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Approach - Answer: General Studies Mains Mock Test 763 (2016)
Answer all the questions in NOT MORE THAN 200 WORDS each. Content of the answers
is more important than its length. All questions carry equal marks.
12.5 X 2
0 = 250
1.
The most important challenge in managing the public sector in India is b
alancing its accountability with autonomy. Discuss with relevant examples.
Approach:
Discuss the dilemma between accountability and autonomy.
Explain the mechanisms that exist for maintaining a balance between the Discuss
their limitation and suggest a way forward.
Answer:
PSEs in India were conditioned to work in a protective environment till 1991 whe
n they were required to change with process of liberalisation. In this context,
issues of accountability and autonomy have been relevant as to how much autonomy
should be given to PSEs, how accountability should be ensured and how appropria
te balance between the two can be achieved.
Since, the country is still dependent on PSEs for expediting and facilitating in
clusive development and social agenda, the state needs to have some control over
their functioning. For this accountability mechanisms like PSEs to operate unde
r concerned ministry, government officials on board of company, CAG audit, revie
w of accounts by parliamentary committees, vigilance by CVC and transparency mec
hanism like RTI exist.
However, this has led to political interference, populism, vote bank compulsions
, corruption and nepotism creeping into decisions of PSEs. In effect, their auto
nomy is curbed, making them noncompetitive, underperforming and looking at gover
nment for funds.
Public Sector Banks (PSBs) are an example, where government's nationalisation of
banks with socialist aims was undone by malaises of political interference. Gra
dually government had to reduce its control and increase autonomy of banks which
is still going on. The decision of Government to set up a Bank Board Bureau (BB
B) to replace the Appointments Board for appointment of whole-time directors and
Non-Executive Chairman of PSBs is a step to enhance autonomy of PSBs. A New Fra
mework of Key Performance Indicators has also been kept in place to evaluate the
Performance of PSBs and bring in the much needed accountability in PSBs.
Similarly, major changes have been made in the Defence Procurement Procedure and
the Defence Production Policy to provide greater autonomy to the Defence Public
Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) for their expansion and diversification. A case in
point is the uniform Joint Venture guidelines (earlier there were separate JV gu
idelines for DPSUs) to provide a level playing field between DPSUs and the priva
te sector.
With experience, mechanisms have been devised to achieve a balance between dual
objectives:
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Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): It envisaged granting of operational autonomy
to PSEs and, in return, making boards and managers accountable through a contra
ct system aimed at improving performance. It has brought greater fiscal discipli
ne, made PSEs competitive, political interference has come down and lessened con
trol of ministries and established greater co-ordination with PSEs.
Scheme of Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna: Extends much greater autonomy to m
anagement and flexibility in areas like mergers, acquisitions and recruitment ba
sed on categorization. In return, PSEs need to perform.
Ministries to keep their PSUs at arm's length: Officers and staff of ministry ar
e barred from using infrastructure/facilities of PSEs and administrative ministr
ies have to repatriate PSU staff with them. It provides greater autonomy to PSEs
by keeping administrative ministries at a professional distance.
Innovative measures such as performance related pay: The incentives for the empl

oyees have been linked to individual, group as well as company performance.

The government is also encouraging the listing of Public Sector Enterprises on t
he stock markets as this would unlock the true value of a company, improve its c
orporate governance standards and also help it in raising resources for funding
future expansion plans. As far as sick and loss making organizations are concern
ed, the government has made efforts to restructure and revive them, wherever thi
s is possible.
However there are certain areas of concern which need to be addressed. For examp
le in a PSE board 50% of members are independent directors. There are two govern
ment nominee directors. Independent directors are de facto aligned to the minist
ry and together with government nominee directors will always be in majority on
board, eventually facilitating interference in board decisions. Besides, governm
ent nominee directors are also joint/additional secretaries in the ministry conc
erned. So boards eventually become extended arm of ministry. Clear demarcation o
f government's and board's/enterprise's roles would improve system of disclosure
and enhance risk-taking ability.
?
While accountability mechanisms have been fairly addressed there is scope for gr
eater autonomy. Right enablers would ensure PSEs to run on business principles a
nd give them cutting edge in present cutthroat competition.
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2.
Most rural poor are excluded from the ambit cf the formal financial syst
em, which raises their dependence on informal sources as well as exposure to fin
ancial distress. In this context, explain why formal sector lending, especially
to farmers, Is so limited. Also suggest some steps that need to be taken to incr
ease access to formal credit In rural areas.
Approach:

credit
tbyw.T
Introduce the statement by writing about ineffectiveness of formal financial sys
tem in rural areas.
Discuss the limitation of the government's financial initiatives in rural areas.
List the relevant remedies.
Answer:

*
The ratio of agricultural credit to agricultural GDP has increased from 10 per c
ent in 1999-2000 to around 38 per cent by 2012-13. However, the share of long-te
rm credit in agriculture or investment credit has declined (55 % in 2006-07 to 3
9% in 2011-12). Moreover the following trends depict the issues with formal cred
it in rural sector:
Inequity in credit disbursed the share of loans above Rs.10 lakh is going up and o
ver a quarter of the credit is advanced from urban and metropolitan branches of
banks. These loans mostly cater to input dealers, agri-businesses such as food a
nd agro-processing industries and warehousing companies.
Steady share of informal sector in loans to agricultural households (around 40%
between 2003 and 2013).
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The declining share of small loans (less than 2 lakh).
March Phenomenon-banks lent over 46%
of agricultural credit between January
and March
perhaps to meet year-end targets although farm loans are most likely required bef
ore the crop season begins, around June and November.
Reasons for limited formal nature of credit to farmers
Banks' reluctance to lend to small farmers which is further accentuated by inher
ent risks (say, deficit or unseasonal rains) associated with farming. Partly, th
e decline could also be due to rising costs of cultivation, inflationary pressur
es, and more people moving out of farming
A large share of credit has channelized through non-bank financial intermediarie

