Frame a compreghensive policy on how the discoveries of oil and gas blocks can be made commercially viable?

Include these points in your answers

• There should be no loss to the natural reserves of India
• There should not be undue benefit to any private party, no crony capitalism
• Proper plan for the dicoveries, the technology involved, profit sharing or the revenue sharing contract with the government to be finalised
• Rights of the private party after the discoveries to be properly laid out so that there is no litigation, afterwards
• What should be the method of audit? 3rd party audit is the best
• CAG audit to be done along with the CAs (ethical ones who will try to find out if the companies have deployed other CAs to find the loopholes in taxation laws of India)
• Fair competition among other private players ; for the exploration of oil and gas blocks, competition commission of India to lay down the rules and regulations 
• Any PIL filed in the past to be considered while framing the rules. 
• People living in the areas close to the basin should also be benefited  

Does surrogacy push women to further poverty?

My views and analysis on Constitutional crisis in Delhi: AAP vs LG

Interference in working of democratically elected government, is a serious matter of concern. It hampers the vision with which the government was elected (stated in manifesto). 

Delhi occupies the special status in the constitution, as per National Capital Territory of Delhi Act 1991. According to it, it has legislative assembly of its own and council of ministers. However, being a union territory, it is administered by President via Lieutenant Governor. There is conflict when, Lieutenant Governor, interferes in the working of council of ministers headed by Chief Minister. 

In recent past, there have been numerous such conflicts. Most recently, there have been strike of IAS officers, owing to the assault met by a senior IAS officer, Anshu Prakash, at the residence of Chief Minister. In its response, the council of ministers have resorted to hunger strike at LG's official residence.

Reasons for conflict

1. Root of the conflict can be: the ruling party at Delhi is different from the party currently in power at the centre, for e.g. there have been similar incidences of conflicts seen in Puducherry, where the Lieutenant Governor appointed, belong to different party than the party currently in power in the state.

2. LG is appointed by the President. With the President bound by the advice of council of ministers by Art 74, LG appointed is often the will of council of ministers. If the party at the centre has absolute majority, the interference by the central government increases. Because the administrator appointed is the agent of the President. 

3. This constitutional scheme of administering the union territory via an administrator (Art 239)was formulated with different intention. Intention was definitely not interference. The motive was that president should be informed of important decisions taken by the council of ministers. This was important keeping in mind the federal structure of the country: centre, states and union territories. Union territories were entities, which were directly administered by the centre, owing to special provisions. These provisions were: geographic location, the demography, the linguistic factors if any. 

So, due to the above reasons, the decisions of the ministers to be communicated to the president, hold sense. However, the interference soon became inevitable in Delhi and Puducherry. These are the only states which have legislature of their own and council of ministers. The agendas of the elected government  in these union territories (belonging to a party different from that of central government) often increases the conflict.

Resolving the conflict

1. The constitutional discourse is the best discourse. However, in constitution, wisdom of administering the union territories with legislature (Delhi and Puducherry) are not defined. And, it is not possible to define such limits. Therefore, the accountability of the government to the people, is the only criteria, to excel in. This will be possible, only by avoiding conflict with Lieutentant Governor. 

2. Even if there is undue interference from the central government, the court of law can come to rescue. Supreme court is the final interpreter of the constitution and, an appeal can be filed. The appeal will relate to federal scheme of the constitution. This will help in resolving the conflict.

Can also write one point in resolving the confict:
Art 239 which states that LG will act independently of the aid and advise of council of ministers, Do we need this provision? Can it be diluted ? Because the virtual veto of LG is anyway creating the problem.
It would be wise to be a much less legal and constitutional frameowrk. Diluting constitutional provisions: by amendments, can be a way forward. 
So, it can be best written in one line - "exisiting constitutional frameowrk for the administration of Delhi to be reviewed to make the elected government less dependent on the Lt. Governor" (taken from Hindu, Letters to the Editor.

Air India strategic divestment: Ways & Means to Achieve

The government has been mulling over the idea of strategic sale in Air India, from quite some time. But it has not realised its goals. The government plans to sell 74% stake in the national carrier. However, there are few takers. The reason being the government wants to retain its decision making abilities regarding employees restructuring. Also, a mandatory condition that the foreign taker, will need to take within its ambit, thousands of employees. In other words, restructuring of employees will be the prime responsibility of the foreign investor. Such pre conditions have kept the foreign investors away from acquiring majority stake. 

Let us analyse how it can be achieved. The solutions need to be multi pronged. Innovative ones will be appreciated. 

1. Divide the employees into several groups. Each group of employees shall be transferred to other public sector companies. No cost will be accrued from the employees in the process. The groups will be based on the liking of the employees to join sectors such as energy, petrochemicals, steel, construction, banking, transport, communication, etc. The sectors mandatorily need to be public. After they are absorbed, 74% to be divested to the investor. Because employee restructuring is the point of concern.

2. Drop the idea of 74% divestment. Take risk and go for 100% divestment. The government may have a plan B, if this fails. But not having plan B, will not do much harm. Remember, greater the risk, greater the benefit. (Plan B can be a MoU with the investor that, after privatisation, the competition shall be fair, in accordance with the rules, with other private organisations. Competition Commission of India will have a bird's eye view in case, the privatisation turn bad.)

3. Make it mandatory, for minimum 2 investors to acquire the stake. The combination can be 50%:24%: 26%. Where 50% and 24% goes to the two investors and 26% comes to the government. the benefit from this will be two fold. First, the employee restructuring now needs to be done among 3 players. Two private players and the government. More the number of players, more hassle free will be restructuring. Or the combination can be 25%:49%:26%, where the government will have only a slight upper hand, as compared to the investor with 25% stake. This will make the private investors more comfortable(because government decision making ability will be diluted)

4. Offer the gulf nations carrier special advantage if they acquire a stake in Air India (considering that there is an open sky policy with some of the gulf nations). Added advantages can be, sipulating certain norms/MoUs with nations like Saudi Arabia, where government will ensure minimum number of passengers to Haj every year via Air India.

5. On similar lines, added advantages can also be offered to ASEAN nations like Malaysia, Singapore and Pacific Island nations like Fiji. We have a substantial India diaspora in these nations. 

These 5 ideas are out of box and provides means to achieve the objectives. Where there is a will, there is a way!

Let us talk about UPSC

I faced many failures before and after I took up UPSC exam. Prominent among them were failures in 2016 and 2017 prelims. Because I had prepared well in these attempts. But after I took up the exam, I realised, the preparation was not what was required by UPSC. After I failed in 2017, I made up my mind, no matter what, I have to achieve the goal. But obstacles were mid way.

I never let obstacles steal my dream of becoming an IAS. I frequently reminded the famous saying, "Koshish karne walo ki kabhi haar nahi hoti". I do not remember who said this. But the saying seems true to me. 

IAS is not the end, but a means for me to contribute towards the society. To give back, what I got. As of now, I am still in the mid of journey. And I do not know when it will last. Because, I have put God first; to decide this. For now, I am still struggling to compete with students to clear prelims.

And one day, I will clear prelims and get a chance to write mains. That will be my first and last mains. IAS is achievable, and not a mirage.

4) Does proper implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 act as an obstacle to economic growth? Critically comment. (250 Words)

Yes. It hampers economic growth because
1. the government can not acquire forest area and move ahead with its clearance, for projects such as irrigation, multipurpose dam project, roads, bridges, ponds etc. This is because, the forest dwelers depend on those forest for livelihood.
2. So, it hampers growth, beacsue often, the balance is difficult to be achieved. Rights of forest dwellers have to be taken into account first.
3. Many tiger resreves and wildlife sanctuaries, which lie in the core areas of the bisophere reserve, also hamper the economic growth. So, the economci growth not only hamper rights of forest dwellers but also environment
However, such rights are important for the benefits of the forest dwellers.

5)Discuss the potential of mobile health (mHealth) services in improving rural health scenario. Also discuss issues associated with using mHealth services. (250 Words)

1. it will decrease the time spent in travelling to health  care institutions
2. It will create a sense of safety among the masses, that there is a revolving eye to look after the health
3. many objectives can be combined with the mpbile health services such pulse polio programmes, mobile vaccination services, mobile cashless medicine delivery, mobile citize grievances redressal, mobile video conferncing with the district authorities by the common persons and so on. So the potential is immense
4. It is not a very costly adventure. Pachayat secretaries can coordinate such services, maintining records of beneficiaries , the recipient of m health services
However there are issues with using m health services
1. efficacy monitoring is difficult
2. penetration in rural areas is not as per desired due to various schemes already enrolled by the masses in health sector
3. trust on such services is not achieved fully

3) What is digital protectionism? Is digital protectionism good for India as it has been good for China so far? Analyse. (250 Words)

Barriers placed in order to access digital world- whether it be in firms, cloud, social networks, intelligence gathering, artifical intelligence and so on (entire cyber space) is called digital protectionism.

It is not good for India in the following sectors, since these sectors are still nascent, needs development, innovativeness is required

1. Agriculture. Only recently gov of India came up with e-NAM so, it is still nascent 

2. intelligence gathering, there are still maoists violence in the chattisgarh, millitancy in north east and kasmir. ending digitial protectionism, will not be a good tool to tackle such menace

3. economy, recent frauds such as PNB scam , can be full fledged tackled with the help of digital stratgeies 

4. Science and innovation, it is hard to imagine scientific world without digital world 

However it is advisable to promote protectionism in the following sectors 

1. Social media; there have been instances of hate videos, cultural conflict between west and east, can be best avoided by digital protectionism. For e.g. circulation of 

Say no to any further Karti Chidambram money laundering case in India: what is the solution?

