
picture. Some acts like Right to Information was passed after popular agitation. Some like
Lokpal are hanging in the balance.
This is exactly where India's favourite sector, Information Technology, comes to the rescue.
Initiatives taken to help collect feedback are:
1. Incumbent government has set up a portal mygov.in for citizens to suggest and discuss
policy formulations.
2. Government is planning to gauge social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and some news
channel sites to get a grasp of public mood and collect their feedback. This will be done by
help of a digital platform that government is working on.
However, certain issues need to be addressed before this scheme takes off:
1. The volume of comments and content will be huge and so make it difficult for the
algorithms to sort out the better ones.
2. The views will be of the net-savvy people who are financially well off to own a
smartphone or laptop. So the views may not be coming from Bharat but only from India.
3. Privacy comcerns of users.
So this is a good initiative by the government to collect ideas, feedback and work them out
to give all stakeholders a chance of participation
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to
Health, Education, Human Resources
Q) In the light of increasing deaths caused by swine flu in the country, critically examine
what mechanism exists in the country to prevent the spread of epidemics like swine flu and
what measures need to be taken by common man to safeguard himself/herself against
swine flu. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- Mechanisms existing in country to tackle epidemic crisis are:
1. Vaccination at all Govt. hospitals (Polio eradication is live example)
2. Provision of generic medicines (affordable, National List of Essential Medicines has been
expanded over time)
3. Assistance to crisis hit states (National Crisis Management Committee must reviews the
situation and offer States necessary central assistance.)
4. Skilled physicians in all Govt. hospitals (this measure needs consolidation)
5. Adequate PHCs, Laboratories, Detecting equipments and cutting-edge-technology to
diagnose the virus at the earliest with zero error (needs consolidation)
6. Chief Secretaries and medical heads of States ensures availability of drugs, testing kits,
diagnostic labs, personal protective equipment, masks etc., in their States (as various states
are doing regarding to Swine Flu)
Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to
Health, Education, Human Resources.
Q) “The Draft National Health Policy 2015 fails to tackle head-on the core problem of the
Indian health system: its management, administration and overall governance structure.”
Critically examine. (200 Words)
The Hindu
Ans- The draft national health policy 2015 has a vision for the long term health strategy for
the country. This health policy covers wide variety of issues including-
1. low public health expenditure.
2. Inequity in access of health services.
3. Poor quality of care.
4. No proper reach to rural areas.
This policy also provides for the recommendations to solve these problems but the draft
policy had failed to tackle the core problems of Indian health system.
1. management- the management of the financial resources has been the problem of health
sector. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, even with the lower spending then India have resulted in
better outcomes and even in India, different states have different outcomes which have
been due to the handling of management. The proper management is key to revive health
sector.
2. administration- it has been found that the effectiveness of public health- child and infant
survival, attended births, immunization coverage and birth weight is negatively correlated
with the corruption in system.
The local health administration must be robust which also effect the nurse attendance and
workers.
3. governance- governance structures need to balance-
a. responsibility- responsibility shall be fixed for the particular services by govt for its better
functioning.
b. flexibility- managers/bureaucrats must have radical approach according to situation to be
flexible enough inside the regulations to provide better services.
c. accountability- an independent board of directors can be appointed which includes health
secretary for the expansion of public delivery in primary and preventive healthcare in India.
Thus, though a better move to provide sophisticated services in health sector by govt, these
basic structures must also be taken care of to provide make it much better.
Topic: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments,
significant provisions and basic structure.
Q) “The 42nd Amendment almost rewrote the Constitution, making Parliament the supreme
sovereign body.” Critically analyse. (200 Words)
Frontline
Ans- The 42nd amendment to the constitution was brought during the emergency, brought
some drastic changes in the constitution. These changes were :
-- Preamble : It changed the characterization of India to “sovereign, socialist secular
democratic republic” from “sovereign democratic republic” and the words ‘unity of the
nation’ was changed to ‘unity and integrity of the nation’.
-- Parliament: Raised the term of loksabha and vidhansabha from 5 to 6 years. The quorum
was left to be fixed by the rules of each house.
-- Judicial : Stating that the amendments cant be questioned by any court on any ground.
-- Executive: The amendment stated that the president shall act in accordance to the council
of ministers.
-- Federal : enable the centre to deploy armed forces for dealing with situations of law and
order in any state.
-- Emergency :authorizing the President to declare emergency in "a part" of the country.
