MAY 2024 WEEK 05 : MODEL ANSWERS

Q.1) Discuss the implications of the Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA) member
states' call for withdrawal from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora (CITES) at the KAZA 2024 Summit. (150 words,10M)

Approach:
Introduction: Briefing about the Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA) member states' call
for withdrawal from the CITES
Body:
● Part 1: Implications of Withdrawal from CITES
● Part 2:Measures to Address Concerns
Conclusion: end the answer in balancing the interest

Answer:
Introduction:
The Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA) includes parts of Angola, Botswana, Namibia,
Zambia, and Zimbabwe. These countries have significant elephant populations, representing over two-thirds of
Africa's total.

Body:
At the KAZA 2024 Summit, member states called for withdrawal from the CITES to gain approval for trading their
abundant ivory and wildlife items.

Implications of Withdrawal from CITES

1) Wildlife Conservation
● Risk to Endangered Species: Withdrawal from CITES could lead to unregulated trade, increasing the risk of
poaching and illegal wildlife trade, threatening species like elephants and rhinos.
○ CITES is crucial in preventing species from becoming extinct due to international trade. Without its
regulations, many species could face heightened threats.
● Loss of Global Conservation Standards: CITES provides a global framework for wildlife conservation.
Withdrawal would mean losing these standardized practices, potentially leading to inconsistent and weaker
protection measures.

2) Economic Benefits
● Increased Revenue: KAZA member states argue that lifting the trade ban on ivory and wildlife products
could generate significant revenue, funding conservation efforts and benefiting local economies.
○ Ivory sales could provide much-needed financial resources for conservation projects,
anti-poaching efforts, and community development programs.
● Tourism Impact: Sustainable wildlife management is a cornerstone of tourism in the region. Unregulated
trade could harm wildlife populations, negatively impacting tourism and its long-term economic benefits.

Measures to address the concerns

● Flexible Regulations: KAZA member states could advocate for more flexible, science-based wildlife trade
regulations within CITES, presenting robust data to support their position.
○ Engaging in constructive dialogue with other CITES members could lead to more balanced policies
that consider both conservation and economic needs.
● Collaborative Conservation Strategies: Member states should develop joint conservation strategies and
share best practices for managing human-wildlife conflicts and sustainable resource use.
● Alternative Funding Mechanisms: Developing alternative funding sources, such as ecotourism and carbon
credits, can reduce dependence on wildlife trade. Promoting sustainable agricultural practices can also
provide additional income for local communities, supporting both conservation and development goals.

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Conclusion: The KAZA 2024 Summit highlights significant tensions between conservation and economic interests.
Balancing these interests requires a nuanced approach that integrates scientific evidence, regional cooperation, and
sustainable development practices. Addressing the concerns of KAZA member states while ensuring the protection of
endangered species is crucial for the long-term sustainability of both wildlife and local economies.

Q.2)Critically analyze the current issues affecting railway safety in India and suggest measures to address these
challenges. (250 words,15M)

Approach:
Introduction: Start with the briefing on the background of the Indian Railway link with safety issues
Body:
● Part 1: Current Issues Affecting Railway Safety in India
● Part 2: Measures to Address These Challenges
End with the suggestion in the conclusion

Answer:
Introduction:
Indian Railways is now the world's 4th largest system. Despite rapid electrification and progress towards 100% green
targets, safety standards struggle under rising population demands.

According to the “Performance Audit on Derailment in Indian Railways”, nearly 3/4th of 217 consequential train
accidents across the country between 2017-18 and 2020-21 were caused by derailments.

