Civilsdaily

Author: Explains

  • 10 Oct 2016 | GS1 | What was the strategy of Indian capitalists w.r.t the Indian freedom struggle? Contrast this strategy with that of the communists.

    GS1 (Indian freedom struggle)

    What was the strategy of Indian capitalists w.r.t the Indian freedom struggle? Contrast this strategy with that of the communists and socialists.

    Best answer

    Udyan Ilu wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    Indian capitalist class evolved a very complex strategy towards Indian national movement owing to very contradictory forces at play.
    – they developed a very astute critique of imperial rule despite an unusually impressive growth they witnessed in colonial rule. Thus notwithstanding the temptations to side with loyalists they were able to figure out that their long term interests lie in nationalist govt.
    -however they supported national movement but were skeptical about unconstitutional means to carry it, they advocated negotiations and legal methods to pursue freedom struggle.
    A large number of capitalists actively supported the Indian National Movement.

    There were certain capitalists who joined Congress, went to jails and suffered hardships (JL Bajaj, Samuel Aaron, Vadilal Mehta).
    There were many others who didn’t join Congress but gave financial and other support (GD Birla, Ambalal Sarabhai, Walchand Hirachand).
    At the same time, there was a small number of capitalists who actively opposed the movement, or remained neutral.
    -capitalists din’t want radicalization of struggle and also didn’t favoured protracted mass struggles as it hurt their trade. for eg they were against boycott and swadeshi movement and non cooperation movement. however their stance changed over time and they supported and funded civil disobedience and quit india movement.
    -By establishing FICCI , they have performed the functions of national government in the economic sphere by being the national guardians of trade commerce and industry and with that they have developed a fair economic critique of imperial government in all its manifestations.
    – Increasing influence of communism and socialism meant further harm to their capitalist interest. but that doesn’t made them side for imperialists. They protested public safety bill which though was to contain communists but would have weakened national movement.

  • 9 Oct 2016 | Target Mains: Weekly Essay Challenge

    The rules of globalization were written by the West and the Empire. We have only played by it.

    Instructions: Write the following essay in 1000-1200 words.

  • 8 Oct 2016 | GS4 | A poor child who looks completely starved is seen stealing by you from a shopkeeper. The shopkeeper is known to be a greedy and unkind person. What will you do?

    GS4 (Case study)

    A poor child who looks completely starved is seen stealing by you from a shopkeeper. The shopkeeper is known to be a greedy and unkind person. What will you do?

    Best answer

    Rahul Kejriwal wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    The involved actors or affected parties in this scenario include the child, the shopkeeper, me and the society at large.

    The main ethical issues involved are –
    1. The act of stealing
    2. Rights of a child
    3. Duty of a citizen and society towards the downtrodden

    Scenario describes the possible helplessness of a hungry child to go for an act of stealing to satiate his/her hunger. Now, I can take different actions after witnessing this –

    1. Do nothing – this step will be successful in helping the child get food. But would expose the child to an illegal and immoral act of stealing which could escalate over time if not checked and lead him to a life of crime in future. This affects the society at large too. Also, the shopkeeper, despite being of unsound character, would been wronged and it would be unfair to him. My conscience would be troubled too due to my evasion of duty as a citizen to act against unethical practices.

    2. Report the child – this could bring a lot of trouble for the already helpless child. Shopkeeper’s rights would be protected but my conscience would not allow harming of a child. This would be a case of legality overriding ethics, which is not desirable in society.

    3. Act proactively – I could stop the child in the act through a deft intervention where I would buy the product for him. I would also talk to the child later and enquire why was he forced to do such an act and will apprise him the dire consequences of such an action. I would try to locate his parents too and if needed take help of civil society to help the child.
    This would benefit both the child and society due to the inculcation of values, at the same time protecting the rights of the shopkeeper and my conscience. Further, the shopkeeper too can be persuaded to be kinder, my example may serve as an effective communication for the attitudinal change.

    As among the courses of action mentioned above, the last one satisfactorily tackles all the issues mentioned in the beginning, involving the act of stealing, rights and duties of various patties involved, I would take this course of action.

  • 8 Oct 2016 | GS3 | In economic debates people have an uncritical faith in the market or are completely averse to it. But there is a deep complementarity between market efficiency and state action. Comment on this w.r.t the current Indian economy.

    GS3 (Indian economy)

    In economic debates people have an uncritical faith in the market or are completely averse to it. But there is a deep complementarity between market efficiency and state action. Comment on this w.r.t the current Indian economy.

    Best answer

    Heracles Apollo wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    Uncritical faith in the market could result in a situation like the 2008 global economic crisis when the US markets operated almost unregulated. Being completely averse to market as was reminiscent of India’s pre-1991 days also is unhealthy as it creates economic stagnation.

    India discovered the complementary balance between the two after the LPG reforms of 1991.
    1) Under SEBI’s regulation the Indian stock market is the largest in the world in terms of the number of listen companies.