The 42nd amendment changed the whole complexion of the constitution, making
parliament the supreme sovereign body, excluding courts entirely from election disputes,
strengthening central govt to rule as a unit NOT as a federal system, cutting down the
judiciary powers to challenge legislation abolishing democracy and devaluing fundamental
rights.
Topic: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments,
significant provisions and basic structure.
Q) In the light of rumours that the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ would be removed from the
preamble of Indian Constitution, critically examine the historical significance of the
amendment through which these words were added and what result these words has had
on Indian polity since their insertion into the preamble. (200 Words)
Frontline
Ans- The government advertisement of Preamble (earlier version) on this republic day has
caught up into a controversy in which different political leaders are providing their own
views on whether the two words should be retained or not.
Historical significance-
1. 42nd amendment act was brought in 1976 during the time of emergency
2. Amendment was done to make the Parliament the supreme sovereign body
3. To protect the government from legal challenges
4. Scholars says that the ‘secular’ word was added to secure the rights of minority during
the tough period of emergency
Views in support of the amendment-
1. Explicitly says that India is a secular country, which is one of the base on which our
democratic society lies
2. In contemporary India, progressive states are also not free from the taint of chauvinism
and communalism, as well as jeopardizing the interests of poor people in the hand of some
capitalist class. Thus, words acts as a check on mindless development and communalism
Views against the inclusion of words-
1. Both are part of the constitution even without the explicit use
2. Preamble explicitly spoke of securing to all the citizens Justice- social, economic and
political means socialist state while give Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and
worship. If we have this liberty then we are a secular state. Thus, there was no need for the
amendment
3. Art 25, 26 which is a fundament rights in which there can be no state interference, clearly
defines that we are
a secular state.
4. DPSP explicitly says that state should protect the interest of its subject, which is one of
the attributes of a socialist state
Topic: India and its neighbours
Q) “India has legitimate security interests in the region and legitimate concerns in the
welfare of the Tamil citizens of Sri Lanka. But neither the interests nor the concerns have
been served by the policies that India has followed, since 1983, to be precise.” Critically
comment. (200 Words)
Frontline
Ans- India's relations with Srilanka extend from economic, cultural to political aspects. The
foremost among them would be the security of Indian interests in Indian ocean and welfare
of the ethnic Tamils who hold a cultural nexus with Indian Tamils. India since 1983, persued
many activities to protect the legitimate interests and concerns but the success of them was
marginal.
1. When India made treaty with Srilanka in 1987 as Rajiv-jayawardene pact, The LTTE were
given no consideration which aggravated the situation causing immense damage to India
and one of them being death of PM of India.
2. India spent its energy, resources, time by sending Indian Peace keeping Forces which
fought with LTTE, causing apprehensions in Tamils of both countries who has a soft corner
for the terrorist organization.
3.After LTTE was removed by Srilankan forces, India working to reconstruct the lives of
Northern region of Jaffna, but the denying of land and police powers as promised earlier
made srilankan tamils restricted and no freedom.
4. From the beginning India was working for the betterment of relations with Srilanka as
both hold cultural relations too, but Its tilt towards China has created security concerns in
India. Recent docking a submarine in Srilankan port is a case for this.
5. China's String of Pearls and Maritime Silk Road projects have raised the question of
hegemony in the Indian Ocean impacting the goodwill that India earned so far by
coordinating in economic, environmental and cultural aspects in the region.
Despite the drawbacks of legitimate policies not serving full purpose, there are positives like
consensus on fishing grounds and fishermen releases, improving ties with sports like Cricket,
India's work through SAARC, cooperation like recent Civil Nuclear pact, coordination in
agriculture, education, new government first overseas visit to India recently. It is in the best
interests of both countries to establish a peaceful cooperation that would enhance their ties
along with growth
Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States
and the performance of these schemes; Can be included in Paper – 1 under ‘ Distribution of
key natural resources ‘
Q) In the face of fast depleting groundwater resources, a project by Telangana government
know as ‘Mission Kakatiya’ has been appreciated by one and all for its vision and mission.
Examine the objectives of this project and explain its importance. (200 Words)
Frontline
Ans- Water management is vital for the very existence of settlements and the Deccan had a
long history of prudent water usage before the precarious balance was upset by insensitive
British policies during the early 19th century. Management of this scarce resource had been
transformed into a fine art under the Kakatiya dynasty of Warangal.
As the plateau is located in the rain shadow region of both the Eastern and Western Ghats,
settlers realised early on the need to conserve water in this rocky landscape.