In India, Enforcement Directorate which reports to the Department of revenue of Ministry of Finance is mandated to handle cases pertaining to money laundering under Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. It also deals with cases under Foreign Exchange Management Act. The punishment inflicted on the offenders under these acts is enough so much so that it acts as a deterrent to commit such crimes in future. 

But despite this, we have had such incidents in the past. Most recent one, include Karti Chidambram case, the son of our previous finance minister, P Chidambram in the erstwhile UPA government. The charges framed by Enforcement Directorate upon him, that INX Media firm, of which he was director, had received more than 300 bn $ foreign capital. The capital was received in violation of the Foreign Exchange Management Act. It also did no receive a go ahead from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board. 

So, what is the solution to such crimes. And that too seen in high profile cases, where son of a former finance minister is involved. Is it that law protects such people? CBI, did a right thing  in framing charges, as per the provision of law. CBI did  a right thing in preserving the mandate of the constitutional right, Article 14. It says there should be equality before law. No person, rich or poor is above the law. Everyone is equal before law. 

So, even though, right to equality is respected, what can be the checks and safeguards to prevent such cases coming up in the first instance?

Innovative solutions will be required. 

1. Any media firm, TV news agency, corporate that are actively involved in social work, NGOs, Charitable institutions etc. will have to be carefully monitored in terms of income tax they are paying. The first year they pay income tax, a copy of the return need to be submitted to banks and financial institution, with which they have a regular transaction. A copy to be submitted to the district court, in the jurisdiction of which such firms lie. A copy to be submitted to the finance minister and a copy to be sent to the cabinet.

Next year, when they file rerturn, the same copy to be submitted to these institutions . Again next year, a copy to be sent to these institutions. Now we have 3 data sets. These data sets then need to be cross checked by each other, whether they are receiving the same copy. The trends of the income tax need to be analysed. 

In case, the income tax increases more than a threshold (threshold to be decided by a competent authority), then the firm need to send justification in written format to these institutions. 

The above process will  instill a fear in these firms. Regualtions are important. Fear is important to keep fraud in abeyance. 

2. We can adopt some methods deployed by developed countries such as USA. There is a law called Fixing Americas Surface Transportation Act (FAST). According to this act, the authority impound the passport of the tax payer, if the tax amount is above a threshold. This restricts the movement of the fraudster and he or she can not make a fast exit. The government of India plans to have passport details of all large borrowers, where the loan amount is greater than 50 Crore is a step in the similar direction. 

3. If we look at tax evasion and money laundering cases closely, such frauds have not been committed by an organisation. There have always been some individual behind such large defaults. For e.g. Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi were the individuals behind PNB Letters of Undertaking Scam. This is more of a moral and ethical issue. So the individuals need to be targeted proactively. The methods can be: any loan advance, advance tax, foreign remittances, gifts in form of estate, luxury cars, etc. should come to the eye of income tax department. If such transfers happen frequently: more than twice a month; more than 6 times in half a year; or a dozen times in a year; then a software should be able to catch the details of such individuals from the database of the taxpayers.

And this is not a too diffcult job to perform. When we resorted to  Operation Clean Money, post demonetisation, it was based on a algorithm based software which could predict that source of money. Then it was communicated to the concerned authority automatically. Similar software needs to be designed for this purpose. 

4. More vigilance on foreign banks is required. Although , public sector banks outnumber private sector banks, strict vigilance is needed on the transaction in such banks. Because global financial crisis of 2008, was more private banks based, than public sector banks. So they are more vulnerable.

5. Robust international network of information exchange. There should be neither leakages from the network, neither influx of additional malign information in the network. Neither there should be emission of data. The data should flow in a closed loop, with no factor responsible for any data loss. Recently, with reference to PNB scam, SWIFT network was found not completely connected to core banking solutions network. This resulted in data loss and hence the scam. 

6. RBI should come forward with innovative strategies in consultation with different stakeholders.

The solutions are manifold, if we atleast ponder over the issues of money laundering. Laundering of money happens also because of shell companies, because of which tax evasion becomes easier. It is a new phenomena. It has been in existence since the times of Mughal rule. There were many intermediaries to collect the revenue for the state. This was called revenue farming of ijardari system. Due to a large number of revenue farmers (intermediaries), the state revenue started falling. Because there were many leakages. Similarly, shell companies work. There are so many shell companies, that it becomes difficult to trace the origin of default. 

But still, it is not difficult to predict the same in this age of digital revolution. Where there is a will, there is a way, to prevent any further money laundering case in India.

***
Translated it into Hindi via Google translation
भारत में, प्रवर्तन निदेशालय, जो वित्त मंत्रालय के राजस्व विभाग को रिपोर्ट करता है कि धन शोधन निवारण अधिनियम, 2002 के तहत धन शोधन संबंधी मामलों से निपटने के लिए अनिवार्य है। यह विदेशी मुद्रा प्रबंधन अधिनियम के तहत मामलों का भी निपटारा करता है। इन कृत्यों के तहत अपराधियों पर दी गई दंड इतनी बड़ी है कि यह भविष्य में ऐसे अपराध करने के लिए एक निवारक के रूप में काम करता है।

लेकिन इसके बावजूद, हमें अतीत में ऐसी घटनाएं हुई हैं। सबसे हाल ही में एक, हमारे पूर्व वित्त मंत्री का पुत्र, कार्ती चिदंबरम मामले, पूर्व यूपीए सरकार में पी चिदंबरम शामिल हैं। प्रवर्तन निदेशालय द्वारा उस पर लगाए गए आरोपों पर, आईएनएक्स मीडिया फर्म, जिसमें से वह निदेशक थे, को 300 अरब डॉलर से अधिक विदेशी पूंजी प्राप्त हुई थी। विदेशी मुद्रा प्रबंधन अधिनियम के उल्लंघन में पूंजी प्राप्त हुई थी यह भी विदेशी निवेश संवर्धन बोर्ड से आगे नहीं प्राप्त किया था

तो, ऐसे अपराधों का समाधान क्या है और वह भी उच्च प्रोफ़ाइल के मामलों में देखा गया है, जहां एक पूर्व वित्त मंत्री का बेटा शामिल है। क्या ऐसा कानून ऐसे लोगों की सुरक्षा करता है? कानून के प्रावधान के अनुसार सीबीआई ने आरोप तय करने में सही काम किया है। संविधानिक अधिकार, अनुच्छेद 14 के जनादेश को सुरक्षित रखने में सीबीआई ने सही काम किया। यह कहते हैं कि कानून से पहले समानता होना चाहिए। कोई भी व्यक्ति, अमीर या गरीब कानून के ऊपर नहीं है। कानून के मुताबिक हर कोई समान है

इसलिए, हालांकि, समानता का अधिकार का सम्मान किया जाता है, ऐसे मामलों को रोकने के लिए चेक और सुरक्षा उपाय क्या हो सकते हैं?

अभिनव समाधान की आवश्यकता होगी।
1. किसी भी मीडिया फर्म, टीवी न्यूज़ एजेंसी, कॉरपोरेट, जो सामाजिक कार्य, एनजीओ, चैरिटेबल संस्थानों में सक्रिय रूप से शामिल हैं, को ध्यान में रखकर उन्हें भुगतान कर रहे आयकर के मामले में सावधानी से निगरानी रखना होगा। पहले साल वे आयकर का भुगतान करते हैं, वापसी की एक प्रति बैंकों और वित्तीय संस्थानों को प्रस्तुत की जानी चाहिए, जिसके साथ उनका नियमित लेनदेन होता है। जिला अदालत में एक प्रति को प्रस्तुत किया जाना है, जिसके अधिकार क्षेत्र में ऐसी कंपनियां झूठी हैं वित्त मंत्री को प्रस्तुत की जाने वाली एक प्रति और कैबिनेट को भेजे जाने की एक प्रति

अगले साल, जब वे रिस्ट्रन फाइल करते हैं, तो इन संस्थानों को एक ही कॉपी जमा करनी होगी। फिर से अगले साल, एक कॉपी इन संस्थानों को भेज दी जाएगी। अब हमारे पास 3 डेटा सेट हैं इन आंकड़ों को सेट करते हैं तो एक-दूसरे द्वारा क्रॉस चेक की आवश्यकता होती है, चाहे वे एक ही कॉपी प्राप्त कर रहे हों। आयकर के रुझान का विश्लेषण किया जाना चाहिए।

अगर आयकर एक थ्रेसहोल्ड (एक सक्षम प्राधिकारी द्वारा तय किए जाने की दहलीज) से ज्यादा बढ़ जाता है, तो फर्म को इन संस्थानों के लिखित प्रारूप में औचित्य भेजने की आवश्यकता होती है।

उपरोक्त प्रक्रिया इन फर्मों में डर पैदा करेगी। Regualtions महत्वपूर्ण हैं घबराहट में धोखाधड़ी को रखने के लिए डर महत्वपूर्ण है

