Civil Services (Main) Exam, 2015 Actual Paper of GS Paper I, held on December 19,2015

1. The ancient civilization in Indian sub continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that itsculture and traditions have been preserved without breakdown to the present day. Comment.Ans. With the course of time the culture and traditions of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greek civilizations became disappear but those of theancient Indian civilization are continued still today. We can observe various components of that culture and traditions in different aspects ofthe present Indian society. Current urban and rural settlements are very similar to those of the ancient civilization. Agriculture and croppingof Foodgrains and pulses, use of cloths, shapes of pots, platters and ornaments, sculpture, use of uniform weights and measures, use ofmetals, wheel-carts and boats are other physical elements of the civilization that continue today. Labour specialization and division, social stratification, hegemony of a particular class over the society, worship of natural forces, trees andanimals that were prevalent in the ancient civilization, exist currently. Non agricultural productive activities based cities and trade andcommerce, both internal and external, are the parts of legacy of the civilization. Fashion, different type of entertainment, such as dance andsports are also parts of the legacy.

2. Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India not only reflects the cultural life of the times but also a fine aestheticsense comparable to modern painting. Critically evaluate this comment. Ans. The most prominent example of the Mesolithic rock cut architecture of India is the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka. At the site there arefound many caves and grottos. These caves and grottos contain primitive tools and decorative rock paintings that reflect the ancienttradition of human interaction with their landscape, an interaction that still continues. The most paintings are found at the Auditorium RockShelter, Zoo Rock and Boar Rock. There is a painting depicting a hunter, deer, tiger cattle and stylized peacock. The paintings at the Zoo RockShelter include those of A Mesolithic boar painted in dark red, animals like - elephant, rhinoceros, boar, barasingha, spotted deer and cattleand snake, etc. Later, paintings here include battle scenes painted in red and an elephant painted in white. The Boar Rock has a depiction of a mythical boarwith horns that is many more times larger than the human being chased by it. Thus, these paintings depict various aspects of cultural life andthey are very rich in the aesthetic sense, but it will be an exaggeration to say that they are comparable to modern painting because theircontent is not as prosperous and diverse as those of the modern painting.

3. How difficult would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. Ans. In 1919, Mahatma Gandhi made his first attempt to launch a nation-wide movement in India against the Rowlett Act. He introducedSatyagraha with two instruments- Satya (truth) and Ahimsa (non-violence), in the Indian National Movement. His Satyagraha always keptthe British Indian Rule in dilemma, whether should it suppress the non-violent movements or not. His strategy of Satyagraha connectedmore and more people to the national movement. He presented a creative program of social reforms during the days when there was nopolitical movement in the country thus he maintained the energy of the movement during interval between two movements. He made theNational Movement a de facto national movement in which almost all sections and classes of India participated. His strategies of themovement exposed that British Rule over India was both illegal and immoral. India certainly would get freedom without Mahatma Gandhi, as many countries under colonial rule secured their freedom though they didnot have any Gandhi to lead their movements. But then the national movement would not be so disciplined, creative and peaceful. It mightbe violent and it might lead towards balkanization of the country. Then it might not be committed to human values so much. In his absence itmight not be so much supportive of weaker sections of the society. He provided a perfect inclusive dimension to the movement thataddressed issues concerning all sections of Indian society.

4. Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B R Ambedkar, despite having divergent approaches and strategies, had a common goalof amelioration of the downtrodden. Elucidate. Ans. Both Mahatma Gandhi and B R Ambedkar had a common goal of amelioration of the downtrodden. For Mahatma Gandhi the parameterof justification of a work was its utility for amelioration of the downtrodden. In this reference, his view is expressed very well in his talisman,which reveals his concerns for the poorest and weakest people of the society. He named depressed people as Harijans means the people ofgod. He renamed the Kaliparaj people of Gujarat as Raniparaj. He stated that independence of India is incomplete until these people getparity with other people. In 1932 he founded Harijan Sevak Sangh for upliftment of depressed people and published a newspaper Harijan. B R Ambedkar was a jurist, economist, politician and social reformer. He campaigned against social discrimination against untouchables. Hefounded Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha to promote education and socio-economic improvement, as well as the welfare of depressed classes. Heled a Satyagraha in Mahad to fight for the right of the untouchable community to draw water from the main water tank of the town. Hewrote many books to prove equal writes of depressed classes in the society. He played a prominent role in the formation of IndianConstitution that eradicated discrimination based on caste, sex, religion, origin etc. among its citizens. But Gandhiji wanted to empowerdowntrodden through Satyagraha, while Ambedkar wanted their empowerment through their participation in the politics.

5. It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution

5. It would have been difficult for the Constituent Assembly to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitutionfor Independent India in just three years, but its experience gained with the Government of India Act, 1935. Discuss. Ans. The Constituent Assembly of India borrowed many provisions of Indian Constitution from the Government of India Act, 1935.Provisions of federal scheme, office of governor, judicial system, public service commissions, emergency provisions and administrativedetails are borrowed from the Act. Thus, the Assembly borrowed such provisions, which were essential for smooth working of theConstitution but it did not adopt provisions, which were against the sentiments of the constitution of an independent state and welfare ofcitizens. Indian ministries (constituted by the Indian National Congress and other political parties) had worked under the Act during 1937-39 and they were working under it after provincial elections held in 1946. Hence, they had become familiar about such provisions of the Actthat were beneficial for the constitution of Independent India. The Constituent Assembly of India did not have sufficient time to draft an overall new constitution. The members of the assembly did nothave the experience to draft a practical constitution. Hence it was an act of wisdom to adopt such provisions from the Act that had beenproved beneficial for the proper operation of the government. Thus, to save the time and to get benefit of experienced legislators theConstituent Assembly included many provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935, in the Indian Constitution.

6. Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the people there during theindustrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present times? Ans. The industrial revolution first occurred in England because there were the most favourable circumstances for the development ofindustrial activities. It had a large amount of capital that could be used for investing in new industry. It had rich sources of coal and othermaterials needed for early industry and strong trade empire, which allowed for the spread of ideas and new industry. It had a population thatwas freer to move around and try new things. During the industrialization the life of the people changed on a large scale. It created greater efficiency, to deskilling, to the greaterexploitation of the already exploited laboring classes, the use of children in the mines, mass pollution of the environment. Industriallabourers were forced to reside in slums. It provided plenty of benefits to a few people but in the absence of interference of government inindustrial activities and social security programmes other people suffered a lot. It improved the quality of life of the people in a few sectorsbut it also created opportunities for their exploitation and problems in other sectors, such as environment. The quality of Indian people at present times has no comparison with that of the Britishers during the industrialization. At present manysocial security programmes and environment protection programmes are being implemented to improve and to secure the quality of life ofthe Indian people. Central government and state governments often interfere in industrial and economic activities to serve the welfare ofcommon people.

7. To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically. Ans. The responsibility of Germany for causing the World War I is not more than that of other participants of the War, but it was alsoresponsible for the War. After its unification Germany arose as a big power in Europe and in 1891 Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany adopted anaggressive policy of "Weltpolitik" ("world policy") to join the race for colonies outside Europe. It introduced the policy of secret pacts withother powers that created an environment of mistrust among European countries. Unfair impact of Germany's military leaders on the royalcourt led the Germany towards the War. Its blind support to Austria against Serbia caused the War I. Germany was equally responsible with other powers to cause the War I but it was mostly responsible to cause the World War II. Emergenceof Nazi Party and Adolf Hitler led Germany towards the War II. Germany was defeated in the War I and it had to accept the humiliatingTreaty of Versailles. After getting rid of the Treaty, Germany adopted an aggressive policy to usurp its neighbouring countries. Hitler wantedto conquer entire Europe and to fulfill his objective he started to attack on various countries one after the other. With the German attack onPoland the War II was initiated.

8. Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a nationalidentity. Ans. Culture has been defined as the shared values, traditions, norms, customs, arts, history, folklore, and institutions of a group of people.There are many cultural elements of diversity in India.