s without collateral; in contrast to commercial banks, which requires collateral

. But they charged
higher rate of
interest and resorted to coercive practices
(example: microfinance crisis in
Andhra Pradesh. The
credit disbursed by MFIs has not resulted in raising agricultural productivity b
ecause these loans require regular monthly repayments and regular meeting and ov
ersight on borrowers)
A part of credit under priority lending and interest subvention scheme being div
erted to agribusiness, input dealers etc.
High cost of disbursing loans in rural areas and mandated interest rates being t
oo low under various schemes.
Rural branches have declined to 37% of total
branches from 54% in 1994.
Steps required to be taken
\
Priority Sector Lending Certificate (PSLCs): it will provide a market-driven inc
entive for efficiency, will enable banks to sell their surplus lending and thus
earning a premium for their efficiency/geographical spread. RBI has already issu
ed instructions on trading in Priority Sector Lending Certificates in April this
year.
Popularising Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (NWRs): The small and marginal farmer
s with Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) can also avail the benefit of interest subventi
on scheme extended for a further period of up to six months (post-harvest) again
st Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (NWRs) at the same rate as available to crop lo
an to discourage distress sale of corps by small farmers.
Creating Big-sized banks: which unlike smaller ones, have the ability to cross-s
ubsidize their stakeholders. Former RBI deputy governor K.C. Chakrabarty has hig
hlighted the importance of big banks in improving allocation efficiency between
rural and urban areas.
The government may consider removing the subvention restrictions on interest rat
es. Then banks would be free to set interest at rates that cover their costs and
it would make loans viable.
The bank may channel credit through non-bank intermediaries such as MFIs and all
ow the MFIs to charge rate of interest above the rate charged by banks.
There should be provisioning for delivering institutional credit to poor farmers
without collateral. It may lead to increased credit availability to rural poor.
Banking correspondents need to be appointed and adequately incentivized with com
missions linked to loan repayments.
There is also a ne^d to incentivize the financial institutions to provide farmer
s with credit.
3.
Efforts should be made to support Indian businesses to invest abroad as
several direct and indirect benefits accrue to the home country from outward for
eign direct investment. Comment.
Approach:
Elaborate the statement and enumerate the reasons for promoting domestic busines
ses to invest abroad.
List the recent steps taken by the government in this regard.
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Answer:
Outbound investments from India have undergone a considerable change not only in
terms of magnitude but also in terms of geographical spread and sectoral compos
ition. While in the first half, overseas investments were directed to resource r
ich countries such as Australia, UAE, and Sudan, in the latter half, OID was cha
nneled into countries providing higher tax benefits such as Mauritius, Singapore
, British Virgin Islands, and the Netherlands.
Indian firms invest in foreign shores primarily through Mergers and Acquisition
(M&A) transactions. With rising M&A activity, companies will get direct access t
o newer and more extensive markets, and better technologies, which would enable
them to increase their customer base and achieve a global reach. India has emerg

ed as one of the strongest performers in the deal-street across the world in mer
gers and acquisitions.
Other benefits from such outward foreign direct investment include:
A wholly-owned subsidiary in a foreign country is able to transfer the technical
know-how, which is not possible in Joint venture due to stringent patent laws.
Formation of International clout- for example in a recent development, UK announ
ced that India has become the third largest source of FDI for them.
Potential to create a complementary interaction between domestic multinationals
and domestic firms. It can result into multiplier effect on investment, employme
nt, balance of payments, technology and subsequent economic growth in home count
ry. For example, if the outward FDI complements domestic investments then an inc
rease in domestic multinationals activities abroad may promote higher domestic o
utput.
On the other hand, indirectly the domestic multinationals gathers knowledge, whi
ch is not only limited to the domestic multinationals but it can leak out and be
come common knowledge in the home market. But this transmission can be both dire
ctly or indirectly. The Direct transmission can occur through vertical integrati
on, where the demand for intermediate inputs from home country suppliers may inc
rease abroad. And the Indirect transmission can occur through:
Imitating the domestic multinationals thus bringing managerial strategies to hom
e market and enable home country firm to learn, The skilled employees of domesti
c multinationals can transfer their skills to future home country employers.
The home country competitors of domestic multinationals may be forced to become
more efficient if multinational activities in a foreign country lead to enhanced
productivity.
.
ip
Recent efforts to support outward foreign direct investment
Reserve Bank of India, encouraged by adequate forex reserves, has relaxed the no
rms for domestic
companies investing abroad by doing away with the ceiling for raising funds thro
ugh pledge of
shares, domestic and overseas assets.
'
The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to provide USS 150 million credit from
Export Import Bank of India (EX!M Bank) for the development of Chabahar Port in
Iran, which will also help India to facilitate the growing trade and investment
with Iran and other countries in the region.
The RBI has also allowed limited liability partnership (LLP) firms to undertake
financial commitment to/ on behalf of JV or wholly owned subsidiaries of Indian
companies abroad.
India and South Africa are considering prospect of setting up a joint venture (J
V) for mining and owning coal blocks in South Africa.
Ministry of External Affairs has initiated a move to set up a direct sea and air
link between India and the Latin American region, as Indian corporates plan sig
nificant investments in the mining, oil, IT and pharmaceutical sectors in that r
egion.
Overseas investment is one of the foremost steps to enter the global marketplace
and in recent times, India has taken necessary steps to make its presence felt
in the global arena.
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4.
Monetary policy transmission in India has largely remained ineffective.
What are the reasons behind this? Explain what marginal cost-based lending rate
(MCLR) is and how it can affect monetary policy transmission in India.
Approach:
List out the major reasons behind poor monetary policy transmission.
Define the marginal cost-based lending rate and how it affects monetary policy t
ransmission.

Answer:
Generally, the effect of a policy rate change would be passed on to a large shar
e of the population. But in India, when the RBI changes the policy rate, the imp
act isfelt by only a small fraction of the population and it has not led to any
major changes in interest rates charged by the banks.
The changes in policy rate would affect the entire economy through banking syste
m, bond market and exchange rate system. But in India, none of these channels ar
e working effectively in monetary policy transmission.
First, Indian economy is dominated by public sector banks and the private banks
and foreign banks face lot of entry barriers. Therefore, the small number of ban
ks thwarts competition among the existing banking system, which does not feel th
e necessity to pass on the policy rate changes to the final consumers.
Second, in India we do not have fully developed bond market, as it is in advance
d economies. In the absence of large and liquid bond market, the burden of monet
ary policy transmission falls on the banking system.
Third, in an open economy with flexible exchange rate and monetary independence,
the policy rate changes have impact on capital flows and exchange rate. But in
India, the capital market is burdened with several restrictions; therefore the c
hange in policy rate does not necessarily result in concomitant changes in capit
al flows.
High CRR and SLR-Cutting down on statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) currently pegge
d at 21.5% will theoretically allow banks to use more money to give loans to bor
rowers instead of investing in government bonds. Similarly, banks' cash reserve,
ratio (CRR), or the deposits that commercial banks are required to keep with RBI
(on which they do not earn any interest), can also be cut.
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The marginal cost-based lending rate (MCLR) refers to an internal benchmark rate
for the bank below which bank cannot lend, except in some cases allowed by the
RBI. It describes the method by which the minimum interest rate for loans is det
ermined by a bank - on the basis of marginal cost or the additional cost. This n
ew methodology replaces the base rate system. Under the base rate system, the re
po rate is not included to determine the hase interest rate; however, under the
marginal cost-based lending rate system, it is mandatory for banks to consider t
he repo rate while calculating the marginal cost-based lending rate. This improv
es the transmission of policy rates into the lending rates of banks.
Other benefits of MCLR include:
Brings transparency in the methodology followed by banks for determining interes
t rates on advances.
Ensures availability of bank credit at interest rates which are fairto borrowers
as well as banks.
Enable banks to become more competitive and enhance their long run value and con
tribution to economic growth.
However, certain loans like fixed rate loans of tenor above three years, special
loan schemes formulated by Government of India, Advances to banks' depositors a
gainst their own deposits, Advances to banks' own employees etc. are not linked
to MCLR.
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5.
India's most pressing labour market challenge going forward is to genera
te a large number of formal sector jobs. In this context, discuss the constraint
s on formalisation of workforce. Also highlight how these constraints can be ove
rcome.
Approach:
First of all give a brief account of employment growth in formal sector and cond
ition of workers.
Then bring out the constraints on formalization of workforce despite formal sect
or growing gradually.
Finally bring out measures to remove these constraints on formalization of workf
orce.