2. हम विकसित देशों जैसे अमेरिका जैसे कुछ तरीके तैनात कर सकते हैं। फिक्स्डिंग अमेरिका सर्फेस ट्रांसपोर्टेशन एक्ट (फास्ट) नामक एक कानून है इस अधिनियम के अनुसार, प्राधिकारी कर दाता का पासपोर्ट जुटाता है, अगर कर की सीमा एक सीमा से ऊपर है इससे धोखेबाज के आंदोलन को प्रतिबंधित किया जाता है और वह तेज़ी से निकास नहीं कर सकता भारत सरकार ने सभी बड़े उधारकर्ताओं का पासपोर्ट विवरण रखने की योजना बनाई है, जहां ऋण की राशि 50 करोड़ से अधिक है, इसी तरह की दिशा में एक कदम है।

3. अगर हम टैक्स चोरी और मनी लॉन्ड्रिंग मामलों को बारीकी से देखते हैं, तो ऐसे धोखाधड़ी को किसी संगठन द्वारा नहीं किया गया है। ऐसे बड़े चूक के पीछे हमेशा कुछ व्यक्ति रहा है उदाहरण के लिए निरूपम मोदी और मेहुल चोकसी पीएनबी पत्रों के तहत गैरकानूनी घोटाले के पीछे थे। यह एक नैतिक और नैतिक मुद्दे के अधिक है इसलिए व्यक्तियों को लगातार लक्षित करने की आवश्यकता है विधियां निम्न हो सकती हैं: किसी भी ऋण अग्रिम, अग्रिम कर, विदेशी प्रेषण, संपत्ति के रूप में उपहार, लक्जरी कार आदि आदि आयकर विभाग की नजर में आना चाहिए। यदि इस तरह के स्थानांतरण अक्सर होते हैं: महीने में दो बार से अधिक; आधे से ज्यादा साल में 6 गुना अधिक; या एक वर्ष में एक दर्जन बार; तब एक सॉफ्टवेयर करदाताओं के डेटाबेस से ऐसे व्यक्तियों के विवरण को पकड़ने में सक्षम होना चाहिए।

और यह प्रदर्शन करने के लिए बहुत मुश्किल काम नहीं है। जब हम ऑपरेशन क्लीन मनी पर चढ़ाई करते थे, तो यह एक एल्गोरिथ्म आधारित सॉफ्टवेयर पर आधारित था जो अनुमान लगा सकता था कि पैसे का स्रोत है। इसके बाद संबंधित प्राधिकरण को इसे स्वचालित रूप से सूचित किया गया इस उद्देश्य के लिए इसी प्रकार के सॉफ्टवेयर को तैयार करने की आवश्यकता है।

4. विदेशी बैंकों पर अधिक सतर्कता आवश्यक है। हालांकि, सार्वजनिक क्षेत्र के बैंक निजी क्षेत्र के बैंकों की तुलना में अधिक हैं, ऐसे बैंकों में लेनदेन के लिए सख्त सतर्कता की आवश्यकता है। क्योंकि 2008 के वैश्विक वित्तीय संकट सार्वजनिक क्षेत्र के बैंकों की तुलना में अधिक निजी बैंक थे। इसलिए वे अधिक संवेदनशील हैं

5. सूचना विनिमय के मजबूत अंतरराष्ट्रीय नेटवर्क। न तो नेटवर्क से छेड़छाड़ होना चाहिए, न ही नेटवर्क में अतिरिक्त दुर्भावनापूर्ण जानकारी का प्रवाह होना चाहिए। न तो डेटा का उत्सर्जन होना चाहिए। किसी भी डेटा हानि के लिए कोई कारक जिम्मेदार नहीं है, डेटा एक बंद लूप में प्रवाह होना चाहिए। हाल ही में, पीएनबी घोटाले के संदर्भ में, स्विफ्ट नेटवर्क वाई....

1) The stupa is an important form of Buddhist architecture, though it predates Buddhism. Discuss the religious, architectural and philosophical significance of various Buddhist stupas. (250 Words)

Religious significance is that 

1. It is a symbolic mark of Bddhism in India. By loooking at a stupa, we come to know, that this place have had influence of Buddhism in the past

2. It also signifies that people lioviign around Stupa, profess Buddhism to a certain extent. FOr e.g. in Maharashtra, we find many stupas, and in Maharshtra , a certain population profess Buddhism, Same applies for Bihar (Sarnath)

3. In some places, like in Ellora, there are stupas along with the temples of various faiths. This shows that Hinduism, Jainism was also contemporary to Buddhism

Architectural significance

1. Circumbulatory passages of Stupas- for encircling and paying respect to the deity, this was unique

2. Jataka stories sculpted on the Torans- this was also unique, not seen in any other religion, for eg. Hinduism 

3. Majority of stupas made of burnt bricks- signify that architecture was not too much advanced during that period as seen in Tanjore temples

4. First architectural design to preserve the nails, and body parts. This is unique, though we see, tomb architecture in Islam, but they were not carved with teachings and stories. 

Philosophical significance

1. Stupas signfy that bodies are mortal. Only karma exists. Buddhism was the first religion who propounded the theory of Karma through Noble Truths and 8 Fold Paths

2. Philosophy teachers stories need to be preserved. So they were carved in edicts.

2) Adivasis cannot be equal citizens until they are considered holistically as a part of cultural and ecospheres with unique customs and practices, and not just as welfare recipients receiving doles. Critically comment why discrimination and atrocities against Adivasis in India continues unabated, even in states that are educationally advanced. (250 Words)

They remian unabated due to the following factors
1. Their culture which is not in mainstream with the society. For e.fg. which section of the scoiety practice Jhum cultivation in central India, or Maharatshtra? None. So, many downlook upon them- including civil scoiety and NGOs
2. They are too shy to protest. There was an incident where a photogrpher was taking phtographs of naked women in north east. This is against the dignity of women and their right to life- Art 21
3. They look different than most of the people in India. The reason may be attributed to some Tibetan influence, or say chinese influence, cross breeding amon the individuals in the long past . We can not do much about it now. But we have to protect them.
4. They lack much of scientific attitude. Rest of India talsk about digital india, bo pharma mission, and atal innovation mission, are these missions also replicated in north east in letter and spirit? If the adivasis can also develop scientific temper, we can prevent the discrimination and atrocities in them
5. Environmental benefits: They have long been dependent on forest resources for their livelihood. While the rest of india depend upon super market chains, multi brand retail outlets and vegetable mandis in the town. This is a stark difference. If we can eliminate this difference, then we can prevent the atrocities against them.
Innovative approach and iron wll is required based on laws of the land and constitution.

3) The Mughal style evolved as a result of a happy synthesis of the indigenous Indian style of painting and the Safavid school of Persian painting. It is primarily aristocratic and secular. Discuss. (250 Words)

Yes, it evolved as an indigenous style of painting because, of the following factors

1. The seat of Mughals was in Delhi. it was a secular seat away from the influence of any religious tone. Even Bhakti movements which evolved, were concentrated in southern india and northern india such as UP.

2. There were many branches of culture that originated from nearby delhi, like Mathura in UP, agra, bundelkhand etc. None had a religious overtone so much so that mughal style of painting also turned secular. 

3. Nadir Shah had invaded India from persia. And so, the culture from these different sections of the world inter mingled. Similarly, Ahmed Shah abdali also invaded Agra, Mathura. Hence it had aristocratic influence. 

4. Mughal rule was spread over almost whole of India, except, some of the southern states and north eastern states. So the mughal style of painting had elements from almost different corner of India. So, it was a happy synthesis of indigenous style of painting.

5. None of the other cultural elements was far more superior than mughal painting, so it remained an aristocratic influence.

*Bhakti movement was contemporary to Mughal rule. You are correct

2) Discuss the features of the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018. Why is human trafficking is on the rise in India in recent years? Critically examine. (250 Words)

Since, the bill covers dimensions such as prevention, protection and rehabilitation- all three in one, it is a good step.
1. This can be analysed from the point of view of land acquisition act 1894. This act did not have rehabilitation clause. So an improvement was done in 2013. Rehabilitation and resettlement clause was brought. This was widely acclaimed. In a similar way, trifficaking of persons act , earlier was immoral traffic prevention Act. This act does not have rehabilitation clause.
2. This act is proponent of Art 21 of the constitution- Right to life (implied fundamental right). Also Art23-  a fundamental right which bars immoral trafficking in the constitution of India
3. This will boost employment of youth in the country. The youth who shall be prevented and rehabilitated will be brought into main stream of the society.
4. It will give ample powers to the state government in executing the provisions of the act.
However, there are some issues
1. Why does this bil ldoes not vest any power to stop such incidents  to the local bodies. We can learn from countries such as Africa, which has stopped such child trafficking incidents, based on successful attempts by local NGOs, local bodies and political will
2. Nirbhaya fund have been often criticised that it is not used for the purpose. Will the fund alloted for rehabilitation will be optimally used is still a aquestion
Human traffickin is on rise in India due to following reasons
1. global scenario- in middle east, nigeria in africa, war like situation where these trafficked children are used as sex slaves
2. Too much exposure of social media
3. Open borders with a number of countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Mayanmar
4. Neighbourhood countries such as Pakistan- differences with them over terrorism issues
5. Sadist approach by some section of the society -who does not want to whistle blow or help 

Words of Wisdom by TSR Subramaniam

A word for those who are going to appear in the examinations, and thereafter in the interview. While ‘book knowledge’ will be tested, the examiners and the interview board, who are generally well experienced, would try to test comprehension, quick thinking, decision-making ability – definitely attitude – not just mastery over an individual subject. This is as should be, because the young officer in the district, and later the policymaker in the secretariat will be every day confronted with the unknown and the unfamiliar – he has to search and find the best route forward, sometimes working in the dark. A general appreciation of public affairs and deep overall comprehension are essential for success. 

https://books.google.co.in/books?id=MMka2D5c8agC&pg=PA113&lpg=PA113&dq=deep+comprehnesion+meaning&source=bl&ots=zG5329HbCf&sig=Ma5MaCLeg_lTzyNLbAnXVdILwEA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjJp-WEvs7ZAhVIvY8KHXxeAEUQ6AEIYjAI#v=onepage&q=deep%20comprehnesion%20meaning&f=false

1) The period between the Sangam Age and the Pallavas — the second to the sixth centuries CE — were trying times for Tamil literature and the Hindu religion. What happened during this time? How did the arrival of Bhakti movement help in revival of Tamil culture and literature? Examine. (250 Words)

During this time, Sangam literature had started losing importance, both in terms of written works and citations. The reason was that kingdoms like Pallava, were more focussed on exapnding their empire rather than contributing to the literature. So, these were hard times for Sangam literature.