Language: India has 22 official languages and many unofficial languages, dialects and sub-dialects. Major languagesbelong to Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Austroasiatic and Sino-Tibetan languages. A few other minor language families are alsofound. Multiplicity of languages is one of the most important national identities of India. Religion: India is origin land of four major religions- Hindu, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. There are also a large numberof religious sects and sub-sects found in the country. In spite of a few conflicts some times among different religiouscommunities there is found a proper communal harmony in the country. The multiplicity of religious communities andtheir harmonious co-existence is another national identity of India.Festivals: A large number of national, religious and harvest festivals are celebrated in India, which are national identity ofthe country. Republic day, Independence day and Gandhi Jayanti are the three national festivals of India. Holi, RakshaBandhan, Diwali, Krishna Janamastami, Durga-Puja, Eid, Christmas, Easter, Buddha Purnima, Mahavir Jayanti, etc. arereligious festivals. Basant Panchami, Pongal, Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Onam, Baisakhi, Bhogali bihu, etc. are seasonal andharvesting festivals. Folk arts: A large number of diverse folk arts are found in India, which present its richness in this field. Patachitra, BengalPat, Madhubani Painting, Gond Art, Tanjore Art and Kalamkari are a few examples of Indian folk arts.

9- Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty or poverty is the main cause of population

9- Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty or poverty is the main cause of populationincrease in India. Ans-Growing population tends towards poverty, if there is limited resource. The resources available to one family divide between manymembers. Each member can not get appropriate health care and basic amenities and it leads towards stagnation of mental growth too.Health of mother and son both deteriorates. In India, growing population is major cause of poverty. The rise in population appears due thesocietal norms and apprehensions such as a person think that more sons or members are useful to employ them into agriculture and shops.And they are the backbone for old age. In other aspect, we also find that poverty also leads towards population growth. A person thinks that more children will earn more andpoverty can be overcome, but generally result is adverse. Due to the proper nourishment a child can not developed in a complete way. Anddue to the poverty an efficient and effective education can not be availed, which in turn results into unemployment or low gradeunemployment. A cycle starts of population growth due to poverty in the hope of future help but every unplanned population growth leads towards poverty. Sustainable development practices within areas of poverty and levels of high population growth have historically been poor. And it is seenthat poor rural areas often engage in overgrazing, water pollution and soil erosion. An increase in population levels are expected toexacerbate these areas forcing the movement into less productive, lesser quality marginal lands. The impact of overpopulation in urbanareas is also evident, but the impact is indirect on the resources in terms of sustainable development. Efforts to combat the 'vicious circle' ofpoverty, rising population growth and environmental degradation are said to require multidisciplinary policies in all sectors. These policiesneed to be carefully established taking account of the need to achieving sustainable development, if the resources that are available forfuture generations are to be preserved.

10. How do you explain the statistics that show that the sex ratio in Tribes in India is more favourable to women thanthe sex ratio among Scheduled Castes? Ans- The 2011 census figure shows that the gap between number of males and females stood at highest ever in the census history of India,6.98 million. It is also clearly reflected that on the one side literacy, growth rate, and overall Sex Ratio have shown a positive increment incomparison to past census but on the other side the decline in child sex ratio has upheld a distressing picture. The sex ratio in scheduled tribes is better than scheduled castes it clearly shows that schedule caste has a paternal character, while scheduletribe has a maternal character. The position of girl child is more respectful and has a dignity in scheduled tribe, while in scheduled caste theposition of girl child is not so respectful and has a dignity comparison to scheduled tribes. This dislike of girl child in scheduled castes is manifested through various means:

Female foeticideSex selective abortion Neglect of girl child leads to high rate of female mortality Discriminatory treatment in terms of nutrition and access to healthcare and Under-enumeration of girl child

There are various reasons for giving preference to a male child in scheduled caste over a female child. The major of them are as follows:

Patriarchal nature of society High cost of expenditures by parents of girl at the time of marriage in terms of dowry and arrangements cost Kinship structure of society where only male are considered as the heir of the clan Old age security lies with sons

11-Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. Ans- Migration within and outside India has a dynamic nature. We can categories migration in India in two parts as migration inside India andmigration outside India. Migration inside India is changing its character during last four decades as prior to 1970 when the migration was generally rural to rural andcurrently migration is from rural to urban and the next thing is that migration is from less developed states as Uttar Pradesh and violence hitareas as Manipur, Nagaland,Jharkhand, West Bengal , Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh to Delhi , Maharashtra and Punjab. Prior to 21st century, migration was concentrated on unskilled labor for livelihood search. Currently, mostly migration is happening foreducation purpose, for health purpose and for better infrastructure facilities such as electricity, road connectivity etc. Interstate migration is also rising and such a migration is very impactful. After MGNREGA at some extent unskilled labour migration growthhas lower down due to availability of job in its village. Migration outside India is also increasing for better quality of life and is of the diversified nature. Migration in developed countries such asAmerica, European Union countries and Russia is mainly of engineers, doctors, scientists, technicians. Migration in Middle East and in Arab countries is mainly belongs to labors, doctors and engineers. In recent times, as the relation between India and ASEAN country is strengthening, the migration in ASEAN countries is also rising.Migration towards East Asia is also increasing and Australia and New Zealand is now favorable destination. Similarly, it has been observedthat in last four decades there is significant rise in number of Indians in China.

12- Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India.

Ans- Globalization has had various impacts on the lives of the people ranging from rich to poor, black to white, man to woman, rural to urban,etc. Though, in the global village, theres no difference between man and woman, but due to womens deprivation from resources and otheropportunities, they are more affected by globalization and deeply experiencing its effects. The impacts of globalization on women are more prevalent and more complicated. Highlighting the positive aspects of globalization, anumber of economists believe that women have mainly acquired noticeable benefits from economic reforms. One of the opportunities thatglobalization has provided for women is the increase in employment. By expanding mass communication Medias, globalization has alsoboosted womens awareness level so that they have better chance to prove themselves and have more chances for selection as well. Moreover, womens participation plays a vital part in service especially those services needing high level skill and specialized knowledge likeprogramming, working at banks, airlines, insurance companies and productions. Since their trade is very much highlighted. Globalization has had negative implications for Indian women. Women work two-thirds of the worlds working hours, produce half of theworlds food, but earn only ten percent of the worlds income, and own less than one percent of the worlds property. While globalization has brought jobs to rural, developing areas such as India where there was previously no employment, the work availableto women is almost always poorly paid, mentally and physically unhealthy, demeaning, or insecure.

13. Debate the issue whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity works towardsannihilation of caste. Ans. Dalit is not a caste that one is born into and does not feature in the Hindu caste system, but is a constructed identity.The term Dalitexpands to all those considered to be either similarly placed or as being natural allies as victims of exploitation and discrimination, be itpolitical, social or religious. Contemporary movements empowered Dalits politically and Bahujan Samaj Party formed its government inUttar Pradesh but this political party also did not eradicate caste system. It emphasizes on remaining caste system for its political mileage.Social reform movements and religious conversion movements also could not counter successfully against caste system, but they createdgroups of elites among Dalit communities, which use their communities to serve their own interests. Currently, Dalit movements in India are not unified but each of them articulates a particular identity, be they Christian Dalits, Neo-Buddhists or Muslim Dalits. Social reform movements for betterment of Dalits have failed to create an alternative socio- cultural identitythat could voice the aspirations of all the oppressed castes. The modern Dalit parties with reservation and political representation donothing to deconstruct caste system. Rather than attempting to bring about the annihilation of caste there is an increasing reliance oncaste-identity-politics that only reinforces divisions.

14. Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishingand navigation? Ans. Ocean currents result from two processes - the action of wind on the surface of the water, and from variation in water temperature thatcauses movement- a process known as convection. Convection occurs because the oceanic waters heat up becoming less dense. Windsblowing over a cold current help to bring down the temperatures in places, which would have been much hotter. Such winds are bereft of anymoisture and bring little or no rainfall over the coastal regions where they blow. As most cold currents flow along the western coast ofcontinents, some of the major deserts are found in such regions. Winds blowing over a warm current become warm and at the same time, pick up moisture, as warm winds are able to retain more moisture.Thus, the wind that reaches the land brings down the temperature and causes heavy rainfall. Places where cold and warm currents meet areideal for the growth of Plankton. These regions support a great number of fish. They have developed into major fishing grounds of the world.Ships moving against a current lose speed. Ships sailing with a current gain the speed, which helps to save fuel and time. Warm currentskeep the Arctic regions free from icebergs, which can be dangerous for ships.