Body:
Current issues affecting Railway safety in India

● Unmanned Level Crossings (UMLCs) and Manned Level Crossings (MLCs): These crossings, without barriers
or signals, have been a significant cause of accidents. Although Indian Railways has eliminated UMLCs on
broad-gauge routes, many MLCs still pose risks.
● Signal Failures: Signal failures can result in trains running on incorrect tracks, collisions, or overshooting
stations. Recent accidents, such as the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada incident, highlight the severe
consequences of signaling issues.
● Human Errors: Human errors due to fatigue, negligence, or corruption remain a significant problem. These
errors can lead to wrong signaling, miscommunication, overspeeding, and overlooking maintenance issues.
● Locomotive Failures: Instances of locomotive failures, including unmanned locomotives rolling out of
stations, demonstrate gaps in operational safety protocols and emergency handling procedures.
● Professionalism in Accident Investigations: Accident investigations often lack professionalism, with a
tendency to blame individual crew members rather than addressing systemic issues. This approach fails to
improve overall safety standards.
● Issues Concerning Loco Pilots: The railway system needs more loco pilots, leading to overwork and fatigue.
Continuous night shifts and inadequate rest exacerbate the problem, affecting the performance and safety
of train operations.

Measures to address these challenges:

● Enhanced Monitoring and Maintenance: Develop a robust monitoring system to ensure timely and
effective maintenance activities. Adopting fully mechanized maintenance methods and advanced
technologies can reduce human error and improve efficiency.
● Efficient Utilization of RRSK Funds: Ensure the proper allocation and utilization of the Rashtriya Rail
Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) funds to prioritize safety measures, including infrastructure upgrades and staff
training.
● Technological Upgradation: Invest in modern signaling and telecommunications infrastructure to prevent
signal failures and improve communication between railway staff. Implementing automatic train control

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 systems can further enhance safety.
● Comprehensive Training and Accountability: Regular and rigorous training programs for railway staff can
improve their skills and awareness of safety protocols. Establishing clear accountability measures can
ensure adherence to safety standards.
● Addressing Loco Pilots' Concerns: Fill vacancies in the loco pilot cadre to reduce overwork and fatigue.
Implementing policies for adequate rest and proper shift management can improve their performance and
reduce human errors.
● Professional Accident Investigations: Conduct accident investigations with professionalism and
transparency, focusing on systemic issues rather than just blaming individuals. This approach can lead to
meaningful improvements in safety protocols.

Conclusion: Indian Railways faces significant challenges in maintaining safety standards amidst increasing operational
demands. Addressing issues related to level crossings, signalling failures, human errors, and locomotive failures is
crucial. By prioritising safety over punctuality, investing in technological upgrades, and improving staff training and
accountability, Indian Railways can enhance its safety record and regain public trust.

Q.3) Critically discuss the role of the Constitution in addressing the issues of Secularism and Reservations in
Contemporary Indian Politics (250 words, 15M)

Approach:
● Introduction: Talk about the significant concerns regarding constitutional constraints and democratic
legitimacy underscored in the General Elections of 2024
● Body:
○ Part 1: role of the Constitution in Addressing Issues of Secularism
○ Part 2: role of the Constitution in Addressing Issues of Caste-Based Discrimination
○ Part3:role of the Constitution in Addressing Issues of Reservations
● Conclusion: End with suggestion

Introduction: The General Elections of 2024 underscore significant concerns regarding constitutional constraints and
democratic legitimacy. These concerns revolve around the foundational principles of the Indian Constitution,
particularly secularism, caste-based discrimination, and reservations.
The Constitution of India was designed to uphold liberty, equality, and dignity, and plays a crucial role in navigating
these issues within the complex landscape of contemporary Indian politics.

Body:

Role of ‘Secularism’ in the Constitution:

● Constitutional Mandate: The Constitution of India enshrines secularism, ensuring that the state maintains
an equidistant stance towards all religions. Articles 25-28 guarantee freedom of religion, while Article 15
prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.
○ The Preamble declares India to be a "secular" nation, reinforcing the commitment to
non-discrimination and equal treatment of all religions.
● Contemporary Challenges: Political rhetoric and actions that emphasize religious identity, such as the
debate over the establishment of a "Hindu Rashtra," challenge the constitutional mandate of secularism.
○ Muslim voters' concerns about secularism highlight fears of marginalisation and discrimination in
a political climate that may favour majoritarianism.