1. It can also be comprehended, that for the same reason, other kingdoms like Cholas, Pandyas (along Vaigai) etc and Cheras, failed to uplift the Sangam literature.

Bhakti movement spurred the moment. A push was needed to uplift the literature, which came from Bhakti movement. Because

1. It had nothing to do with the expansion of empires

2. It had philosophical and social basis. So it proved a generic push to Sangam literature. As the latter was based on the social gatherings

3. The reformers who led the Bhakti movement, were patient. They did not drop the movement, even in the face of criticism. So bhakti movement could revive Tamil literature. 

4. It also established the fact that a faithful relationship between the almighty and the worshipper is enough. Recitation by priests is not needed. This was admired by Tamil culture. So, Tamil culture also got revived.

2) Chandrashekhar Azad’s own martyrdom robbed him of the opportunity of working for the establishment of the socialistic society he had dreamed about with comrades. Comment on Azad’s ideology and his contributions to India’s struggle for Independence. (250 Words)

1. Leaders set the ground work. The major activities are taken forward by others. This is what Chandrashekhar Azad did. He had a vision that energy of youth should be channelised into the right dirction. For the motherland. He studied extensively about the socialist ideals. And thought of settting up of Hindustan Socialist Republic Association. Earlier it was HRA (hindustan RepublicAssociation). So he tried to mobilise the masses into through socialist agendas. This move was supported by other leaders (his colleagues as well).
2. He also took a  bold move of planning to throw a bob in the Parliament. This was innovative way to make the deaf hear but not harm  any one. He formed an alliance with Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutta to execute this plan
3. Finally in an encounter, he thought not to allow himself captured by the britishers, in Azad Park, he shot himself. This was lauded by many leaders of the time including Jawahar Lal Nehru and Mahtama Gandhi.
His contributions are not limited to these. His ideology was more important than point wise contributions. 

1) Do you consider training dalit and tribal youth to become priests a reformative and a revolutionary step? Justify your answer. Also examine how does different sections of society view this step that’s being initiated at a conservative religious institution such as the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). (250 Words)

1. Yes, it is indeed a revolutionary step, atleast we are thinking about it. Few years ago, we could not even think in this direction. When a beurecrat tried to do the same, he was outcasted, he was transferred.
2. It is justified on morality grounds. We are not living in the vedic age where listening of vedic chants are prohibited for women and lower caste people. we are at 5000 years ahead from that period. In this age of Artificial intelligence, there should be no bar fro dalits in such matters
3. It is also transformative. Deomgraphic dividend turns into a disaster, if employment falls. Atleast, this gives them  way of living.
It is difficult to change societal mind set. The varna system is so deeply ingrained in the minds of people that it is difficult to reform. So there is resistance from the scoiety. But at the same time, ethics, morality and what is right as per the constitution, is far ahead than societal resistance.So, ethics morality has to win , even of it faces resistance from the society. if the latter would have won, then there would be no
1. Industrial revolution
2. Failure of communist movement in Yugoslavia
3. No triple Talaq law, we have seen in the recent past

Can courts annul marriage between two consenting adults?

In the recent Hadiya case, when Kerela High court annuled marriage between Hadiya and her muslim husband, a burning issue has re-emerged whether courts can annul marriage between two consenting adult. It is the same question that has been aptly raised by Supreme court, when the high court decision was challenged by Hadiya in the latter. 

What are the factors which should be taken into consideration, while answering the above question? The question is primarily a conflict between the right to life of a person (Hadiya in this case) and some malign intentions behind such inter-religion marriages. Such marriages, more recently in Kerela, have seen indoctrination. The women are forced into sex slaves. Hadiya's father is worried about the same. He worries that, this marriage is a hoax. Later his daughter will be forced into sex slave into the hands of jihadis in middle east. The concern is valid. Any father would worry about his daughter. And that too, when many such cases have emerged in Kerela before his eyes. In that case, how can a father allow his daughter to go into lion's den?

However, Supreme court has not given due consideration to a father's appeal. After high court quashed their marriage, it has raised another question, whether courts can annul marriage between two consenting adults. It is also right in its intent. The courts in India, do not follow due process of law. The law which confirms inter-religious marriage is Special Marriage Act. And, marriages carried under this law, can not be annulled on the premonition that, it will eventually turn into a sham marriage. The courts can not decide the case on the basis of their wisdom. Just because we are not American form of democracy where, the judiciary is supreme, an they follow due process of law. We, at India, follow procedure established by law. 

There are numerous evidences from the past, where due process of law have never been followed. And we can not. Hindu Marriage Act 1955 offers for solemnisation-cum-registration for the couple. Despite this law, the framers of law, were aware that, in case of husband's death, the widow will be forced into Sati. Or may be, the widow will accept Sati, by her own will. But such pratice could not be stopped until Sati (Prevention ) Act 1987 was framed. So, any ill-practice can be countered only by bringing a new law. The wisdom does not work by its own, the procedure established by law has to be followed.

Same is the case here. The wisdom that marriage between a Hindu Women and Muslim women, will lead to religion change, and will finally throw her into sex slave, can not be countered by existing laws. A new law has to be framed. 

The democarcy should not hesitate in bringing new laws and regulations. More are the rules and regulation, better is the governance. In Delhi Sultanate period, this was called Al-Qanuni, during Turkinsh rules and Khilji period. People praised their rule, because the governance was good. 

We have moved ahead only 500 years from the Sultanate period. But the laws of governance remains same. More is the rules and regulation, better is governance. Then, there will be little ambiguity in deciding: whether courts can annul marriage between two consulting adults.

1) The philosophical and religious currents of thought in Brahmanism and Buddhism gave rise in India to two forms of society strongly opposed. Analyse. (250 Words)

1. Buddhims had emphasis on middle path in order to reach salvation whereas Brahminsm had very strict rules. It relied on someone who has exclusive rights to read the scriptures and rituals. This was absent in Buddhism.
2. Brahmnism accepted mostly men. Women were not allowed to read rituals. Whereas on other hand, Buddhism accepted women as Bikkhunis in their Sangha. Only condition was that they had to follow sangha rules. So this also created a gulf in the society, opposed to each other.
3. Brahmanism relied on Sanskrit , in which majority of  scriptures were written. Buddhism adopted common mass language. So people were attracted towards Buddhism.
4. However both forms did not lay emphasis on sacrifices of animals. On that front, both were accepted by the society.

Debate the issue of whether and how contemporary movements for assertion of Dalit identity work towards annihilation of caste?

Yes, they do work for the annhiliation of caste because
1. We khave seen similar anti dalit movement during our freedom struggle, they finally led to the abolition of untouchability as a fundamental right.
2. They create an impression that they can not be subjugated by the castes such as brahmins, rajputs- so assertion of dalit identity tries to propagate Right to eqaulity mentioned in the constitution- Art 14
3. It is also accepted by the society- as majority section of the society thinks, such caste system is anti -human rights and a societal sin.
4. culture that promotes superiority of caste system such as rituals to be perfomred by only brhamans begin to be looked upon with suspicion, in many temples, dalits have been appointed as the pujari

Dalit assertion lbrings towards annhiliation of caste in the following ways
1. by bringing put inequality in the society before government and among people in society
2. attracting international human rights bodies to work for this issue, so that there is annhilitation of caste
3. acting as pressure group before the government

** You can write in how part: by showing intellectual ferver - music , books on famous personalities, autobiography etc. in assertion rallies work towards fusion with other castes. 

2) Discuss the recommendations and relevance of the Justice Verma Commission on teacher education. (250 Words)

 The recommendations are apt however, following outcomes need to be realised

1. How the Quality of teachers education will be ensured.

2. Teachers education in far flung remote areas, what will be the mechanism? Because such states pend more on social welfare schemes

3. What about enchancing scinetific temper among teachers?

The recommendations seem to be silent on the above issues.