    2) Competition Commission’s anti-monopoly action has led to healthy competition which improves consumer choice and creates a fair playing field for business.

    3) By placing strategic FDI limits for different sectors all the stakeholders are mutually benefitted. Allowing 100 FDI in defence only when critical technology is brought in creates competitive investment .

    4) In the absence of the newly passed Bankruptcy code disputes would have dragged on interminably.

    5)By allowing full current account convertibility and only partial Capital account convertibility economic volatility is prevented.

    Market forces act in favour of profit and state action tempers the drive for profit with meeting public purpose and overall stability as has been amply illustrated in India through the years.

  • 8 Oct 2016 | GS2 | Discuss the strategic, political and economic implications of India’s membership of the BRICS.

    GS2 (Global groupings)

    Discuss the strategic, political and economic implications of India’s membership of the BRICS.

    Best answer

    Ayushi Singh wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    BRICS has emerged as an important force in a multipolar world order.The forum went much beyond being a mere catchy acronym when the New Development Bank was established to signal discontent with hierarchical global governance structures and era of non western financial institutions.
    Positive Implications.
    Political
    -Despite the 2016 IMF quota reforms the vote share of BRICS is about 14% and falls short of 15% required for the body to exercise collective veto.This is when their share in world GDP is 22%(nominal) and US dominance at IMF persists.
    -BRICS has two members of UNSC and two members of G-4(Brazil and India).Ideal mix of ‘outsiders’ and ‘insiders’ to rally for reforms.Each BRICS nation enjoys rising economic profile and considerable regional influence which can be harnessed to build consensus.
    -Push for not diluting WTO’s Doha development round
    -For a for mutual learning for ex China s experience in infrastructure export and Brazil’s in clean fuel generation

    Economic
    – To enhance trade between countries not part of the Trans pacific partnership
    – Recently operationalised contingency reserve arrangement to provide support through additional liquidity support.
    – NDB to avoid IMF-WB ‘s conditionality and neoliberal paradigm in lending and include new concerns like environment
    – Voice views on developing world specific experiences like the Fortaleza declaration(2014) praised role of state run enterprises.
    Strategic
    -BRICS with 46% of world’s population has enormous demographic and geographic influence which can be used to highlight west’s dual standards on areas like human rights violations(Israel) and terrorism etc
    -for India it can be key to enhancing engagement with central Asia and Latin America,two areas we have limited presence currently.
    Some concerns.
    Internal dissensions within BRICS is going to a major challenged.Apart from India-China’s border issues etc Brazil was said to oppose India’s NSG bid recently. Secondly major political and economic trouble in Brazil and economic slowdown of Russia and China can be a drag.
    BRICS potential is critically dependent on the ability to build consensus and identify maximum areas of convergence.

  • 8 Oct 2016 | GS1 | Recently the ozone hole has started healing, after decades of international efforts. What is the ozone hole? How has the world tried to heal it?

    GS1 (Geography)

    Recently the ozone hole has started healing, after decades of international efforts. What is the ozone hole? How has the world tried to heal it?

    Best answer

    Udyan Sharma wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4.5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    When ultraviolet light waves (UV) strike Chlorofluorocarbons CFC* (CFCl3) molecules in the upper atmosphere, a carbon-chlorine bond breaks, producing a chlorine (Cl) atom. The chlorine atom then reacts with an ozone (O3) molecule breaking it apart and so destroying the ozone.
    The ozone layer above the Antarctic has been particularly impacted by pollution since the mid-1980s. This region’s low temperatures speed up the conversion of CFCs to chlorine. In the southern spring and summer, when the sun shines for long periods of the day, chlorine reacts with ultraviolet rays, destroying ozone on a massive scale, up to 65 percent. This is what some people erroneously refer to as the “ozone hole.” In other regions, the ozone layer has deteriorated by about 20 percent.
    Through the 1970s and the 1980s, the international community became increasingly concerned that ozone-depleting substances(ODS)would harm the ozone layer. In 1985, the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer formalized international cooperation on this issue.The Vienna Convention is the precursor to the Montreal Protocol which signed in 1987, was the first step in international efforts to protect stratospheric ozone. Under the original Montreal Protocol agreement (1987), developed countries were required to begin phasing out CFCs in 1993 and achieve a 20% reduction relative to 1986 consumption levels by 1994 and a 50% reduction by 1998. Additionally, developed countries were required to freeze their production and consumption of halons relative to their 1986 levels. After the Montreal Protocol was signed, new data showed worse-than-expected damage to the ozone layer. In 1992, the Parties to the Protocol decided to alter the terms of the 1987 agreement to end production of halons by 1994 and CFCs by 1996 in developed countries.Because of measures taken under the Montreal Protocol, emissions of ODS are falling and the ozone layer is expected to be fully healed near the middle of the 21st century.

  • 8 Oct 2016 | Debate | Are protests for reservation weakening the Indian identity?