15-Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more seriousproblem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? Ans- Though Mumbai and Kolkata are the mega cities like Delhi; the pollution level is higher in Delhi. The main reason behind the rising airpollution is due to heavy pressure on the system due to rising population. The population increase is due to two reasons: one, due to themigration in the city and secondly, the birth rate. Being a capital city of the country the population of Delhi is greater than other mega cities.Other bigger cities also situated adjacent to Delhi as Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Gurgaon and Greater Noida, which form Delhi-NCR. The Delhi-NCR also significantly contributes to the quality of air. Delhi, also the main administrative and political center of India, is one of the major industrial hubs of the country. Increased commercial andindustrial activity in this city is responsible in a big way for the economic and industrial growth of India. The population density is highest in Delhi in the country. And recently, it was estimated that per capita income is also high in Delhi. Apartfrom the industries, the vehicles coming from other states to Delhi is in huge numbers is also resulting in more air pollution. The city suffers from air pollution caused by road dust and industry, with comparatively smaller contributions from unclean engines intransportation, especially diesel-powered city buses and trucks, and 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers with two-stroke engines. As many as 10,000 people a year may die prematurely in Delhi as a result of air pollution. Given the continued growth of the city and itspopulation, problems are tackled only with difficulty. Implementation of air pollution is not so effective to control air pollution in a effective manner. Afforestation in Delhi very low compare toother cities of India. Total forest cover in Delhi is also lowest among other mega cities. Since, vehicular traffic is increasing in a high number, there are strict regulations on diesel based cars, but growth in number of cars isincreasing. Now government is in process to implement odd- even formula to regulate cars in Delhi so that air pollution can be overcome.Due to heavy burden on roads the road dust is much hence air pollution is taking shape dangerously.

16. India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity.

16. India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity. Ans. India is affluent of many rivers as Ganga, Yamuna, Brahmaputra etc., but currently we are seeing that water scarcity is arising as a mainproblem. The main cause of water scarcity is the rising population. An other aspect is that population growth in India is not uniform, it is uneven. Water scarcity is much in urban areas compare to rural areasand also in those areas where migration rate is much. In industrialized areas, pollution is the main cause for scarcity of fresh water. Leakage is also at times contributes to the scarcity of freshwater in urban areas such as Delhi and Mumbai. Few habits, if checked, lot of water can be conserved such as after switching on the motor to fill water tanks must be switched off ontime and also the safety valves must be placed to keep in check the overflowing. Although, the Government is making lot of efforts through campaigning so as to make people aware of their responsibilities. Rain water ifstored efficiently can actually enrich the depleting ground water level. Citizens must be made aware and every house must be constructedin such a manner that rain water be conserved and utilized for gardening and non-kitchen purposes.

17. The States of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are reaching the limits of ecologicalcarrying capacity due to tourism. Critically evaluate. Ans. Increase in the number of tourists year after year in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand is leading to physicaldeterioration of environment in these states. There is an imbalance between tourist demand and physical carrying capacity of the areaoffering tourist activity. Under such circumstances the expected symbiotic relationship between tourism and conservation breaks downresulting into ecological crisis. Tourism-generated pollution has become now a threat in these states. Wrappers, plastic bags, tins, cans, rage,vegetables peeling, empty cigarette cases; garbage and numerous weeds are being deposited in these states due to tourism. The heavydeforestation is being occurred in these states for the development of tourist sites that is increasing climatic imbalance. Tourist sites are being more and more populated and urbanized and it is polluting water bodies in these states. They are being victims ofeutrophication, siltation and encroachment. The scenic spots, the margs (alpine pastures), the natural springs, glaciers, out- wash plains andtrekking routes have been degraded largely because of the undisciplined and careless behaviour of the tourists. The heavy vehicular trafficpromoted by tourism is one of the main causes of landslides in these states. They experience a large number of landslides every year. Thus,these states are reaching the limits of ecological carrying capacity due to tourism.

18. How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscape?Discuss. Ans. The land-use decisions play an important role in climate change and man-made changes to the landscape have affected Indian monsoonrains. Monsoon rainfall has decreased over the last 50 years in rural areas where irrigation has been used to increase agriculture in northernIndia. At the same time, heavily urban areas are seeing an increase in heavy rainfall. In the rural areas, pre-monsoon greening occurring twoweeks earlier than what it did 20 years back as the demand for agricultural intensification to feed India's people increases. The landscapehas also moved in some places from what was once a traditionally rural setting to large urban sprawls. Both of these phenomena haveaffected monsoon rains. Before monsoon rains come, the northwest region becomes much wetter in recent years relative to the past 30 years, which has beenattributed to irrigation from groundwater to sustain intensified agricultural production. This wetter surface causes cooling that weakens thestrength of low pressure necessary for monsoons to progress into northern India. Northern India is greening sooner than it had in the past.That greening is creating a barrier for monsoons, which provide much-needed rain to replenish groundwater reserves being used forirrigation. In this case there is the need of dry surface to advance the monsoon.

19. Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urbanintegration.Ans- PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) is a concept of rural urban integration because if a village is developed on theconcept of urban development then automatically rural and urban areas integrate. Smart village is sustainable for environment and forprogressive development too. Census 2011 clearly indicates that unplanned concentration of population is increasing in urban cities. Consequently, the air pollution, lackof basic amenities, low and inhuman quality of life, crime rates are rising. Rate of living cost is increasing and overall it can be said that anunwanted migration of population towards cities must be checked.Government has proposed development of smart cities, smart cities needs smart villages. Smart village will increase traditional agricultureproduction and will generate economic activities in villages too. Small industries and BPO will reduce unemployment. Inflation will be lowerdown. E- governance will integrate villages under smart village. Smart cities need stagnant growth of population, ecofriendly environment and Less carbon emission. And the problems of cities will bemitigated through the development of smart villages.

20-What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmentalconsequences? Ans- Energy is the key for economic development. Research shows that there are a large amount of oil and natural gas in Arctic sea.Extraction of oil is easy currently in the arctic sea, but exploration of natural gas is difficult task because of the terrain of arctic sea of gastransportation. Transportation of natural gas through pipelines is not feasible due to terrain and climatic condition. Discovery of Oil Sea is a mile stone for energy security. Easy availability of fuel oil is useful for the production and new projects. If this is

achieved then the monopoly on oil of particular country will end and the pricing of oil will be more competitive. The resources of arctic seawill be useful for economic development. Although, oil exploration is useful for the economic perspective it is also a concern for environment. Therefore, some of the environmentalconcerns are as

Fossil fuel is not good for climate and extra addition of fossil fuel will increase global warming effects.Arctic is a main source to absorb sun light and it reflects the sun light to maintain heat budget global warming effectswill increase albedo shifting . But if fossil fuel usage is increased then the Arctic Albedo will be shifting leading to haveharmful impact on the ecology and the local environment leading to global warming.The consequences for the Arctic's environment would be dire, as wiping out populations of walrus, seal and polar bearand destroying the isolated indigenous communities that depend on hunting to survive.

On the other hand, the complete ban on oil exploration in arctic sea is not good for economic perspective. So the exploration should becontinued matching the environmental standards and sustainable development.