Between 1989 and 2010, informal firms accounts for most employment growth. Of th
e 10.5 million new manufacturing jobs created between 1989 and 2010, only 3.7 mi
llion i.e. about 35% were in formal sector. The informal sector can be credited
with creating jobs and keeping unemployment low, but by most measures informal s
ector jobs are much worse than formal sector ones. Wages are 20 times higher in
formal sector. Also formal sector jobs score better on some non-pecuniary ground
s like gaining access to cheaper formal credit etc.
Challenge of creating good jobs in India could be seen as the challenges of crea
ting more formal sector jobs. Some of the constraints on formalization of work f
orce can be identified asDismissal norms under the Industrial Dispute Act (wherein dismissal of even a si
ngle workman is considered an Industrial dispute) and the cumbersome nature of c
ompliance with labour regulations are acting as a significant barrier to growth
for medium-sized formal sector manufacturing firms.
Numerous regulations also encourage rent-seeking behaviour as hi^ rents predict l
ower growth
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in formal sector employment and higher future growth in informal sector employme
nt.
The slow pace of labour reforms has encouraged firms to resort to strategies lik
e hiring contract workers which is giving them benefits like subcontracting regu
lations and managing inspectors to the contract labour firm and it enables firms
to stay smali enough to be exempted from some labour
nTn
law.
The way forward in overcoming these constraints can beCentre and States need to amend their labour laws to attract large employers and
high growth industries. For example recently Rajasthan has amended its labour l
aw.
Relocation of labour intensive industries to second and third tier towns and cit
ies. This model of moving factories to workers will lead to development of those
areas and will reduce spatial mismatch in the labour market and can improve com
petitiveness by raising firm's access to lower cost labour.
Government could ensure that labour regulation is worker-centric, by expanding w
orker's choice and
0
relaxing taxes on formal sector.
Low earners should be given choice of whether to contribute to the EPF or not. I
t could reduce the cost of hiring workers in the formal sector and incentivize m
ore people into formalization.
Aggregation by technological platforms (provided by aggregators such as Amazon,
Flipkart, Uber, Ola, etc.) is in some ways leading to formalisation of the econo
my.
Indian Cabinet has recently approved International Labour Organization (ILO) Rec
ommendation concerning transition from the informal to the formal economy this y
ear. The Recommendation provides guidance to Member States to facilitate the tra
nsition of workers and economic units from the informal to the formal economy.
Answer:
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6.
What are the objectives of public debt management in India? Examine the
rationale for setting up an independent agency to manage government debt Also hi
ghlight the issues that need to be addressed to ensure successful debt managemen
t by an agency other than the RBI.
Approach:
Introduction should briefly define the concept of public debt management.
Further, delineate the objectives of public debt management in India.
Next part of the answer should examine the reasons for setting up of an independ
ent agency to manage government debt.

Finally, bring out issues that need to be addressed for success of independent a
uthority for debt management.
Answer:
Public debt management is the process of establishing and executing a strategy f
or managing the government's debt in order to raise the required amount of fundi
ng, achieve its risk and cost objectives. Policy paper of the Ministry of Financ
e in 2010 stated that the overall objective of the Central Government's debt man
agement policy isto:
meet Government's financing needs at the lowest possible long term borrowing cos
ts and
to keep the total debt within sustainable levels.
support development of a well-functioning and vibrant domestic bond market
Recently Government has planned to relieve RBI of Public Debt Management role an
d is planning to bring in Public Debt Management Agency (PDMA) in two years' tim
e. The rationale behind such a move can be understood as following:
Bringing together all government borrowings under one roof is propagated as a ke
y reason for the creation of an independent PDMA. At present, the RBI is respons
ible for all internal debt management functions, while external debt falls under
the purview of the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance
(MoF).
A separate agency, which assigns specific respon.-ibilities and is accountable o
n its own, will lead to a more transparent and efficient system. This is seen as
a necessary step towards deepening of the bond market.
It would resolve the conflict of interest that arises when the RBI manages the g
overnment's debt, as it leads to a conflict of interest with its role as monetar
y authority working to contain inflation and ensure financial stability.
Seperation of debt management will allow the central bank to focus on monetary p
olicy of setting short terms interest rates. It would relieve the RBI of the bur
den of contending with twin incentives pulling in opposite directions in scenari
os such as when rising inflation demands an increase in policy rates but the gov
ernment wants takers for its debt offered at lower rate.
Countries like US and UK have an independent debt management office.
Though it is a welcome move, there are certain challenges that need to be addres
sed to ensure successful debt management by an agency other than RBIA full fledge PDMA will require amendments to the RBI Act, and that might delay
the procedure.
Fears of market volatility caused by the shifting of responsibility to a new age
ncy needs to be addressed.
Government debt although largely domestically held, is one of the highest among
the Emerging Markets and with nominal growth rate not keeping pace with nominal
interest rates, debt-GDP ratio will rise.
With new investments conspicuous by their absence and the export outlook unexcit
ing, the government understandably wants to lend recovery a helping hand. But if
higher public spending is
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not accompanied by higher revenues, fiscal and primary deficits will increase, s
toking government debt.
Chance of demand supply mismatch in government bond and higher government borrow
ing may crowd out private investment. Hence, the challenge of remaining independ
ent and coordinating with RBI needs to be resolved for the success of the new ag
ency.
7.
Explaining the rationale behind ceiling on agricultural land holdings, d
iscuss whether land ceiling has stifled agricultural growth in India.
Approach:
In the introduction explain land ceiling and the logic behind its implementation
.
While giving points both in favour and against the positive relation between lan
d ceiling and agricultural growth.
Conclude by logically favouring one of the two.
Answer:

Land ceiling refers to fixing the maximum size of a land holding that an individ
ual or a family can own. The surplus land may then be appropriated and distribut
ed according to the law. By the end of 1961, as per the directions from the cent
re, most of the states passed their land ceiling acts
Rationale behind ceiling on agricultural land holdings:
Largely the rationale behind ceiling on agricultural land holdings aligned with
the
objectives in the
provisions of the Directive Principles of State Policy delineated m Articles 38
and
39
(c)
of
the
constitution.
^
A
To reduce the exploitation of the landless tenant farmers.
To reduce concentration of wealth in the hands of a few.
To promote of social justice by reducing the inequalitv in power and fostering c
ooperation among the people.
M<c
The impact of land ceiling on agricultural productivity has engendered a debate
that can be understood through following arguments:
Arguements in Favour:
Before ceiling, large areas belonging to big farmers remained uncultivated. Ceil
ing brought more area under cultivation.
Ownership of land led small farmers to take more interest in increasing producti
on.
Studies testify that because of involvement of the entire family, small farms yi
elded more production per hectare, Overall, agricultural output has increased man
ifold over the years.
Arguements Against:
Because of land ceiling, enterprising farmers were unable to enlarge their holdi
ng by buying or leasing lands of small farmers. This way, large economic holding
s with high agricultural productivity could not become a reality,
Small fa
rms hinder mechanised farming thus hampering productivity,

Small farmers have limited capital to improve production.