    Recently many communities thought to be prosperous have been asking for reservations, e.g. the Marathas, Patels, Jats, Kapus etc. Many people comment that these communities are simply using their numbers for cornering more benefits from the state. These communities say they have suffered a lot due to poor job growth and need help like that given to backward communities. For their view see this link –

    http://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2016/10/why-marathas-want-reservations/

    All these demands are leading to a situation where Indians are identifying themselves increasingly by their castes/communities. After all it is membership of a caste/communities which is rewarded. An ordinary Indian without a caste/communities will not receive any benefits.

    Famous IPS officer Prakash Singh once said that every decade India witnesses the rise of a new internal security issue.

    The debate is whether we are witnessing the rise of a new internal security issue in the form of a stronger caste identity appearing, and the weakening of the Indian identity. Also open to debate is the issue of how to help the aspirational new generation (which includes you), without resorting to caste/communities based reservations.

    (For those interested, we are starting a new series on internal security issues in India. Extremely important from Mains perspective. Gurleen has written the first blog Go here to read it.)

  • Indian Agriculture 102 – India’s Green Revolution and National Food Security Mission

    India had seen one of the worst food disaster in 1943, that was known as Bengal Famine. Things were not so great after Independence either and in 1961, we were again on the brink of mass famine. This is where we called upon a US agro-scientist Norman Borlaug, who is also called the father of green revolution to seek his help & secure India’s food output.

    source

    This is where Indira Gandhi and M.S. Swaminathan come into picture – a heavily government backed programme which delivered the much critical food security and sufficiency at a time of great peril.

    In comes HVY (high-yielding varieties) of wheat and India transformes from “a begging bowl to a bread basket”. Punjab is frequently cited as the Green Revolution’s most celebrated success story. Yet, far from bringing prosperity, two decades of the Green Revolution have left the Punjab riddled with discontent and violence

    Whoaah, what were the negative impacts of Green Revolution in India?

    #1. The Myth of High Yields: The term “high-yielding varieties” was a misnomer, because it implies that the new seeds are high yielding of themselves. But these HYV seeds were more like “high responsive varieties” as they highly responsive to certain key inputs such as fertilizers and irrigation water.

    In the absence of additional inputs of fertilizers and water, the new seeds perform worse than indigenous varieties

    #2. Loss of Diversity: If and when you study Environment and Biodiversity, you will realise the importance of diversity. Green revolution hampered it in two ways –

    • It replaced mixtures and rotations of crops like wheat, maize, millets, pulses and oil seeds with monocultures of wheat and rice
    • The introduced wheat and rice varieties came from a very narrow genetic base

    #3. Increasing Pesticide Use/ Fertilizer use: This follows naturally from the point #1. While this did give a boost to manufacturing sector (those who produced fertilisers), it killed the soil. This is the reason why Eco Survey talks about indiscriminate use of urea and the need for soil health cards. Read this amazing backgrounder on Soil Health Card and the backgrounder on Fertilisers and the Challenge of Reform. There are some amazing infographics inside!

    Fair enough, so what did we do next? Did we call for a revised Green Revolution and how did it shifted the policy making in India?

    Here’s where this National Food Security Mission steps in + Call for a Second Green Revolution in India. We will focus the rest of the write up on National Food Security Mission only.

    All that you need to know on National Food Security Mission

    source
    1. The National Food Security Mission is a Centrally sponsored scheme and was launched in the year 2007
    2. Main Focus Areas (at the time of launch): Increase the production of rice, wheat and pulses by 10, 8 and 2 million tonnes respectively by the end of 11th Plan
    3. How was it to be achieved? (you will see hints of undoing the cons of green revolution)
      • Area expansion and productivity enhancement;
      • Restoring soil fertility and productivity;
      • Creating employment opportunities; and
      • Enhancing farm level economy
    4. Fast Forward to 12th Plan (2012-2017), the mission and targets have changed:
      • Additional production of 25 million tonnes of food grains comprising of 10 million tonnes rice, 8 million tonnes of wheat, 4 million tonnes of pulses and 3 million tonnes of coarse cereals (coarse cereals are new entrants!)
      • Promotion of commercial crops like cotton, jute & sugarcane (note this too – could be a prelims question!)

    Here are the 5 components of NFSM

    1. NFSM- Rice (implemented in 194 districts of 25 states)
    2. NFSM-Wheat (in 126 districts of 11 states)
    3. NFSM-Pulses: (in 622 districts of all 27 States) This mission is further supplemented by Accelerated Pulses Production Program (A3P). India is biggest producer of pulses at 25% of world’s production and still it has to import pulses. This is mainly because of low yields. A3P aims at Integrated Nutrient Management and Plant protection to enhance yields and productivity.
    4. NFSM-Coarse cereals
    5. NFSM-Commercial Crops 

    Note: All states were not covered during 11th plan for NFSM.