All the best! Team CL

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Civil Services (Main) Exam, 2015 Actual Paper of GS Paper II, held on December 19,2015

1. Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizen a uniform civil code as provided for in theDirective Principles of State Policy. Ans. The Article 44 of the Indian Constitution mentions about a common civil code for all Indian citizens still the Indian Parliament could nothave passed it. The effort to pass the common civil code is being opposed by various minority religious groups. They are opposing the codedue to their delusions about it. There are a few myths about it, such as it means the imposition of Hindu Law, whereas the truth is that itmeans uniformity in personal laws and it is neutral in nature. Another myth is that it will reduce the religious freedom of minoritycommunities, whereas the truth is that it will not impact the fundamental right to religious freedom granted by the Constitution. It is also said that there is no need of such a code as many of its many provisions already have been mentioned in various acts. And a singleintegrated code will be easier to implement so as to facilitate quick justice to the citizens. Above of all, certain political parties are constantlypropagating above myths among people to get vote and support of minority communities. These political parties do not want to resolve thisissue, infact they wish to keep it up for an indefinite period, so as to serve the needs of their vested interest

2. The concept of cooperative federalism has been increasingly emphasized in recent years. Highlight the drawbacksin the existing structure and extent to which cooperative federalism would answer the shortcomings.Ans. Cooperative federalism is a concept of federalism in which national, state and local governments interact cooperatively and collectivelyto solve common problems, rather than making policies separately. The essence of co-operative federalism is that the Centre and the State Governments should be guided by the broader national concerns ofusing the available resources for the benefit of the people. A disconcerting trend regarding cooperative federalism has been observed since 1950. While the Union and Concurrent Lists haveexpanded, the State List seems to have shrunk. Increasing globalization, however, made the already existing inequalities and imbalancesbetween states more intense. This gave rise to concerns about states freedom to formulate their own growth policies. Efforts at cooperativefederalism have commenced but need to be strengthened. The acceptance of the 14th Finance Commissions recommendations, apart from significantly enhanced devolution, enables states to designand implement programmes better suited to their needs. This ends the persistent critique of one size fits all. More importantly, the disbandment of the Planning Commission (PC) and itsreplacement by the NITI Aayog is specifically designed to promote cooperative federalism. NITI Aayog will concentrate on the broaderpolicy framework instead of micro resource-allocated functions.

3. In the absence of well - educated and organized local level government system, Panchayats and Samitis haveremained mainly political institutions and not effective instrument of governance. Critically Discuss. Ans. 72nd amendment of the Indian Constitution provided for the constitution of three tier Panchayatiraj system for local governance in thecountry. But even after 23 years of the commencement of the amendment, the Panchayats and Simitis are not able to deliver effectivegovernance at the local level and they are working mainly as political institutions. The reason of their ineffectiveness is not only their lackingabout required information and flaws in their organization system. Panchayats can be informed and their organization can be improvedaccording to the need of hour. But there are many other barriers in the way of their proper working. There is unscientific distribution of works of institutions. Composition of institutions is also undemocratic. Local bodies do not have enoughfinancial resource to meet their requirements but they are dependent on grants provided by the Central and State governments on a largescale. They do not have required administrative rights on government personnel, who assist them in their functions. State governments areneither willing to grant appropriate powers to local bodies nor to avoid unnecessary interference in their matters. In a few states elections ofPanchayats are not held regularly and it damages the significance of Panchayats and intention and objectives of the Panchayatiraj Act.

4. Khap panchayats have been in the news for functioning as extra - constitutional authorities, often deliveringpronouncements amounting to human right violations. Discuss critically the actions taken by the legislative,executive and judiciary to set the things right in this regard. Ans. Khap panchayats are unconstitutional and illegal as they are undemocratic in origin. They often encourage honour killings or otherinstitutionalized atrocities against boys and girls of different castes and religions who wish to get married or have married. The followingsteps have been taken by executive, legislative and judiciary to defunction and to lead khap panchayats in the boundary of law.

Steps taken by Judiciary: In Smt. Laxmi Kachhwaha vs. State of Rajasthan (1999), the court ordered the state authoritiesto take steps for preventing the abuse of social influence by restraining such Panchayats from functioning and ensuringarrest and punishment to its members. In different cases court has also accepted that any violence either it is on the name of honour killing, are punishableoffence. Any forcible dispute settlement mechanism is against law and human values. No dress code can be imposed onthe women and girls and inter-caste marriage is allowed etc. Steps taken by Legislative : Law Commission has drafted a Bill to prevent interference of any person in the matrimonialalliance in the name of honour and tradition. The draft bill also intends to declare such Panchayats unlawful.

The Law Commission of India has also proposed legislation namely The Endangerment of Life and Liberty (Protection,Prosecution and other measures) Act, 2011, to prosecute persons or a group involved in such endangering conduct andactivities. Steps taken by Executive: All the police stations have been instructed to be sensitive on the issues of Khap Panchayatsand continue monitor the activities of Khaps. Any violence and illegal activity should be strictly tackled.

5-Resorting to ordinances has always raised concern on violation of the spirit of separation of power doctrine. Whilenoting the rationales justifying the power to promulgate, analyze whether the decision of the Supreme Court on theissue have further facilitated to resorting to this power. Should the power to promulgate the ordinances be repealed? Ans- Article 123 of the Constitution grants the President certain law making powers to promulgate Ordinances when either of the twoHouses of Parliament is not in session and hence it is not possible to enact laws in the Parliament.

An Ordinance may relate to any subject that the Parliament has the power to legislate on. Conversely, it has the same limitations as theParliament to legislate, given the distribution of powers between the Union, State and Concurrent Lists.

The main guidelines of Supreme Court on ordinance is as-

The government would be courting legal trouble if it attempts to re-promulgate the ordinances.

In 1986, in the verdict of D.C. Wadhwa versus State of Bihar, the Supreme Court held that the power to promulgate an ordinance isessentially a power to be used to meet an extraordinary situation and cannot be allowed to be perverted to serve political ends.

It is a power that is implemented in circumstances that require immediate action. As per the apex court, Ordinances cannot be re-promulgated on a massive scale. The judgment held that the apex court can adjudicate if the re-promulgation subverted the democraticprocess which lies at the core of our constitutional scheme and subjected people to be governed not by the laws made by the legislature asprovided in the Constitution but by laws made by the Executive.

6. What are the major changes brought in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 through the recent ordinancepromulgated by the President? How far will it improve Indias dispute resolution mechanism? Discuss. Ans-The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2015 has introduced significant changes to the Act and it seeks to addresssome of the issues, such as delays and high costs, which have been affecting arbitrations in India. Major amendments are as follows:

Empowering arbitral Tribunal with the same powers of a court for the purpose of granting interim measures/relief.Fixing time limits for passing of arbitral award and disposal of applications by courts.Mandating detailed disclosures/ guidelines for disqualification for ensuring impartiality, independence of arbitrators.Suggesting indicative Modal fee structure for Arbitral Tribunal.

From the amendments it is clear that the Ordinance is an attempt to make arbitration a preferred mode for settlement of commercialdisputes and to make India a hub of international commercial arbitration. The amendments are effective in nature to solve delays, quickdisposal of cases and are progressive for economy. With the amendments, arbitrations in India are sought to be made more user-friendly, cost effective and will lead to expeditious disposal ofcases. It is hopeful that this system would help improve Indias dispute resolution mechanism by ensuring neutrality of arbitrators in theamendment. There is no doubt that the power given to Tribunal to grant interim relief, modal fees, checks on independence or impartiality ofarbitrators and time limit for arbitration, time lines for disposal of applications is beneficial. However, on the other side of it i.e. time framefixed for passing of award appears to be too short especially for arbitrations involving issues or questions of law.

7. Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the lightof Article 21 of Indian Constitution and judgments of the apex in this regard. Ans. Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees life and personal liberty to all persons. Therein are included, all the aspects of life which go tomake a person's life meaningful, complete and worth living. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 defines "environmental pollution" to mean the presence in the environment of any environmentalpollutant. The Act defines "environmental pollutant" to mean any solid, liquid or gaseous substance present in such concentration as may be,or tends to be injurious to environment. Anyone who wishes to live in peace, comfort and quiet within his house has a right to prevent the nuisance as pollutant reaching him.Fireworks are used all over the world to celebrate special occasions. In India, fireworks are burst on festivals like Dussehra, Diwali and onspecial occasions like social gatherings, marriages, Independence Day, Republic day, New Year day, etc. However, bursting of firecrackers isa health hazard since it is responsible for both air pollution and noise pollution. The use of Fireworks has led to air pollution in the form of noise and smoke. Their excessive use has started to be a public hazard andviolation of their fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution of India. However, in a recent judgment by the apex court on a plea by three infants, it refused to order a blanket ban of fireworks during Diwali.Considering the 800 fireworks factories, which also supportsover five lakh families; it reiterated itsearlier ruling that firecrackers will beprohibited between 10 pm and 6 am.