Because of small land holding size, the input costs are high, causing agricultur
e to be non-remunerative and productivity to be low. Very little of the surpl
us land was distributed, and hence a most
of it remained uncultivated.
At the outset land ceiling was an important, and necessary, measure for equitabl
e growth
in
the
country.
Over the years the size of an economic agricultural holding decreased due to sci
entific advancements. It is evident that Indian farmers have produced record cro
p year after year. Thus, it cannot be argued that land ceiling has had an advers
e impact on the agricultural productivity in India.
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8.
Augmenting the employment potential is linked with the need for increasi
ng India's share in world exports. What are the objectives of the Foreign Trade
Policy (2015-20)? How does it seek to achieve these objectives in the coming yea
rs?
Approach:
Briefly discuss the significance of promoting exports.
Mention the objective of the objective.
Mention the features of the scheme to achieve the objectives.
Answer:
India is adding about 12 million workers to labour pool every year. Hence, it ne
eds to accelerate growth in all sectors of the economy to create more employment
. Since, catering to Indian market is not sufficient to sustain growth we need t
o strengthen exports. The new five year Foreign Trade Policy, 2015-20 provides a
framework for increasing exports of goods and services as well as generation of
employment and increasing value addition in the country, in keeping with the "M
ake in India" vision.
The objectives of the policy is to make India a key player in global trade by :

Increasing exports to $900 billion by 2019-20, from $466 billion in 2013-14

Raising India's share in world exports from 2% to 3.5%, while integrating foreig
n trade with Make in India and Digital India schemes.
To achieve these objectives it adopts following measures:
Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS): Five existing schemes to promote m
erchandize exports have been merged into one.
Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS): To promote services export from the co
untry. The benefits of MEIS and SEIS have been extended to SEZs.
Status holders: SEZs, AEZs, exporters etc. are eligible for benefits such as sel
f-declaration during custom clearances; exception from some documents and other
incentives like reducing their transaction costs.
Integration with Make in India: Government has reduced export obligation for cap
ital goods purchased from Indian suppliers under Export Promotion of Capital Goo
ds scheme. Exporters who export high level of domestic content get higher level
rewards.
Ease of doing business: Online tiling of documents/ applications, online inter-m
inisterial consultations and simplification of processes, digitisation and e-gov
ernance.
Agriculture, Defence, handloom and eco-friendly goods: Higher level of incentive
s.
Unlike annual reviews of past, FTP will be reviewed after two-and-half years to
ensure continuity in policy.
Duty credit scrips would be made freely transferable and usable for payment of c
ustoms duty, excise duty and service tax, and debits against scrips would be eli
gible for CENVAT credit or drawback.
Export promotion mission to take on board state governments.
Government will provide incentives to eCommerce companies exporting products fro
m sectors that create jobs.
Setting up of host of institutions, including Trade Council and National Committ
ee on Trade Facilitation.
FTP is a positive document that seeks to push export from country which will hav
e a domino effect on the all the sectors and generate employment in the country.
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9.
The advent of differentiated banking marks the beginning of a radical ov
erhaul of the banking structure that would address the abysmal levels of financi
al inclusion in India. Elaborate. What are the possible issues that could impede
the functioning of these banks?
Approach:
In introduction provide a brief picture of financial inclusion in India.
Then bring out the concept of differentiated bank.
Subsequently, analyse how differentiated bank could address the abysmal levels o
f financial inclusion in the country.
Finally, analyse the issues that could impede the functioning of these banks.
In conclusion suggest a way forward.
Answer:
In last two decades, the reach and scope of banking has increased, but the huge
demand for financial services remains unfulfilled. It is a matter of concern tha
t even with 150 domestic commercial and over 2,700 co-operative sector banks ope
rating in the country, just about 40 per cent of the adults have formal bank acc
ounts.
Thus, even while the efforts to ensure financial Inclusion through the existing
set of banks continue, the concept of differentiated bank has been introduced. D
ifferentiated banks are distinct from universal banks as they function in a nich
e segment. It could address the abysmal levels of financial inclusion in followi
ng waysCommercial banks are largely interested in funding large and medium corporations
or giving out loans for home and vehicle purchases and have neglected smaller s
egments. Differentiated banking models like payment
bank and small bank can

fulfil the gaps.

Differentiated banks
will allow customers to directly take deposits, which
will bring down their cost
of funds and translate into lower interest rates for clients.
These banks may be in a better position to exploit the huge business opportunity
in funding small and medium enterprises.
Also the RBI expects them to be high technology-low cost operators, while also w
ill bring innovations in service delivery.
a m.
_
Some issues which could impede functioning of these banksMany niche-banking models typically depend on inter-bank liquidity, and wholesal
e funding which is a potential source of risk and vulnerability and maintaining
systematic stability and protecting the interest of depositors..
Full penetration of no-frills accounts may prove to be a constraint in their pur
suit of deposit accounts.
Differentiated banks will have to persuade a large number of potential customers
to either switch from commerciai banks or open up a second account.
Beyond this on the loan side of the business, as they seek to grow their lending
volumes, they will be in direct competition with the priority sector mandates o
f commercial banks
For these new categories to be given a fair chance of success there is a need fo
r some re-alignment of roles and responsibilities between different categories o
f banks in relation to no-frills accounts and priority sector loans.
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10.
While explaining the reasons behind slump in revenue of Indian railways,
discuss whether the recently announced "dynamic fare pricing" can help in addre
ssing the problem.
Approach:
First give a brief picture of recent revenue generation of Indian Railways.
Then bring out some reasons for its decline.
Explaining in brief the concept of dynamic fare pricing, bring out the rationale
behind adopting, it.
Finally analyse if it will be able to pull up the revenue and increase fare-frei
ght ratio.
Answer:
In 2015-16, total Railway revenue undershot budget estimates by Rs. 16,752 crore
i.e. 9%. Also freight contributes about 66% of the total revenue, but earnings
reduced by 5% from the budget estimates. Recently, Railway's gross earnings decl
ined 5% to Rs.64,387 crore in April-August, 2016 compared with the same period o
f the previous year.
Some reasons of decline:
In 2015-16, freight traffic decreased by 10%. Also, the decline in freight reven
ue is due to an overall
decline in what is called 'lead'. Lead in railway parlance means net ton/per km.
The target for FY17 is
600 km which in itself is lower than what the target was in FY 16 - 620 km.
Cross subsidizing the passengers on account of freight charges leading to ratio
of passenger
fare to
freight fare of about 0.3
Roadways gaining freight market share owing to drop in diesel prices and increas
ed infrastructure.
dr
Passenger tariff being next biggest source (26%) of revenue for railways, dynami
c fare pricing were announced for Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains as a mea
ns to shore up the lagging passenger revenues. The flexible fare system means th
at only the first 10% of seats and berths will come at the base fare, with 10 pe
r cent increase for every batch of 10% sold. The increase will be capped at 1.5
times the base fare. This structure is aimed at addressing the fare versus freig

ht distortions of the railways.