    So, basically we keep on reviewing the performance of our active missions and include more districts, states into the plan. Seems logical right? Whenever such upgrades take place, we also deploy some best practices. And you will find that such best practices aim at correcting the errors of First Green Revolution. Hope this helps you tie up the basics else Agricultural economics largely lacks that glamour which let’s say Rajan Economics had 😉

    Note: If you have some agricultural background, please feel motivated to share more insights. Most of the UPSC aspirants never had a first hand interaction with the fields of India hence we sometime lack the appreciation.

    This sorts of finish the tidbits on NFSM. Now, here’s an interesting question which might trouble you from time to time as you study these schemes in greater details.

    What is the difference between Centrally Sponsored Schemes and Central Sector Schemes?

    Differences arise due to 2 things –

    • Pattern of funding
    • Implementation strategy

    #1. Centrally Sponsored Scheme (sponsor = take it as some discount from sarkar)

    • Certain % is borne by states like: 50:50, 60:40, 90:10
    • Mainly formulated on subjects from the State List
    • Funding Route: Transferred directly to State/ District Level Autonomous Bodies/Implementing Agencies
    • Implemented by: State Govt.

    #2. Central Sector Schemes (sab kuch sarkar par)

    • 100% by Union government
    • Implemented by: Central Government Machinery
    • Mainly formulated on subjects from the Union List
    • Schemes directly implemented in States/UTs but resources are not generally transferred to states
    • Can you please give some examples of schemes under these 2 categories?

    It is usually recommended that you read the preface of a novel before you dive headlong into the chapters. Helps you get the flavour of what’s to come. Likewise, spend next 1 minute in understanding the organisation structure of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer Welfare. These departments often come in news directly or by virtue of some attached office and a brief familiarity is good to have!

    source

    Departments under Min. Of Agriculture & Farmer Welfare

    • Department of Agriculture, Co-operation and Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW):
      • Major department – has five attached offices and twenty-one subordinate offices
      • Further, one Public Sector Undertakings, nine autonomous bodies, ten national-level cooperative organizations and two authorities work under its administrative control!
    • Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DAHD&F)
    • Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE):
      • This department manages the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and you will keep on hearing about ICAR in news as it innovates on a lot of things.

    Now that you know this, let’s spend next 4 minutes in understanding an important attached office of DAC&FW

    [Tidbits] Why is Directorate of Economics & Statistics (DES) so important?

    • The Directorate provides statistical inputs to DAC&FW, CACP
    • Coordinates with international bodies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on global efforts to improve agricultural statistics
    • The DES releases 4 advance estimates and final estimates of area, production and yield in respect of major food grains, oilseeds, sugarcane and fibres.
    • Provides Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) initiative of the G20 members of agriculture

    UPSC is notorious for asking about such initiatives like AMIS & associated partners (G20).

    Do we really have to go into such great details? Not really. Don’t overburden yourself. Infact just read it once and pray to god that you retain the name. UPSC asks such tidbits type questions in PRELIMS. It keeps an eye on some important department/ directorate and frames a very easy question (provided you know basic info!)

    That’s all for the second lesson. We move onto next in a few days only if I know that this helped you in some practical way. And the best way to show that is by commenting and sharing this blog post 🙂

    References: Apart from extensive research around news articles, the mainstay of this series is the annual report of the Ministry of Agriculture to the GOI –Click to download a copy

    All articles in this series are listed here – First timers to IAS Prep? Prepare Indian Agriculture for GS Mains with me!

  • 7 Oct 2016 | Target Mains: GS Questions & DNA Framework

    GS1 (Not strictly a GS1 topic, but still answer it!)

    Recently genetically modified crops and seeds have been in the news. Should GM crops be allowed? Discuss with special reference to environment and biodiversity.

    Demand – What are the issues related to GM crops.

    Approach –

    – What are GM crops? (2 marks)

    – What are the concerns that make them controversial? (2 marks)

    – What are the concerns relating to their effects on environment and biodiversity? (2 marks)

    GS2 (International relations)

    West Asia is an important region for India. Are we giving less attention to it in light of the Look East policy? Are better ties with Israel and Iran leading to problems with other West Asian nations?

    Demand – Analyse the relations with West Asian nations given the Look East policy and improving relations with Iran and Israel.

    Approach –

    – Importance and relation with West Asia. (3 marks)

    – Is there an impact from the Look East policy? (2 marks)

    – Do improving relations with Iran endanger relations with Saudi Arabia etc? (5 marks)

    GS3 (Impacts on Indian economy)

    Many multilateral trade treaties are being discussed around the world such as TPP, RCEP etc. What are these trade treaties? How can they impact the present international trade structure as evolved under WTO? How can they impact India?

    Demand – Discuss effects of multilateral trade treaties and impact on India.