Interconnected rain-fed tanks, whose flow depended on gravity, were developed. Canals
were built from these lakes to supply water to the fields.
The need for revival of this system arises as In Telangana 85% of cultivated area is rainfed,
and only tank irrigation system is the main source for agriculture. It is critical for
• agricultural growth,
• generation of rural employment, poverty reduction,
• flood control, drought mitigation,
• livestock and domestic uses, contributes to soil and water conservation, microclimate and
protection of environment.
The importance of this lies in the geographical location and agro-climatic condition of
Telangana:
• Restoring the depleting water table
• Provide irrigation in the arid regions which form a major part of Telangana
• Would boost the agriculture and state economy
• Renewed green revolution can be brought in the state similar to BGREI
• Farmers suicides can be controlled with better agricultural yields
• Water intensive plants like paddy can be grown
• Reduce the use of tube well which are currently causing a water-stress
With no viable alternative having proved effective, acknowledgement by the irrigation
commission and keeping in view the repeated disasters perpetrated it is best that Telangana
reverts to its traditional system of water management.
Topic: issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and
finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
Q) Some argue that the newly formed Niti Aayog will in fact result in more centralisation of
power and will end even the small say states had in policy matters during the Planning
Commission era. Do you agree with this assessment? Critically examine. (200 Words)
EPW
Ans- Abolishing Planning Commission and formation of NITI Aayog was seen both hope and
despair. The reason of despair was, some believed it would lead to more centralization by:
1) Being only a think-tank, resource allocation will be handled by finance ministry, where no
say of states is present.
2) Abolition of National Development Council- where plan document used to passed by
consensus. The new aayog will only be a formal deliberative body.
3) Due to immense discretion in fund allocation, small states, backward states, conflict
ridden states or states ruled by parties other than central party may not get a fair deal.
But the repeated emphasis of the PM on decentralization and the outcome of first
meeting of this body should put some of these concerns to rest., such as:
1. Three sub-groups of CMs have been constituted to revamp CSS, for skill development
and for Swachh Bharat.
2. Discussion on reducing the number of CSS or even completely doing away with them.
3. Special task forces in each state to alleviate poverty and funding infrastructure
projects.
In addition to this centre has promised more funds to states based on the idea of
“competitive federalism”. Thus the decentralization, promise for more fund allocation to
states and assigning the CMs the duty of solving the issues of CSS, skill development etc
certainly generate hope. Continuance of this principle in future will help us realize
“cooperative federalism” in spirit
Topic: issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and
finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
Q) The two decades since have seen a considerable expansion of local self-government in
rural areas in India but it is still very far from Gandhi’s revolutionary conception of a village-
centred economy and polity. Examine Gandhiji’s concept of self reliant village republics and
if this concept is still applicable to present day India. (200 Words)
EPW
Ans- 70% GDP comes from urban ,However 70% people resides in the rural India.This was
grasped by Gandhi ji and observed that "India does not live in its town but in its villages".
Although 73/74th amendment are reformist in nature but they by nature not closer to any
revolutionary measure or Gandhian term of "oceanic circle system" ,where Gram sabha has
wide range of horizontal powers and is centre to all round development &people.
Our document of Constitution has mostly followed Western model of centralised
governance ,Which though has devolved power in federal structure but Gram sabha being
at periphery are still anaemic to power.
1 Our plans has most of feature of '44 Bombay plan of capitalist which led to exploitation of
the masses, poverty and depradation
2 Bureaucracy and Politicians lack of will to give power to Locals to decide what they need
and decide how much funds is still colonial feature in the Indian republic
3 Issue of tribal and socio economic condition for which they used peasants movements
[Naxalism] was seen as law and order problem and was brutally repressed
4 Recent Raj ordinance for min quail. by govt is another regressive to very spirit of of
73/74th A.A [PRI]
5 HLC on environmental law observation that public hearing shall be done away as "locals"
do not have understanding of benefits is also reminder of Single handed focus on growth
rather development
6 Recent LARR ordinance, coal ordinance without consultation to public , and events of
NFDB[lack of development] & digboi contentious issue are some other anti-People
examples
Also PESA and forest rights act, and recent Niyamgiri issue were only after violent protest of
grass roots organisation and people, which shows govt lack of will for people centric
development
Hence there are enough examples to cite, that consensus over Decentralisation has not
been materialised. Desire of Decentralisation to their level to be done away with is the
solution to the issue