V V i
But, it seems that this step alone cannot solve the problems of railways.
Fare increases in the premium trains for some classes could result in airfares b
eing lower at certain times weaning away some train travellers.
Increase in the prices under the scheme begins much too early, when a bare 10 pe
r cent of the seats are sold putting far too much pressure on passengers to book
early.
It will not be a popular measure to expand the list of train under the scheme.
Thus, apart from these, the overall strategy of Railways for the upcoming year c
an be based on new revenue sources, revision of freight policy and expansion of
railway freight basket.
N
11.
What is Google Street View? Discuss the grounds on which India has refus
ed to allow Google to launch its Street View service in the country.
Approach:
Start the answer by bringing out the concept of Google Street View and some of i
ts uses.
Then give a brief account of its introduction in India.
Finally bringing out the issues involved with it, analyse the reasons for refusa
l to launch it in India.
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Answer:
Google Street View is a technology featured in Google Maps and Google Earth that
explores places around the world through 360-degree, panoramic and street level
3D imagery. Most photography is done by car, trekker, tricycle etc. It is avail
able as a component of Google Maps, as a web based application, and as a mobile
application for android and IOS.
After its launch in 2007, it has evolved as tool for smart navigation where in u
sers can navigate around panoramas. It is also used in environmental monitoring
which allowed cars to carry sensors to detect pollutants like Ozone, particulate
matters etc. It also allows businesses such as shops, cafe, and other premises
to include their panoramic images into street view.
Also Google had launched Street View on an experimental basis in some of the tou
rist sites like Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Varanasi river bank, Nalanda U
niversity, Mysore Palace, Thanjavur temple, Chinnaswamy stadium besides others i
n partnership with the Archaeological Society of India.
But, recently India has refused to allow Google to launch its Street View servic
e. Some of the reasons can be enumerated as:
The decision is said to have come in the backdrop of the terror attack on the Pa
thankot airbase in January, with investigators suspecting that terrorists used G
oogle Maps amidst negative response from various defence organizations.
Delhi High Court asked the government to examine the issue of sensitive location
s such as defence installations and nuclear power plants showing on Google Maps.
It isn't clear if these concerns have been addressed.
Street View goes a step further than the maps. It displays panoramic views of pu
blic spaces, thanks to images captured by Google's moving vehicles, adding a lay
er of depth and reality to the maps. Defence Ministry said it was not possible t
o monitor the service once it is launched.
USA, Japan and some European countries have raised privacy issues.
^
But India has hinted that its refusal is not final and thai such issues could be
resolved once the Geospatial Bill, which seeks to regulate map-creation and sha
ring, comes into force.
12.
Increasing use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVS) pose unique policy cha
llenges that transcend conventional domains of national security, privacy and bu
siness practices. Analyse in the context of the draft guidelines that have been
issued by the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation). Also examine the sig

nificance of UAVs in achieving the goal of inclusive development.

Approach:
PEP
*
Discuss the various challenges posed by UAVs.
Discuss the significance of UAVs in inclusive development.
Answer:
According to DGCA, "Unmanned aircraft are either pilotless or do not carry pilot
(s) on board". Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), Autonomous Aircraft and Model Ai
rcraft are various types of unmanned aircraft.
Unique policy challenges
Redefining the airspace- and the network of ground-based radars are currently not
equipped to track all kinds of drones, especially micro- and small drones.
Physical and electronic identification of drones-The current aircraft numberin
g
system is
inadequate
to accommodate the vast variety of drones. Since drones are
increasingly
becoming
part
of
a
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networked environment, it is critical to give each drone a unique electronic cod
e, akin to an Internet protocol address, for quick, easy and clear identificatio
n.
Commonality of protocols and functions with existing manned civilian, commercial
and military regulations and protocols for aerial vehicles, especially with reg
ard to communication, collision avoidance processes and air corridor sharing.
To standardize and improve the quality of the construction of drones-currently t
here are practically no standards for the manufacture of small and micro-drones,
resulting in UAVs with an exceptionally high failure rate. The unregulated Indi
an policy and legal environment for civilian drones has allowed several local an
d foreign drone operators to sell UAVs of suspect quality.
Reconceptualization of current understanding regarding connectivity and infrastr
ucture- it includes policy challenge of establishing specifically earmarked dock
ing and recharging stations across the country for small and micro-drones.
To support and evolve a domestic drone industry that understands specific Indian
challenges. Today, most of the drones are imported and then customized. There i
s now a need for an integrated policy one that ties in with the Manufacturing Pl
an of 2011 and the New Policy on Electronics 2012
Privacy concerns-challenge confronting Indian policymakers
is to substantia
lly
rework the
Information Technology Act of 2000. The second challenge
is to redefine
the
existing
legal
framework with reference to what constitutes the correct way of collecting evide
nce, especially its admissibility in a court of law.
The current guidelines issued by DGCA cover some challenges but needs to evolve
further to cater to all the issues and challenges. The guidelines broadly includ
e:
m.

Provision of a Unique Identification Number (UIN) to be issued from DGCA

Provision for mandatory identification plate
Operator permit
Security provisions regarding sale and disposal
provision for maintenance, operation and insurance
It Is evident that the guidelines pertaining to the participation of foreign ope
rators should also be included as not doing so may eventually affect the 'Make i
n India' initiative, where foreign participation will be a necessity.
J* VVJl4
The DGCA regulations must provide for a level ?laying field for the private sect
or so that innovation, growth and more importantly adopting of UAV technologies

by end users can become commonplace. The DGCA must initiate multi stakeholder en
gagement process to develop a framework for privacy, accountability, and transpa
rency issuer, concerning commercial and private UAV use in line with the India's
policy of ease of doing business.
Significance of UAVs in achieving inclusive development
UAVs offer following benefits which make them useful in development and rescue a
ctivities and thus are critical to inclusive development:
they can enter environments that are dangerous to human life
can stay in the air for long hours, performing a precise, repetitive raster scan
of a region, even in complete darkness, or, adverse environmental conditions.
perform a geological survey
perform visual or thermal imaging of a region
measure cell phone, radio, or, TV coverage over any terrain, etc.
Due to this, UAVs have found use in various domains:
damage assessment of property and life in areas affected with natural calamities
(e.g.2013 Uttarakhand floods where the terrain was inaccessible),
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Vision IAS
surveys for gathering developmental data;
Critical infrastructure monitoring including power facilities, ports, and pipeli
nes;, aerial mapping, etc.
This revolutionary potential of the drone is already being exploited by a few so
cial entrepreneurs to deliver medicines in remote places in Africa and Latin Ame
rica.
According to World economic Forum, some 800 million people around the world have
limited access to emergency services due to lack of connectivity. By flying med
ium-size loads to many of these isolated communities, cargo UAVs can save lives
and create jobs.
UAVs, are now being used in India by civilian government agencies, public and pr
ivate sector entities, and lending institutions for the purposes of law and orde
r, planning, data gathering, monitoring. The potential of drones clearly has maj
or implications for an infrastructure-deficit country like India. The applicatio
n of microdrones is endless: From services ranging from provision of essential m
edicines to remote healthcare centers, cost effective door-to-door delivery mode
ls for retail chains and, obviously, surveillance.
UAV technologies have the potential to usher in efficiency into governance syste
m and are thus critical to inclusive development.
13.
What is Artificial Intelligence? Can it be a potential game changer in i
mproving governance? Examine the challenges that lie in its use.
Approach:
First explain the concept of Artificial Intelligence.
Then analyse how it can be a potential game changer in improving governance in t
he country.
Then analyse the challenges that could impede in realization of potential of Al
in governance.
In conclusion, try to provide some solutions.
Answer:
V V i j?
Artificial Intelligence (Al) is simulation of human intelligence processes by ma
chines, especially computers. The term is applied when a machine mimics cognitiv
e functions associated with human minds, such as learning, problem solving and r
easoning. Particular applications of Al includes expert systems, speech recognit
ion and machine vision.
Al can be a potential game changer in improving governance and service delivery
by making the system automated. It could bridge governance deficit byFast processing of data. For e.g. If there are 10 crore toilets to be built unde
r SBM, then 10 crore photographs need to hi? examined, which Al systems can do w
ithin seconds.
Al can be used in determining the behaviour pattern of citizens as well criminal
s from data feed on the line of predictive algorithm as used by amazon etc. to p