    Approach –

    – How are these treaties different from bilateral treaties and WTO? (3 marks)

    – What will be their effect on existing trade structure? (3.5 marks)

    – Impact on India. (3.5 marks)

    GS4 (Case study)

    You are studying a remote tribe. They consider their territory to be very important and don’t want to move away from there. It has cultural significance and its loss would deal a huge blow to their culture. Somehow you come to realise that the location also has rich uranium reserves. There is intense global warming and carbon neutral sources such as nuclear power are very important at that time. These reserves would be very important for the nation. What would your course of action be?

    Demand and Approach – No hints in case studies!

  • 7 Oct 2016 | GS4 | You are studying a remote tribe. They consider their territory to be very important and don’t want to move away from there. It has cultural significance and its loss would deal a huge blow to their culture. Somehow you come to realise that the location also has rich uranium reserves. There is intense global warming and carbon neutral sources such as nuclear power are very important at that time. These reserves would be very important for the nation. What would your course of action be?

    GS4 (Case study)

    You are studying a remote tribe. They consider their territory to be very important and don’t want to move away from there. It has cultural significance and its loss would deal a huge blow to their culture. Somehow you come to realise that the location also has rich uranium reserves. There is intense global warming and carbon neutral sources such as nuclear power are very important at that time. These reserves would be very important for the nation. What would your course of action be?

    Best answer

    Ashutosh Namdeo wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    Development and tribal culture and environment have been at the loggerheads ever since India has quickened on its growth path. Policymakers have attempted to walk this tightrope by striking a balance between the two and same would be my intention as I approach this case
    Before moving any further I will ascertain my finding and if needed take some reliable technical help
    Now I have four courses in front of me
    Firstly I can write to science and tech department and department of tribal affairs and leave the matter at their discretion
    Pros
    a)my conscience will rest assure that ultimate result of my action will be development of nation
    b)tribals can bargain for hefty compensation and resettlement with the help of which they can find new and sustainable sources of livelihood
    Cons
    a)possible eviction of tribals without their consent
    b)threat to tribal culture
    Secondly, I can inform gram sabha and seek its opinion
    Pros
    a)gram sabha can make informed choice as regards the future of their own culture
    b)I will have the option of putting forward the argument of national need before them thus setting in a process of introspection
    c)gram sabha can decide its terms and condition and comprehensive letter can be sent to department
    Cons
    a)possibility that gram sabha will sideline all deliberation
    b)fear psychosis may set amidst the tribals in anticipation of losing their land and thus creating unrest
    c)gram sabha takes an extremist stand and prepare themselves to resort to all possible measures if they are forced out of their land
    d)there is a possible threat to my life
    Thirdly I can start a process of trust building with tribals and identify a few informed individuals among them and try to set in process of dialogue through them
    Pros
    a)tribals will not make any knee jerk reaction
    b)chances of some halfway solutions from the dialogue that sets in
    Cons
    a)tribals can pressurise me not to disclose the information
    Fourthly, I can write to some qualified sociologist who has experience of working with these tribals and seek his help in charting the future course
    Pros
    a)smoother dialogue and more fruitful outcomes
    b)I will be better informed of the consequences in event of writing to government departments
    Cons
    a)possibility of information leak and its misuse
    As a citizen my country i have a civic duty to use my knowledge for its betterment but a human being I have moral duty to be equally sensitive to the rights of fellow beings. Thus keeping full faith and trust in government and its commitment to ensure welfare of every citizen I will take the fourth course whereby I will ensure that both gram sabha and government gets informed.

  • 7 Oct 2016 | GS3 | Many multilateral trade treaties are being discussed around the world such as TPP, RCEP etc. What are these trade treaties? How can they impact the present international trade structure as evolved under WTO? How can they impact India?

    GS3 (Impacts on Indian economy)

    Many multilateral trade treaties are being discussed around the world such as TPP, RCEP etc. What are these trade treaties? How can they impact the present international trade structure as evolved under WTO? How can they impact India?

    Best answer

    Srishti Srivastava wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4.5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    TPP, TTIP and RCEP are plurilateral agreements that seek to liberalise trade regimes by reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers within a regional bloc, thereby leading to an increase in volume of trade and investment activities in the regional bloc.
    Trade structure under WTO is multilateral and not plurilateral. Thus, it is more inclusive when it comes to sharing benefits of a liberalised trade regime with all its members. On the other hand, TPP, RCEP AND TTIP will: –
    1. Shift the trade flows from “non-member to member” regime to “member to member” regime within the respective regional bloc.
    2. Competitiveness in terms of price and quality may be compromised in a bid to derive benefits of low tariffs within the regional bloc rather than better quality outside the bloc.
    3. Increased participation in Global Value chains
    4. Traditional industries, SMEs may be the worst hit
    5. Standards with respect to labour, environment, IPR may be set higher, resulting in non-member countries losing out on trade.