Caste-based Discrimination and the Constitution:

● Constitutional Provisions: The Constitution explicitly prohibits caste-based discrimination under Articles 15
and 17, which abolish untouchability and ensure equality before the law.
○ Article 46 mandates the promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes,
Scheduled Tribes, and other weaker sections.
○ As they are enshrined in Fundamental Rights (based on equal protection and equal opportunity),
they are defendable.
● Contemporary Implementation and Political Context: Despite constitutional safeguards, caste-based
discrimination remains pervasive in society. The focus on caste-based reservations, as seen in the 2024

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 elections, underscores the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality.
○ Dalit voters emphasize the importance of the Constitution's right to equality as a tool to combat
systemic discrimination and secure their rights.

Reservations and the Constitutional Framework:

● Rationale and Constitutional Basis: Reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other
Backward Classes (OBCs) are grounded in the principles of social justice and affirmative action, as outlined
in Articles 15(4), 15(5), and 16(4). As enshrined in Fundamental Rights (based on equity)), they are
defendable.
○ The 103rd Amendment, which provides for 10% reservations for economically weaker sections
(EWS) among unreserved categories, reflects an evolving approach to reservations, addressing
economic disadvantage alongside caste-based inequities.
● Contemporary Political Dynamics: The debate over reservations, including the recent EWS quota, highlights
tensions between different forms of equity and social justice.
○ Political mobilization around reservations reflects broader social and economic fault lines,
influencing voter behavior and electoral outcomes.

Conclusion: The 2024 General Elections highlight deeper societal issues related to secularism, caste-based
discrimination, and reservations. The Indian Constitution serves as a robust framework for addressing these
challenges, emphasizing liberty, equality, and dignity. However, the effective implementation of these principles
requires continuous political and social commitment to uphold constitutional values and ensure a just and inclusive
democracy. Balancing these principles within the political discourse is crucial for sustaining democratic legitimacy
and fostering national unity.

Q.4) Global AI governance is becoming increasingly intricate, with diverse approaches employed by various
countries. Critically analyze the significance and challenges of the Council of Europe's Framework Convention on
Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law. (250 words,15M)

Approach to solving the question:

Introduction: talk about the Council of Europe's Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights,
Democracy, and the Rule of Law
Body:
● Part 1-Significance of the AI Convention
● Part 2-Challenges in AI Governance
Conclusion- Way forward

Introduction:
Global AI governance has become increasingly complex, with countries adopting varied approaches to regulate and
manage AI technologies. The Council of Europe's Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights,
Democracy, and the Rule of Law represents a significant step in international AI governance, aiming to uphold
fundamental values amidst rapid technological advancements.

Body:

Significance of the AI Convention

● Upholding Human Rights: The convention underscores the importance of aligning AI development and
deployment with human rights principles. It ensures that AI systems respect and protect human rights
throughout their lifecycle, mitigating risks of violations and abuses.
● Promoting Democratic Values: By integrating democratic principles, the convention aims to foster
transparency, accountability, and public participation in AI governance. This promotes trust in AI systems
and their governance structures.
● Rule of Law: The convention emphasizes the rule of law, ensuring that AI systems operate within legal
frameworks that safeguard individual rights and societal interests. This helps prevent arbitrary use and
potential misuse of AI technologies.
● Consistency with Existing Frameworks: The convention is consistent with the EU AI Act and the OECD’s

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 definitions and principles. This alignment facilitates coherent international regulatory standards and helps
avoid conflicting regulations.
● Broad Coverage: The convention applies to both public and private sectors, ensuring comprehensive
oversight and regulation of AI activities. It mandates addressing risks and impacts from AI systems,
promoting holistic governance.