redict need of consumers at particular time.

Traditional governance structure is most broken in rural areas and folk don't wa
nt to be placed there, here Al can fill up deficit.
Al has tremendous scope in traditional sectors like agriculture. For example, ca
ll records data from Kisan call centre can be processed to detect if any distres
s sign is being shown in any area.
Banking robot Laxmi has been introduced recently in country. Its services can be
used in disbursal and monitoring of AADHAAR cards.
Also, Al has tremendous scope in other areas too like determining demand of publ
ic transport, saving
and expenditure habits, improving literacy, controlling inflation, grievance red
ressai etc.
However it has several challenges.
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Lack of digital literacy and digital divide and expansion of Al in governance co
uld aggravate digital gap.
Apprehension that it may lead to loss of existing jobs.
Al is still long way from surpassing human intelligence.
It may induce apathy in governance and service delivery and fail to comprehend d
iversity of problems faced by people needing instant customization.
Thus, despite having challenges, Al can be a tool towards capacity building and
efficiency of public service delivery. However, following steps need to be taken
beforehand:
Digital literacy with special focus on urban areas.
Upgrade of existing systems so they are better integrated with Al so that errors
and chaos doesn't occur later.
Should be initially used only in domains where processes are well defined and ha
ve lesser human interface.
Bring all stakeholders on board like workers, civil society etc. before its indu
ction.
Should be catalyst for local technology solutions and manufacturing rather than
imports.
14.
The government recently announced its plan to make India a 100% electric
vehicle nation by 2030. What are the advantages of Electric Vehicles over inter
nal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles? Highlight the challenges that the governme
nt needs to overcome to Implement this plan.
Approach:
First of all give a brief introduction about the government announcement regardi
ng electric vehicles.
Then bringing out differences between ICE and electric vehicles, analyse the adv
antages of electric vehicles over internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Finally analyse the challenges that need to be overcome if! implementation of th
is plan.
^ ik
Answer:
a
The government is working on a scheme to provide electric cars on zero down paym
ent for which people can pay out of their savings on expensive fossil fuels, for
becoming 100 per cent electric vehicle nation by 2030.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are propelled by one or more electric motors powered by
rechargeable battery packs where as Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles de
pend on the by-products of petroleum refining such as petrol and diesel for powe
r.
Benefits of electric vehicles over ICE vehicles
tf0
Energy efficient: < he combustion engine loses 62.4% of fuel as heat and only 15
% of the energy is used to move the vehicle whereas EV converts chemical energy
to electrical energy at a rate of 90% efficiency.

Low maintenance cost: Electric vehicles do not require oil changes or replacemen
t of their parts like air filters or spark plugs that need occasional replacemen
t for a petrol vehicle. Even the brakes on an EV last longer than an ICE car.
Environment Friendly: EVs have no tailpipe and are zero emission vehicles. Also,
an EV reduces 35-60% less carbon dioxide emission from electricity than the C02
pollution from the petrol of a conventional vehicle with an ICE..
No Noise Pollution: Electric engines make almost no noise whereas the noise leve
l inside a petrol vehicle can be as high as 75-80 decibels.
Reduce energy dependence: Electricity is a domestic energy source.
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Challenges to be overcome
High Cost: Lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries and complexity of electric motor adds
to the costs.
Low performance: EVs have low driving range which can be compensated by adding b
attery packs. However, this adds to the weight and cost of the vehicle.
Recharging issues: Battery-electric cars take a long time to recharge, much long
er than filling up a conventional car's gas tank as well as lack of ubiquitous c
harging stations.
Incompatibility with heavy duty vehicles
India lacks the capability of manufacturing key components like battery cells, s
emi-conductor components, micro-processors, and controllers.
EVs offer some relief from consumption of fossil fuels but it has its own challe
nges. But the use of ICE needs to be discouraged due to the detrimental effects
on environment and health of the masses.
15.
While the provisions of the Montreal Protocol have helped phase out CFCs
, the alternative to them have contributed to another problem. Comment. How will
the Kigali agreement help in addressing this problem?
Approach:
First of all give brief introduction about Montreal Protocol and its successtill
now.
Then analyse the problems created by phasing out of CFC under the protocol. Focu
s should be on problems created by alternatives of CFCs.
Finally giving a brief background of Kigali Agreement, analyse how it will help
in reducing the problems created by the alternatives brought under Montreal Prot
ocol.
Answer:
The Montreal Protocol was a landmark agreement signed by 197 countries in 1987 t
o control the use of 96 ozone depleting substances. These were mainly Chlorofluo
rocarbons (CFCs), used in refrigerators and air-conditioners. Pursuant to this,
the developed and developing countries phased out the production and consumption
of CFCs by 1996 and 2010 respectively.