They are relevant because

1. we have had many callous incidents in the past in states like Bihar Madhy Pradesh- scams

2. No pilot projects from World Bank are at present active on teachers education

3. The quality of teachers education will push the quality of students appearing in the work force

1) Critically comment why and how female genital mutilation (FGM) practices such as khatna or khafz that are practised in India and elsewhere must be prevented. Also comment on implications of practises such as FGM on human rights and gender equality. (250 Words)

It should be prevented because
1. It is attack on fundamental right to life Art21.
2. Women live with that scar for the rest of life reminding them of the hurt they received
3. It is differentiation from other religious counterparts, Hindu, Christian women do not undergo such processes
4. It strengthens the spirit of Fatwa givers- who proclaim self proclaimed Islam protector
5. It is  a societal sin
6. This was not the culture since historic times, the why should it be followed now.

It can be prevented by following innovative ways
1. First preventing such practices for all those women who  have not conceived child
2. For those who conceived child, taking their consent
3. Banning Fatwas related to these practices on the basis of Fundamental right Art 21- right to life. The laws supplementary to such fundamental rights need to implemented.
4. registering societies including women who are victims (under Societies Act 1860)

Implications are
1. Women subjected to humiliation, not empowered to take decisions independently
2. Throws open wrong picture of Islam as a religion which speaks basic human rights in Quran- the holy book of Islam

Is fiscal deficit target really needed in the country?

The government has been flouting fiscal deficit target every year since FRBM Act 2003 was enacted. We could not achieve the target in 2005-08 due to slowdown in the economy (as a result of global slowdown). The targets were further pushed for two more years. Again, we failed in achieving the same. The successive government has focussed on spending more than revenue receipts. That is why fail to achieve the targets everytime. And it is also indispensable. Because unless we achieve the growth, we once enjoyed, at a level of 8-9%, we won't stop spending. Revenues always take hit, because we have not been able to mobilise direct tax enough. We have done good in indirect tax front. But direct tax collection always take a hit. 

In above circumstances, there always arise a question: what is the need to adhere to such fiscal consolidation path as mandated by FRBM Act? This also gives the feeling of guilt, that we were not able to achieve it this year. That we need to cut down spending next year by this amount. Why we make false promised every time knowing the fact that, the economy needs spending for the coming years. Do we want to hold a flag for the international arena, that look, we always try to stick to our targets? But we slip by certain percentage, owing to reasons, we take pride in. There is another important question to ask, does the investors feel attracted to invest with such fiscal slippage? Or, it does not matter them, knowing that interest rates will be attractive, if fiscal slippage is not beyond a certain limit. 

So, from investor point of view, should the interest rates be a benchmark for the economy, or fiscal deficit targets be the benchmark, which we never achieve?

The problems are not as complex, as we have made it, by fixing the fiscal deficit targets. When we fix  such targets, we also tie our hands in giving loans to the state governments. The state governments, in turn tie their own hands in spending for health, education and other innovative schemes such as Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana (which is flagship scheme of the MP government to give the farmers the differnece in the amount announced as MSP and market price, since this is diff, the state governments can afford, gives little rise to inflation, not burdened with entire MSP amount. If the states coffer had been full, then such schemes hold little importance).

Another problem with fixing target is that, the govenrment try to raise money with extra budgetary resources, from the market , from the international institutions, and so on. This exerts pressure on the interest rates, with which the goverment need to repay back the principal amount. With such pressure, the focus on spending on social schemes, developmental schemes such as industrial institutions etc, dwindles.

So, we should aim at following things in the economy for an all round growth without worrying about fiscal deficit targets:

1. Aiming at maximising the revenue receipts alone, and not worry about on the expenditure front; because the latter is indispensable. The former has to be maximised by innovative startegies, which is sustainable, like plugging tax evasion, tax avoidance, round tripping of money. One strategy that can be deployed is swapping money between two nations. US to give India certain dollars and India to give back that amount without any interest. This will infuse liquidity and make money available for spending. 

2. Heavy expenditure to be carried on infrastructure such as roads, bridges, railways, power, inland waterways, dams, power plants, coal excavation and downstream processes. The money for these developments will come from tax revenues as stated above, money swapping (above ) and further borrowing (where interest will be paid). This will increase our budgetary deficit. But again, it will be managable once we start reaping the benefit. 

3.Plug expenditure on environmental projects that are stalled such as wetlands conservation projects due to regulation issues. Complete the stalled infrastructure projects. 

4.Excessive use of Green bonds, Municipal bonds etc for resource mobilisation

5. Funds that do not get used for 3 successive years, reduce the amount to half.

1) If Mahatma Gandhi had survived till 1950s, how different would have been the Constitution of India? Examine.

1. Some of the socio economic principles listed in the directive orinciples of state policy (Gandhina principles) for e.g. establishment of cottage industries, Art 44- uniform civil code, etc might have creeped into the rights section. (Part III)
2. Decentralisation initiatives like 73rd and 74th amendment act that came in 1992 and  1993, it could have come early (as early as 1950)
3. The directive principles might have included specific industrial policy to be adopted (we adopted mehlanobis model for the industries development in the initial phase)

6) Over the years, India has earned the sobriquet of the ‘pharmacy of the world’ for being a leading supplier of affordable drugs to many countries. But experts argue that India could soon lose this tag. Examine why. (250 Words)

1. Unsustainalble manufacturing practices, that is why schedule M of drugs and comsetics act 1940, ask manufacturers to deploy best manufatcuring practices in pharmaceutical industry
2.high regulatory costs involved due to guidelines by regulatory bodies (over regulation), National pricing and pharmaceutical authority issues guidleines on the medicines to be inducted into national list of essential medicines, in that case, the price is also fixed by them for these medicines. So many producers of such drugs suffer loss.
3. NPPA also regulates non essential medicines, in such case it has given rise to pressur groups, to pressurise the government to bring down the costs of such medincines
4. generic medicines are not accepted by many people due to risks (they fear). Howver,t here are little evidences of anything going wrong due to generic medicines. this send wrong signal to the world and experts fear india will lose "pharmacy of the   world' tag (howver USA recently forumlates atask force to come up with generic medicines on account of high costs of brnaded medicines ), such examples do favour right generic medicine policy of the government.
5. ethical issues involved in the clinical trials, many deaths caused due to the vaccine proposed which is cmpletely indigeneous, also somewhere affect the ambition of India being called 'pharmacy to the world'

5) The issue of alcoholism is complex and India requires the framing of a comprehensive liquor policy that regulates, rehabilitates, and refocuses on the importance of awareness creation. Analyse. (250 Words)

1. Despite liquor ban policy in Bihar and Gujarat, we have had liquor raids conducted by the administration to catch hold of the unscrupopous elements of the society who deal with liquor. So a comprehensive liquor policy that refocuses on awareness is required
2/ Liquor policy is complex issue, recently with Supreme court guidelines to ban liquor sale within 500 m of national highways have evoke complex responss from toddy shops that are loacted within the range. It is claimed taht toddy has 8% alcohol and so it does not qualify to be banned as per supreme court guidelines. Banning them, shakes the shopkeepers whose family is dependent on them; which is disheartening. Hence, a liquor policy that regulates the right product with right intent is needed
3. Rehabilitation centre is also required. Why we can not take examples from Phillipines, where the president of the nation has launched nation waide campaign to end youth drugs menace. Liquor is similar to drugs. International help will be required to formulate a comprehensive liquor policy on rehabilitation
4. Directive principles of state policy also aim for stopping intoxicating drinks in Art 47. The state can frame suitable laws and policy to implement this directive
5. Local self government can help a lot in achieving this objective, because sale of liquor can be clearly monitored by these institutions through a steering committee formed by the municipal commissioner in an urban area and zilla parishad chairman in a rural area

4) Comment on the existing financial resolution regime in India and the reforms needed to strengthen it. (250 Words)

At present, financial resolution regime consists of
1. lenders and borrowers dispute being solved by the insolvency professionals , in the recent insolvency and bakruptcy code 2016, any lender (say banks) feel that it would nt be able to reclaim money from the borrowers in a stipulated amount of time, the the lender can drag the borrowers in the debt recovery tribunals. The tribunals will solve the dispute via insolvency professional (if the borrower claims himself or herself to be insolvent).
2. This regime is an improvement over the older regime of company law board regime (if the borrower happens to be a firm under Companies Act 2013). Howver, there are still some lacunae. There is a provision of extension of due date for the case to be solved. This will further delay the process and litigation continues. It does not support ease of doing business.