    Impact on India:
    1. India may lose out on trade as it not a part of TPP, TTIP
    2. As a part of RCEP, it may gain from an agreement on services but lose out in terms of its agricultural trade.
    3. Trade deficit with China may increase.
    4. High standards in terms of IPR, labour and environment may become a norm or the default minimum. Thus, non-member countries will have to work towards enhancing capabilities in these areas.
    5. Better cooperation with ASEAN due to RCEP
    With plurilateral agreements fast gaining ground, India cannot choose to stay away from them. Rather, it must put across its concerns and pursue its interests to get the maximum out of RCEP, “obstructionist” claims notwithstanding. It must simultaneously work towards enhancing its standards of production by enhanced Bureau of Indian Standards certification system. In this way, competitiveness as well as protectionism will be balanced for a favourable business environment.

  • 7 Oct 2016 | GS2 | West Asia is an important region for India. Are we giving less attention to it in light of the Look East policy? Are better ties with Israel and Iran leading to problems with other West Asian nations?

    GS2 (International relations)

    West Asia is an important region for India. Are we giving less attention to it in light of the Look East policy? Are better ties with Israel and Iran leading to problems with other West Asian nations?

    Best answer

    Shashank Pander wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4.5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    For an energy starve country battling with the menace of terrorism and harbouring a huge population, the region of West Asia is truly a perfect trade partner as:
    1. Around 60% of oil is imported from the region.
    2. Large number of migrants move to the region to work in both blue collar and lately white collar jobs.
    3. The sovereign wealth funds of these countries are potential investments in infrastructure sector.
    4. Partnership on counter terrorism (like that with Saudi Arabia).
    5. As a gateway to Central Asia that bypasses Pakistan (INSTC, Ashgabat Agreement, IRan partnership)

    Although look east has Beena defining policy for India for some while, there has been limited involvement in West Asia, mainly because:
    1. Political and security turmoil in the region.
    2. The inability to forge a balanced relationships with players having different ambitions, for instance;
    – the strife between Iran and Saudi Arabia, has limited our options in getting closer to any one or both of them.
    – the animosity between Israel and Arab world has challenged our security related partnership with Israel and energy related partnership with GcC.

    Because of the deep ethnic divide between Shias and Sunnis (and to some extent the Jews), the whole region has been divided into spheres of influence that has made making inroads rather difficult.

    In such a scenario, perhaps the best way forward would be to work on commonalities that each has with various groups without irritating the other faction – a sort of revival of West Asian NAM, by:
    1. Exploring common anti terrorism and work immigration ties with Saudi Arabia along with the age old oil relations.
    2. Working with Iran over regional connectivity and refraining from military arrangements.
    3. Technical areas of convergence like cleaning Ganga, agriculture and defence I prts without any explicit military level engagement.

    The challenge is to balance the three legged chair, albeit of different lengths – Saudi Arabia, Israel and Iran.

  • 7 Oct 2016 | GS1 | Recently genetically modified crops and seeds have been in the news. Should GM crops be allowed? Discuss with special reference to environment and biodiversity.

    GS1 (Not strictly a GS1 topic, but still answer it!)

    Recently genetically modified crops and seeds have been in the news. Should GM crops be allowed? Discuss with special reference to environment and biodiversity.

    Best answer

    Namrata Rai wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4.5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    Genetically modified crops are those crops whose genes are modified by genetic engineering to insert new traits like pesticide resistance, increased nutritional value, etc.
    After the public furore over Bt Brinjal, GEAC’s approval for Bt Mustard has again brought the protests to limelight.
    The resistance is ascribed to impacts these crops have on Environment and biodiversity –
    1. Opponents say these crops are not enough researched upon and may have unknown effects like anti-biotic resistance development, allergies, etc.
    2. Cross contamination of other crops may lead to rise of “superweeds”.
    3. May wipe out species due to unknown mutational effects.
    4. BT Cotton’s failure to fight pink bollworms defeats the idea of creation of the BT variety.
    5. Also monopoly of few global giants has made seeds unaffordable for farmers.
    6. Bt crops need a lot of water degrading the already scarce resource.

    However they are considered ‘Environment friendly’ because –
    1. They need less pesticides preventing contamination of soil and water.
    2. They selectively target species not hurting the ecological food chains.

    Essentially, the repercussions are dangerous for the environment hence should be avoided. This has also been acknowledged in various protocols like Cartagena, Nagoya Protocol, etc.
    Hence, Governments should enhance conventional crops’ quality via research. Proper implementation of National Farmers Policy holds the way ahead.

  • 7 Oct 2016 | Debate | Can the sexes ever be equal?

    Despite every organisation, every government and the whole world in general talking about the importance of gender equality and increasing the participation of women in the workforce, there is only minor progress.

    For some background see here – http://bit.ly/2dJlIHq

    Even the US, supposed to be much ahead in these matters, will only elect its first female president ever. Since there is limited progress even after decades of trying are we doing something wrong? Even women in workforce complain about the bad working conditions. Something very relevant to us are these policewomens stories of bad working conditions –

    http://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2016/09/life-of-female-cops-in-karnataka/

    The debate is whether the India can ever reach a point of complete equality of the sexes? And why do women feel that are workplace conditions are bad even after having women CM’s, PM’s, Presidents in India? Will female IAS, IPS etc officers make a difference?