8. Critically examine the recent changes in the rule governing foreign funding of NGOs under the ForeignContribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 1976. Ans. The government introduced changes in rules of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) to strengthen its scrutiny of financialtransactions involving NGOs. In the most important change, the government changed the rule to equate economic security for NGOsunder the FCRA with the definition provided in the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). According to the UAPA Economic securityincludes financial, monetary and fiscal stability, security of means of production and distribution, food security, livelihood security, energysecurity, ecological and environmental security. Now, NGOs and organizations that receive foreign donations will now have to sharepersonal details, bank account details and bio-data of their trustees with the government. Also, banks will have to provide online access to the Home Ministry and Intelligence Bureau (IB) for monitoring the utilization of accounts ofall FCRA-registered associations. According to the new rules, any foreigner associated with an NGO, who is visiting India, will have to furnishhis/her details with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), spelling out the purpose as well as the dates of the visits. Thesechanges are criticized as the part of a clampdown on NGOs. But the government denied that these changes part of a clampdown on NGOs.These changes can curtail the freedom of NGOs but they will ensure transparency also in their procedure.

9-The Self Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Program (SBLP), which is Indias own innovation, has proved to be one ofthe most effective poverty alleviation and women empowerment programme. Elucidate. Ans: The Self Help Group (SHG) Bank Linkage Program (SBLP) aims to deliver financial products & services to the section of Indianpopulation that lacks access to formal banking. In this programme, the informal SHGs are credit linked with the formal financial institutionsItis flexible, independence creating, and imparts freedom of savings and borrowing according to the heterogeneous needs and requirementsof the group members. Through this programme, the Reserve Bank of India and NABARD have tried to promote relationship banking, i.e.improving the existing relationship between the poor and the bankers with the social intermediation of the NGOs. SHGs comprise mostlywomen approx. 90 percent. Rural women are getting profit from this linkage programme. At the grass root level the programme is being implemented by the commercial banks, cooperatives, and regional rural banks, withgovernment agencies. The Self - help groups (SHGs) play a major role in poverty alleviation in rural India. These have changed the life ofmany individuals or groups for the better. This programme has also provided a more favorable environment for enhancing Indias potentialfor greater equitable growth with empowerment while considering the positive signs in their performance.

10. How can be the role of NGOs is strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of theEnvironment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints. Ans. At the beginning of the 21st century environmental issues have emerged as a major concern for the welfare of people. TheConsequences of the Environmental pollution are not hard to comprehend, whereas the solution to ending environmental pollution is noteasy too. Some of the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have tried to work in this field. The work of non-governmental organizations(NGOs) protecting the environment, helping the sick and needy, is by nature unprofitable. The NGOs from past five decades have witnessed the difficult problems encountered in providing health care services to our poor people;spread the awareness to public protection of wildlife, forest, etc. It is these rights, coupled with the directive principles of state policy that are relied upon by NGOs in their pivotal role in supportingindividuals for the enforcement of their rights in India. The major constraints faced by the NGOs in India are- Lack of Funds, Poor Governance , Absence of Strategic Planning, Poor Networking ,Limited technical and organizational Capacity, Development Approaches, Relationships with INGOs, Political Interference, etc. There must be a set up of well organized institution, which provides education about the formation and operation of NGOs and theirinteraction with other NGOs and government agencies working in the same field. As we know that, a NGO is an organization that is neither apart of a government nor a conventional for-profit business and hence, their role gets unnoticed. Therefore, to strengthen NGOs we mustspread awareness about the role played by them, specifically in the environmental related issues.

11. The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Doyou think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and highereducation in the country? Discuss. Ans. Although India's higher education system, with more than 13 million students, is the world's third largest, it only educates around 12per cent of the age group. It also faces a serious quality problem because only a tiny proportion of the higher education sector can meetinternational standards. The foreign educational institutions can provide the much needed capacity and new ideas on higher educationmanagement, curriculum, teaching methods and research. They can bring investment. Top-class foreign universities can add prestige toIndia's postsecondary system. But global experience shows that the large majority of higher education institutions entering a foreign market are not prestigiousuniversities, rather low-end institutions seeking market access and income. The new profit seeking sector is especially interested in globalexpansion. Top universities may well establish collaborative arrangement with Indian peer institutions or study/research centers in India,but are unlikely to build full-fledged branch campuses on their own. Hence it should not be expected that in short or mid-term future foreigninstitutions can introduce any major change in Indian educational scenario. Yes, in a long term they can deliver much more than the requiredby Indian higher education sector. Unlike other sectors in India, actually in many sectors over the past two decades, there has virtually beenno reform in the education sector. Therefore, to secure a space in the worlds top 200 universities, India has to deliver a lot and thepossibility of that lies in the long run and the short.

12. Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can

12. Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector canhelp in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? Ans. Indias current healthcare system is one of the most privatized globally, with the private sector providing 80% of outpatient and 60% ofinpatient care. It shows governments failure and inefficiency to provide qualitative and sufficient health care services to the people. Privatesector is always a profit making sector and in India it is not under the proper regulation. In spite of enjoying tax rebates and governmentsubsidies private healthcare sector does not miss any chance to exploit patients. Return on investment and generation of profit are thelimitations that inhibits the private healthcare sector to be substitute of public sector or in bridging the gap in the universal health coverage.Seeking the profit, private healthcare sector do not provide its services in remote rural areas. Hence, proper development of infrastructure,in rural areas, is the primary condition to implement universal health coverage. There should be a competent, autonomous and independent regulating authority to ensure availability of healthcare services on adequateand affordable costs if they are provided by public sector or private sector. All information about the cost of medical tests, drugs and otherrelated services should be available online to bring in transparency and costs of all medical products must be regulated by the regulatingauthority with the effective governance. National policy norms must be flexible and in the reach of poor people to provide them the healthcover. And finally as part of reforms, more share of the GDP should be allocated to the healthcare sector and additional finance resourcesshould be generated to meet the needs of this sector.

13. Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty overtime. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators. Ans. In a conceptual context if a person is not able to get basic necessities of life then he will be called as poor, but in India poverty ismeasured on the theory of consumption based expenditure. The standard of poverty measurement has changed according to the time, e.g.Suresh Tendulkar committee took different standards to measure poverty in comparison to C. Rangrajan committee. Yes the National Poverty estimate shows that there has been constant reduction in the poverty in both urban and rural. As per the data, thenumber of poors has reduced by the different committees. Over a period of time, according to Tendulkar Committee, rural poor have beenreduced from 278.2 million to 216.7 million and urban poor reduced from 76.5 million to 53.1 million. And according to Rangarajancommittee, rural poor reduced from 325.9 million to 260.5 million and rural population reduced from 128.7 million to 102.5 million. When the parameters of one committee (Tendulkar Committee: Rs 27 in rural areas and Rs 33 in urban areas) are used to estimate povertyit shows a constant decline in poverty, but when the parameter used by another committee (Rangarajan Committee - Rs 32 a day in ruralareas and Rs 47 in urban areas) were used, there were upliftment the poverty line it shows an increase in the poverty for the same period oftime e.g Various committees have been constituted previously as Lakdawala Committee, Tendulkar Committee and Rangarajan Committee.