1. There should be a provision of reduction in due date once the insolvency professional accepte the application. 
2. Time period should be successively reduced with each step moved forward. 
3. The lender should be awarded for having recliamed the amount from the borrower in less than stipulated time as provided in Insolvency and bankruptcy code 2016

Other reforms needed are
1. cluster based approach for financial  resolution, MSME sector should be once cluster such that all disputes related to MSME can be solved in one particular tribunal, similarly cluster for farmers for manufacturing industry, for FMCG companies and so on
2. in case of banks, the equity of banks that wil go bankrupt, is not agood idea. Why should a person end up with equity of loss making bank 

3) Analyse the evolution of the Election Commission of India and its effectiveness in ensuring inclusiveness, rule of law, efficiency, and accountability of the election process. (250 Words)

It was thought by the constitution makers to form a constitutional indepndent body that performs the task of managing elections impartially and with credibility. According to Article 324 of the constitution, Election commission of India was set up. The framers of the constitution was very roght in their intent because
1. India is vast democratic country , no other country where an independent body is given mammoth task of conducting free and fair election, preparing electoral rolls, de-duplication of voter names in the electoral rolls (1.2 billion people where say more than 60% come to vote in ageneral election)
Its effectiveness
1. It lays down model code of conduct before elections; this shows efficiency of the institution and prepared methodology to checjk unruling behaviour during the election time
2. it brings in innovation , VVPAT and machine readble formats are the brain child of election commission
3. it also puts the right person for the right task for e.g. electoral officer, returning officer, there is decorum in the appointments
4. paid news; when such cases appear, the election commission has conveyed to the political party and have even remitted fines due to immoral activities, when they do not accept then, inquiries are conducted
So, its an important pillar of democracy for conducting free and fair elections

2) What is geothermal heat flux (GHF)? How does it affect earth’s surface? (150 Words)

1. Amount of heat radiated per unit surface area (terrestrial area) of the earth surface is called geothermal heat flux. It is caused by molten magma inside the earth's crust that are in a circular loop
2. Higher heat flux, will lead to colder earth' surface such that air mass above it will be colder and if the heat flux is lower than , it wll lead to hotter earth surface such that air mass above it will be hotter
3. it affect weather of a place situated at a particular earth' surface, wetaher intruns affect the climate of a place

** You are conceptually very right. You will be awraded some marks for it

1) What causes acidification of oceans and freshwater bodies? What are the consequences of the same? Examine. (250 Words)

reasons for acidification of oceans and freshwater bodies are
1. CO2 intake due to release by thermal power plants and other polluters
2. anthropological factors that emit CO2 for e.g. human population
3. thermal disharge by industries into oceans and fresh water bodies
4. geographical contiguous region of oceans, lead to further dilution of CO2and more CO2 accepting potential
5. economical factors such as nations which are oil and gas dependent, are extracting more oil an release more CO2 in distillation process, these being gulf nations, lead to gasification of oceans
Consequences are
1. affecting aquatic life like fish, krills in atarctica
2. degassing phenomen also acoour, leading to increase CO2 concentration in the artmosphere
3. affect coatsal cites and their livelihood
4. warming of oceans, in some way contribute towards el nino
5. cultural affects: acidification leads to more scientific demonstrator experiments, mostly carried by scandividain countries loacted alongside arctic ocean
6. also affect landscapes such as himalayas, by affecting temperatures of indian ocean  and hence tempertaure difference affect in a way monsoon and thus landscapes

3) What should be India’s priorities when dealing with the ASEAN? Also comment on current state of India’s relationship with ASEAN countries. (250 Words)

India's priorities should be new innovative projects. Other priorities should be :
1. completing the laready exisiting projects such as IMT highway, Multi modal transport highway within a timeline (these are affecting investment from ASEAN nations into india
2. Agriculture : diversified agricultural exports agreement should be doen with these ASEAN nations, it has not been thought before, we are primarily dependent on european countries for agricultural export. It will increase share of agriculture in GDP and bring inclusive growth (will reach out to farmers, pullling effect for all the projects such as NAM, food processing industries due to better forward and backward linkages
3. Priorities on defence: we have yet not started to procure defence equipments from these nations, their capacity building in this area is limited, dependent on Russia and Israel, Why can;t we route defence capabilities from Russia and Israel to ASEAN, build up a suitable base and then receive the required materials from ASEAN nations.
4. Improved cultural linkages : we have better people t people ties , but still there is not something like Haj , muslims go on to offer in Saudi Arabia, we can start buddhism pilgrimage subsidy routes in ASEAN nations
India's reationship with ASEAN
1. better cultural contacts, sky routes , cheap airlines running between india and thailand, malaysia etc
2. infrastruture projects like IMT sepak of ACT east policy in tru spirit
3. International rice reserach institute helps india in providing information about better rice varieties (since india faces sever drought like conditions in northern and central india)
4. contribution of indian diaspora
However, it is limited in
1. trade
2. joint environmental initiative 

2) China is gradually moving to a position where it will play an increasingly dominant role in the world’s international affairs, disrupting established institutions and trade routes and building its own alternatives. How should India respond to this development? Discuss. (250 Words)

India should appreciate the positives and restrict itself form embracing the negatives with an iron will. For e.g.
1. India should restrict (and its is already doing so) CPEC, because it passes through disputed region in Jammu Kashmir (POK)
2. It should however, embrace the string of pearls theory with sight modifications, sch that it is not detrimental for its own. for e.g. it can float a similar project of sea route (sea lanes of communication) via strait of malacca to south china sea to sea of okstosk and then arctic sea. this sea lines will be delpoyed for scientific demonstartor experiments in arctic ocean, millitary drills in south china sea encircling nations. Tit for Tat is sometimes thinkable.
3. It can appreciate the belt and road initiative, as it connects asia to europe. India can greatly benfit from this project by drawing a offshoot project that extends from Sikkim to Tibet to China to Yiwu (From yiwu, it will align with belt)
So, in these innovative ways, we can pursue rules based international order, initiating projects with are low cost and benefit the neighbouring nation

1) How did the three-language policy evolve and came to be accepted? In the light of recent accusation about imposition of Hindi, do you think English is key to deciding India’ future language policy? Comment. (250 Words)

English is universal language and it helps to meidate between international bodies knowing that many policy challages are being increasingly solved today with the aid of international bodies such as UN, UNICEF etc). In this light, english may serve as the key to decide future language policy. Other arguments in support of above are:
1. Many educational institutions are npw primarily imparting language in english such as ICSE schools,
2. it increases the better connectivity in job market, many job offering companies want the candidates to communicate in english for serving their clients, offshore locations, call centres and so on.
However, according to the directive principles of state policy,
1. The state should strive to provide an apt environment to give educational instructions in mother tongue upto the age of 6 (this is because best mental development is possible, when mother tongue is used) and anglish not being the mother tongue in india, there is conflict in what state aspire to achieve and what on the job requirements are
2. Right to education only focuses on compulsory primary education between 6-14 years irrespective of language. So this fundamental right does not uphold english as the key to decide India;s future language policy.
So, right balance between Fundamnetal rights, directives to the state and market requirements have to be laid so that we come up with comprehensive future language policy

6) Government reports say 2004-14 had the highest agriculture growth that has fast slipped back to near-zero growth despite normal monsoons and bumper yields. Critically examine the reasons for agriculture distress in recent years and urgent measures needed to salvage the crisis. (250 Words)

Reasons for agricultural distress:

1. Lower productivity due to fragmented land holdings and sub mechanisastion (below standards)

2. Ansense of a proper seed policy (we are still at Seed Policy bill 2005 stage which has not been passed. What stays in place is Seed Act 1968 and Seeds control act 1974, because of which we are not able to curb monopoly in the hybrid seeds and not able to address sufficient consumer complaints)

3. geographicla disparity: still we are at concept stage in Bringing green revolution in eastern India: mentioned in raftaar scheme (Krshi Vikas Yojana)

4. Cultural reasons: Agriculture as stagnated to the limit of geographical expertise, rice is bumper crop in eastern India, tea is a bumper crop in north eastern India, and millet is a bumper crop in western arid region, but why can't it be reverse? rice is bumper crop in western India, millet is a bumper crop in plains in north and tea is a bumper crop in southern india and western ghats ? Geographical conditions required for these crops do exist, but we also have state of art reserach institutes not only in India but also in abroad such as International rice research institute in phillipines which can do this for us. 

So, we have stopped thinking big, there is agricultural distress.

We need to think big in above terms to solve this issue

5) The Consumer Protection Bill of 2018, which was introduced in Lok Sabha on January 5, 2018, seeks to replace the existing Act of 1986 to address emerging consumer vulnerabilities. Discuss the merits and demerits of this Bill. (250 Words)

The merits of the bill need to be appreciated because :

1. It has also penal provisions for the celebrities for endorsing a wrong product. 

2. The penal provisions has been more strengthened in cas ef violation of the norms, for e.g. amount of fine has been increased, it clearly scores over the earlier provisions

3. District cinsumer redressal complaints committee will be more strengthened, this strengthens the decentralised way fo addressing the concerns 

However, there are still some demerits as

1. the irrevocable damage done to the consumer, still there are some cases where a person has been cheated by the transport associations, and after rounds of pleading they are not given proper amount, teh recovery is less, the bill does not specifically deal with such issues

2. the bill is also silent on the service providers, still the damage done by the service provider is not quantifiable and not convertible into sum of money, to be handed over to the victim

*Above 3 merits discussed are right, you can also discuss about CCPA: Central consumer protection authority which is established under the line of Federal tadde commission of USA (developed country). Also this is the frst time, the product liability has been introduced, ie. any damage done by the product, then the products will be recalled and license cancelled if consumer complainst affect more than one individual. So the liability quotient has definitely increased.
** You can also write innovation has been introduced like ciruict benches in order to facilitate quciker disposal of cases
*** the greatest demerit is that it doe not cover the e-commerce transactions (only physical transactions allowed). Also that , the implemetation is the problem. the authority can not take suo motu cognisanse of the ufair trade practice, it can be taken ony through state or district consumer redressal forums. 

3) How did the 1979 ‘Islamic Revolution’ affect the Iranian polity and society? Examine the nature and causes of recent protests by working class people in Iran. (250 Words)

After 1979 Islamic revolution, Iran assumed semi presidential republic. The societal unrest stopped.