  • 6 Oct 2016 | Debate | Should we choose the private or public route for our education sector?

    In India, we have government schools where teachers are absent but schooling is very cheap/free. And we have private schools where education standards are higher but are more expensive. The best universities in the world are private. In light of this, should we start encouraging more private schools?

    If you need a background see this article – http://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2016/10/right-to-education-india-access-for-children/

    If you were in charge of policy, what would your philosophy be? Public or private? Leave your comments!

  • 6 Oct 2016 | Target Mains: GS Questions & DNA Framework

    GS1 (Indian geography)

    What are the features of tropical cyclones? Why is India one of the worst affected by cyclones even though other parts of the world have more tropical cyclones?

    Demand – Features of tropical cyclones, why is India more vulnerable than other countries.

    Approach –

    – Features of tropical cyclones (5 marks)

    – Reasons we suffer more damage (factors such as population, coastline etc) (5 marks)

    GS2 (Governance and transparency)

    For the success of the Right to Information (RTI), a major challenge is to develop capacities for access to information. Discuss. How can the capacities of public authorities and citizens be enhanced?

    Demand – Importance of capacity and awareness in implementing RTI.

    Approach –

    – What is RTI? (3.5 marks)

    – What prevents access to information? (3.5 marks)

    – How can you improve ability of all parties to share and access information? (3 marks)

    GS3 (Indian economy)

    What is inflation targeting? What steps have been taken by government and RBI to achieve it?

    Demand – Define inflation targeting and how it is being achieved.

    Approach –

    – Define inflation targeting (3 marks)

    – Measures taken by government (7 marks)

    GS4 (Case study)

    During your election duty you catch a vehicle full of cash. It belongs to a politician certain to win the election. He wants you to release the vehicle and you can’t reach your senior. What are your options and what action will you choose?

    Demand and Approach – No hints in case studies!

  • 6 Oct 2016 | GS4 | During your election duty you catch a vehicle full of cash. It belongs to a politician certain to win the election. He wants you to release the vehicle and you can’t reach your senior. What are your options and what action will you choose?

    GS4 (Case study)

    During your election duty you catch a vehicle full of cash. It belongs to a politician certain to win the election. He wants you to release the vehicle and you can’t reach your senior. What are your options and what action will you choose?

    Best answer

    Aman Chauhan wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4.5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    The given case study highlights the malpractices being resorted to ,to influence election results ,sway voters threatening the fairness of elections which are hallmark of our democracy .
    Options In such situations –
    1.Let the vehicle go ( reflecting unethicality ,non accountability and lack of moral values )
    2.Tell the politician that I can’t do anything without my seniors permission ( reflecting timidity and gullibility )
    3.But, I will take an immediate action to Siege the vehicle and take driver in custody asking questions and proper investigation about money and involvement of others . I will further complain to the state election commission so as to check in the matter further and hold the election as void if needed . I will file an FIR against the politician .Once the seniors are available ,I will inform them of the matter and the action I have taken .
    Also, I will voice my concern to them about the politician involvement and his request to me ,to let it go .So,he should be punished for trying to manouver an officer on election duty and adopting such practices , by being jailed and disqualified to contest elections .
    Further. I will check that why the vehicle wasn’t intercepted by any other officer from police to other authorities because in that case it will show unethicality , non accountability ,lack of honesty and integrity among them which is matter of grave concern for the administration because as is said “A chain is as strong as its weakest link ”
    It is the duty of Election commission to conduct free and fair elections so that democracy can prevail .But,such events and politicians need to be identified and barred so as to preserve the fairness of electoral mandate .

  • 6 Oct 2016 | GS3 | What is inflation targeting? What steps have been taken by government and RBI to achieve it?

    GS3 (Indian economy)

    What is inflation targeting? What steps have been taken by government and RBI to achieve it?

    Best answer

    Kunal Krishna wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 4.5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    Extreme high inflation or low inflation, both is detrimental to economy. Thus, maintaining general price in an acceptable range is major objective/economic policy for any government. This is called inflation targeting.

    In India, CPI(Consumer Price Index) is used as a measure for inflation targeting.

    Steps taken by government to containing inflation :
    * Urjit Patel committee was constituted to study and suggest the range of inflation and mechanisms to implement them.
    * RBI and the government signed the Monetary Policy Framework Agreement in February, 2015. The framework set to implement the Committee’s recommendation.
    * As per the committee’s recommendation, an inflation target of 4% with a band of +/2% was set.
    * The government also set up a 6 member Monitory Policy Committee(MPC) chaired by RBI governor. The committee upon consecutive failure for 3 quarters will have to report the reasons of its failure, thus making it accountable to public.
    * Since food is major part of CPI, containing food inflation due to lean monsoon is essential. Thus, government has taken steps to create rural infrastructure like PMKSY, PMGSY, DDUGJY for feeder separation to ensure sufficient power to farmers, e-NAM portal and import of pulses.
    * The state governments has also been asked to raid hoarding of food stocks and cartelisation .
    * The GST constitutional amendment act is also bound to contain inflation in long run by subsuming multiple taxes which had cascading effect on prices.