However, the alternative to CFCs chosen wa: hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). T

hough they are less harmful to ozone, they cause global warming. While the globa
l warming potential (GWP) of HCFCs is less than that of CFCs, it is a thousand t
imes that of C02.
Hydro fluorocarbons (HFCs) which poses no harm to ozone layer, were meant to rep
lace HCFCs, but their drawback also lies in their GWP as HFCs have a 100 year GW
P range between 124 and 14800 Carbon Dioxide equivalent and atmospheric lifetime
s in the range of 1.4 to 27 years.
In this background, Kigali Agreement may help in addressing the problem in the f
ollowing manner:
It was aimed at amending the Montreal protocol in order to phase out HFCs as the
y are 100-1000 times more potent than C02 in terms of GWP. These are the world's
fastest growing greenhouse gases and are growing at the rate of 10% every year.
It will avoid global warming by up to 0.5 degree Celsius by the end of 2100.
The developed countries, led by the US and Europe, according to a CSE statement,
will reduce the HFC use by 85 per cent by 2036 over a 2011-13 baseline. China,

which is the largest producer of HFC in the world, will reduce its usage by 80 p
er cent by 2045 over the 2020-22 baseline and India will reduce the use of HFC b
y 85 per cent over the 2024-26 baseline
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is legally binding where 197 count
ries are party to this.
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Thus, Kigali Agreement is seen as one of the most concrete step in controlling G
HG emissions, but it needs more quickly and proactive adoption as agreement is c
riticized as a slower one. Also funds and technology transfer to developing coun
tries should be prioritized and smoothened.
16.
Despite a wide range of problems and issues, India supports 57 per cent
of the world population of tigers. Enumerate the challenges in maintaining the g
rowth of tiger population in India. What are the salient features of the strateg
y adopted by India over the years to support the tiger population? Also highligh
t the measures required to further improve the situation in this context.
Approach:
In introduction, give a brief picture of tiger census in India that is showing a
n upward trend in tiger population in the recent years.
Then bring out the challenges in maintaining this growth.
Then analyse the strategy involved in tiger conservation in India and bring out
the features of this strategy.
Finally enumerate measures that could be adopted to improve the situation furthe
r.
Answer:
India is home to 70 per cent of tigers in the world. In 2006, there were 1,411 t
igers which increased to 1,706 in 2011 and 2,226 in 2014. According to the lates
t data, the count had gone up to 70% of the world's population of tiger.
(&>
Challenges in maintaining the growth of tiger population
Ikjf
t of ha oita
Protection against poaching with increased fragmentation of habitat Securing inv
iolate space for tiger to facilitate its social dynamics Addressing tiger-human
interface and restoration of corridors
Regular training of staffs, management and monitoring issues
v
A dwindling prey base and over-used habitat Strategies Involved and its features
The strategy for tiger conservation in India revolves around Project Tiger and t
he Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 as well constitution of the NTCA as a statuto
ry body. Currently, there are 50 tiger reserves in the country which are constit
uted on a core/buffer area strategy. The protected area network has been strengt
hened gradually under the National Wildlife Action Plan.
The Project Tiger aims to foster exclusive tiger agenda in the core/critical tig
er habitat, inclusive people-wildlife agenda in the om.er buffer and fostering t
he latter agenda in the corridors.
The "Save Tiger" campaign launched during the latter part of 2008 also created m
ass awareness on the plight of this magnificent beast and rallied efforts to sav
e it.
Measures to improve conservation
Coherence between land-use planning and conservation: Tiger conservation basical
ly demands stringent protection laws, vast landscapes and a good prey base. Thes
e demands are in conflict with the country's land-use planning for development.
Source-and-sink population concept: A large forested landscape with good functio
nal connectivity can strengthen conservation under the "source-and-sink populati
on" concept.
Expansion of landscapes: Large protected areas make for robust wildlife ecosyste
ms and conserve large populations of prey base more effectively.
17

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No to poaching: Among the tiger conservation practices, protection and intellige
nce gathering should be accorded priority and made more professional.
Regular monitoring for any adverse ecological change in forest habitats, use of
new technologies in census and monitoring data and capacity building of staffs t
hrough stringent protection and basic wild-life monitoring practices.
Realising the role of communities in tiger conservation projects.
17.
What are the reasons for indiscriminate sand mining from rivers in India
? Analyse its adverse effects on economy and ecology of the region. In context o
f the 2015 guidelines released by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, highl
ight the measures that can be adopted to curb the practice of sand mining.
Approach:
First analyse the reasons for indiscriminate sand mining from rivers in India Th
en analyse its adverse effect on ecology and economy in brief.
Then bring out some provisions of guidelines 2015, released by MoEF.
Finally bring out measures that can be adopted to curb the proliferation of sand
Answer:
In recent years the demand of sand has increased
tremendously
leading
to
indiscriminate sand mining
from river beds across India. Some reasons can be enumerated as:
Construction boom, demand from glass factories and astronomical profits from ill
egal mining.
Poor implementation of rules by states.
Practice of leasing of riverbed plots armed with too restrictive rules lead to p
roliferation of sand mafia and nexus of local politicians and corrupt officers
.
Current practice of short term leasing, provides
little incentives for su
stainable
management.
Adverse impacts of indiscriminate sand mining
^
x
Ecological impact
It may change river bed gradient which may affect the riparian habitat including
the vegetative

covers.
I 'v?
Sand on river bed act as filter and its mining may lead to infiltration of pollu
tion to ground water.
River bed mining along coasfiine may lead to intrusion of saline water thus poll
uting ground
water
too.
Reduces water holding capacity, thus reducing ground water levels.
Biosecurity and pesi risks.
Vehicle movement increased in the area leading to local environmental problems.
^
Economic impact
It may affect the stability of hydraulic structure which may have huge economic
implications It may affect local population as local riparian ecosystem get dist
urbed leading to destruction of their livelihood.
It may also lead to increased flooding and river bed shifting thus imparting hug
e loss to standing crops and populations.
Shrinking river bed has led to expansion of population near to streams which can
be catastrophic as seen in Uttarakhand floods.
Proliferations of illegal sand mining causing huge lose to exchequer.
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To curb indiscriminate sand mining, Government in 2015, came up with new rules u
nder sustainable sand mining policy. Some key features of it-

Satellite imagery of sand deposit to locate rivers from which mining can be carr
ied out.
Provision of barcoded slip in place of current slip system to have robust web ba
sed tracking of quantity of sand being mined.
Mining should be restricted to 3 meter depth and 3 meter or 10 percent of the ri
ver width whichever less, away from the banks.
Demarcation of mining area with pillars and geo-referencing should be done prior
to start of mining.
But apart from the rules, some more measures like comprehensive policy on sand m
ining and an independent regulatory authority, as well as making sand mining mor
e transparent business and empowering of local resident, finding alternate for s
and to be used in construction activities can go a long way in curbing indiscrim
inate sand mining and attain sustainability.
18.
India's commitment to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is evident from the
fact that it became one of the first countries to align its National Disaster Ma
nagement Plan (NDMP) with the Sendai Framework. What are the salient features of
India's first National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP)? How can this plan help
in effective disaster management?
Approach:
WO
Briefly mention about the Sendai Framework.
Salient Features of National Disaster Management Plan Identify the strengths and
weakness of the Plan
o4
Answer:
&
NDMP is aims to make India disaster resilient and significantly reduce the loss
of lives and assets. The plan is based on four priority themes of "Sendai Framew
ork for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-30" namely:
Understanding disaster risk.
Improving disaster risk governa nee.
Investing in disaster risk reduction (through structural and non-structural meas
ures) and disaster
Early warning and building back better in the aftermath of a disaster.
preparedness.
Jing bac'
Salient Features of NDMP
Vision of the Plan is to ' Make India disaster resilient, achieve substantial di
saster risk reduction, and significantly decrease the losses of life, livelihood
s, and assets - economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental - by maxi
mizing the ability to cope with disasters at all levels of administration as wel
l as among communities."
It covers all phases of disaster management: prevention, mitigation, response an
d recovery.
It provides for horizontal and vertical integration among all agencies and depar
tments of Government.
It also spells out roles and responsibilities of all levels of Government right
up to Panchayat and Urban Local Body level in a matrix format.
It has a regional approach, which will be beneficial not only for disaster manag
ement but also for development planning.
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Evaluation of the Plan
phases of disaster phases of disaster
NDMP provides a framework and direction to government agencies for al management
cycle.
It is designed in such a way that it can be implemented in a scalable manner in
al management.
It also identifies major activities such as early warning, information dissemina