14-In the light of Satyam Scandal (2009), discuss the changes brought in the corporate governance to ensuretransparency and accountability. Ans- After the scandal national Association of Software and Services Companies established a corporate governance and ethics committeeheaded by Narayana Murthy. The report of the latter addressed reforms relating to audit committees, shareholder rights, and whistleblowerpolicy. SEBIs committee on disclosure and accounting standards issued a discussion paper in 2009 to deliberate on (i) the voluntaryadoption of international financial reporting standards; (ii) the appointment of chief financial officers by audit committees based onqualifications, experience, and background; and (iii) the rotation of auditors every five years so that familiarity does not lead to corporatemalpractice and mismanagement. In 2010, SEBI amended the Listing Agreement to include the provision dealing with the appointment of achief financial officer but it did not insist on the compulsory rotation of auditors. In 2009, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs also released a set of voluntary guidelines for corporate governance, dealing with theindependence of directors, the roles and responsibilities of audit committees and the boards of companies, whistleblower policies, theseparation of the offices of the chairman and the CEO to ensure independence and a system of checks and balances, and various otherprovisions relating to directors such as their tenures, remuneration, evaluation, the issuance of a formal letter of appointment, and placinglimits on the number of companies in which an individual can be a director. Reforms for better corporate governance has laid company predictable , transparent and accountable. It is much beneficial for shareholders,directors, owners and employees too.

15. If amendment bill to the Whistleblowers Protection Act 2011, tabled in the Parliament is passed, there maybe noone left to protect. Critically Evaluate. Ans. The amendments in Whistleblowers Protection Act 2011. To begin with, whistleblowers - public servants, non-profit organizations or individuals - will not be allowed to reveal any documentsclassified under the Official Secrets Act of 1923, even if the purpose is to disclose acts of corruption, misuse of power or criminal activities.This is in addition to any information that could prejudicially affect the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of theState, friendly relations with foreign State - information that is already off-limits in the existing Whistleblowers Protection Act. Theproposed amendments allow whistleblowers to disclose some kinds of information only if it has been obtained through a Right toInformation query. This includes intellectual property, trade secrets and even information that can be considered the unwanted invasion ofprivacy of an individual. Whistleblowers would be entitled to official protection only if all of these conditions are met, could face action if they are not, and thecentral and state governments would be the final authorities with the power to judge each case. Overall amendments are diluting whistleblowers protection act as protection of whistleblower should be must , matters related to nationalsecurity should be clear not fussing . RTI activists and anti-corruption crusaders are outraged in the proposed amendment.

16. For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institution remain independent

16. For achieving the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institution remain independentand autonomous. Discuss in the light of experiences in recent past. Ans: Regulatory institutions are the backbone of economy because they keep a check on the monopoly. In India these institutes work on thedirection of executives as they interferes in their day to day workings, appointment of functionaries and their finances utilized. Though theyseem independent, but in reality they are not independent or autonomous either it is RBI or SEBI or their institutes as CPCB (Centralpollution control Board), IRDA etc. by the Indian government. Few suggestive measures maintain independence and autonomy of regulatory bodies:

A standing committee of eminent people should be constituted to select regulators for various regulatory agencies at thecentral level and a similar model should be followed in the statesProper manpower planning should be carried out to ensure that a regulator is selected in advance of a position fallingvacant.Applications should be invited against pre-determined selection criteriaRegulators should be given a fixed tenure of five years with a maximum age limit of 60 years for appointment, with thereasons for any exceptions recorded in writing.Regulators and their staff should be provided with short-term training prior to induction.The governments Department of Personnel should be designated as the administrative ministry for regulatory bodies,responsible for release of appointment letter and other administrative matters. This will ensure that there is an armslength relationship between the line ministry and the regulatory agency, which is otherwise under their control

17. Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pro and cons. Critically Examine. Ans. The third India Africa Forum Summit was held in October, 2015 in New Delhi and it was participated by a number of members of theAfrican Union. It shows that Indian interests are increasing in Africa very rapidly. India needs good relations with African nations for botheconomic and strategic purposes. It will provide a big and competent market for Indian products and it will facilitate supply of raw inputs,available in Africa, for Indian industries. Furthermore, it will provide support of African nations to India on the issue of permanent seat in theUnited Nations Security Council. With the support of these nations India will be stronger to present its stand on various global issues atmultilateral platforms such as World Trade Organization and climatic conference because African countries are facing similar problems asIndia is facing on these issues. India will get a strategic momentum also in in Africa against China. But in this reference there are negative aspects also. India will face rivalry of China and United States, which already have a strong presencein Africa. It will have to develop a very vulnerable balance among such African countries, which are conflicting against each other. India willhave to provide financial aid to these nations for their economic development and social empowerment though this aid will be beneficial forIndia in long run.

18. Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UNSC. Ans. The present structure of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has become outdated and irrelevant in the context of post coldwar era. At a meeting held in September 2015, nearly 200 member countries of the United Nations have agreed that over the next year, theywill negotiate the wording of a document that will call for reforming the Security Council. India is trying to be permanent member of theUNSC for a long time but there are many hurdles in this way. United States, along with Russia and China, has opposed negotiations to reformthe Council, refusing to contribute to the text that will form the basis for the long-drawn reform process. India has formulated G-4 with Brazil, Germany and Japan, other candidates for the permanent seat in UNSC, to strengthen its claim. ButGermany and Japan are being opposed by China and Russia. In this regard the UN Charter requires atwo-third majority (with support of allpermanent members) for amendments, but Russia wants the expansion and reform issue to be decided by a larger majority, a nearconsensus. The stance of China to support India for the membership of UNSC is still not clear and consistent. Even it is not clear that newmembers will enjoy which kind of the status and power in the Council. If anyhow the proposal is passed with the required majority then it willneed to be ratified by member countries that will take a long time.

19. Project Mausam is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of Indian government to improve relationshipwit its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss Ans: Project Mausam is launched by Ministry of Cultures project with Archaeological Society of India (ASI) as the nodal agency and IndiraGandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) as its Research Unit, in the 30th Session of World Heritage Committee meeting which was heldat Doha, Quatar in June, 2014. Under this the Government has proposed to establish cross cultural linkages and to revive historic maritime cultural and economic ties with39 Indian Ocean countries including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Iraq, Mauritius, Singapore, Thailand, Yemen, SouthAfrica, Philippines, Pakistan among others. The strategic importance of the project: India is uniquely placed to play a major role in Indian Ocean security and trade. Indias location and power can serve to organize the states ofthe Indian Ocean littoral. The project is considered as the most significant foreign policy initiative of India, designed to counter China. The aim of Project Mausam is to position itself at two levels:

Macro level: to re-connect and re-establish communications between countries of the Indian Ocean world, which wouldlead to an enhanced understanding of cultural values and concerns

Micro level: the focus is on understanding national cultures in their regional maritime milieu.

This project would stretch from east Africa, along the Arabian Peninsula, past southern Iran to the major countries of South Asia and thenceto Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. It is very much clear that Indian government intends to expand its maritime presence, culturally,strategically.

20. Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India - Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of softpower like sports and cultural exchange could help generate goodwill between the two countries. Discuss withsuitable examples. Ans. Whenever it seems that both the countries are leading towards sweet mutual relationship, the vested interests at both sides of theborder derail the development of goodwill among the people and dialogue between the governments of India and Pakistan. Considering theissue of terrorism and structure as well as policies of Pakistani Army, it is very difficult to develop good relation between both countriesusing only soft power like sports and cultural exchanges. Following the cricket diplomacy General Zia-ul-Haq visited India in 1987 anddeclared here that "Cricket for peace is my mission," but it could not last for a long and Pakistan started to promote and export terrorism inJammu and Kashmir. General Parvez Musharraf also visited India, in 2005, in the similar line, but after Mumbai attack the relation betweenboth the countries became the worse. Various art performers of Pakistan, especially singers and musicians, are much more liked and appreciated in India and Indian films, filmactors and TV programmes are liked in Pakistan. But in recent times it has been observed that a few extremists of India threatened Pakistaniartists against their performance at certain places in India, such as the incidence of Ghulam Ali. Hence it can be concluded that soft powercan support and boost good relations but it can not generate good relations until the issues of terrorism and other disputes are solved. Softpower is often overshadowed by exploits of Pakistani Army and terrorist activities.