    Inflation targeting is should not be merely MPC’s sole responsibility. Governments both at central and state level must work in tandem to contain inflation in the set range. Setting a uniform tax in range of 15-17% by GST council, implementation of rural schemes by states can help inflation targeting achievable without relying on unpredictable rain.

  • 6 Oct 2016 | GS2 | For the success of the Right to Information (RTI), a major challenge is to develop capacities for access to information. Discuss. How can the capacities of public authorities and citizens be enhanced?

    GS2 (Governance and transparency)

    For the success of the Right to Information (RTI), a major challenge is to develop capacities for access to information. Discuss. How can the capacities of public authorities and citizens be enhanced?

    Best answer

    Srishty Arun wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    The verdict of Raj Narain case led to formulation of Right to information Act in 2005. Prior to this right to information was liberally interpreted by the Supreme court as fundamental right under Art 21.
    Right to information is an important pillar of democracy and good governance. Yet there has been challenges in realising the objectives of this legislation. Some of them include
    # low awareness level
    Women less than men and rural less than urban areas
    # no standard forms of application is followed
    # inadequate efforts to receive the application in electronic means, limited use of IT with non availability of basic infrastructure
    # official apathy, inadequately trained PIOs
    # lack of assistance in filling forms and non availability of user guides
    # lack of monitoring and review mechanisms
    # lack of accountability in government, failure to provide information within 30 days
    How can this be addressed?
    > improve record management practices
    > change the drafting of RTI application itself ie, standardized and user friendly
    > provide periodic refresher and behavioural training to PIOs
    > ensure transparency and accountability in the process
    > stringent penalties for non compliance for non submission of reports or implementation of the provisions
    > upgrade infrastructure and provide IT training
    > adequate incentives and recognition of work done by the officials
    Empowered and informed citizens determine the success of democracy in a country. Making RTI truly accessible to all becomes a big step in the right direction.

  • 6 Oct 2016 | GS1 | What are the features of tropical cyclones? Why is India one of the worst affected by cyclones even though other parts of the world have more tropical cyclones?

    GS1 (Indian geography)

    What are the features of tropical cyclones? Why is India one of the worst affected by cyclones even though other parts of the world have more tropical cyclones?

    Best answer

    Shashank Pander wrote the best answer for this question and got a score of 5/10 (if the best answer is an image, it cannot be uploaded here, hence scroll down to see those). The answer is being reproduced below for everyone’s convenience. Of course these answers can always be improved. (Best answer  of a particular only involves those given on that day, later answers may not have been checked)

    Cyclones are wind system with low pressure dissent and are classified into two kinds – Tropical and Temperate and India being a teopical latitudinal country is.mostly affected by Tropical cyclones, the featyres if whicb are:
    1. Thermal Origin – usually oeifinates due to differential sea-land heating.
    2. Circular Isobars.
    3. Travel from east to west as are embedded.in the easterlies (since in tropics)
    4. Usually accompanied by a cumulonumbus clouds, that cause heavy rainfall on reaching the surface.
    5. The cyclone follow an anti clockwise wind system in the Northetn Hemisphere while vice versa in the southern hemisphere.
    6. They are usually 150-300km in diameter although they can be as huge as 1000km diameter.
    7. Huge pressure geadient force and carry large amount of vapor that cause storm surge on reaching the coast.
    8. The cebtral calm region of low pressure called eye is a characteristic feature of this system.
    9. Some.models link their origin to the phenomenon of easterly waves.

    While there are numerous other world cyclones along atlantic coasts of americas(Hurricanes), north america, as well as the south china coasts and philippines and Australia. (Phaigos, Taifu, Willy Willy). Howvwrt, India is one of the worst affected because:
    1. A long east facing coastline.
    2. Huge expanse if teopical water in Bay of Bengal gives greater thermal energy and landless features do not break the intensity of incoming cyclone.
    3.Greater proportion of people living in the coastal regiobs.
    4. Lack of evacuation plans Early warning system, inadequate crisis mapping and protection shelters in the form of coastal forests in the east coasts.
    5. Lack of disaster management preparedness and resilient livelihood and infrastructure practices.

    In addition to this the cyclones developing in the post monsoon period also get pushed by the prevailing tropospheric wind systems because if obsetting mobsoon in the region of south china sea, further increasing the intensity. A well mapped disaster zones, satellite monitoring using apparatus like INSAT 3DR and a powerful and efficient NDRF would help in managing such events.