Challenges in AI Governance

● Diverse National Approaches: Countries have varied regulatory frameworks and priorities for AI
governance, reflecting different socio-political contexts and technological capabilities. This diversity
complicates the harmonization of global AI standards.
● National Security Exemptions: The convention provides broad exemptions for national security interests,
which can lead to significant variations in how AI systems are regulated. These exemptions might
undermine the uniform application of the convention's principles.
● Balancing Flexibility and Regulation: While the convention allows for flexibility in its application, balancing
this flexibility with the need for stringent regulations is challenging. Ensuring that national adaptations do
not dilute the core principles of the convention is critical.
● Implementation and Enforcement: Effective implementation and enforcement of the convention’s
provisions across diverse jurisdictions pose significant challenges. Ensuring compliance and addressing
violations require robust mechanisms and international cooperation.
● Technological Dynamism: AI technologies evolve rapidly, outpacing regulatory developments. Keeping the
convention relevant and adaptive to technological advancements is essential but challenging.

Way forward

● Regular Review Mechanisms: Implement periodic reviews of national security exemptions by an

independent international body to ensure they are justified and aligned with the convention’s objectives.
● Transparency and Accountability: Require states to report on the use and justification of national security
exemptions, promoting transparency and accountability.

Q.5) Despite the ban on variety PUSA-44, Punjab’s paddy farmers continue their cultivation. Analyze the
impact of such practices on groundwater levels in Punjab and suggest measures to encourage the transition
to sustainable paddy varieties. (250 words, 15M)

Approach:
Introduction: Briefly about the ban on PUSA-44
Body:
● Part 1: Impact of PUSA-44 on Groundwater Levels
● Part 2:Measures to Encourage Transition to Sustainable Paddy Varieties
Way Forward: end with the suggestion

Introduction:

Introduction: Paddy cultivation in Punjab heavily relies on the long-duration variety PUSA-44, despite a ban
implemented to mitigate its adverse environmental impacts. This variety has significant implications for groundwater
depletion and environmental sustainability in the region.

Body:

Impact of PUSA-44 on Groundwater Levels:

● Extended Growth Cycle: PUSA-44 has a growth cycle of 155-160 days, leading to late harvesting in October.
This shortens the window for preparing fields for the next crop, prompting practices like stubble burning,

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 which further affects soil health and environmental quality.
● Groundwater Depletion: PUSA-44’s long growth period demands substantial water usage, exacerbating
groundwater extraction.
○ According to the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) report (2020), Punjab over-extracts 14
billion cubic meters (BCM) annually against an annual recharge of 20 BCM, with total usage
reaching 34 BCM.
○ Severe over-extraction has resulted in 119 out of 138 blocks being classified as over-exploited. The
average groundwater depth has exceeded 70 meters, with some regions facing unavailability of
groundwater even at depths of 150-200 meters.
● Future Projections: If current practices continue, groundwater levels could fall below 300 meters in 18-20
years, making extraction increasingly costly and the water more contaminated.

Measures to Encourage Transition to Sustainable Paddy Varieties:

● Public Awareness and Guidance: Launch widespread education campaigns to inform farmers about the
environmental and economic benefits of adopting short-duration, water-efficient varieties like Pusa-2090.
○ Implement pilot projects showcasing the performance and benefits of short-duration varieties to
build trust and familiarity among farmers.
● Financial Incentives: Provide subsidies and financial incentives for farmers transitioning to sustainable
paddy varieties. This includes support for purchasing seeds and required machinery.
● Guaranteed MSP: Ensure a guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for sustainable varieties to assure
farmers of income stability and market demand.
● Subsidised Equipment: Promote the use of eco-friendly machinery like the Happy Seeder, which allows for
direct seeding without stubble burning, by providing subsidies or low-interest loans for its purchase.
● Improved Irrigation Techniques: Encourage the adoption of efficient irrigation techniques like drip and
sprinkler systems that significantly reduce water usage compared to traditional flood irrigation.
● Research and Development: Invest in agricultural research to develop and promote high-yielding,
short-duration, and drought-resistant paddy varieties suitable for Punjab’s agro-climatic conditions.

Way forward:
● Implement a phased approach to transition from PUSA-44 to sustainable varieties, allowing farmers time to
adapt to new practices without economic hardship.
● Establish a monitoring system to track groundwater levels and the adoption rate of sustainable varieties.
Provide feedback and support to farmers facing challenges during the transition.