All the best! Team CL

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Civil Services (Main) Exam, 2015 Actual Paper of GS Paper III, held on December 21,2015

1. The nature of economic growth in India in recent times is often described as a jobless growth. Do you agree withthis view? Give arguments in favour of your answer.Ans. The Indian economy went through a period of jobless growth when fivemillion jobs were lost between 2004-05 and 2009-10 whilethe economy was growing at an impressiverate of more than eight per cent annually. According to the Census India data, the number ofpeople seeking jobs grew annually at 2.23 per cent between 2001 and 2011, but the growth in actual employment during the same periodwas only 1.4 per cent, leaving a huge gap in the form of unemployment. Paradoxical it may seem, Indias demographic dividend is also ademographic cross as the new generation youth is more demanding and aspirational. In Indian economy the share of manufacturing sector is still less than the standard scale. Experts argue that the growth of manufacturing isnow the key for growth in income and employment. For every job created in the manufacturing sector, three additional jobs are created inrelated activities. Furthermore, it has higher labour absorption in comparison to services in India. The service sector is not as muchemployment oriented as it contributes in the economy. Service sector contributed 67.3 per cent (at constant price) to the GDP but employedonly 27 per cent of total working population in 2013-14.About 13 million youth are entering the labour force every year but the gap for theemployment and growth got only widened during recent times. The negligence of the manufacturing sector was mainly responsible for thejobless growth phenomenon.

2. Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non- farm employment and income in rural areas. Discusssuggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India.Ans. Human beings depend upon animals for food and related by-products, work and a variety of other uses. To meet these demands, theyhave domesticated or held in captivity species of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and arthropods. These animals have become known aslivestock, and rearing them has implications for occupational safety and health. Livestock rearing has been an important occupation in Indiain the pre-historical era. A large number of farmers in India depend on animal husbandry for their livelihood. Operation Flood, the world'slargest integrated dairy development program, was based on livestock rearing. Certain measures can promote this sector in India such as:

Availability of formal institutional education of a better livestock rearing, especially in rural areas is a competentmeasure.Medical facility for livestock and improvement in their breeds is another measure.Availability of enough quantity of improved fodder for livestock is important to promote their rearing.Availability of financial assistance by public finance institutions for livestock rearing and insurance cover of theoccupation is important to boost it.

Above of all, the expansion of awareness among the people in rural areas, that how the livestock rearing can help to ensure their livelihoodand is also a measure to promote this occupation.

3. In the view of the declining average size of land holdings in India which has made agriculture non viable for amajority of farmers should contract farming and land leasing be promoted in agriculture? Critically evaluate the prosand cons.Ans. Since independence the size of cultivated and other land holdings has steadily been shrinking, due to the fragmentation of land underinheritance laws. It has contracted from 2.28 hectares in 1970-71 to just 1.15 hectares in 2010-11, according to the agricultural census. Forsmall and marginal farmers, over 85 per cent of the total, their holdings are generally too small to generate enough returns to live on. Suchtiny holdings must be either leased out to other farmers, or expanded by leasing in adjoining lands in order to become economically viable.But the existing legal framework does not allow this.This framework tend to discourage the leasing and sub-leasing of land; but this processhas become essential, since it would lead to uncultivated land owned by absentee landowners becoming productive, and also allow small andmarginal farmers to expand their holdings to a viable size by leasing in additional land. Due to legal contract farming large chunks of land that belong to the non-farming households, most of whom have migrated to urban areas,will become available for productive use. Importantly, the current practice of leasing out land through oral, non-binding, agreements will alsogive way to legally enforceable lease contracts. But in the absence of required alertness it may lead to increase in the number of absentlandowners. It will create opportunities for the exploitation of marginal farmers as they can not afford to be lessee and they can be ignoredby big corporate investors in contract farming.

4. How can the Digital India program help farmers to improve farm productivity and income? What step has thegovernment taken in this regard? Ans: GovernmentsDigital India project launched on 1st July 2015 envisions empowering citizens with e-access to government servicesand livelihood related services, among others. The project has three core components, viz. digital infrastructure, digital services and digitalliteracy. Mobile phone is the preferred delivery medium with focus on mGovernance and mServices. The mAgriculture and mGramBazar,

out of the seven components covered under mServices, directly impact agricultural extension and marketing services. The project will benefit small farmers in following ways:

Extend timely services to farmers through information technology and its tools e.g Weather based Informationregarding natural calamities disseminated to farmersEnhance efficiency in agricultural governance through digital literacy and electronic delivery of services.

Steps taken by the Indian Government has taken a number of initiatives to boost agriculture production, develop high quality seeds, increasestorage capacity and steps to reach the benefits of various research works from lab to land such as

Launch of Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) to promote use of organic farming and reduce dependence on chemicalinputs.Introduction of Soil Health Card Scheme and mobile soil testing laboratories, which will enable them to a tool to help thefarmer to monitor and improve soil health based on their own field experience and working knowledge of their soils.Customized fertilizers have been approved so that nutrients requirements can be met for the fields.

5. In what way could replacement of price subsidy with direct benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidiesin India? Discuss. Ans. The 'Direct Benefits Transfer' means direct transfer of the cash to the beneficiary's bank account. Under this procedure there is noscope for corrupt people to pocket the money meant for beneficiaries by fraudulent means. Under the DBT since the money is directlydeposited to beneficiarys bank account, the corrupt government officials cannot demand 'commission' to give the beneficiaries theirentitlement. This programme also includes post offices and schemes running through Post office Accounts. The beneficiary can get his/her money fromany Post office throughout the country. The government is also engaging 'banking correspondents' to deliver services. The DBT is effectivein eliminating corruption committed by mediators and ensures delivery of benefits to actual beneficiaries. At present 25 centrally sponsoredschemes are covered by DBT. It has drastically changed the scenario of subsidies in India. On one hand, it is eliminating corruption and on the other hand, it is saving publicmoney. According to an official estimate of the government the DBT for only Liquefied Petroleum Gas scheme will save about Rs 10,000crore in 2015.

6. What are the impediments in marketing and supply chain management in developing the food processing industryin India? Can e-commerce help in overcoming this bottleneck?Ans. Food processing is one of the largest global sectors at $7 trillion annual production and Indias food processing sector ranks fifth in theworld in exports, production and consumption. Food processing not merely adds value to the agro products, but also increases their utility.Indian Food Processing Industry is estimated at $135 billion industry which is growing at about 8% annually. But value addition of Indianproduct remains quite low. Indian Manufacturers havent moved much ahead in value chain. Indian agriculture is infested with post-harvestwastage problem. Wastage is attributable to several factors including non-availability of facilities for sorting, grading, packaging, storage,transportation, cold chain and low level of processing of agricultural produce. Any product is mobilized from producer to consumer to be consumed. This route is called supply chain. This movement involves both timeand costs. Lengthier supply chains will push prices upward and result in more wastage. Adequate storage facilities, direct farming, contractfarming and negotiable warehouse receipt system are mechanisms to streamline, strengthen and shorten the supply chain. Other majorinterventions and investments are needed in infrastructure sector, which is backbone of food processing industry. India is biggest producerof numerous fruits and vegetable. Most of these are perishable and have very low shelf life that can be increased by adequate investment ininfra such as cold storage, reefer vans, radiation plants etc. E-commerce can not promote the growth of the food processing industry untilabove issues are addressed.

7. Craze for gold in Indian has led to surge in import of gold in recent years and put pressure on balance of paymentsand external value of rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of Gold Monetization scheme.Ans. As per reports India spent $280 billion in gold imports in the last 10 years - more than the inflow from foreign institutional investors inboth equity and debt in the same period. Annual investment demand for gold is estimated at 300 tonnes a year and holdings of gold areestimated at 20,000 tonnes, most of which are privately held lying idle in bank lockers and vaults. The gold bond scheme may work, as itcreates a financial asset equivalent to gold for investment purposes - with the added attraction of interest on the value invested. Allowinggold bonds as collateral for loans along with tax sops such as making the interest on gold bonds tax-free, exempting them from capital gainstax and providing indexation benefits to long-term capital gains on transfer of the bond, make gold bonds a relatively attractive proposition. But this scheme may not be as attractive because under this the customer will get his gold ornaments melted, that will then be passed tobanks against which a certificate will be issued. On maturity, the customer can redeem the gold value along with earnings from a modestinterest rate. Although depositors will have the option of taking back gold after the maturity period, the purpose will not be served, as it willentail a loss in terms of making charges of 5-15 per cent. So if the interest on the new gold deposit scheme is low, it will fail an individual'scost-benefit test.