Recent protests in iran are more of anti government protests (similar to Arab Spring or Jasmine revolution, though not of the similar intensity), the protests is due ti the economic sanctions on iran due to which the government is not able to provide economic benefits to the people, poverty is rising, oil economy has been shattered.
1. On of the most innovative thing seen in the recent protests in iran: smartphones have played an active role in spreading the protests

2) What do you understand by El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)? Examine their impact on monsoon rains in India. (250 Words)

Periodic chnages in the temperature of the ocean surface in the Indian cean and the Pacific ocean in the east is called southern oscialltion, this affect the overall mechanism of El Nino (caused due the warming of the central pacific waters): this combined effect is known as El Nino Southern Oscillation

Indian Ocean diploe is due to the difference in temperature of Indian Ocean across both sides of Srilanka mainland, such that the difference in temperature creates a temperature and pressure gradient is called Indian Ocean dipole

Impact on the monsoon

1. They can delay the monsoon arrival

2. they can reduce the monsoon rain intensity over a period of time 

3. they can cause early reversal of the monsoon or the late reversal of the monsoon

4. Due to the above impacts, the agricultural output will be impacted

5. Rains in Southern India will be impacted (more specifically due to indian ocean dipole due to close geographical proximity to the southern India)

*In first para you are partly right and partly wrong. It is combined effect of el nino (that is warming of central pacific waters) and the air pressure resulting due to such warming (southern oscillation). So warming and cooling water of central pacific result in the changes in sea level pressure, which influences the atmospheric pressure around and above it. This cycle of change in air pressure due to warming and cooling of central pacific waters is called southern Oscillation. When El Nino combines with Southern Oscillation, this is called ENSO. This causes major changes in the atmeospheric flow of air currents across the world. And air currents affect weather

**In 2nd para, better write difference between western Indian Ocean and Eastern Indian Ocean (rather than Sri Lanka mainland)

1) India figures among countries with rapidly increasing income inequality, a problem that urgently needs to be addressed through systemic transformations. Discuss what systemic transformations are required. (250 Words)

Out of box thinking is required:

1. Systematically increase the direct tax n the percentage of people who are the most wealth generators.  (1% Indians are supposed to hold 53% of the country's wealth(, then systematically decrease it. B doing so, it gives them a lesson, until such money is reinvested for the benfits of the people, it is not doing good for the country

2. Upliftment of the bottom 50% of the country through fast paced programmed rather than long -gestation projects, for e.g. doubling the farmer's income by 2022, is in the sense a fast paced program

3. Entrepreneurship to the poor, by uplifting them through schemes such as MUDRA. But this is not a high ambition.  the ambition should be to generate Steve Jobs, Bill gates out of the talent exisiting in rural India

4. Political will: to achieve the aspirations

5. Visions with strategic intent to reduce the income inequality 

Air India, time for privatisation or hook the decision in abeyance?

Recently the gov allowed 49% FDI in Air India, not allowing the  government stake in Air India falling below 51%, i.e. major decision taker in its operation. Are we really thinking ahead of the curve, when decisions should be taken and not wait for the future, until strong signals will appear: we will then repent, that we could have taken a wise decision to privatise the air carrier. 

Why we are fearing the privatisation of  Air India? Multiple viewpoints and reasons appear, historical, geographical, economcial, political and cultural. Lest focus on the last: culture. The government still thinks that Air India represents a long glorious past of the aviation sector, since 1960s, when aviation sector did a great job, ranging from domestic and internation travel. Comeptitiors like Indigo, Sahara, Jet airways might have evolved in due course of time, but they have been caught in various debates and criticism. Indigo is criticised for quality. Shara was criticised for excessive debt, not concerned with tax payers money. Jet Airways, was cricised for not so cheap air tickets, also this flight penetration in the rural sector was not upto mark. ( we have had not seen nationalisation of aviation sector similar to the nationalisation of banks observed during Indira Gandhi gov). 

But does that mean we always need to look for best practices in the country, before taking a leapbound decision? This is box 1 thinking, where you only rely on strong and most obvious signals. We have to go for box3 thinking, where we have to rely on weak signals: they speak that Air India should now be privatised.

What are the weak signals? Air India has a sharp fall in the traffic, consumers now opt for other domestic carriers even if we need to compromise the quality. Reasons are cheap flight tickets and ready availability of tickets because of the number of fleets operating. The competition is growing and in that case, public sector, in my belief has little to offer. Public sector can facilitate but can not massive efficiency generator. Ports sector offer a very important case study: the entire port sector is now benefiting due PPP model. Since, the time TAMP was set up, to set up tarriffs for the major ports, there have been rapid rise in the cargo handles by the major ports and also non major ports that are under the jursidiction of the state government. Could it be possible solely on the goverment  based agendas? Many private container handling ports came after TAMP was set up (Jawahar Lal Nehru port trust was the first terminal set up under PPP model)

So, ports model, can be replicated in the aviation sector. Other weak signals that speak why it should be privatised are:

1. Now, no stamp tickets are available showing Air India, gone are the days when we used to take pride by showing the last hull of air India in a stamp sieze of 1 inch X 1 inch

2. Government is now focussing on Regional connectivity scheme, that will connect major airports to underserved ports. This is a signal that shows that there is a shift in focus. The focus of the government is not on pulling more consumers but it is welfare and area based approach, where it faclitates the operators to connect to places  like Shimla, Bilaspur, Kanpur etc. It would be difficult to go for high efficiency of the aviation sector through this model. 

Hooking the decision to abeyance, will only generate data points. More data points on the efficiency and the outcome, will lead to more confusion. However, it will help in one thing for sure: delay the decision; few years year later we will again come up with cabinet approved decision to increase the FDI in aviation sector to 51%. So, this will mean that much years of loss and loss in the faith of consumers on the government.

I am not looking for box 1 thinking. Let us go for Box 3 thinking. Only out of box thinking will save.

Let us be ethical and out of box. Everything will be fine. 

4) Recently, Russia has positioned itself as a key player in the Middle East’s affairs. What implications will it have on the region? Also examine how will it affect India’s interests in the region. (250 Words)

1. With Russia presence, proxy war strategies come up. US also comes on board with key allies sch as Saudi Arabia, israel and so on. With more players involved, whole stroy gets buckled up, millitary solution does not solve the problem. (recntly there was a get together in Sochi in Russia for the middle east affairs, but no concrete results could come up)

2. India's interest lie more in oil producing states such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and tehcnlogy sharing countries like Israel. India always suffer due to proxy wars beteen USA and Russia, because it leads to a number of sanctions on Iran (nuclear-ambitious) by USA. This stiffles the oil supplies to India, and eventually affect the crude oil price. The effect finally shows up in the downstream activities which use the oil such as transportation, refineries and so on. All these sectors offer inflated prices to the buyers.

3. Various projects such as TAPI, IPI also get tangled due to such issues.

4. It also has a positive effect, as India is now looking for relying on own sources in north western India, supplies from Venezuela (Latin America) which are generally not caught in the web of middle east affairs. Diversification will certainly help in the long run

3) The proposal of a National Exit Test (NEXT) as an exit examination for MBBS graduates to ensure a minimum quality standard is desirable in a country with large gaps in healthcare. Do you think in its current form NEXT serves as a panacea to the lack of standardised medical graduate output in the country? Critically examine. (250 Words)

1. How many exams we will conduct in a country at anational lvele. Recently NEET was in news to serve as a edium to recruit pre medical tests bypassing other PMT tests. the we have changed similar examination pattern for technical institutions. Now we are coming with NEXT, which will allow the medical graduates to exit to maintain quality.
This country is a land of fair and just service provider not a pressure grenerator. Such methods will only create panic among students ( many suicides have been reported in the recent past by students of tehcnical backgrounds, engineering is one of them)
2. To promote a quality driven healthcare institution, innovativ strategies (apart frome xamination model) will have to be designed: for e.g. assignments-driven-qualifying tests, open book examinations and so on. China and US can help us with solving such problems.

2) Why should developing countries persist for a permanent solution to the problem of whether to allow public stockholding of food stocks for food security purposes in the World Trade Organization? Also discuss the current provisions on public stockholding and their limitations. (250 Words)

Permanent solution will solve the following problems for the developig countries:
1. Coutries like India will not be penalised for trangressing the subsidy regime for public tockholding of food stocks. India is a developign country and it needs to feed people via marketable surplus of agriculture. For this government need to give subsidy for procuring food grains at low cost.

At present, the developing countries can't give subisidies for the food grain production beyond 10% of the global value chain. This seriously restrict the government capability to go for full subsidy regime in order to procure food grains at a low cost.