tion, medical care, fuel, transportation, search and rescue, evacuation, etc. to
serve as a checklist for agencies responding to a disaster.
It also provides a generalized framework for recovery and offers flexibility to
assess a situation and build back better.
To prepare communities to cope with disasters, it emphasizes on a greater need f
or Information, Education and Communication activities.
Globally, the approach towards post-disaster restoration and rehabilitation has
shifted to one of betterment reconstruction. NDMP provides a generalized framewo
rk for recovery since it is not possible to anticipate all possible alternatives
of betterment reconstruction.
The Plan also highlights that disaster risk reduction will be achieved by mainst
reaming the requirements into the developmental plans.
It incorporates provisions for strengthening disaster risk governance through si
x themes i.e. integrated and mainstream disaster risk reduction, promoting parti
cipatory approach, capacity development, working with elected representatives, g
rievance redress mechanism and promoting quality standards, certification and aw
ards for disaster risk management.
19.
Recent instances have led many to not use plastic or electronic transact
ions, despite the convenience. Discuss the issues associated with the rise of cu
rrency in circulation in the economy in recent times. Also, highlighting the adv
antages of a cashless economy, suggest measures required to bolster its popular
acceptability.
V*
Approach:
V
*
_
kP
\\ 1 In introduction try to give brief picture of cashless transaction and about
recent data breach as well
as some facts like ratio of cash.
to GDP, comparison to China and Brazil.

_ ______________________
Then discuss issues related to the rise of currency in circulation in the econom
y.
Then highlighting the advantages of a cashless economy, bring out measures to bo
lster its popular
acceptability.
Answer:
JO
w
Ratio of cash to GDP in India is one of the highest in world i.e. 12. 42% in 201
4, compared to 9.47% of China or 4% of Brazil. But, India is gradually moving to
wards cashless economy and Government is pushing for same. The recent demonetiza
tion drive is a step in this direction although its prime aim is to curb black m
oney. But still less than 5% of payment is electronic..
Recent data security breach compromising around 3.2 million debit cards across I
ndia is a setback in pursuance of cashless economy, given that most Indians are
in villages and not tech savvy creating apprehensions regarding cashless transac
tions.
Apart from security apprehensions, lack of financial inclusion, overwhelming maj
ority of retailers and service providers belonging to informal sector etc. act a
s barrier leading to increased cash circulation in economy which is creating man
y issues:
Easy flow of black money and creation of parallel economy
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Easy infusion of counterfeit currency and increased ease of conducting organized
crimes and terror financing.

Tax evasion becomes easier as it is difficult to track transactions

It facilitates growth of informal and unorganized sector.
It directly affects consumer's behaviour leading to inflation.
Less money with banks leads to decrease in deposit rates and increase on loan in
terest. This effects investment in business and infrastructure.
Negative effect on transmission of monetary policy.
Advantages of cashless economy
Strangulates grey economy, prevents money laundering, and increase tax complianc
e.
Brings down the cost of printing, managing and moving money around.
Automatically solves the problems of cash out on long holidays, risk of carrying
currency notes etc.
Cash being material can be prevented from circulation but electronics channels a
lleviate this friction.
In June, 2016, RBI brought out The Vision- 2018 for payment and settlement syste
m in India. Government has incentivised and rebated cashless transactions in Bud
get 2016. But still India has to go a long way.
Way forward
Aadhar based payment system will be a big boost for promoting cashless transacti
on culture.
Effective implementation of Jan Dhan and putting up of robust payments mechanism
to settle
digital
transactions.
Incentivizing consumers in terms of service tax waiver.
Robust regulation of banks as they would be more interested in more lucrative pa
yment business.
Making available payment points to small and medium retailers for free or at dis
count, while incentivizing them for accepting payment electronically.
20.
Whereas proliferation of traditional nuclear weapons has long been a con
cern, the issue of dirty bombs and orphan sources has also become important in r
ecent years. Explain what a dirty bomb is and highlight the concerns linked with
nuclear terrorism in India. In this context, what are the issues
India outside the
In the wake of increasing threats from ISIS especially after Paris and Brussels
attacks, the Nuclear Security Summit held this year discussed nuclear threats fr
om global terrorism and resulting security priorities.
A dirty bomb combines radioactive materials with explosives like RDX and Cobalt
60, Cesium 137. This kind of bomb basically targets a person's environment and b
ody through contamination by radioactive explosions.
Approai
Introduce with the recent Nuclear Security Summit held in 2016;
Define a dirty bomb
Enumerate the concerns and threats with respect to nuclear security in India Hig
hlight the issues that need to be addressed;
Conclude with initiatives that have been undertaken so as to minimize these thre
ats
Answer:
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Threats concerning nuclear security in India:
Internal capability: India has around 22 nuclear reactors, 122 nukes, nuclear mi
ssiles such as Agni, radioactive waste from potential sites, institutions and ho
spitals using nuclear materials.
External threats: Recently US issued an advisory to its citizens in India of the
perceived threat from ISIS to India. Already in the neighbouring countries of B
angladesh ISIS has emerged as a serious threat. In addition to this, Pakistan an
d China are nuclear capable nations which make the already fragile Indian border
s vulnerable. Further there is high risk of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal falling i
nto hands of terror groups.

Security of institutions and personnel: Even though it is difficult to access an

d transgress to access nuclear facilities like DRDO, BARC, DEA the defence insti
tutions are vulnerable and need more safeguards, especially minimizing any poten
tial sabotage from personnel within premises of these institutions, such as rece
ntly seen in Brussels. Even though Indian nuclear establishments have a Personne
l Reliability Programme, sabotage and intentional damage to the facilities can't
be ruled out as seen in some cases previously such as drinking water contaminat
ion at the Kaiga plant etc.
Additionally, technologies like dirty bomb can leave the population and area par
alysed with long term
threats on environment, society and wider ramifications on public health and sus
tainable development.
Issues that need to be addressed: In the wake of these threats therefore, strong
er personnel reliability programme in nuclear facilities, proper disposal of nuc
lear waste, CISF training and capacity building, natural disasters such as that
seen in Fukushima in 2011 to minimize leakages from nuclear plants and even sabo
tage from theft, cyber terror.
0s
Initiatives undertaken: Design basis threat document, technologies like e- Licen
sing of Radiation applications, institution of inter-ministerial counter nuclear
smuggling team, in addition to this, India has also announced an assistance of
$ 1 million to Nuclear Security fund thus remaining committed to Article 50 of m
aintaining international peace and cooperation toward world peace.
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