8. Success of make in India program depends on the success of Skill India programme and radical labour reforms.Discuss with logical arguments.

Ans. Make in India is an initiative of the Government of India to encourage multinational, as well as domestic, companies to manufacturetheir products in India. In order to ensure adequate availability of skilled man-power to achieve the objectives of Make in India initiatives,the government has launched a National Skills Mission. India is one of the youngest nations in the world with more than 54% of the totalpopulation below 25 years of age. Yet at present less than 5% of Indian potential workforce gets formal skill training to be employable andstay employable. In the absence of sufficient skilled workforce industries can not operate their business with required efficiency to meet theneed of the Make in India programme. Major reforms are required in labour market governance to promote the growth of industries in India. Globalization and evolving patterns ofpresent-day manufacturing processes require a whole new set of responses to cater to the demands of fast-changing global markets. Indianlabour courts and tribunals should have the right balance and related acts and regulations must be amended to boost a business friendlyenvironment. Advanced and flexible mechanism should be set up to settle issues between employers and workers. Until required skilledworkforce is supplied and labor market governance is reformed there is no opportunity for the success of the Make in India.

9. To what factors can be the recent dramatic fall in equipment cost and tariff of solar energy attributed? Whatimplications does the trend have for thermal power producers and related industry?Ans. Many factors can be attributed for the recent dramatic fall in equipment cost and tariff of solar energy. The slowdown in the US andEuropean markets has worked to the advantage of companies, which are operating in India in solar energy sector. Overcapacity with modulemakers has led to a phenomenal crash in the prices of solar modules. Currently thin film PV cells are emerging as a cost-effective alternativeto silicon-based panels. The panel efficiency has been rising gradually, promising more bang for the buck. The growing confidence of thedeveloper community is also helping this sector. Promoting investors interest, NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam, which oversees the solarmission, has adopted the 'reverse auction method' to award projects, signing on developers quoting the lowest tariffs. The government isalso trying to address the concerns of this sector such as availability of finance. The present trend of the sector is very optimistic to meet the need of energy in India. By covering most of houses with solar panels, India willgenerate more energy than many other countries. Growing competition among producers and increase in the supply of solar energy willensure more access of the people to energy. After a few years, parts of India may well be using solar power for most of the day.

10. There is a clear acknowledgement that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are a tool of industrial development,manufacturing and exports. Recognizing this potential, the whole instrumentality of SEZs requires augmentation.Discuss the issue plaguing the success of SEZs with respect to taxation, governing laws and administration.Ans. A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a geographical region that has economic laws that are more liberal than a countrys typical economiclaws. It is a duty free area which is meant for the purposes of trade operations, duties and tariffs for investors. Currently this sector is facingmany problems regarding taxation, governing laws and administration. In the absence of adequate laws, SEZs have problems in respect ofland acquisition and rehabilitation of the displaced persons. They also suffer due to the environmental clearances. Reforms in labour lawsare also necessary. The import-export business is highly dependent on uncertain international market conditions, rejection of consignmentsetc. Hence a flexible labor policy is the need of hour in the SEZs. SEZs face the problem of lack of clarity on taxation, especially on the dividend distribution tax. Tax incentives granted to SEZs are seen asbreaching World Trade Organization rules that bar financial contributions by a government or public body. The companies in SEZ are beinglevied a full import duty on sale in domestic market. In this case SEZs will only promote export driven industries which are highly dependenton import of raw materials. SEZs are governed by a three tier administrative set up and in the absence of coordination it leads towards pooradministration. There is a need of unification of governing system. There is a quick need to address the above issues

11. What do you understand by Standard Positioning System and Precision positioning system in the GPS era?Discuss the advantage India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites.Ans: The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based navigation system that provides location and time information in all weatherconditions, anywhere on or near the Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. GPS broadcasts twotypes of signals:

Standard Positioning System (SPS), available for civilian use, broadcasts at a single frequency. Private Positioning System is more accurate and used for military purpose and it broadcasts using two frequencies.

The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System or IRNSS is an indigenously developed Navigation Satellite System that is used to provideaccurate real-time positioning and timing services over India and region extending to 1500 km around India. Apart from general purpose consumer usage, GPS cannot be utilized by a country as large as India. India has no control over GPS and if it isnot accessible, all processes or people relying on the same would find themselves helpless. The advantage India perceives from its ambitiousIRNSS is that it is a Signal-in-Space Interface Control Document (ICD) for Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and released to the public toprovide the essential information to facilitate research & development and aid the commercial use of the IRNSS signals for navigation-basedapplications.

12. What are the areas of prohibitive labour that can be sustainably managed by robots? Discuss the initiatives thatcan propel the research in premier research institutes for substantive and gainful innovation.Ans: A robot is a mechanical or virtual artificial agent, usually an electro-mechanical machine that is guided by a computer program orelectronic circuitry. Robots are increasingly used in manufacturing since the 1960s worldwide. Many areas of prohibitive labour can be sustainably managed by robots which include some of the high risk jobs such as in Sulphur mining,

Coal mining, firefighting, tobacco collecting, e-waste recycling and garbage collecting e.g. Autonomous devices like driverless trucks andprecision drilling techniques are being deployed by mining giants like Rio Tinto, which has funded one of the worlds largest non-militaryrobot programs. In the auto industry they can amount for more than half of the "labor". There are even "lights off" factories such as an IBMkeyboard manufacturing factory in Texas that is 100% automated. The new fields of robotics received support from simultaneously developing fields of artificial intelligence, artificial vision and developing indigital microcomputers. There are some of the largest worldwide growth of the university laboratories, research centers and publications inrobotics. Research activities started almost 40 yrs ago. The growth in robotics has been closely associated with developments inmicrocomputers, micro-controllers, sensor technology, vision technology and artificial intelligence. Robotics today is dealing with research and development in a number of interdisciplinary areas, including kinematics, dynamics, control,motion planning, sensing, programming and machine intelligence.

13. Discuss the advantage and security implication of cloud hosting of servers vis-a-vis in house machine basedhosting for government business. Ans: The term "cloud hosting is the business of providing server space, web services and file maintenance for websites controlled bycompanies or individuals that do not have their own web servers. It has diverse applications and advantages in terms of convenience i.e. datacan be accessed anywhere through internet. Security will be high as the data can be secured and makes it harder for hawkers to access it.Backup will always be there in case a local computer crashes. Work can be collaborated as others can view and modify the documentsstored. It is also environment friendly in a way that it takes fewer resources to cloud compute and thus saves energy. Overall, there will bestorage and scalability, backup and disaster recovery, mobility, and cost efficiency. Despite the security benefits that are typically associated with cloud hosting, there are also legitimate concerns with how safely the data isstored and it can not be breached. Therefore, considering the above mentioned facts, the usage of cloud hosting in government businesses isnot that safe because security makes it harder to breach but not impossible for hackers to reach to the data. A bigger concern is that if theservers where the data is stored, the government information can be exposed to the world.

14. Indias Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information onmore than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in countrys fight against erroneouspatents. Discuss the pro and cons of making the database available publicly under open source licensing. Ans: Therapeutic substances used under the folk medicine practices of what is known as traditional knowledge is protected by specialprovisions under Indian patent law. A modern classification system i.e. Traditional Knowledge Resource Classification (TKRC), based on thestructure of International Patent Classification has been evolved for Indian Systems of Medicine viz., Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Yoga. TKDL is an Indian digital knowledge repository of the traditional knowledge, especially about medicinal plants and formulations used inIndian systems of medicine. In TKDL, all the data from traditional knowledge is documented electronically and classified on the basis ofInternational Patent Classification (IPC) system. TKDL also helps in preparing a non literature prior art. If the database is made available publicly under open source licensing there will be significant pros and coons attached to it.

Pros: There will not be any misuse of intellectual property of the tradi