1) What is the intensity and level of domestic tourism in rural and urban India? What are the key reasons for households’ domestic tourism trips? What can we understand from domestic tourism patterns in India? Examine. (250 Words)

1. Tourism in rural india is not a major revenue earner. (as compared to tourism in urban india). In urban india, tourism is more intense, for e.g. Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Bnagalore. There are some cultural places whoch are closer to these cities like Kanchipuram, Noida, National Parks suhc as Panna, bannerghatta national park neiar bangalore Mathura (near Luknow), all these factros further contribute to the tourism in urban areas.
2. tourism in rural areas comprise of places like Mcleodganj in Himachal Pradesh, Places in north east and southern cities: there toursim is mainly due to visiting home places, religious purposes, hill destination etc.
Key factors for households domestic toursim trips are :
1. service sector people : often take out time to visit the places with family in holidays (out of work)
2. increasing income (due to hike in allowance due to government initiiaitves liek 7th pay , hike in private sector etc
3. cultural reasons: old people try to visit pilgrim sites
4. Geographical reasons: due to climate change the landlocked places are becoming hotter than benfore, tso they try to visit places like mussories and so on
We can understand following things from tourism pattern:
1. People have faith in government initiiatives : amarnath yartra, lany pilgrimages apply for the gobv backed intiitiave
2. people are also moving towards nuclear families: more touriism is not possible in joint families( busy schedule)
3. People have more disposable income

3) The National Medical Commission Bill, 2017 that was introduced in the Lok Sabha is not the remedy that can improve quality and quantity of medical education and practice in India. Critically comment. (250 Words)

1. More innovative stratgeies are required to overhaul the medical arena: quality and infrastructure. Patience is reuqired. However, there are some provisions which are inclusive of the medical system in the country for e.g.
1. Ayurveda Unani and Siddh outlets will be capable of issuing medical prescription of allopathy (though this has been widely criticized)
2. This will be partly nominated and partly elected body unlike medical council of india which was wholly elected, this will quicken the process of formation of the council (nomination need not be slow process, as election is often caught into controversial questions by pressure group such as IMA
3. So, in some cases, government role should be more of a facilitator to bring the justice to the socity in this case: medical reforms

2) Electoral bonds scheme could end up bringing more opacity in political funding. Comment. (250 Words)

1. It   brings more opacity because, the donor name is kept anonymous, the bonds are issued by RBI on behalf of government. Earlier atleast through KYC norms, the identity if the donor could be verified. but now due to anonymous donation, it may bring in more opacity.
2. Idea should be made more full proof (not by brainstroming but via suggestions from public submitted on the draft. The draft then can be submitted to secratariat of Lok Sabha for allocating time for the proper discussions on the draft. (This is not the law making process, but policy forumalation)

8) Foreign aid from developed countries in the West has for long been touted as an important tool to help the poorest people in Asia and Africa lead better lives. Examine the ethical issues involved in these foreign aids to poor countries. (150 Words)

1. Foreign aid should not be solely for the benefit of the developed country.  For e.g. recently there have been a lot of critcisim on China sgning FTA with maldives. (that it will acquire the assets in Maldives)
2. Foreign aids must respect humanitarian agenda, it should shun nuclear proliuferation issues
3. It can howver embrace the idea of fighting ill forces such as Taliban bu funding to other terrorist states (as US funds Pakistan to fight Taliban in Afghanistan.: this is seen as ethical but Russia funding Pakistan to propagate communist agendas is not ethical)
4. It should be widely accepted by the society and international neighbours (so that there is no unrest and civil war situation, for e.g. funding to Syrian rebels by Russia is not accepted by USA, Saudi Arabia and other like minded groups

7) There should be differential regulatory mechanisms to deal with cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology respectively. Comment. (150 Words)

1. differential because cryptocurrencies are primarlity used for unscrupolous purposes while bblockchian technology may be beneficial. So same regulatory mechnanism may not serve the true purpose.
2. Block chain technology is the superset of crypto currencies, not all crypto currencies are gained by solving blocks of data (which is the main basis of block chain tehcnology). for e.g. bitcoins is block chain technology. However erethrum is not a block chain technology .So there need to be separate regulatiry mechanism for both
3. Third crypto currencies are traded at stock exchange. So, its regulation requires proper policy inetrefrence with SEBI which is capital market watchdog. However block chain tehcnology need not serve the same purpose.
4. Currently, crypto currencies are not regulated by RBI, howver, RBI can constitute a special cell in cordination with the central banks of other countries such as China, Europe etc to keep an eye on  its movement for money launderiong activities

*Ethereum is also a block chain technology. So your 2nd argument is wrong. Etherum is open software platform based on blockchain technology that enables the developers to build and deploy decentralised applications. The advantage of ethereum over bitcoin is that it can support many decentralised applications. It is the second most used crypto currency after bitcoin.
** you can write block chain has several application apart from crypto currency like automatic ledger system, fully automated supply chain management, online health monitoring (medical history) of the patients and so on. 
*** Give example of IOTA which is a crypto currency but it is not based on block chain technology. As it has done away with the process of mining. 

6) The triple talaq Bill is a classic example of executive-legislative-judicial collaboration towards ensuring social justice. Critically comment. (250 Words)

1. True. First Supreme court gave verdict  (art 141) that triple Talaq is unconstitutional keeping in mind that Fundamental rights for women (Art21- right ot life , Art 15- prohibition of discrimination based on race religion caste or sex). Under Art 141, any judciial verdict by SC qualifies to become a law. Bit despite such verdict, there were as many 66 cases reported in the next month. So SC asked legialture to come up with a proper legilsation. Then there wrere adequate discussions on the same in the cabinet and draft was approved by the same to be laid down before Lok Sabha.
2. It was passed in the Lok Sabha. So we see the entire process from judicial activism to legislature and executive actions, a necessity to ensure justice
However, this colloboration appeared late. This could have done early. Justice was already denied to women.
1. There are criticism of the exeutive in formulating a law on talak e-biddat(becuse they say that it will be misused by muslim women)
There need to be innovative startegies to handle cases related to dowry act 1961, domestic violence act 2005, and triple talaq, so that duplicity of cases are not there and  justice is ensured (without burdening the courts)

5) Adequate ethical commitment to excellence is holding our nation back from achieving large-scale global academic excellence which is commensurate with our intellectual heritage and calibre. Comment. (250 Words)

Yes. its true. Ethics has always given results. Earlier whn Nalanda University, taxila unversity were the main centres of learning,people flocked from different parts of the world, even China, gave answers to diffciult questions (which were moral in nature), then they were admitted.
But now, even institututes of acadmeic excellence like IITs, AIIMS and IIMs , NITs , have produced uneethical graduates 9reent reported murders from the graduates) hold the nation back
Innovative stratgeis need to be deployed so that our intangible heritage and culture is not affected, for eg.
1. introducing ethics and values as a curriculum even in colleges (IITs, IIMs)
2. ethics competititon among the colleges (inter disciplinary , say between engineering and medical colleges)
3.Civil society auditing the funds allocated in the universities in the name of ethics( street play, dramas to be conducted)

4) To fully understand what secularism in the Indian context means, we must read the Constitution in its entirety. Comment. (250 Words)

1. We get the very first exposure of the term 'secularism' in the preamble of the constitution of india. We get a slight idea on what constitution holds for the people: secular polity.
2. Othe rparts of the constitution, ranging from Secheduled tribes provision in Art 244, IXth schedule, Part III (fundamental rights), part IV (fundamental duties) and Executives (both centre and state) and above Art 141, 142, 144 (judicila provisions) all speak about secular nature. No article supports the religious tint. That is just not in the nature of the constitution as it is the basic structure of the const.
So we must read it in entirety, to fully grasp the above concepts.

3) India and China hold the key to the emerging global political economy. How can both countries, especially India, ensure that the Asian century belongs to them? Comment. (250 Words)

1. We can't leave out small countries . If we want that Asian century belongs to India and China. For. r.g, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan . We need to learn from these countries from their resiurces, their plity, their prob;ems and lend a helping hand. Problems of Rohinigyas in Mayanmar, Current account deficit problems in maldives etc. has to be looked from the humanatarian angles.
2. We should not be afraid, fear the plight of developed coutnries. Why should we fear at the WTO forum to secure our own developmental agenda of public stockholding. If we can be bold, the asian century wil  belong to us.
3. There can be convergence of issues between us for e.g. Doklam issue. but innovative strategies have to be deployed to solve mother divergence issues to solve. Take into account other multilateral institutitons such as BRICS bank, world banke to find iinnovative solution. 

2) What are subduction zone volcanoes? Why their study is important? Examine. (150 Words)

1. recent volcano at Bali is an example of subduction zone volcano. when an oceanic plate is pressed against the continental crust (in this example pacific plate is pressed against the continental plate) This allows the magam to flow outside the crust at the subduction zone due to high pressure (this creates heat and weakens the zone)
2. Their study is important because it serves as the model to study othe volcanos of similar types ( for e.g.Japan has 3 plates - their confluence and subduction have caused volcanos in the past)
3. It helps to study the interior structure of earth- direct evidence
4. It helps to study the environement effect of such volcanos - better preparedness can be done in the future
5. It also helps better intergovernmemtal approach (for e.g. Tsunami earlyw arnign centre in Indian ocean came after 2004 tsunami-)

1) We need to articulate why education is most crucial for removal of poverty, and for India’s development. Why and how we need to articulate the role of education in development? Discuss. (250 Words)

Education is important for development because:
1. historical evidence; britishers relied on education to develop the masses
2. economical evidence: more we educate, more they are capable to contribute to GDP
3. culture: more disciplinied work force, less law and order probpems
4. scientific advancements: better scientific temper (also envisaged by Jawahar Lal Nehru)
5. environemnt: development has to be multi folded- more we educate, more we are able to save the environmentct
All of the above coupled together, will lead to poverty reduction
We can do this in following ways:
1. better infrastructure (both at primary and tertiary level)
2. better quality of teachers and professors
3. independent bodies(such as UGC to be more strengthened) Recently National medial council draft bill has been brought to revamp the medical education( Medical council to be scrapped)
Innovative strategies to be implemented in each of the above steps